NETBALL is reportedly set to become an Olympic Sport at the 2032 Brisbane Games.
Code Sports first reported it is a “virtual done deal” between the Brisbane 2032 organising committee and International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials.
The biggest moment in the sport’s history will have to wait until April, 2027, to be officially rubber stamped when IOC members will vote on which sports will be added to the Brisbane Games program.
The massive news comes at a time when American fans have been left boggled by the sport itself as it prepares to make its splash on the global stage.
Many fans new to the court sport will be even more shocked to learn it is about to become an Olympic sport.
Brisbane organisers will be able to choose three or four picks from its priority wishlist after the IOC confirms its Olympic program at the IOC meeting in April.
According to reports last month, Brisbane officials are hoping some sports included in the Los Angeles 2028 program, including cricket and skating, will make the official 2032 program — giving Brisbane a license to choose more sports desirable to Aussies, including netball.
Skating, surfing, climbing, cricket, flag football will all be pleading their case for why they should remain on the 2032 list.
Despite some negativity on cyberspace, netball will be a very popular addition among Commonwealth countries.
Netball is always one of the best spectacles at the Commonwealth Games with rocking stadium atmospheres that are the envy of many global sports.
While Code Sports reports the deal is “virtually done” behind closed doors, World Netball chief executive Lisa Pearce said publicly on a podcast released on Thursday (AEDT) the organisation is still working hard to make sure the sport gets over the line.
“We are creating the most compelling case we can to show why our inclusion with the Olympic Games should be the case,” she said on the Netball Unlocked Podcast.
“You’ve got to get both parties there because Brisbane will nominate sports and then ultimately the decision is with the wider IOC community.”
She went on to say: “I feel like we’re in the strongest position we can be”.
She said inclusion would be “game changing for a sport like ours”.
“It would be unbelievable for the sport,” she said.
“And I think that would be one of the most powerful legacies, when we talk about growing the global game.
“It’s something I dream about every night for sure.
