AFTER a long fight and a lot of pain, the netball pay dispute is over.

It has been announced that Netball Australia, the Suncorp Super Netball teams and the Australian Netball Players’ Association have signed a three year Collective Player Agreement (CPA).

The key elements of the agreement include:

• Players will receive an immediate 11 per cent pay rise over three years, with back pay to October 1. 
• The average potential salary will rise to $89,221 and minimum salaries will rise to $46,600 over the term of the CPA.
• Netball Australia and the players will enter into a landmark sponsorship revenue sharing partnership where players receive 20 per cent of revenue above an agreed sponsorship forecast.   
• The players will work closely with the game’s commercial partners to grow the sport, including additional earning potential for players through increases to commercial caps.
• The introduction of an 11th player, whereby one nominated training partner per team is eligible for selection outside of injury or illness on a 6-month minimum salary contract. 
• The establishment of a Professional Netball Committee, with formal ANPA representation to work collaboratively through new opportunities for continued progression for athletes and the growth of the league. 

As part of this CPA process, all eight of the SSN clubs have also secured long term Team Licence Agreements (TLA). 

This means that the SSN clubs can now officially sign players. The contract signing window will open at 4pm AEDT today and close at 5pm AEDT on December 19. Teams can then sign Training Partners from 5pm on January 8.

Netball Australia interim CEO Stacey West spoke of the historic nature of the deal.  

“The new revenue share partnership with the players is a historic moment for the game that will set up netball for future success and ensure financial stability for the sport,’’ West said. 

“Netball Australia and Suncorp Super Netball players love our sport and we are all committed to the growth and success of not only top-level competition but also future generations of grassroots players.’’ 

Australian Netball Players’ Association CEO Kathryn Harby-Williams also said that the deal will bring huge benefits to the sport.

“The operating model for netball has changed for the better, particularly at a time when there is competition for talented female athletes, many of whom come through the netball ranks.” Harby-Williams said.  

“Netball is now a sport which incentivises players and administrators alike to grow the game for the benefit of all who love and invest in it.”