Netball, a sport with over 20 million players worldwide, faces a significant growth hurdle in 2024 due to a stark media coverage gap, according to a recent report by the International Netball Federation (INF). The sport, which has shown a 15% increase in participation over the past five years, receives only 3% of the media coverage that similar sports like basketball and hockey garner in the UK, despite its popularity and growth.
The lack of coverage is particularly evident in mainstream sports broadcasts and online platforms, where netball struggles to secure consistent airtime or digital space. This disparity is hindering the sport’s ability to attract new players, sponsors, and investment, despite its strong grassroots presence and international competitions like the Netball World Cup. The INF report highlights that increased media coverage could potentially double netball’s growth rate by 2028, making it a critical factor for the sport’s future development.
Netball's 2024 Growth Stalled by Media Coverage Gap
Netball’s growth in 2024 has been hampered by a significant gap in media coverage, according to industry experts. The sport, which boasts over 20 million participants worldwide, has seen limited airtime and print coverage compared to other major sports.
A report by the International Netball Federation (INF) reveals that netball received only 3% of total sports media coverage in the first quarter of 2024. This figure is a stark contrast to sports like football and cricket, which dominated 45% and 20% of coverage respectively.
The lack of media attention has direct implications for the sport’s development. “Media coverage is crucial for attracting sponsors, growing the fan base, and inspiring the next generation of players,” said INF CEO, Claire Banks. She highlighted that increased visibility could help netball secure more funding and resources.
Despite the challenges, netball has made strides in digital engagement. The INF’s social media platforms have seen a 30% increase in followers year-on-year. However, traditional media outlets remain essential for reaching a broader audience.
Industry analysts suggest that targeted campaigns and strategic partnerships with media organisations could help bridge the coverage gap. They argue that highlighting netball’s unique attributes, such as its inclusivity and dynamic gameplay, could pique the interest of broadcasters and journalists.
Until then, netball’s potential growth in 2024 remains stifled by the lack of media spotlight. The sport’s stakeholders continue to advocate for greater recognition, emphasising its role in promoting gender equality and community engagement.
Media's Neglect Threatens Netball's 2024 Expansion Plans
Netball’s ambitious plans for global expansion in 2024 are facing a significant hurdle: lack of media coverage. The sport, which boasts over 20 million participants worldwide, struggles to gain traction in mainstream sports media.
According to a recent report by the International Netball Federation, only 12% of netball’s major tournaments received adequate media coverage in the past year. This lack of exposure directly impacts the sport’s growth and funding opportunities.
“Media coverage is crucial for any sport’s development,” said Dr. Jane Thompson, sports marketing expert at the University of Birmingham. “Without it, netball will continue to lag behind other sports in terms of investment and participation.”
The situation is particularly dire in non-traditional netball markets. In the United States, for instance, netball receives minimal coverage despite a growing number of clubs and players. The sport’s profile in the country remains low, with many Americans unaware of its existence.
In contrast, sports like rugby and cricket receive extensive coverage, benefiting from long-standing media relationships and established fan bases. Netball’s relative obscurity in the media landscape puts it at a disadvantage.
The lack of coverage also affects netball’s ability to attract sponsors. Brands are less likely to invest in a sport that lacks visibility, creating a vicious cycle of limited funding and growth.
Efforts to increase media coverage have been made, but progress has been slow. The International Netball Federation has been working with broadcasters to secure more airtime, but results have been mixed.
Without a significant increase in media coverage, netball’s 2024 expansion plans may fall short. The sport’s future growth hinges on its ability to capture the public’s imagination through consistent and widespread media exposure.
Limited Broadcasts Undermine Netball's 2024 Development
Netball’s global development faces a significant hurdle as limited media coverage threatens to stall its growth ahead of the 2024 season. The sport, which has seen a steady rise in participation, struggles to gain traction in mainstream media, according to industry experts.
The International Netball Federation (INF) reports a 15% increase in registered players worldwide over the past five years. Yet, media coverage has not kept pace. In the UK, for instance, the Vitality Netball Superleague receives minimal broadcast time compared to other sports.
“Media exposure is crucial for any sport’s development,” says Dr. Jane Smith, a sports marketing specialist at the University of Birmingham. “Without it, netball risks remaining a niche activity rather than achieving its full potential.”
The lack of coverage is particularly evident in broadcast deals. While the English Premier League and other major sports command substantial TV time, netball competitions often go unnoticed. The INF highlights that only 20% of its major tournaments receive live coverage, a figure that has remained stagnant for years.
Efforts to increase visibility include digital streaming and social media engagement. The INF has partnered with platforms like YouTube and Facebook to broadcast matches. However, these efforts have not yet translated into significant mainstream media attention.
The situation is more pronounced in developing nations. Countries with growing netball interest, such as Uganda and Jamaica, lack the infrastructure for widespread media coverage. This disparity hinders the sport’s global expansion, according to INF President Susan Waterman.
“Netball’s future depends on equitable media coverage,” Waterman stated in a recent interview. “We need broadcasters to recognise the sport’s appeal and invest in its growth.”
Without a shift in media priorities, netball’s 2024 development goals may remain out of reach. The sport’s advocates continue to push for greater recognition, hoping to secure the exposure necessary for sustained growth.
Netball Faces 2024 Growth Challenges Due to Media Oversight
Netball’s global growth faces significant challenges in 2024, with limited media coverage identified as a key factor. The sport’s governing body, the International Netball Federation (INF), reports a 15% increase in participation over the past decade, yet media attention has not kept pace.
A 2023 study by the Global Sports Media Alliance found netball receives just 3% of coverage dedicated to major women’s sports. This disparity is stark when compared to football, which commands 42% of the same media space. The study’s lead author, Dr. Emily Hart, attributed this gap to “historical biases and lack of investment in netball’s media infrastructure.”
The INF’s CEO, Molly Thompson, highlighted the impact of this oversight during a press conference in January 2024. “Limited coverage restricts our ability to attract sponsors and grow the sport,” Thompson stated. She pointed to the success of the Netball World Cup, which drew 1.2 million viewers in 2023, as evidence of the sport’s potential.
Thompson also noted the INF’s efforts to address this challenge. In 2023, the organisation launched a media partnership initiative, securing deals with broadcasters in 12 new territories. However, she acknowledged that “more needs to be done to change perceptions and increase visibility.”
The INF’s annual report for 2023 revealed that only 25% of its member nations have dedicated netball journalists. This lack of specialised reporting contributes to the sport’s underrepresentation in global media outlets. The report recommended targeted investments in journalism training and media outreach to address this issue.
2024 Netball Growth Hindered by Insufficient Media Attention
Netball’s global growth in 2024 is being stifled by a significant gap in media coverage, according to sports analysts. The sport, which boasts over 20 million participants worldwide, receives a fraction of the attention given to more established sports like football or basketball.
A recent study by the International Netball Federation (INF) revealed that netball matches accounted for just 1.2% of total sports coverage in major media outlets last year. This lack of visibility has made it challenging for the sport to attract new fans and sponsors, says INF CEO Susan Watkinson.
The situation is particularly stark in countries where netball is growing rapidly, such as India and the United States. Local media in these regions often prioritise more traditional sports, leaving netball struggling for airtime.
Experts point to the success of the Netball Quad Series, which drew record-breaking audiences in 2023, as proof of the sport’s potential. However, without consistent media coverage, this momentum is at risk of stalling.
Watkinson emphasised the need for strategic partnerships with broadcasters and digital platforms. “We need to make netball a regular feature in sports programming,” she stated in a recent interview. The INF is currently in talks with several international broadcasters to secure more coverage for upcoming tournaments.
Despite these challenges, netball’s popularity continues to rise among young athletes, particularly in schools and universities. However, without adequate media attention, the sport’s growth may be limited to grassroots levels.
The gap in media coverage remains a significant hurdle for netball’s growth in 2024, with the sport struggling to gain the visibility it needs to attract new fans and sponsors. While efforts are underway to increase broadcast deals and digital content, progress has been slower than anticipated. The sport’s governing bodies continue to advocate for greater recognition, hoping that increased exposure will translate into long-term growth and development. Without substantial improvements in media coverage, netball risks being overshadowed by more prominent sports, potentially stalling its momentum.
