Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
A DRAMATIC shake-up is coming to the Netball World Cup and Zimbabwe is already getting ready to make history.
For the first time ever, World Netball has announced the introduction of a Cup and Plate format for its global showcase, a move set to debut at the Netball World Cup 2027 (NWC2027), which runs from August 25 to September 5 in Sydney, Australia.
Under the new structure, the top four teams from the group stages of the 16-nation tournament will compete for the prestigious floating Cup, while the remaining teams will contest for various Plates, ensuring all nations stay engaged until the final whistle.
“We are pleased to announce that the format of the Netball World Cup 2027 is changing, including the introduction of Cup and Plate competitions,” said World Netball in a statement to global stakeholders.
The revamped format is a response to comprehensive feedback gathered during NWC2023 in South Africa, where World Netball engaged broadcasters, sponsors, and member associations in shaping the future of the game.
“World Netball has been working closely with the NWC2027 Local Organising Committee to develop the tournament in terms of format and schedule, one that increases equity across all teams, operational excellence and commercial success, while keeping athlete welfare and fan experience at the heart of decision-making,” the statement added.
As the new format takes shape, Zimbabwe Netball has already begun preparations, eyeing qualification for what would be their third consecutive World Cup appearance.
A provisional national team, the Zambezi Eagles, is currently in camp, fine-tuning their skills ahead of participation in South Africa’s Telkom Netball League, a competitive platform seen as key to building a formidable side for next year’s qualifiers.
If Zimbabwe makes it, they’ll be among the first teams to experience the high-stakes intensity and extended engagement that the Cup and Plate system promises.
The shift in format isn’t just about more matches, it’s about more meaning for every game.
“The introduction of a Plate competition will enhance competitiveness, engagement, and storytelling opportunities throughout the tournament across all key stakeholder groups, players, fans, content partners and sponsors,” World Netball noted.
Another key update is venue centralisation. All matches will be held at a single venue, giving every team an equal opportunity to play on the sport’s grandest stage.
This move is expected to significantly elevate fan experiences, broadcast quality, and event presentation.
Additionally, the tournament has been stretched to a 12-day competition window to allow for equitable recovery time between matches, placing player welfare front and centre.
World Netball CEO Fiona Harold says these are just the first of many bold steps aimed at keeping the sport thriving on a global scale.
“We are currently reviewing everything we do and need to make bold decisions to sustain the game in the immediate term,” she said.
“We want to have an impact on the growth of the game in the long term, so this is a first step in making change as we look to maximise our pinnacle event.”
She stressed the importance of adapting to today’s commercial and competitive realities while protecting athletes in what is fast becoming an increasingly demanding international calendar.
Harold hinted at further changes on the horizon, especially as netball charts a future that could eventually include Olympic Games participation.
“I am excited to continue sharing our plans over the coming weeks and months, and we look forward to taking everyone on this journey with us as we look to build a strong future for the game,” she added.
“This is particularly at a time when the future of the Commonwealth Games is going through a reset period.”
Meanwhile, the qualification process for NWC2027 remains unchanged. The top five teams in the World Netball Rankings as of December 1, 2025, along with host nation Australia, will automatically qualify.
As it stands, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, England and South Africa are already through. However, since Australia qualifies as host, their top five slot is expected to go to Wales, currently ranked sixth.
The remaining 10 teams will qualify through five Regional Qualifiers, which are set to take place between January 1 and September 30, 2026. The top two teams from each region will earn a place at the finals.
“More information on the seeding process, pools and phases of the competition, along with competition branding, will be announced in due course,” said Harold.
As the global netball landscape evolves, Zimbabwe’s early preparations signal a strong desire to remain a part of the elite pack and, maybe, just maybe, lift that newly introduced Cup come 2027.
