Budget Direct Named Dolphins’ Principal Partner

Budget Direct and the Dolphins have announced a major expansion of their partnership, with the insurance brand confirmed as the club’s Principal Partner from the 2026 NRL season.

The new agreement elevates Budget Direct to the premium front-of-jersey position, while retaining its existing sleeve branding.

The deal marks Budget Direct’s largest sponsorship commitment to date and continues the strong relationship built since the Dolphins’ NRL debut in 2023.

Naming Rights to Dolphins’ Game Development Program

A key component of the expanded partnership is Budget Direct becoming the naming-rights partner for the Dolphins’ Game Development Program, a statewide initiative delivering coaching, skills development, and community engagement.

The program has already reached over 50,000 players across more than 750 schools and clubs in the past year, contributing significantly to participation and pathways growth in Queensland.

Budget Direct chief growth officer, Jonathan Kerr, said the expanded partnership aligns strongly with the company’s values and investment in Queensland communities.

“Supporting the Dolphins at both the grass roots level and in the NRL matters a lot to us all.” 

“This is a natural next step for us, and we are truly proud and honoured to become the Dolphins’ Principal Partner,” Kerr said.

Dolphins Welcomes Partnership Growth

Dolphins CEO, Terry Reader, described the strengthened relationship as a milestone for the club.

“Our relationship with Budget Direct has been both innovative and fun and no doubt that will continue in this new chapter.” 

“It is extremely unique in the NRL to have a sponsor on both the front of the jersey and the sleeves. This underlines the commercial strength and cultural alignment between our organisations,” Reader said.

Reader added that the partnership has resonated strongly with fans, particularly through joint advertising campaigns.

Front-of-Jersey Branding and Major Category Rights

Under the new agreement, Budget Direct will now take on the broader responsibilities and visibility associated with the Principal Partner tier.

Along with premium kit placement, the partnership also includes extensive branding, commercial integration, and media collaboration across club channels.

The Dolphins will unveil their 2026 kit featuring the new Principal Partner branding closer to launch.

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