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Scotland’s netball stars have geared up for their “Hollywood moment” as Glasgow prepares to host the Commonwealth Games. To mark the launch of general ticket sales, seven of Scotland’s top netball stars have swapped their kit for couture in a striking new fashion shoot inspired by Vanity Fair’s iconic Hollywood issue. Titled The Net Ball, the series by Glasgow-based fashion photographer Gerardo Jaconelli celebrates the glamour, confidence and athleticism of Scotland’s leading players, reimagining netball’s place in popular culture as the sport prepares for what many see as its biggest-ever moment on home soil. When the Games take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026, 144 players from 12 nations will compete in 38 matches at The Hydro, with Scotland’s Thistles hoping to make their mark in front of a home crowd. Among those eyeing a place in the squad is captain Emily Nicholl, a 54-cap veteran balancing her international career with a full-time job as a solicitor. “Netball is high-scoring, fast and furious – it’s one of the best sports in the world to watch,” Nicholl said. “Every player trains, eats and plays like an elite professional athlete, whether full-time or not. “The word ‘beast’ isn’t traditionally feminine, but why shouldn’t it be? I’ve always owned it, and I don’t want girls to shy away from strength. That’s what thousands of people will see on the court at the Games.” Nicholl, who grew up in Biggar, says returning to compete at the same venue where she once watched the Glasgow 2014 final would be a “dream come true.” “At Glasgow 2014, I was a student watching the final at the Hydro. Two years later, I won my first cap and now I could be back on that same court, competing at a home Commonwealth Games,” she said. “The Commonwealth Games is our Olympics, this feels like a Hollywood moment for netball.” Fellow Thistle Iona Christian, who switched allegiance from England in 2021 to represent her father’s native Scotland, said the surge in women’s sport across the UK had created new opportunities for netball to shine. “The idea of women’s sport selling out stadiums 10 years ago was almost unheard of — now it’s happening regularly in rugby and football,” said Christian, who plays for Nottingham Forest in the Netball Super League. “There’s a huge opportunity to put the sport on the map in Scotland and show just how exciting it is.” For 21-year-old Jazmine Moore, a medical student from Paisley, the 2026 Games could be life-changing. Of Jamaican heritage, she made her senior debut earlier this year and hopes her journey can inspire more young people from diverse backgrounds. “Globally, netball is diverse and we’re starting to see that more in Scotland too,” she said. “For me, the Games symbolise talent and hard work on the world stage, inspiring others – on and off the court.” Glasgow 2026 chief operating officer Jade Gallagher said netball would be one of the defining sports of the Games. “Netball is always one of the standout events – action-packed and exciting – and we expect a party atmosphere at the Hydro,” she said. “We want every sport at Glasgow 2026 to spark new obsessions and fuel existing ones – and netball will do just that.” The Net Ball shoot – featuring Emily Nicholl, Iona Christian, Jazmine Moore, Emma Barrie, Niamh McCall, Hannah Grant and Hannah Leighton – took place at Kirklee Mansion in Glasgow’s West End. The shoot was directed by Jaconelli for Glasgow 2026 in partnership with Netball Scotland, with styling by Laura McLetchie, clothing by HALO Glasgow, accessories by ROX Diamonds, and hair and makeup by Sarah McCulloch and Olivia M. The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will bring together more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing across 10 sports and six Para sports. Around 500,000 tickets will be available, with general sales opening worldwide on Thursday.
