Netball History
The history of netball: its origins, relationship to basketball, development of the seven positions, and growth around the world.
How netball began, how it has changed and how it grew around the world — researched from contemporary and official sources rather than repeated from simplified origin stories. See our sources page for how we approach this.
Start with the history of netball for the whole story, or who invented netball? for its origins and the link with early basketball — explored further in netball vs basketball.
From there, the guides follow particular threads: how the rules and uniforms have changed, the Netball World Cup, netball's place in the history of women's sport, and its path to professionalisation.
Guides in this section
History of Netball
How netball grew from 1890s England into a global sport: its spread through the British Empire, international governance and rise as a major women's sport.
History of Netball Rules
How netball's rules have changed since the 1890s: from nine players to seven, court thirds, international standardisation and the current 2024 edition.
History of Netball Uniforms
How netball uniforms evolved from Victorian-era long skirts and gymslips to the modern dress, bodysuit and bib.
History of the Netball World Cup
The history of the Netball World Cup: its 1963 origins in Eastbourne, how it grew, and its place in international netball today.
Netball and the History of Women's Sport
Why netball developed specifically as a sport for women and girls, and what that history means for the game today.
Netball vs Basketball: What's the Difference?
How netball differs from basketball despite their shared origin: no dribbling, restricted playing areas, no backboard, and no contact.
Netball's Path to Professionalisation
How netball went from amateur to professional: New Zealand's early lead, the trans-Tasman ANZ Championship and the domestic leagues that followed.
Who Invented Netball?
The real origin story of netball: how it developed from early women's basketball in 1890s England, rather than being invented by one person on one date.