A public outcry has helped the Silver Ferns receive an unprecedented winning bonus payment of $300,000 following their triumph at the Netball World Cup.

Netball NZ has announced each player in the 12-strong squad will be granted $25,000, a breakthrough in a sport that struggles for commercial cut-through despite its high participation rate.

A group of sponsors contributed towards a bonus fund after it was revealed the players wouldn’t receive a cent of prize money following their 52-51 win over Australia in last Sunday’s final in Liverpool.

While the players didn’t complain, a public debate was generated around the disparity of remuneration levels in top level sport.

It was revealed the New Zealand men’s cricketers would share a prize pool of about $3 million for their runners-up finish at the World Cup a week earlier.

NNZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie said it was a good feeling to reward the players, who are otherwise playing solely for pride internationally in a highly demanding sport.

“Elite players continue to work relentlessly for their love of the game without expectations of high remuneration, but this is a huge step forward and we are very grateful to our partners, who we could not do this without,” she said.

Leading players in the Kiwi domestic league are reportedly paid close to $100,000 when third-party agreements are factored in.

The Silver Ferns’ next assignment is the four-Test Constellation Cup against Australia in October.

NNZ is still to confirm if inspiring coach Noeline Taurua will be in charge for the series, allowing her time to find her feet again in her other role as coach of the Sunshine Coast Super Netball team.

–AAP