World Netball has unveiled a major strategic overhaul, including a move to host its flagship Netball World Cup every two years instead of four, alongside launching an inaugural men's counterpart. The decision reflects growing concern over the future role of netball at the Commonwealth Games, despite seven destinations declaring interest in hosting future editions.

World Netball CEO Fiona Harold said: “International netball has never been more competitive, but the landscape is becoming increasingly complex to navigate.

“We… absolutely need to be proactive about futureproofing ourselves given the uncertainty around the Commonwealth Games post 2026. These decisions allow us to control our destiny and it’s positive news for everyone. As the International Federation, it is our job to sustain and grow the game over the long term.”

With reference to the men’s Netball World Cup, Harold added: “Whilst World Netball will always remain proud of the sport’s traditions, we must not be held hostage to them.

“Our sport is open to all and now feels like the right time to make a clear statement on the men’s game, which is gaining momentum rapidly.

“The resounding feedback from many stakeholders across the game is that this is a really positive step, especially as we continue to strive and build our case for Olympic Games inclusion.”

World Netball is in discussion with members and third parties about hosting rights for 2028-2035, with a formal process due to launch “imminently”.

Netball’s inclusion at the Commonwealth Games became uncertain following the 2021 publication of the Commonwealth Sport 2026-2030 Strategic Roadmap, which reduced compulsory sports to athletics and aquatics, making netball optional. Though the sport is confirmed for Glasgow 2026, World Netball is positioning its own events to compensate for any potential exclusion in subsequent Games.

Seven countries have officially expressed interest in hosting future Commonwealth Games, with Canada, India, and Nigeria are targeting the centenary 2030 Games, while two others (including New Zealand) explore 2034 bids. The host for 2030 is due to recommended by late November 2025 at the CGF General Assembly in Glasgow. With the new hosting model favouring cost‑efficient events using leaner programmes, netball’s continued presence remains unguaranteed under the flexible model, which could leave the sport in limbo unless individual host nations choose to include it.

Speaking in April, Commonwealth Sport Director of Games and Assurance Darren Hall said, “Considering the high level of interest in hosting future Commonwealth Games in 2030 and beyond, we will now discuss each submission further and work with each interested Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) and its regional representatives as part of a co-creation and collaboration phase to establish hosting feasibility.

“During this next five-month period, candidates moving forward in the process will ultimately be required to provide a detailed Games Proposal to Commonwealth Sport. This will be followed by a Commonwealth Sport-led evaluation process culminating in our Executive Board recommending a host to the Membership for approval at the General Assembly in late November 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland."

"We are in a period of transition in the Olympic Movement," ASOIF President Ingmar de Vos said in his speech welcoming IOC President-Elect Kirsty Coventry and paying tribute to IOC President Thomas Bach, at the ASOIF General Assembly.
Also addressing President-Elect Kirsty Coventry, World Athletics President Lord Coe said: "There is a huge opportunity with the new leadership to create the reset around the relationship between the IOC and the IFs, and particularly the review of the revenue generation model. 
"We all want the pinnacle of Olympic sport being the pinnacle of the four year summer sporting cycle and we look forward to working with you. You will have the support all the IFs; we stand ready to support you. 
IOC President-Elect Kirsty Coventry said: "We would all love to say we hope the next few years are going to be smooth but I'm not sure that's quite going to be the case."
Listing the challenges ahead, she referred to "all the geopolitics we are going to need to navigate, the more and more conflicts that our world is facing, revenue models."
"We won't always agree. We hope we can be respectful enough to disagree... but that's what a family is about. It's how we are going to come together to make sure we have the best Olympic Games and the best platform for generations to come."

Bravely challenge models

With reference to recent "tough discussions" with ASOIF about "event delivery", she said "International federations need to play a greater role."
"It's important to take some time to engage with all of you to fully understand not just want your expectations are, but how we are going to deliver extraordinary Games in LA and Brisbane, and into the future. 
"We have to be brave enough to challenge some of the models that we've been doing.
"It's very clear there are two priorities, two pillars: the Olympic Games, and ensuring the Olympic Games is the biggest success for our athletes; and the second one is then building a better world through sport. The first one has to be extremely successful in order to have the second one. 
"So we really need to focus on how we are going to ensure together we are going to have incredible Games that will inspire generations and more people across the world."

The second Host City Awards will take place in Glasgow, Scotland to celebrate exceptional accomplishments in hosting, delivering and promoting major events.

The Awards form part of the Host City 2025 conference, hosted at the Technology & Innovation Centre on 2-3 December, with winners announced at the Awards Dinner on the evening of  2 December.

Event hosts, rights holders and suppliers are encouraged to enter appropriate categories:

The Best Event Engagement award will recognise destinations that achieved exceptional audience reach and visibility relative to their size, location or resources.

The Most Sustainable Event award will celebrate events that delivered measurable environmental, social and legacy benefits for their host communities.

The Outstanding Economic Impact award will honour events that generated significant economic value and long-term financial benefits for their destinations.

The Best Commercial Strategy award will reward rights holders and organisers who delivered strong financial results and long-term value through innovative monetisation approaches.

The Strongest Fan Growth award will recognise events that successfully expanded, engaged, and monetised their fan base through effective strategies and platforms.

The Innovation in Event Technology award will spotlight suppliers who introduced groundbreaking technology that enhanced event performance or audience experience.

The Best Event Infrastructure Solution award will recognise outstanding contributions to the physical and digital infrastructure that supported safe, efficient, and sustainable event delivery.

The Excellence in Event Delivery award will honour organisations that played a key role in delivering high-quality event experiences

The Best Use of AI award will recognise outstanding applications of artificial intelligence that improved the planning, delivery, or commercial success of an event.

Organisations register to attend the Host City 2025 conference are eligible to enter for free, submitting concise written entries and optional supporting materials.

The diverse judging panel of highly regarded experts includes Jennifer Arnold, Vice President, U.S. Soccer Foundation; Iain Edmondson, Founder, Legacy Delivery; Sarah Lewis OBE OLY; Brian Lewis, Immediate Past President, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee; Paul Bush, Chair, British Curling; Céline Payelle, Vice-President and General Manager, Events & Experiences, Cirque du Soleil, and more to be announced.

Matthew Astill, CEO of Cavendish Group, said: “We are very pleased to taking the Host City awards to the next level, following the success of last year’s launch. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the best and brightest in the global events community in Glasgow.”

Glasgow Life’s Director of Culture, Tourism and Events. Billy Garrett, said: “We’re delighted that the Host City Conference is returning to Glasgow in 2025. This prestigious annual industry event provides an invaluable platform for international partners in our sector to get together to share experiences and insights, and take part in productive discussions and debates on the key issues, challenges and opportunities that host cities face.

“So we’re really looking forward to Glasgow hosting Host City once again, and the fantastic opportunities this important event offers attendees to network and build connections that help foster mutually beneficial partnerships to impact business growth.”

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “Events play an important role in our communities, bringing economic benefits, fostering community pride and delivering global recognition. The Host City Awards are an opportunity to recognise and shine a spotlight on the contribution and impact of events, the people who design and deliver them and the innovation they bring.” 

Glasgow Life, the charity that leads culture and sport in Glasgow, has announced the appointment of Kay Morrison as its new Chief Executive.

An accomplished leader, Kay brings a track record of strategic vision, partnership development and more than 20 years’ experience working across Scotland’s culture and leisure sector.

Kay joins Glasgow Life from her role as Chief Executive of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, where she has led the successful transformation of the organisation over the past three years.

Previously, she was Chief Executive of Falkirk Foundation, the official charity partner of Falkirk Football Club, working to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities through physical activity and education programmes.

She will take up her new post on Monday 7 July 2025, replacing Susan Deighan who helped create Glasgow Life in 2007 and is retiring after more than 30 years of shaping the delivery of culture, physical activity, tourism, and events in Glasgow on behalf of Glasgow City Council.

A passionate advocate for inclusion and reducing inequalities, Kay is known for her commitment to enhancing community wellbeing through the power of culture and sport as well as her contribution to developing national policy and direction for the sector.

Her appointment marks a new chapter for Glasgow Life, as the charity looks to an ambitious future and to helping more people lead richer, healthier, and happier lives through the delivery of world-class cultural, physical activity, and learning programmes and experiences.

Speaking about her appointment, Kay said: “It’s a privilege to be joining Glasgow Life at such a pivotal moment. As one of Scotland’s most important charities, Glasgow Life offers rich sources of hope, meaning and social connection to the people of Glasgow and visitors to the city.

“I’m looking forward to working with my talented colleagues and partners to deliver a fair and inclusive future for local communities, and ensuring our vision remains integral to the city’s social and economic wellbeing as well as building on Glasgow’s impressive global profile.”

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Kay is an inspiring leader with a deep understanding of the vital role our charity plays across Glasgow’s communities, and her experience, knowledge and networks make her the ideal person to lead Glasgow Life as we look to a positive and ambitious future.

“On behalf of Glasgow Life’s Board, I congratulate Kay on her appointment and look forward to working with her to ensure our charity remains a force for good at the heart of a thriving, inclusive, accessible, and resilient Glasgow.”

Susanne Millar, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Council, said: “I’m pleased to welcome Kay into the role of Chief Executive at Glasgow Life and as a valued member of Glasgow City Council’s leadership team. Kay brings a wealth of experience and a clear commitment to Glasgow. Susan Deighan has made an incredible contribution to Glasgow Life and to our city, and I know Kay is ready to build on that success.

“I look forward to working with Kay, in close collaboration with our city partners, as we continue to deliver on the things that matter most to the people of Glasgow. I also want to thank Susan for her exceptional dedication and wish her a long and happy retirement.”