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  • England will host the Netball World Cup in 2031 at Manchester's Co-op Live arena, marking the fourth time the nation has staged the event.
  • The announcement coincides with England Netball's centenary year and aims to boost the visibility of women's sport across the United Kingdom.
  • Manchester follows Liverpool, which hosted the previous edition in 2019, while past tournaments have taken place in Eastbourne and Birmingham.

England has been confirmed as the host nation for the 2031 Netball World Cup, with the final matches set to take place at Manchester’s Co-op Live indoor arena. World Netball and England Netball made the joint announcement on Thursday, selecting the city to stage the quadrennial tournament for the fourth time in the country’s history. This decision marks a significant moment for the sport in the UK, arriving during England Netball’s centenary year and signaling a renewed commitment to expanding the game’s profile on an international stage.

The selection of Manchester follows a review of the nation’s bid by World Netball leadership. Liz Nicholl, president of World Netball, expressed confidence in the proposal, noting the strength of the submission and her anticipation for future collaborations. She emphasized the potential for the event to deliver a thrilling international experience, highlighting the organization’s excitement about what can be achieved together in 2031 and beyond. The endorsement underscores a strategic alignment between global governance and local hosting capabilities.

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Local leadership has welcomed the news with enthusiasm, framing it as an opportunity to showcase elite athletic talent while inspiring younger participants. Baroness Sue Campbell, chair of England Netball, described the prospect of bringing the world’s best players to Manchester as hugely exciting. She indicated that the city is well-positioned to provide a fitting welcome for competitors and spectators alike. Campbell also stressed the broader cultural impact, suggesting the event could serve as a catalyst for engaging the next generation of fans and athletes.

Fran Connolly, chief executive of England Netball, highlighted the strategic importance of the tournament in advancing women’s sports. She characterized the World Cup as a powerful platform to increase visibility and impact across the UK. This focus on growth aligns with broader efforts to elevate the status of netball within the national sporting landscape. The centenary context adds symbolic weight to these ambitions, linking historical legacy with future development goals.

Manchester’s Co-op Live arena has already demonstrated its capacity to host major netball events. The venue staged this year’s Netball Super League Grand Final, featuring a match between AO Thunder and London Pulse that drew more than 8,000 spectators. This recent success provides a practical precedent for the larger international gathering planned for 2031. The arena’s modern facilities and proven attendance figures offer reassurance regarding logistical readiness and fan engagement potential.

This will be the fourth time England has hosted the Netball World Cup, continuing a tradition that dates back to the inaugural tournament in Eastbourne in 1963. Birmingham staged the event in 1995, and Liverpool was the host city for the most recent edition in 2019. The rotation of venues across different English cities reflects the sport’s widespread infrastructure and regional support. Each hosting cycle has contributed to the game’s evolution, with Manchester now stepping into a lineage that spans six decades.

The timing of the announcement follows a period of high-profile competition for the English national team, known as the Roses. In 2023, England reached the World Cup final for the first time in Cape Town, facing Australia in a tightly contested match. The Australians secured victory with a score of 61-45, denying England its first title despite a strong performance. This runner-up finish marked a significant achievement, as the team had previously only finished second in 1975 when the tournament utilized a league format.

Looking ahead, the 2031 World Cup will serve as a focal point for national pride and sporting development. The combination of historical significance, modern venue capabilities, and strategic leadership support creates a favorable environment for success. As preparations begin, stakeholders aim to leverage the event to strengthen netball’s position within the UK sports ecosystem. The outcome will likely influence future investment and participation rates, reinforcing the sport’s trajectory in the coming decade.

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