Netball Australia’s ‘big job’ after Hancock Prospecting withdraws $15 million

Netball Australia is desperately searching for new sponsorship after Hancock Prospecting pulled a $15 million deal supporting the sport.

Gina Rinehart’s mining company withdrew the money — which was a lifeline for Netball Australia after losses of more than $7 million during the height of the pandemic — after the players’ association backed Indigenous player Donnell Wallam who flagged issues with the company’s record on Indigenous matters dating back to offensive comments made by Lang Hancock 40 years ago.

Netball Australia boss Kelly Ryan says players won’t be consulted before new sponsors come on board.

“It’s just not a practical reality,” she told Ross and Russel.

“We have a really big job to do and that’s turn around the financial viability of the sport, so that’s essentially what we have to focus on,” she said.

Ms Ryan says “a number” of conversations with potential sponsors are underway.

Press PLAY below to hear how Netball Australia is handling the $15 million blow

Image: Phil Walter/Getty Images