Netball Australia loses sponsor

The Australian netballers have expressed their disappointment at the loss of a major sponsor.

Australia Diamonds
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The mining company Hancock Prospecting, which is owned by billionaire mining magnate Gina Rinehart, announced the withdrawal of $15 million in funding, saying it would continue short-term payments in order to allow Netball Australia to find a new sponsor.

The sponsorship, which was signed last month, was set to continue through to 2025 and was believed to include a deal that the Hancock branding would feature on player uniforms throughout matches.

However, the Diamonds played without the branding in their match against New Zealand earlier in the week, while Hancock said in the statement there had been no expectation that the company logo would feature during games.

Reports had suggested First Nations netballer Donnell Wallam had expressed an objection to wearing a uniform with the Hancock logo on it.

Netball Australia is reportedly $7 million in debt, while players have been fighting for increased wages.

Hancock Prospecting appeared to take a swipe at players in the press release, saying the sponsorship deal would have allowed the athletes greater pay moving forward.

In a statement released by the athletes, they say they understand the investment from Gina Rinehart and her major mining business would have made a significant impact on the sport and its high-performance program.

In response to Hancock’s decision and the increasing scrutiny the team has copped from members of the public for being “ungrateful” in their negotiations around the terms of the deal, Diamonds players have shared their side of the story to try and clarify any misconceptions.

“Reports of a protest on the part of the players on environmental grounds and a split within the playing group are incorrect.

“We are fully committed to the Diamonds’ Sister in Arms legacy and the values this represents, alongside Australian Netball’s Declaration of Commitment.”

In a bid to move forward, it’s believed the players made a variety of proposals to Hancock Prospecting in order to help resolve the issue in a private and professional manner.

Australia and New Zealand meet in the fourth and final Constellation Cup test on the Gold Coast tonight.

-ABC