Hancock Prospecting has announced it will withdraw its proposal for a sponsorship deal with Netball Australia, but has said it will provide Netball with short-term funding until the sport obtains another sponsorship.
Roy Hill, majority-owned by Hancock Prospecting, will also end its sponsorship deal with Netball Western Australia.
Hancock is owned by billionaire mining tycoon Gina Reinhart.
The announcement was made after players expressed concerns about the partnership due to Hancock Prospecting’s track record with indigenous peoples.
However, a member of the Australian Diamond team has issued a statement expressing disappointment that Hancock has withdrawn its sponsorship offer.
“As Netball Australia emphasizes, these funds will go towards Diamond’s high performance and foundational programs that are so important to all of us,” the statement said.
“Players recognize the importance of the support of commercial partners to the financial sustainability of the sport and are extremely grateful to our existing sponsors for their continued support of Netball at all levels. .”
In a statement issued on Saturday, Hancock Prospecting said it was not aware of the “complexity of existing issues between Netball Australia and the Players Association”.
“Hancock, and Roy Hill as well, have embarked on these proposed partnerships in good faith, and the sport’s key stakeholder groups, including Netball Australia and Australian Diamond, have Western Australia’s premier mining company will be their primary sponsor,” the statement said.
In particular, Hancock is Australia, indeed the most successful privately owned company in Australian history, and Australian Diamond aims to become a highly successful Australian netball team. ”
The statement also referenced rumors that players had boycotted uniforms emblazoned with the Hancock Prospecting logo.
“Contrary to recent media reports, Hancock has not insisted Australia Diamonds wear its name abroad in the current Constellation Cup Series, and Netballers are not allowed to wear their name on team dress for the series. has no concerns,” the statement said.
The player’s statement said there had been no division within the playing group, adding that it was erroneous that the protest was for environmental reasons.
“The only concern for the players was one of support for our only Indigenous team member. We, along with Australian Netball’s commitment statement, are committed to the legacy of Diamond’s Sisters in Arms and the values it represents. We are fully committed to,” the statement said.
Hancock Prospecting said it has notified Netball Australia of its immediate withdrawal from the proposed partnership.
NA Chair Wendy Archer said Netball Australia understood Hancock Prospecting’s decision, although the decision was a disappointing one for the sport.
“We are grateful to Hancock Prospecting for their continued support of our sport during the recent turmoil, and we regret the impact this has had on the company,” said Archer.
“This has been a difficult time for all involved and despite all efforts made by all parties to resolve the delicate issues of the partnership, unfortunately we have been unable to achieve a mutually satisfactory outcome. I couldn’t do it.”
Mrs. Archer confirmed that Hancock Prospecting has agreed to provide four months of funding to support the organization in the short term.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/hancock-prospecting-withdraws-proposed-netball-australia-partnership/cxwwd2j71 Sports sponsorship backlash: Hancock Prospecting withdraws netball sponsorship after players object
