 As of 2006 , the IFNA recognises only women 's netball . Men 's netball teams exist in some areas but attract less attention from sponsors and spectators . Men 's netball started to become popular in Australia during the 1980s , and the first men 's championship was held in 1985 . In 2004 , New Zealand and Fiji sent teams to compete in the Australian Mixed and Men 's National Championships . By 2006 , mixed netball teams in Australia had as many male participants as rugby union . Other countries with men 's national teams include Canada , Fiji , Jamaica , Kenya , Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates . Unlike women 's netball at elite and national levels , men 's and mixed gendered teams are largely self @-@ funded . 
