‘A labour of love’: Netball Australia CEO steps down

Netball Australia chief executive officer Stacy West has announced her resignation after less than three years at the helm, as the sport prepares for the 2027 World Cup and a new broadcast deal.

In a statement on Wednesday morning West said she was honoured to have led Netball Australia through critical years of transformation, adding the role had been “a labour love”.

“My commitment to the sport, our people and our athletes, has been a lifelong vocation and the opportunity to contribute to our growth and success has been a privilege,” she said.

“I hand over the reins at the dawn of a new era with the sport poised for continued success.”

Netball Australia said Mark Falvo will serve as interim CEO, coming into effect on Monday April 27.

Appointed interim CEO in December 2023, West navigated netball through one of the sport’s biggest crisis periods – a pay dispute with  players and mounting debt – after losing $17 million in government funding. 

During West’s tenure, she helped heal relationships between players and the governing body, reduce the sport’s debt and increase Super Netball crowds.

Last week, Netball Australia announced Nine Entertainment Co, owner of this masthead, had won the broadcast and streaming rights for Australian netball until the end of 2031 as the sport comes out from behind a paywall for the first time in five years.

The new deal kicks in from January 1, 2027, after DAZN-owned Foxtel’s $35 million, five-year broadcast partnership expires.

“Our new long-term free-to-air broadcast partnership defies market trends and is built off the wonderful product and people who make up this sport,” West said.

“We remain the number one sport for women and girls, and the love and respect in the community for both the high performance and participation aspects of our game is the backbone of our culture and dominance.

Netball Australia Chair Liz Ellis thanked West for her contribution and commitment to the sport, which has spanned more than 16 years.

“She has supported the game in both its highs and challenges, and provided constant positive energy and focus to ensure netball thrives into the future,” Ellis said.