25 Aug 2026
BRACE YOURSELF: NETBALL WORLD CUP SYDNEY 2027 SETS BOLD ATTENDANCE TARGET AS ONE-YEAR COUNTDOWN BEGINS
Sydney is preparing to stage the biggest Netball World Cup (NWC) in history, with organisers today revealing a bold ambition to achieve more than 200,000 attendees across 64 matches when the world’s best netballers descend on the city in exactly one year’s time.
The attendance target would make the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 (NWC2027) the most attended edition of the tournament ever staged, eclipsing the previous record of 110,168 attendees, achieved when Sydney lasted hosted the tournament in 2015.
A floating netball court appeared on Sydney Harbour today to help announce the goal, transforming one of the world’s most recognisable backdrops into a spectacular stage for netball.
The event was attended by senior government officials, Netball Australia and World Netball stakeholders, Diamonds players, Jamaican International Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, and community participants to mark the one-year countdown.
In line with the event, travel packages and hospitality packages launched today through the tournament’s Official Fan Travel and Hospitality Partner, Quint. Fans can view premium packages, hospitality offerings and bespoke event experiences at www.experiences.nwc2027.com
Liz Ellis AO, Chair of the NWC2027 Organising Committee and Netball Australia, said: “We want Sydney 2027 to set a new benchmark for our sport. More than 200,000 attendees would make it the highest attended Netball World Cup in history, and today’s scenes on Sydney Harbour gave us a glimpse of just how special it can be.
“Alongside our Federal Government, NSW Government and commercial partners we’re working hard every day to bring new thinking and innovation to this tournament so that existing and new fans of the sport experience something unique. Brace yourself because we’re just getting started.”
The Hon Anika Wells MP, Minister for Communications and Sport, said: “Sport is at the heart of Australian culture, and in just one year we will welcome the world’s best netballers to our shores for what promises to be a spectacular Netball World Cup.
“The Albanese Government is proud to provide $6 million towards the World Cup, an event that will inspire women and girls and create lasting benefits for communities and encourage more Australians to get involved in sport.
“Our government is supporting multiple upcoming major sporting events for women and I encourage everyone to get behind our Diamonds as they look to defend their crown on home soil."
The Hon Steve Kamper MP, NSW Minister for Sport, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, said: “We can’t wait to host next year’s Netball World Cup in Sydney and set the stage for what is going to be the biggest tournament in its 64-year history.
“Sydney has the venues, the fans, and the experience to put on major international sporting events, and Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 will showcase all three.
“Fans from across Australia and around the world will come to Sydney for the tournament, filling our sporting venues and supporting our hotels, restaurants, pubs, and shops, which will provide a significant boost to the NSW visitor economy.”
The Australian Diamonds will likely enter the NWC2027 tournament as one of the favourites after claiming bronze at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The Diamonds were unbeaten through the pool stage but suffered a huge upset in the semi-final, losing 46–45 to Jamaica.
It was the first time Australia has missed the Commonwealth Games netball final since netball entered the Games in 1998.
Diamonds captain Liz Watson said: “To have the chance to respond at a Netball World Cup on home soil, in front of a huge Australian crowd, is incredibly motivating. We’re excited to make Australia proud and embrace all of the amazing support and excitement that is already building.”
Fans are being urged to Brace Yourself and register their interest now at nwc2027.com to be first in line when general tickets go on sale.
Eight nations have already secured their place at NWC2027, with another eight to be decided through the remaining four Regional Qualifiers around the world throughout 2026 as nations fight for their place on netball’s biggest stage.
Fans can also follow @NetballWorldCup on Facebook and Instagram and @WorldNetball on TikTok for the latest updates.
The Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and events agency, Destination NSW, and the Australian Government.
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Media Contact on behalf of the NWC2027:
Matt Keane / E: matt.keane@nwc2027.com / M: 0450670418
About the Netball World Cup:
The Netball World Cup (NWC), previously known as the World Netball (WN) Championships is netball’s pinnacle event owned by WN, and it brings together the top 16 teams in the world.
The hosts of the NWC automatically qualify for the competition, as well as the top five teams in the WN World Rankings on the date of qualification. The remaining 10 teams are decided through qualifiers in WN’s five regions, with the top two teams from each qualifier invited by WN to compete at the NWC.
The NWC, which first started in 1963, showcases netball around the world through a range of broadcast partners introducing netball to a whole new audience.
Australia are the current World Champions, having beaten England 61 – 45 in the NWC2023 Final, held in Cape Town, South Africa.