Manchester has been confirmed as the host city for the 2031 Netball World Cup, marking the fourth occasion that England will stage the sport's premier international tournament. The country’s hosting pedigree stretches back to the very first edition of the competition, which took place in Eastbourne in 1963. Since then, England has welcomed the world’s best netball teams to Birmingham for the 1995 tournament and to Liverpool for the 2019 event, each occasion leaving a lasting legacy for the sport domestically and abroad. The upcoming championship will feature sixteen national squads competing at Manchester’s state‑of‑the‑art arena, Co‑op Live.
This venue, already familiar to netball fans as the setting for this year’s Netball Super League Grand Final, will be transformed into a global stage where athletes vie for the coveted title. England’s own teams have historically performed strongly on home soil, capturing bronze medals in two of the last three World Cups held in the country. Looking ahead, the 2027 edition will be held in Australia, and England will be eager to improve on the silver medal they earned in South Africa in 2023. The ambition for 2031 is clear: to claim the championship for the first time in the nation’s history.
Speaking about the decision, 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, highlighting the enduring impact of previous tournaments: “England last hosted our pinnacle event in 2019, for which the legacy still lives on globally through Net2019 legacy projects in Zambia and Argentina, as well as in Great Britain where 160,000 women were inspired to start playing or play more netball because of the event. After reviewing their strong bid, I am confident England Netball will host another thrilling international event, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together in 2031 and beyond.” England Netball’s chief executive, Fran Connolly, underscored the broader significance of the 2031 World Cup 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 take our sport to another level. The energy, atmosphere and ambition we saw in the arena demonstrated what is possible when women's sport is given 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 choice of Manchester is strategic beyond its modern facilities. The city’s transport links, vibrant cultural scene, and history of hosting major sporting events—ranging from the 2002 Commonwealth Games to the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro final—make it an ideal backdrop for a tournament that aims to elevate netball’s profile worldwide.
Co‑op Live, with its flexible seating capacity and cutting‑edge audiovisual capabilities, will be configured to create an electric atmosphere, ensuring that every match feels intimate yet grand. Beyond the competition itself, organizers plan a series of community outreach programs, schools’ clinics, and fan zones across Greater Manchester. These initiatives are designed to capitalize on the tournament’s momentum, encouraging participation among young people, particularly girls, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the sport among diverse audiences.
The legacy projects envisioned echo those from Net2019, which saw significant increases in grassroots participation in regions as far‑flung as Zambia and Argentina. Economic analysts predict that the influx of athletes, officials, media personnel, and traveling supporters will generate a substantial boost for the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets are expected to benefit from the heightened demand, while the global media coverage will position Manchester as a premier destination for future international events.
In preparation for the tournament, England Netball is also investing in coaching education and referee development programs, ensuring that the standards of play and officiating remain world‑class. Partnerships with corporate sponsors and government bodies are being forged to secure the financial resources necessary for delivering a seamless event. Ultimately, the 2031 Netball World Cup represents more than a series of matches; it is a celebration of the sport’s growth, a catalyst for gender equality in athletics, and a chance for Manchester to shine on the world stage. With the backing of leaders like Baroness Campbell, Dame Liz Nicholl, and Fran Connolly, the tournament promises to deliver unforgettable moments, inspire the next generation of netball talent, and cement England’s reputation as a nurturing home for the sport.