The Victorian government took action to fill a $ 15 million funding gap for cash-strapped sport after mining giant Hancock Prospecting withdrew its support.
Visit Victoria will sponsor Netball Australia for the next four and a half years in a $ 15 million deal, Prime Minister Daniel Andrews announced Monday.
As part of the deal, which runs until June 2027, next year’s Super Netball final will be played in Victoria.
The Diamonds will also wear the Visit Victoria branding on their team kit and will play five practice matches and training camps between 2023 and 2026.
Hancock Prospecting withdrew its $ 15 million in Netball Australia funding after a player-led uprising against Gina Rinehart’s father’s record on indigenous issues.
Mr. Andrews described the sponsorship deal as a coup for the state.
“Obviously there was a sponsor. That sponsor was gone, so there was a void and Visit Victoria raced to fill it, “he told reporters.
“Other states wanted it, but Victoria got it.”