Sky TV has come to the party for the World Champion Silver Ferns after announcing it'll make a "financial contribution" to ensure New Zealand's champion netballers receive a bonus payment for winning the World Cup.
Hours after winning the World Cup for the first time in 16 years, it was reported that there was no prize money up for grabs from event organisers. That was compared to the Blackcaps who shared $3 million for their position as runners up in the Cricket World Cup.
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On top of that, South Africa's netballers, who finished fourth at the World Cup, were given a 1.2m Rand (NZ$130,000) bonus from a sponsor to share among the 12-player squad.
The Ferns were also crammed into an economy flight for the voyage back to New Zealand.
But Sky has decided to help the Ferns out for their amazing efforts in Liverpool.
"The Silver Ferns had a superb World Cup campaign and we were thrilled to be there every step of the way as the official broadcast partner in New Zealand," Sky chief executive Martin Stewart said.
"The passion and commitment of the team was evident to everyone who watched, and they did us all proud. We're really pleased to be able to show our support by contributing to a bonus payment for the team.
"We congratulate the Silver Ferns on their superb win, and look forward to showcasing them again on Sky during the Constellation Cup in October."
While the pay bonus will be helpful to the Ferns, goal attack Ameliaranne Ekenasio told The AM Show on Wednesday, that the players do it for love, not money.
"We play 'cause we have so much pride in the fern, the black dress, that's our passion, that's where our fire burns. It's not for the money at all."
On Tuesday, Silver Ferns major sponsor ANZ agreed to contribute to a fund to reward the New Zealand side, while MYOB, said player incentives are negotiated through Netball NZ and not through sponsors.
Newshub.
