The Australian Netball Players Association (ANPA) have requested mediation with Netball Australia after talks broke down over a new Collective Player Agreement (CPA) overnight.

Negotiations for a new CPA have been ongoing since February, with the last deal expiring on 30 September. Without an agreement, new Super Netball contracts cannot be signed, leaving Australia’s netballers unemployed.

ANPA issued a statement on Instagram claiming the players have “bent over backwards” to try and reach an agreement “without reciprocation”, leading to the call for mediation from the players.

“We cannot in good conscience lock players into an unfair 3-year deal which does not reflect their value and contribution,” they said.

Netball Australia released a statement Monday detailing their “groundbreaking” proposal, including a nine-per-cent increase in player salaries over the next three years. It also said that players would be entitled to a share in Netball Australia’s profits, generated by the Suncorp Super Netball League.

“Under the latest offer, Netball Australia would increase its investment by $1.275 million – a 20 per cent boost across the three-year deal,” they said.

“Netball Australia and the clubs are not opposed to mediation, but we are concerned beginning the process at this late stage would extend this already lengthy process.”

The ANPA rejected the offer, saying that the players are concerned over a lack of clarity around finances and strategic direction for netball, instead wanting a “real partnership model”.

“What the players are saying is ‘we’d like to share in the good times we help build and we will share in the risk when times are tough’,” they said.

Netball Australia are “disappointed” with the ANPA’s rejection and will attempt to finalise a deal with the association.

Photo: Adelaide Thunderbirds goal shooter Eleanor Cardwell warming up at Ken Rosewall Arena is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons licence. This photo has not been modified.