The West Coast Fever has become “collateral damage” in the $15 million Hancock Prospecting sponsorship debacle, as a “disappointed” Netball Australia was left reeling by Saturday’s announcement.
Hancock Prospecting, owned by Australia’s richest woman Gina Rinehart, confirmed it would not move forward with their lucrative sponsorship for netball, and the Australian Diamonds. The company also announced the withdrawal of Roy Hill’s support for Netball WA and its Super Netball side the West Coast Fever.
Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan said she was “disappointed” the saga had come to this result.
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“We acknowledge the difficulties and impact of recent discussions and are disappointed to see them withdraw the partnership,” she said.
“This is a loss for our whole sport, from grassroots through to the elite program. Sadly, this is evident today with the decision to also withdraw financial support for Netball WA and the West Coast Fever.”
Ryan pledged NA would continue to “work around the clock” to secure the sport’s future. She also committed to “explore all opportunities that are available” in the wake of Hancock’s decision.
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The sponsorship had become a standpoint between players and NA after a lack of consultation before the announcement was made.
Indigenous player Donnell Wallam had raised concerns over wearing Hancock Prospecting on the Australian dress due to historic comments made by the company’s late founder Lang Hancock back in the 1980s.
Wallam, who is set to debut for Australia in next week’s series against England, had the support of her Diamonds teammates.
Fever CEO Simone Hansen said her club was “bitterly disappointed” to lose its partnership with Roy Hill – who was the principal sponsor of the club – as a result of the Netball Australia issues.
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“We are the only SSN club directly impacted by this decision. We are collateral damage to the national situation and we are frustrated that all netball stakeholders were unable to come to a united position and that this has played out in the media,” she said.
“We were committed to the partnership and disappointed external factors outside of our control has resulted in the partnership being withdrawn.
“Our players do understand and recognise the value and necessity of commercial funding.
“Every single one of our players were supportive of our partnership with Roy Hill and sadly, they will be impacted the most by this decision.
“The club and West Australian netball has a long association with the mining sector and is extremely grateful for its ongoing support. The mining sector and its related businesses are essential to the livelihoods of many West Australians, including netball families.”
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NA remains in financial strife, after losing more than $7m across two seasons and trying to extend $4.2 worth of loans until 2025.
NA Chair Wendy Archer, who only stepped into the role this week after the Marina Go departed, said there was “regret” in how the Hancock Prospecting ordeal played out.
“We are grateful that Hancock Prospecting continued to stand by our sport throughout the recent turbulence and we regret the impact this has had on the company,” Mrs Archer said.
“This has been a challenging period for all involved and while every effort has been made from all parties to resolve the issues surrounding the sensitivities of the partnership, unfortunately we have not been able to achieve a mutually satisfactory outcome.”
Hancock Prospecting has pledged to provide sponsorship support for NA for the next four months as it seeks to find a new partner, should “they and their players wish to accept it”.
