World Netball (WN) is pleased to announce that the format of the Netball World Cup 2027 (NWC2027), taking place from the 25th August to the 5th September 2027 in Sydney (Australia), is changing, including the introduction of Cup and Plate competitions.
In response to Member feedback from NWC2023 and consultations with key stakeholders, including broadcasters and sponsors, WN has been working closely with the NWC2027 Local Organising Committee to develop a tournament format and schedule that increases equity across all teams, operational excellence and commercial success, whilst keeping athlete welfare and fan experience at the heart of decision making.
The introduction of a Plate competition will enhance competitiveness, engagement and storytelling opportunities for the full duration of the tournament across all key stakeholder groups – players, fans, content partners and sponsors.
Further changes include all matches being played in one venue giving all players an equal opportunity to play in the biggest and best venue, whilst also elevating the fan experience, broadcast production and event presentation.
With player welfare at the forefront of decision making, the competition will also take place over 12 days, with equitable recovery time between matches for all teams.
Speaking on the changes, World Netball CEO, Fiona Harold said: “At World Netball we are currently reviewing everything we do and need to make bold decisions to sustain the game in the immediate term and have a material impact on growth in the long term.
“This is a first step in making change as we look to maximise our pinnacle event.
“It’s crucial that we adapt and evolve our products in today’s challenging and competitive commercial market, whilst at the same time protecting our athletes and their welfare in what is an increasingly demanding annual schedule.
“I am excited to continue sharing our plans over the coming weeks and months, and we look forward to taking everyone on this journey with us as we look to build a strong future for the game, particularly at a time when the future of the Commonwealth Games is going through a reset period and as we continue to consider our approach to securing Olympic Games inclusion.”
The qualification process for the NWC2027 will remain the same for this event, with the top five in the WN World Rankings as of 1st December 2025, plus the host (Australia), qualifying to be invited to compete at the event.
Five Regional Qualifiers will take place, between 1st January – 30th September 2026, to determine the remaining 10 teams, with the top two from each qualifier invited to compete in the NWC2027.
More information on the seeding process, pools and phases of the competition, along with competition branding will be announced in due course.
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