Manchester to host 2031 Netball World Cup in England's centenary year

Manchester will host the Netball World Cup in 2031, a decision that lands with particular resonance because it arrives in England Netball's centenary year. The award marks the fourth time the nation has staged the tournament, following the inaugural event in Eastbourne in 1963, the 1995 edition in Birmingham, and the record breaking Vitality NWC2019 in Liverpool. This announcement cements a trajectory that has seen the sport grow significantly on the back of those previous home games.

The venue for the 2031 competition is Co op Live, a next generation arena that has already made history in the sport. It hosted the Soft and Gentle Netball Super League Grand Final, making netball the first ball sport and the first sporting final to be played there. This connection to a modern, high profile venue signals a clear intent to present the World Cup as a major entertainment event rather than just a sporting contest.

The timing of this award is not merely coincidental but deeply symbolic for the governance structure of the game. Celebrating one hundred years of official governance alongside a global championship highlights the maturity and stability of the sport. It allows England Netball to reflect on a century of development while simultaneously projecting a bold and modern vision for the future of international competition on home soil.

A Legacy of Home Soil Success and Ambition

England has a complicated relationship with World Cup success on home soil. According to Sky Sports, the national team claimed bronze medals at two of the previous three tournaments hosted in the country. That consistent placement just off the podium suggests a deep familiarity with the pressure of home expectations.

The current squad is looking to change that narrative. With the 2027 World Cup set for Australia, England is aiming to improve on the silver medal they won in South Africa in 2023. The goal is clear. They want to win the competition for the first time. The 2031 event in Manchester will be the next major opportunity to finally break through that ceiling and bring the trophy home.

This persistent near miss on home soil has created a unique psychological landscape for the players and fans alike. The bronze medals from past home tournaments serve as a constant reminder of the gap between near victory and ultimate triumph. It is a narrative of immense talent and strong domestic support that has yet to be converted into the ultimate prize, creating a palpable hunger for success that fuels the current era of development.

The Manchester Bid and Strategic Vision

The bid for Manchester was backed by UK Sport and Manchester City Council, aligning with World Netball's strategic mission to grow, play, and inspire. Baroness Sue Campbell, chair of England Netball, described the city as having an incredible sporting heritage and a real passion for bringing people together. She emphasised that having the best players in the world in Manchester is a hugely exciting prospect.

The choice of Manchester is not accidental. The city is built on innovation and collaboration, which fits the vision of a Global Netball Revolution. This is not just about hosting a tournament. It is about using the platform to define the next chapter of the sport's journey. The focus is on transcending the power of sport to empower and connect the global netball family.

The support from UK Sport and Manchester City Council provides a robust framework for delivering a tournament that meets international standards while remaining deeply rooted in local community values. This partnership ensures that the event will not only be a spectacle for spectators but also a catalyst for civic pride and engagement. The strategic alignment between local authorities and the national governing body demonstrates a unified front in promoting netball as a pillar of British sporting culture.

The Ripple Effect of 2019

World Netball president Dame Liz Nicholl DBE pointed to the legacy of the 2019 Liverpool event as a key factor in this decision. She noted that the legacy of that tournament still lives on globally, with projects in Zambia and Argentina. In Great Britain, the 2019 event inspired 160,000 women to start playing or play more netball. That is a staggering number and a testament to the impact a World Cup can have on grassroots participation.

This legacy is not just a statistic. It is a proof of concept for what the 2031 event can achieve. The success of the 2019 tournament has set a benchmark for what is possible. England Netball chief executive Fran Connolly described the upcoming World Cup as a powerful platform to grow the visibility of the sport. The aim is to replicate and exceed the inspiration generated in 2019.

The international dimension of the 2019 legacy, specifically the ongoing projects in Zambia and Argentina, illustrates the global reach of the sport's influence. These initiatives show that the impact of a World Cup extends far beyond the final whistle, creating lasting educational and developmental opportunities in other countries. This global footprint strengthens the case for Manchester, as it positions the 2031 event as a continuation of a worldwide movement for netball growth and inclusion.

What Comes Next for the 2031 Tournament

The 2031 World Cup will feature 16 of the world's best netball nations. The tournament is scheduled to be held at Co op Live, which will be the centrepiece of the event. The venue's capacity and modern facilities make it well suited for a tournament of this scale. The organisers are confident that the city will give the players the welcome they deserve.

As the sport enters its centenary year, the focus is on building on the momentum of recent years. The 2031 World Cup is seen as a chance to showcase the sport on the biggest stage and to inspire the next generation of players and fans. The decision to award England the hosting rights is a vote of confidence in the strength of the bid and the potential for the sport to reach new heights.

With sixteen nations confirmed to participate, the competition promises a high level of intensity and diversity in playing styles. The modern infrastructure of Co op Live ensures that both players and spectators will have an unparalleled experience, with state of the art facilities designed for peak performance and comfort. This combination of elite competition and top tier amenities sets the stage for a tournament that is both historically significant and commercially viable.