Netball World Cup 2031: England awarded tournament, Manchester named host city - BBC Sport
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England to host 2031 Netball World Cup
Image: Getty Images
Image caption: England were beaten 61-45 by Australia in the 2023 World Cup final
England will host the Netball World Cup for the fourth time in 2031. The quadrennial tournament will be held at Manchester's Co-op Live indoor arena, as announced by World Netball and England Netball on Thursday.
Liverpool hosted the event when England last played host in 2019. World Netball president Liz Nicholl expressed her confidence in England Netball's ability to deliver another thrilling international event:
"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."
Eastbourne hosted the inaugural tournament in 1963, with Birmingham following suit in 1995. England reached their first World Cup final in 2023, but were denied a title by 12-time winners Australia.
Baroness Sue Campbell, chair of England Netball, shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming event:
"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."
England Netball chief executive Fran Connolly emphasized the tournament's potential impact on women's sport:
"This is a fantastic opportunity not only to showcase our sport on the biggest stage, but also to inspire the next generation of players and fans."
The announcement marks England Netball's centenary year. Co-op Live arena previously hosted this year's Netball Super League Grand Final between AO Thunder and London Pulse, attended by over 8,000 fans.