NATIONS CUP 2025

The 2025 Vitality Nations Cup drew praise from fans and stakeholders alike, showcasing the strength and popularity of elite netball in the UK. The event was widely seen as well-organised, atmospheric, and competitive. Fan feedback revealed the factors that made the event an extraordinary experience, whilst also sharing valuable insight on opportunities to improve future editions.

A POSITIVE RECEPTION AND FAN EXPERIENCE

Overall, 75% of attendees gave the event a perfect 10/10 score, praising the high standard of play, the vibrant yet family-friendly atmosphere, and effective organisation.

Hospitality services received a standout score of 9.1/10, with fans praising friendly staff, good amenities, and the chance to meet players. The event atmosphere improved on the previous year, jumping to 8.83/10.

ENGAGEMENT, VALUE AND MOTIVATIONS

Fan motivations were clear: a love for the game and a desire to watch elite netball were the top reasons for attendance. Nearly 60% of Saturday ticket buyers attended with children.

“I AM OVER 35 AND I LOVE ATTENDING NETBALL MATCHES WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS, BUT DON’T GET TO GO AS OFTEN AS I WOULD LIKE. IT IS A FANTASTIC SPORT TO FOLLOW ON TV AND ONLINE.”

"I AM UNDER 34 AND NETBALL IS MY FAVOURITE SPORT TO FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA. I TRY TO GO TO ELITE LEVEL MATCHES AT LEAST ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR; IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT WOMEN'S SPORT IN PERSON."

"I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT ELITE NETBALL-IT IS MY PASSION. I AM ALWAYS UP TO DATE WITH THE SPORT AND ATTEND BOTH INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC MATCHES WHENEVER I CAN."

Value for money was highly rated: 98% felt the event was good value, and 63% deemed it “very good”, especially those with courtside tickets.

Merchandise availability and variety also improved, with 28% of fans purchasing from the new Roses supporter range.

WHO ATTENDED?

28% of fans are what we call ‘Committed Family Fans’ – people who are over 35 and who love attending netball matches with family and friends and but don’t go as often as they would like. The next most common netball segment to attend are what we call ‘Netball Super Fans’ (23% of all fans), those who love everything about elite netball. They are always up to date with the sport and attend both international and domestic matches when they can.

Encouragingly, 27% of fans were first-time attendees, up from 23% at the Vitality Netball Horizon Series.

ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION

11% of ticket buyers identified as having a long-term physical or mental health condition and 7% reported being neurodivergent.

As our fan base becomes more diverse in needs, fans recommended soundproof boxes, quiet sensory spaces, and reduced music volume for neurodivergent attendees. Physically disabled fans asked for better seating, handrails, and clear lift access.

A BRAND NEW TICKETING APP

An England Netball tickets app was introduced for the Vitality Netball Nations Cup, meaning all fans were able to access their tickets digitally for the first time, increasing both convenience and security.

Fans praised the intention behind supporting neurodiverse and disabled attendees but called for more visible and actionable accommodations.

LOOKING AHEAD

The appetite for elite netball remains strong: 76% of fans say they would attend Vitality Roses internationals “always or very often”. As netball seeks to grow its live audience, particularly among younger and more diverse fans, looking at pricing, engagement, and accessibility will remain important.