Netball players from the Caribbean can now breathe a collective sigh of relief as the bitter pay dispute that had plagued the Super Netball League (SNL) in Australia finally came to an end over the past weekend.
Led by Jamaican defender Shamera Sterling, who holds the title of SNL Player of the Year, Caribbean netballers were among those in the league who had not received their pay since the expiration of the previous collective player agreement between Netball Australia (NA) and the Australian Netball Players Association (ANPA) on September 30.
Media reports confirm that a new collective player agreement, extending until September 2026, has been reached between NA and ANPA, marking a significant step forward for the players’ immediate professional playing future.
The resolution of this dispute was reached
The resolution of this dispute was reached after a meeting attended by federal government minister and former unions boss Bill Shorten, where the 21 unanimous resolutions presented by the players to NA were reiterated. The initial dispute had arisen when ANPA rejected an offer from NA and the eight SNL clubs, proposing a “profit-sharing partnership model,” while the players were advocating for a “revenue-sharing partnership model,” especially concerning sponsorship money exceeding projections.
The newly established agreement is based on a revenue-sharing model as per the players’ preferences, without being dependent on the SNL’s financial profitability, addressing one of the concerns raised by NA and the clubs. Furthermore, it was agreed that NA’s significant debt must be repaid first, and the contracting period for SNL clubs can now recommence.
As part of the resolution, the players will enjoy an 11 percent increase in base salaries over three years, along with a three percent annual increase in private health insurance contributions. Additionally, retroactive pay from October 1, the date when all league players became uncontracted and unpaid, will be provided. Furthermore, there will be an immediate 10 percent boost in the honorarium for training partners in the upcoming year, followed by a three percent increase each subsequent year.
This resolution brings a welcome conclusion to the pay dispute, ensuring the continued professional playing careers of Caribbean netball players in the Super Netball League and providing improved terms for their contributions to the sport.
