Professional athletes dedicate their lives to the sport—but what happens when the professionalism they uphold isn’t reciprocated?
This question was raised powerfully by New Zealand star Morgan McDowall, one of the top water polo players in the world, after she shared a striking Instagram statement about her recent experience with a club.
“Professional athletes deserve professionalism in return,” McDowall wrote, opening a post that has quickly resonated with players across the globe.
According to McDowall, despite honoring her contract for ten months, the club repeatedly failed to secure her visa, leaving her in legal uncertainty while also paying her less than agreed. Communication eventually broke down, and when she voiced her concerns, she was met with threats instead of solutions.
“In the end, I learned my contract wouldn’t be renewed not through a direct conversation, but via an Instagram post,” she revealed.
McDowall stressed that this is not an isolated incident:
“Many athletes face similar disrespect: contracts ignored, wages withheld, and careers jeopardized by poor management.”
Her message was clear—enough is enough. Clubs must be held accountable when they fail to meet their obligations. She also encouraged fellow players to document everything, know their rights, and speak up.
Why This Matters for Water Polo
McDowall’s experience highlights a broader issue in professional water polo—contract enforcement and financial stability. While the sport demands elite commitment, too often players are left vulnerable, without timely payments or proper legal status.
This is not only damaging to athletes but to the integrity of the sport itself. Transparency and accountability are crucial if water polo wants to keep and attract top talent globally.
Total Waterpolo’s Next Step
At Total Waterpolo, we believe this conversation cannot be ignored. Inspired by McDowall’s courage, we are launching an initiative to bring transparency to the sport.
We plan to create:
– A public accountability list of clubs failing to fulfill contractual obligations.
– An extensive global survey about contracts, salaries, and working conditions in water polo, giving players and coaches a voice.
Since McDowall’s post, several other players have already reached out to us with similar experiences. We are currently collecting and verifying all relevant documentation, and once the process is complete, we will publish our findings.
If you’re a player or coach who has faced similar issues—whether you wish to speak publicly or remain anonymous—reach out to us and share your case. Your privacy will be fully protected, and every story helps us build a clearer picture of the problem. Together, we can hold clubs accountable and push for lasting change in our sport.
