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England, who reached its first World Cup final in 2023, has been chosen to stage the 2031 Netball World Cup, marking the country’s fourth time hosting the quadrennial competition.
World Netball and England Netball confirmed on Thursday that the tournament will take place at Manchester’s Co-op Live indoor arena. The last time England hosted was in 2019, when Liverpool was the host city.
World Netball president Liz Nicholl praised England Netball’s bid. “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,” Nicholl said.
The tournament was first held in Eastbourne in 1963, while Birmingham hosted the 1995 edition.
England reached its first World Cup final in 2023 but was beaten by Australia, a 12-time champion, in Cape Town. England had also finished second in 1975, when the competition used a league format.
Baroness Sue Campbell, chair of England Netball, said bringing the world’s top netballers to Manchester was an exciting prospect. “To have the best netball players in the world coming to Manchester is a hugely exciting prospect, and I know the city will give them the welcome they deserve,” she said. She added that the event would showcase the sport on its biggest stage and help inspire future players and supporters.
England Netball chief executive Fran Connolly said hosting the World Cup would offer “a powerful platform to grow the visibility, profile and impact of women’s sport and netball across the UK.”
The announcement coincides with England Netball’s centenary year. Co-op Live previously hosted the Netball Super League Grand Final between AO Thunder and London Pulse, which drew more than 8,000 fans.
