Jamie-Lee Price thinks fake tan could solve a lot of netball's problems

Jamie-Lee Price, a player for the Melbourne Mavericks, feels women's sports, particularly netball, are overlooking substantial opportunities for growth. After a physically demanding Super Netball game, she reflected on the missed chances for advancement, especially in marketing and sponsorship.

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I just can't believe that fake tanning brands have not collabed or sponsored a netball team.

Price specifically pointed to the untapped potential of collaborations with brands outside the traditional sports sphere. "I just can't believe that fake tanning brands have not collabed or sponsored a netball team," she stated in a TikTok video, emphasizing the large market that is being missed. She drew comparisons to the successful marketing approaches of events like Formula One and the Australian Open, which utilized influencers and created a "fashion show" atmosphere to draw large crowds.

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The way they've marketed things, they get influencers, they make it a fashion show and then everyone wants to go because it's cool to go there.

While Super Netball boasts a loyal fanbase, with record attendances reaching 386,455 last season, Price aims to attract the general public more consistently. She believes that experiencing a game live reveals the athleticism and physicality of netball, but the challenge lies in drawing in those unfamiliar with the sport. "How do we get those people that don't know much about games?" she questioned, seeking ways to introduce more people to the game and foster a love for it.

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And as soon as someone goes to a game, you're like, 'Holy shit. I didn't realise how athletic and physical it was.'

Price advocates for incorporating more "fun" and allowing greater self-expression for players to enhance the game's appeal. She noted that the sport has a tendency to stick to traditional methods, potentially hindering its evolution. "We've always done it 'this' way, which works and that's cool, but we're not keeping with the times," she observed. She expressed a desire for players to have more freedom, even suggesting they should be allowed to walk into stadiums in diverse outfits, similar to the WNBA players whose pre-game fashion has become an iconic part of their appeal and a way to attract different audiences.

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We have a huge fan base of netball supporters but how do we get the general public or other people coming to games and falling in love with our game?