We have learned today that the State of Victoria has withdrawn from hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2026. We understand this decision was taken due to the rising costs associated with delivering the games across the state in its regional format.
This is a shock for the Commonwealth movement and will be a disappointment for all our netball family; especially our athletes who relish the opportunity to participate in this multi-sport format every four years.
We recognise that this must have been a hugely difficult decision. However we are pleased to learn that the State is committed to delivering the legacy benefits in sporting infrastructure that were promised and we hope that this will include the upgrade to the facilities in Bendigo where the netball competition was due to be held.
The Victorian Government and Visit Victoria have always been strong supporters of netball and they remain a fantastic partner of Australian Netball. We wish the organising committee well as they stand down.
World Netball is committed to working with the Commonwealth Games Federation as it develops options and solutions for the Games in 2026. The netball competition at the Commonwealth Games was extremely popular with fans and the recent edition in Birmingham breaking all records in terms of ticket sales and broadcast reach around the globe.
