Manchester is set to host the 2031 Netball World Cup after England received the privilege of staging the tournament for the fourth time in its history. This upcoming event follows a distinguished lineage of previous English hosts: the inaugural competition in 1963 took place in Eastbourne, the 1995 edition was held in Birmingham, and the most recent 2019 tournament unfolded in Liverpool.
The 2031 World Cup will feature sixteen national teams competing at Manchester’s state‑of‑the‑art Co‑op Live arena, the same venue that recently accommodated the Netball Super League Grand Final. Co‑op Live, renowned for its large capacity and modern facilities, is expected to provide an electrifying backdrop for the sport’s premier showcase. England’s national side has a strong pedigree on home soil, having captured bronze medals in two of the last three World Cups hosted in the country. The team is eager to improve on its recent silver‑medal finish in South Africa in 2023, especially after the 2027 edition will be contested in Australia.
A victory in 2031 would represent England’s first ever Netball World Cup triumph. Speaking about the award, Baroness Sue Campbell, chair of England Netball, expressed her excitement: “As a proud Northerner, I am absolutely thrilled to see the world’s biggest netball event coming to Manchester.
This city boasts an incredible sporting heritage and a genuine passion for bringing people together through sport. To have the best netball players in the world converging on Manchester is a hugely exciting prospect, and I know the city will give them the welcome they deserve. This is a fantastic opportunity not only to showcase our sport on the biggest stage, but also to inspire the next generation of players and fans.” World Netball president Dame Liz Nicholl DBE added her endorsement, noting the lasting impact of previous tournaments: “England last hosted our pinnacle event in 2019, and the legacy still resonates globally through Net2019 projects in Zambia and Argentina, as well as in Great Britain where 160,000 women were inspired to start playing or increase their involvement in netball because of the event.
After reviewing England’s strong bid, I am confident England Netball will deliver another thrilling international showcase, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together in 2031 and beyond.” Fran Connolly, chief executive of England Netball, highlighted the broader significance of the tournament for women’s sport: “This World Cup gives us a powerful platform to grow the visibility, profile and impact of women’s sport and netball across the UK. Having witnessed the spectacle of the Netball Super League Grand Final at Co‑op Live earlier this summer, we know Manchester is the perfect stage on which to elevate our sport.
The energy, atmosphere and ambition we observed in the arena demonstrated what is possible when women’s sport receives the platform and investment it deserves. Hosting the World Cup in Manchester will allow us to showcase the very best of our sport to a global audience, inspire more people to pick up a netball, and create a lasting legacy for players, fans and communities.” The decision to award the 2031 tournament to England follows a rigorous bidding process overseen by World Netball, which evaluated each candidate’s facilities, legacy plans, and commitment to growing the game worldwide. England’s proposal stood out for its comprehensive legacy strategy, which includes grassroots development programs, school partnerships, and community outreach initiatives aimed at increasing participation among young girls and women. Co‑op Live, located in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant sporting district, is equipped with cutting‑edge technology, flexible seating arrangements, and extensive hospitality suites, ensuring that athletes, officials, and spectators alike will enjoy a world‑class experience.
The venue’s proximity to major transport links, hotels, and cultural attractions makes it an ideal hub for an international event of this magnitude. Beyond the competition itself, the 2031 Netball World Cup is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the region. Estimates suggest that the influx of visitors—players, support staff, media, and fans—could inject millions of pounds into the local economy, boosting hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors. Moreover, the tournament will provide a platform for sponsors and partners to showcase their commitment to gender equality and sport development.
In preparation for the event, England Netball is rolling out a series of initiatives designed to engage communities across the country. These include coaching clinics led by elite athletes, school‑based netball festivals, and digital campaigns that celebrate the sport’s history and future. The organization also plans to collaborate with local authorities to improve playing facilities and ensure that the legacy of the World Cup endures long after the final whistle.
As the countdown to 2031 begins, anticipation is building among fans, players, and stakeholders. The tournament promises to deliver high‑octane matches, memorable moments, and a showcase of the sport’s growing global appeal. With Manchester’s enthusiastic crowd, top‑tier venue, and a nation eager to claim its first World Cup title, the 2031 Netball World Cup is poised to become a landmark event in the history of the game.