NETBALL WORLD CUP 2027 APPOINTS FUTUREBRAND & OCTAGON TO BUILD BRAND STRATEGY, IDENTITY AND EXPERIENCE

SYDNEY / GADIGAL, AUSTRALIA – June 25, 2025 – The Netball World Cup, the pinnacle of international competitive netball, will return to Australian shores in August 2027, with Sydney set to host the world’s top 16 nations.

With a bold ambition to deliver the most impactful, culturally resonant and commercially successful tournament in the event’s history, Netball Australia and the local organising committee have appointed FutureBrand and Octagon to craft the brand strategy, identity, and fan experience that will set the stage for Sydney 2027 and its lasting legacy.

“Netball has long been a powerhouse participation sport in Australia, but it also holds a unique position as one of the few truly female-led, elite international sports,” commented Hannah Warren, Head of Marketing for Netball Australia. “Sydney 2027 will be a celebration of women’s sport at its fiercest and most unapologetic, and with FutureBrand and Octagon’s expertise, we’re ready to deliver a tournament experience that breaks new ground for netball globally.”

Appointed via a competitive tender, FutureBrand and Octagon’s remit includes developing a comprehensive brand strategy and identity for the Netball World Cup 2027 that will shape how the tournament connects with fans, athletes, partners and media across every touchpoint, both in-stadium and around the world.

“We’re in the middle of a defining era for women’s sport. One where athletes, audiences and brands are demanding more distinctive, culture-driving experiences,” said Kim Anderson, Managing Director of Octagon Australia. “At Octagon, we’ve been proud to help lead that evolution, and we’re thrilled to partner with World Netball and Netball Australia to deliver a tournament platform that will amplify the power of women’s sport globally. Sydney 2027 represents an extraordinary opportunity to create not just a memorable World Cup, but a cultural moment for netball and for Australian sport.”

“Sport is the ultimate entertainment, and it’s inspiring to be able to shape the brand strategy, identity and experience for the 2027 Netball World Cup,” added Rich Curtis, FutureBrand’s CEO in Australia. “More than any other entertainment experience, sport creates moments that become memories, and we’re excited to be expanding the growth and legacy of netball in Australia and around the world.”

The 2027 Netball World Cup’s partnership with FutureBrand and Octagon is effective immediately.

About FutureBrand:

FutureBrand is the brand transformation company for business leaders. The company is B Corp certified and exists to strengthen the connection between brand purpose and everyday experience, giving brands a measurable competitive advantage that helps businesses grow. FutureBrand has been locally owned in Australia since July 2020, when CEO Rich Curtis acquired the business from Interpublic Group and transformed the business into an entrepreneurial and independently-minded team with the global relationships and resources of FutureBrand worldwide. Rich and his team are investing locally to develop proprietary brand transformation methods and build brands that provide greater impact.

About Octagon:

Octagon is the preeminent global creative, marketing, and talent management agency in sport, entertainment, and culture. The agency creates distinctive creative and marketing campaigns for some of the largest brands and Fortune 500 companies across the globe, and represents more than 900 of the most prominent and influential athletes, talent, and properties in the world. With more than 1000 employees worldwide, based in 50 offices, across 20 countries, Octagon is positioned in virtually all areas of sports and entertainment.