Netball could be added to the 2032 Olympic program

Netball, a sport that evolved from basketball and was formalized by teenagers in late‑Victorian England, is gaining renewed attention as a potential addition to the 2032 Olympic programme. Historically described as a “girly game,” the sport has expanded beyond its early perception, now boasting over 30 million participants worldwide and a structured international governing body, World Netball, which oversees competitions such as the Netball World Cup.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recently listed netball among the disciplines under review for inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Games, citing its global reach, gender‑balanced participation, and established competitive framework. World Netball has submitted a comprehensive bid that highlights the sport’s standardized rules, professional leagues in Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa, and its commitment to youth development programs. If approved, netball would join a growing roster of sports that reflect contemporary participation trends and promote gender equity in the Olympic movement.

Should the IOC endorse the proposal, netball’s Olympic debut would mark a significant milestone for a sport that has transitioned from a modest school activity to a major international competition, potentially increasing its visibility and encouraging further investment in women's and mixed‑gender athletics worldwide.