Australian cricketers create ‘fighting fund’ for national netball players in pay dispute

Australia’s cricketers have established a “fighting fund” to assist the country’s elite netball players, who have been out of contract since the end of September due to the ongoing dispute.

Australia’s Diamonds won the Netball World Cup in August amidst turmoil, and Super Netball players have been without a contract since September 30.

The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), which represents both male and female cricketers in the country, has now pledged to support netballers in their pursuit of a revenue-sharing model.

The ACA is in talks with the Australian Athletes’ Alliance and other player associations to join the initiative, which includes the creation of a fund to assist netballers during a period of unemployment.

ACA CEO Todd Greenberg promised to support the netballers until their campaign was successful, and he urged Netball Australia to develop a long-term growth model based on a partnership model similar to the five-year deal the cricketers negotiated with Cricket Australia.

He called the revenue-sharing model a “win-win” situation, saying, “The netballers are relying on friends and family for financial support.” What’s disappointing is that the netballers’ requests are modest and within the sport’s budget.

“The ACA believes they should be given the same partnership opportunities as our players – the same opportunities that have seen cricket thrive.”

Australia is currently in the midst of a four-match Constellation Cup series against local rivals New Zealand, having won the first two games on home soil despite ongoing conflict between the Australian Netball Players Association (ANPA) and Netball Australia.

“Australian netballers are brave and resilient people,” said ANPA CEO Kathryn Harby-Williams. When your minimum wage is 40,000 dollars (£20,940), taking a stand takes a lot of guts.

“That is why this outpouring of support is so appreciated.” It shows the netball players that they are not alone.”

Netball Australia stated that its most recent offer, which was turned down by the ANPA, would increase investment by 1.275 million dollars (£670,000).

According to the ANPA, the players wanted a revenue-sharing agreement and stated that “we’d like to share in the good times we help build, and we will share in the risk when times are tough.”

According to the ANPA, the players wanted a revenue-sharing agreement and stated that “we’d like to share in the good times we help build, and we will share in the risk when times are tough.”

England forwards Helen Housby and Eleanor Cardwell, who played in the World Cup final, are among those who have been unable to sign new contracts for the upcoming Super Netball season.