The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is coming to Sydney in 2022 and the home of Netball NSW has a major role to play.
Basketball’s world governing body FIBA announced overnight that Basketball Australia and the NSW Government had won the bid to host the World Cup at Sydney Olympic Park over ten days across September and October in 2022.
Netball Central, which is managed and run by Netball NSW, has been selected as the main training venue for all teams participating in the competition, including the Australian Opals.
The event is a major coup for Netball Central and adds to the list of illustrious world sporting events the venue has played a role in hosting including: the Netball World Cup, Invictus Games, Wheelchair Rugby World Cup, Sydney International Badminton Series and World Masters Table Tennis.
Netball Central Venue Operations General Manager, Ben Jessimer said today’s news was very welcome, especially with the majority of the NSW shut down to combat the spread of Covid-19.
“It has been a very tough week with us having to close our doors to the general public, but I am delighted to have the chance to talk about something positive,” Jessimer said.
“FIBA came to us during the Summer to take a look at our courts and were very impressed with the venue that Netball NSW does a great job of keeping in top condition.
“Not only do the best netballers in the world train here, we’ve been lucky enough to have world-class athletes from all codes grace Netball Central since we opened over five years ago.
“Today’s news is a great boost for everyone and a sign that once we get through Covid-19 together, there are great things to look forward to, including lots of great netball first up.”
Of the World Cup, Stuart Ayres - NSW Minister For Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney – said: "Sydney will provide a fantastic backdrop for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022, from our world-class sporting facilities to the sights and lifestyle experiences our Harbour City has to offer visitors and viewers from around the globe.
“This event supports the NSW Government's commitment to secure 10 World Cups in 10 years and will deliver a significant return for the NSW economy through visitation and profile."
