Cash-strapped Tennis Australia receives less than half of promised funding

Cash-strapped Tennis Australia (NA) has received new financial support, just weeks after the sport’s governing body appointed Diamonds star Liz Ellis to its board of directors.

The $6 million funding deal has been hailed as a major step forward for the code, with Sports Minister Anika Wells set to make the announcement alongside national team players in Brisbane on Friday.

Ms Wells said the funding demonstrated the government’s commitment to women’s sport ahead of the 2027 Netball World Cup.

“Netball plays an important role in communities, particularly in rural areas, and has a clear motivational effect on young women and girls leading healthier lives,” she said.

But the injection is less than half the $18 million it pulled from the sport last November amid concerns that the money was being misused. However, the government has indicated it is willing to reconsider the decision in the future.

It is understood both the NA and the government see the $6 million as the first step in repairing strained relations between the sport’s former leadership.

At the time, the sport was also facing controversy over a bitter dispute with players over a pay deal, which left players without pay for months.

But the government now believes the sport is back on track after appointing Ms Ellis as chairman of the board and former player and long-time NA administrator Stacey West as chief executive.

Both held several meetings in Canberra last week with MPs including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The funds will be used exclusively for the 2027 World Cup in Sydney, where the Diamonds will compete for the title.

It’s been more than a decade since Australia last hosted the tournament.

The landmark event will mark 100 years of netball in Australia and the government says the $6 million investment will make a significant contribution to the event.

Ms Ellis, who took office just three weeks ago, thanked the Government for its “ongoing support” in making the World Cup “the greatest ever”.

Diamonds captain Liz Watson said the World Cup would be a “pivotal moment” for the sport both domestically and internationally.

“The Federal Government’s support will help ensure it becomes a landmark event for Australian netball and inspires the next generation of Australian Diamonds players,” she said.

Netball has the highest participation rate among sports played by women and girls.