Netball World Cup taps Rifle
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 has tapped Rifle, but what does this mean for the sport’s biggest commercial push yet?
The Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 will run a month later than in previous editions, perhaps to avoid media clashes with the FIFA Women's World Cup in the same year. But that move is backed up by the appointment of Australian partnerships agency Rifle as its exclusive sponsorship sales partner as preparations ramp up for the sport’s next global showcase.
Rifle will spearhead the commercial sponsorship strategy to attract Premier Partners, Official Partners and Tournament Supporters, and to align netball with brands that reflect the sport’s values and ambitious growth plans on both domestic and international stages.
John Nicholl, General Manager – Revenue and Experience, said Rifle’s appointment will be instrumental in building “authentic, innovative and impactful” commercial partnerships that help deliver record attendance, expanded global audiences and a lasting legacy for netball.
Rifle brings wide-ranging experience across sport and entertainment including Sydney Sixers, the 2025 NRL & NRLW Grand Final’s music integration with Teddy Swims, and branded activations at Cirque du Soleil.
Appointing Rifle could be a game-changer for netball's commercial ambitions as the agency could help turn the World Cup into a truly marketable, global brand. It is well-placed to craft partnerships that go beyond logos on dresses, creating activations that excite fans. If executed well, this move could set a new benchmark for how netball monetises its biggest events, proving the sport can compete with other professional codes on both commercial scale and audience engagement.