England to Host 2031 Netball World Cup

England has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2031 Netball World Cup, marking the fourth time the nation will stage the sport's premier international competition. The decision was announced by World Netball, the global governing body for the sport. The tournament is scheduled to be held at the newly constructed Co-op Live arena in Manchester, a state-of-the-art venue with a capacity of 23,500, making it one of the largest indoor arenas in Europe. This selection signifies a significant moment for netball in England, which previously hosted the event in 1957, 1975, and 1995. The 2031 tournament is expected to draw considerable international attention and participation, with national teams from around the globe competing for the coveted title.

The bid process involved extensive evaluation of potential host cities and venues, with England's proposal ultimately meeting World Netball's stringent criteria for infrastructure, legacy planning, and fan experience. The Co-op Live arena, which opened in May 2024, offers advanced facilities designed to accommodate major sporting events, including a flexible seating arrangement and cutting-edge broadcast capabilities. Hosting the Netball World Cup is anticipated to provide a substantial boost to the sport's profile within England and internationally, inspiring a new generation of players and fans. It also presents an opportunity to showcase Manchester as a leading destination for major sporting events.

England's previous hosting of the Netball World Cup has a rich history. In 1957, the tournament was held in London, where England secured a victory. The 1975 event also took place in London, with Australia emerging as the champions. Most recently, England hosted the World Cup in 1995 in Birmingham, where Australia once again claimed the title. The upcoming 2031 event in Manchester will aim to build on this legacy, with a focus on delivering a world-class tournament that leaves a lasting positive impact on the sport and the host city.

World Netball president, Dame Liz Nicholl, expressed her enthusiasm for the selection, highlighting England's strong track record in hosting major sporting events and the potential for the 2031 World Cup to be the most successful to date. The organization emphasized its commitment to working closely with England Netball and the host city to ensure a memorable and impactful tournament. The selection of England for 2031 follows the recent hosting of the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, which was the first time the event was held on the African continent. The 2027 Netball World Cup is slated to be hosted by Australia.