The Top 5 Highest-Paid Netball Players in the World in 2023
Netball, a sport celebrated for its fast-paced action and skillful teamwork, has been gaining international prominence year after year. With this surge in popularity comes an increased focus on the financial aspects of the game, especially the lucrative deals that the top performers secure.
The allure of these substantial paychecks reflects the players’ dedication to their craft and highlights netball’s growing commercial viability on a global scale. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, numerous budding netball enthusiasts are curious about the potential earnings of a professional netball career. This article aims to provide an estimated analysis of the top five highest-paid netball players in 2023.
When it comes to netball salaries, 2023 proves to be a landmark year, as the compensation packages for the sport’s leading figures reach record heights. The players who have earned their spots on this coveted list are celebrated for their exceptional skills and recognized for their ability to draw in audiences and sponsors alike.
List of the world’s top five highest-paid netball players in 2023.
| RANK | PLAYER | PAY IN AUD/ SEASON | PAY IN USD |
| 1 | JHANIELE FOWLER | $300,000 | $195030 |
| 2 | ROMELDA AIKEN | $250,000 | $162525 |
| 3 | GRETEL BUETA | $200,000 | $130020 |
| 4 | MADDY PROUD | $180,000 | $117018 |
| 5 | KIM RAVAILLION | $150,000 | $97515 |
| 6 | CAITLIN BASSETT | $180,000 | $117018 |
JHANIELE FOWLER – AUD 300,000
Jhaniele Fowler is a towering figure in the netball world, both in stature and achievements. She has an indelible mark on the world of Netball. Born on 21 July 1989, Fowler’s journey has been one of determination, skill, and inspiration. Fowler holds the distinction of being the highest-paid netball player worldwide, with an estimated annual salary of AUD 300,000. Her accomplishments are not limited to the court, as she is also a thriving entrepreneur with her clothing line. Her financial worth is approximated at around AUD 1-5 million.
Jhaniele Fowler is the all-time leading goalscorer in Netball World Cup history, with 538 goals scored. She has played in 4 World Cups, in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. She won a silver medal in 2015 and 2019 and a bronze medal in the 2011 and 2023 netball World Cup.
2. ROMELDA AIKEN – AUD 250,000
Born on November 19, 1988, in Jamaica, Romelda Aiken stands out as both a celebrated and prosperous figure in the world of netball. As of June 1, 2023, her estimated net worth stands at approximately $5 million, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s wealthiest players.
Hailing from Jamaica, Aiken made her mark in netball, beginning her journey on the international stage in 2005 as a replacement for regular shooter Elaine Davis within the Jamaican national team. At an impressive height of 1.96 meters (6 feet 5 inches), Aiken’s exceptional prowess came to the fore during the 2007 Netball World Championships, marking her ascent to global recognition.
In 2008, a significant milestone in Aiken’s career was reached when she inked a deal with the Queensland Firebirds, joining the ranks of the ANZ Championship in Australia and New Zealand. This move opened the door to international competition and further cemented her reputation as a powerhouse in the world of netball.
Foreseeing a remarkable trajectory, former Australian captain Liz Ellis predicted that Aiken’s sustained excellence could potentially establish her as one of the greatest players ever. Her legacy was already being etched in history when, in 2014, Aiken became the first player to score 3,500 goals in the ANZ Championship. Her accomplishments were duly recognized with two MVP awards in 2008 and 2009.
3. GRETEL BUETA – AUD 200,000
Gretel Bueta stands as an illustrious Australian netball shooter, commanding a well-deserved reputation as one of the globe’s premier players. Currently serving as the captain of the Queensland Firebirds and a vital cog in the Australian Diamonds national team, Bueta’s presence on the court is nothing short of captivating.
Aptly recognized as a prolific goal scorer, Bueta’s skill set is defined by precision and a remarkable shooting range. Bueta commands a salary reportedly totaling AUD 200,000 per season, placing her in the echelons of the world’s highest-paid netball players. Her accomplishments transcend the sports arena, as she has carved a niche as a successful businesswoman. Her financial stature is estimated at around AUD 1 million, affirming her multifaceted success
4. MADDY PROUD- AUD 180,000
Maddy Proud is an accomplished Australian netball player who’s making waves in not one but two prestigious leagues. You’ll find her showcasing her talents with the West Coast Fever in the Suncorp Super Netball League and the NSW Swifts in the ANZ Premiership. What sets Maddy apart is her remarkable versatility – she’s equally at home in the midcourt as she is in the shooting circle, making her a force to be reckoned with on any part of the court.
Now, let’s talk numbers. Maddy Proud isn’t just excelling on the court; she’s also among the top earners in netball. With an estimated annual salary of around AUD 180,000 per season, it’s clear that her skills and contributions are truly valued in the game.
5. KIM RAVAILLION- AUD 150,000
Having amassed an impressive 60 Diamonds caps and securing a World Championship victory, Kim Ravaillion stands as one of Australia’s swiftest and most seasoned midcourt players.
Ravaillion ranks among the globe’s top-earning netball players, commanding an estimated annual salary of AUD 150,000 per season. Beyond her competency on the court, she also wears the hat of a thriving businesswoman, having established her own business with an estimated net worth of approximately AUD 800,000,
Rising like a dynamo through the midcourt, Ravaillion burst onto the global netball scene during the 2013 England tour with the Diamonds. She earned her international debut in a remarkable feat before even stepping onto the national stage.
A natural-born winner, Ravaillion’s accomplishments paint a dazzling picture. She clinched back-to-back championships with the Queensland Firebirds, adorned herself with Commonwealth Games gold in 2014, and stood atop the podium as a Netball World Cup champion in 2015.
HONORABLE MENTION – CAITLIN BASSETT – AUD 180,000
Until her retirement in 2022, Caitlin Bassett held the distinction of being the world’s highest-paid netballer. Her reported annual compensation of AUD 180,000 positioned her among the elite ranks of the highest-earning female athletes in Australia.
Bassett’s legacy resonates strongly in the world of netball. Revered for her prolific goal-scoring prowess, she is universally acknowledged as one of history’s most accomplished shooters. Her illustrious career is punctuated by remarkable victories, including clinching the coveted World Cup title twice and securing a Commonwealth Games gold medal. Notably, she holds an impressive record for the highest number of goals scored within a single Super Netball season, a staggering 782 goals.
As a vital member of the Australian Diamonds for over a decade, Bassett’s leadership and influence were undeniable. Stepping into the role of team captain from 2017 to 2021, her impact was felt both on and off the court. Her pleasant demeanor and unwavering passion for the game earned her a special place in the hearts of fans.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Top 5 Highest Paid Netball Players in the World have not only achieved remarkable financial success but have also left an indelible mark on the sport of netball. Their dedication, talent, and contributions continue to inspire netball enthusiasts worldwide. As these athletes reach new heights of success, they pave the way for future generations of netball players to follow in their footsteps and take the game of netball as their career.
