American actress Whoopi Goldberg and Super Netball might seem an unlikely pairing.
But social media videos and two excited executives have brought the entertainment icon and Australian sports league together in a three-year broadcast deal.
All Women’s Sports Network, co-founded by Goldberg in 2024, took an interest in the sport after two of its heavyweights noticed Super Netball on their social feeds.
AWSN reaches 900 million households worldwide.
Former NFL player Tony Parrish and George Chung, the San Francisco 49ers’ former martial arts coach who co-founded AWSN, reached out to Netball Australia (NA) with an interest to know more.
Talks progressed and Friday’s partnership is now expected to introduce the league to over 65 new countries.
Super Netball balls and merchandise have been express posted to the United States, while Goldberg has shared her excitement about the partnership online.
“I am so proud to be thanking you for joining us on AWSN,” she said, addressing the league in a video statement.
“I see that your fans are really loving you, so we want to make sure that we put you everywhere in the world so that everybody knows about you.”
Riding the coat tails of an increasing global appetite for women’s sport, NA chief executive Stacey West said the deal will be a powerful tool for exposure.
“Super Netball is no longer a game that fans seek out, it’s something they cannot miss,” West said.
“This breakthrough deal puts netball on screens across the globe and cements our place at the forefront of women’s sport.”
It hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the governing body in recent years.
The sport hit financial troubles during the COVID-19 pandemic, making headlines for a $4 million debt before protracted pay talks with players led to Kelly Ryan’s resignation as NA boss in late 2023.
But the Super Netball league audience has grown in the past few years.
West has highlighted how the 2024 season resulted in record ratings on Kayo and Foxtel, and an average audience of 57,000 per match.
AWSN viewers will have access to 41 Super Netball matches, including finals, through to 2027 under the partnership.
“AWSN shares our vision of taking women’s sport to new heights,” West said.
“Together, we’re creating a platform for our athletes and game to shine like never before.”
https://thewest.com.au/sport/netball/how-whoopi-goldberg-became-netballs-most-powerful-ally-c-19098656
