The possibility of netball making its long-awaited debut at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games has received significant political support in Australia. Sports Minister Anika Wells publicly expressed her support for adding the sport to the Olympic programme, strengthening a campaign that has been seeking recognition from the Olympic movement for decades. Her position carries particular significance because she is also a member of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee’s board.
The endorsement came during an address at the Queensland Media Club on November 5, where Wells expressed her commitment to the sport’s ambitions, while acknowledging that the final decision rests with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Although reports have identified netball as one of the leading candidates for inclusion as an additional sport, neither the IOC nor Brisbane 2032 has officially confirmed its place on the programme.
Netball strengthens its Olympic bid with support from the Australian government
Wells’ support represents a significant boost for a sport that, despite its popularity and established presence at the Commonwealth Games, has yet to become part of the Olympic programme. The minister highlighted netball’s connection to Australian sporting culture and its contribution to promoting physical activity among women and girls. In this regard, her position reflects not only the sport’s competitive ambitions but also its value in advancing female participation in sport. Australia, New Zealand and other countries have a strong tradition in this discipline, which has helped sustain an international campaign for Olympic recognition over the years.
Netball Australia officially launched its bid for Brisbane 2032 in 2021 and has since collected more than 115,000 signatures in support of its inclusion. Furthermore, an independent survey published this year found that 66% of Australians support the sport becoming part of the next Olympic Games. Despite these figures, the federation has maintained a cautious position regarding reports of a possible selection, stating that it respects the IOC’s evaluation process and will continue working alongside Brisbane 2032 to present the sporting and organisational arguments supporting its bid.
Athlete quotas and IOC evaluation are key factors for Brisbane 2032
One of the main challenges facing netball’s potential inclusion is the number of athletes required for a team competition. Expanding the Olympic programme means finding a balance between traditional sports, new candidates and the overall athlete quota established for the Games. Wells believes it is feasible to include several additional team sports, including netball and cricket, despite the existing restrictions. However, her statements represent political support rather than confirmation that any additional places or quotas have been approved. The IOC will need to assess factors such as international participation, gender representation, required facilities and the impact each sport would have on the overall scale of the event.
The decision-making timeline is also beginning to take shape. The IOC Executive Board is expected to conduct an initial assessment of the sports in December 2026, before the final sports programme is submitted for consideration at the organisation’s 147th IOC Session, scheduled for April 2027. During this process, existing sports that could receive an automatic inclusion recommendation will be distinguished from those that must undergo a broader comparative assessment, alongside new candidates. Brisbane 2032 has the opportunity to propose additional sports, creating a pathway for netball, although this does not guarantee its selection. The final decision will also need to consider the gender composition of the proposed competitions, in line with the equality objectives promoted by the Olympic movement.
Last related articles
