Netball World Cup 2023 named ‘Best Sporting Event of the Year 2023’

In the dynamic realm of sports, where competitions and events constantly push for attention, the Netball World Cup 2023 has emerged triumphant, earning the title of ‘Best Sporting Event of the Year’ at the prestigious Sports Business Awards 2023 (SBA 2023).

This accolade not only recognises the exceptional sporting prowess on display but also applauds the organisational brilliance that went into making the Netball World Cup 2023 a resounding success. In this article, we look at why the 2023 Netball World Cup was such a success and the impact it has had on women and girls around the world so far.

The Spectacle of Netball

Netball, a sport known for its fast-paced action, strategic plays, and intense competition, took center stage at the Netball World Cup 2023. Hosted in a vibrant city that embraced the sport with open arms, the tournament showcased the best of netball talent from across the globe. Teams competed fiercely, and every match was a spectacle of athleticism, skill, and sportsmanship.

World Netball’s (WN) flagship event, the Netball World Cup (NWC), takes place every four years in cities around the world and this year for the first time ever, on its 60^th Anniversary, it took place on the continent of Africa, specifically in South Africa from the 28^th July – 6^th August.

16 teams qualified for the 60-match event through either their WN World Ranking, or by one of five regional qualification events held in 2022. The Gold Medal was won by Australia who beat England in the Final, with Jamaica taking the Bronze.

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Inclusivity and Diversity

One of the standout features of the Netball World Cup 2023 was its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The tournament provided a platform for nations from various continents, cultures, and backgrounds to come together in the spirit of friendly competition. It celebrated the diversity within the netball community, fostering an environment where players and fans alike felt a sense of belonging and unity.

Global viewership

The flagship event captured the attention of 3.5 million viewers through BBC and Sky Sports as well as gaining coverage from other major news outlets, including Women’s Health and The Guardian.

“The sport and its audience keep growing and the tournament [NWC2023] has now become firmly established as a global sporting event with really impressive scale and reach.” The judges of the SBA 2023.

Innovative Fan Engagement

The Netball World Cup 2023 went beyond the traditional boundaries of fan engagement. The organisers leveraged technology and social media to create an immersive experience for fans around the world. From interactive social media campaigns to virtual fan zones, the tournament embraced innovation, ensuring that even those unable to attend in person could feel connected to the excitement.

The fan engagement on social media also saw record figures. 109,437 social media posts referencing the NWC2023 reached a further 3.3 billion potential impressions, and social media videos referencing the event generated 12.1 million views.

The impact on the ground was just as great, with 63 free fan parks and 30 viewing centres across the nine South African provinces bringing the event to everyone in the country.

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Sustainable Event Management

A defining aspect that contributed to the Netball World Cup 2023’s triumph at the Sports Business Awards was its commitment to sustainability. The organisers implemented eco-friendly practices, reducing the tournament’s environmental footprint. From waste reduction initiatives to energy-efficient facilities, the event set a new standard for hosting major sporting competitions with an environmentally conscious approach.

SBA Judges: “At a time when there was significant other activity, the competition achieved excellent cut through in all key territories and made a major impact. It is also a very well-structured tournament to produce as many competitive games as possible and overall standards continue to rise.”

Claire: “Netball South Africa and the whole continent of Africa embraced this opportunity fully and staged an incredible Netball World Cup, allowing our athletes to perform at their very best.”

Community Impact

Beyond the arena, the Netball World Cup 2023 left a lasting impact on the local community. Through outreach programs, grassroots initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations, the tournament became a catalyst for positive change. From inspiring the next generation of netball players to contributing to community development projects, the event showcased the power of sports to make a meaningful difference.

Additionally, over 2,000 England Netball sessions were held in the community and 522 sports bras were pledged to teenage athletes from the England team’s first clubs thanks to NETBALLHer and Nike.

We’re here for 𝙃𝙚𝙧 🫶

It’s time for change, to better support all women and girls at every life stage, and we’re leading the way 👊

Join our #NETBALLHer movement on and beyond the court to empower women and girls to show up without apology – and belong 🤝 pic.twitter.com/dKFEa2xp1i

— England Netball (@EnglandNetball) March 31, 2023

SBA judges: “It was great to see such a positive legacy and social impact objectives.”

Those in South Africa, and the wider continent of Africa, inspired by the NWC2023, will now also have more opportunities to play too thanks to the significant legacy programme of the event including coaching and umpiring courses to build technical skills and new netball facilities. This includes the provision of sprung wooden netball floors by the South African Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation for all nine provinces and internationally to three countries: Malawi, Ghana and Botswana.

The Netball World Cup 2023’s recognition as the ‘Best Sporting Event of the Year’ at the Sports Business Awards is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and passion invested by the organizers, athletes, and fans. The tournament not only elevated netball to new heights but also demonstrated the potential of sports to unite, inspire, and leave a lasting positive impact on communities. As the sports world looks ahead, the Netball World Cup 2023 stands as a shining example of excellence, setting a benchmark for future sporting events to aspire to.

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The success of Australia’s female teams on the global stage in recent times, with the Diamonds’ victory at the World Cup as well as the Matildas’ semi-final appearance at the FIFA World Cup, has sparked a game-changing response. With the government’s recent announcement pledging $200 million into women’s sporting facilities and equipment, this is just the beginning of what is an exciting time for women in sport.