Ministry of Sport

Network 10 Breaks Records with F1 and Matildas Ratings Surge

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Courtney

Network 10 has cemented its status as a premier sports broadcaster, delivering a massive weekend of viewership fueled by the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Despite heartbreak on the track for local fans, the network reached millions of Australians, capitalising on the high-stakes debut of F1’s new technical era and the Matildas’ record-breaking home campaign.

F1 Viewership Peaks Despite Piastri Crash

The 2026 season-opener at Albert Park drew immense interest, with Network 10’s coverage reaching a peak of 1,796,000 viewers during the race.

Fans tuned in to see Australian racer, Oscar Piastri start from fifth on the grid, though a crash prior to the warm-up lap saw nearly half the audience drop away, with just under 1,000,000 viewers remaining to watch George Russell lead a Mercedes 1-2 finish.

Across the entire four-day event, Network 10 reached a total of 3.7 million Australians, a result Adam Cush, 10’s Sports Production Director, labeled as an exceptional start to a new chapter for the sport. This coincided with a record-shattering live crowd of 483,934 at the venue, reinforcing F1’s major event status in the country.

Matildas Make History in Sydney

The momentum shifted to the pitch on Sunday evening as the Matildas played out a thrilling 3-3 draw against South Korea at Stadium Australia.

The match secured Network 10’s highest-ever audience for an AFC Women’s Asian Cup fixture, achieving a total national reach of 1,575,000 and a national average audience of 722,000.

Weekend Ratings Performance:

Key Statistics Network 10’s weekend was defined by its dual-sport success, reaching 3.7 million people during the Australian Grand Prix and peaking at 1.79 million for the race itself.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup coverage followed with a reach of 1.57 million and an average audience of 722,000.

However, the sports broadcasts faced stiff competition from Nine’s Married At First Sight, which dominated the Sunday night slot with a reach of 3,075,000 and an average audience of 1,905,000. On Saturday, Seven’s Better Homes and Gardens also managed to edge out the F1 qualifying session in the ratings battle.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

ARLC Unveils “Chiefs Village”: Five-Star Resort Living for PNG’s NRL Entry

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has taken a definitive step in securing the long-term viability of the PNG Chiefs by confirming an accommodation partnership with the Constantinou Group.

The agreement will see the creation of a dedicated “player village” at the prestigious Airways Hotel and Residences in Port Moresby, ensuring the NRL’s 19th franchise offers a lifestyle and security package capable of attracting the sport’s elite talent.

As part of the multi-million dollar development, the Constantinou Group will construct 67 brand-new, world-class residential units specifically for Chiefs players, staff, and their families. These fully-furnished quarters are designed to foster a “community feel” unique to the NRL, providing a safe, high-performance environment as the club prepares for its inaugural season in 2028.

Emphasising that the facility is a cornerstone of the franchise’s strategy for success, ARLC chairman, Peter V’landys AM, said: “The Airways facility will not only deliver the team a world-class high-performance environment,”

“but also a community feel which will be unique to professional Rugby League,” Mr. V’landys said.

He noted that the safe and secure, resort-style living is an “important step” in ensuring the Chiefs thrive both on and off the field.

Highlighting that “breaking ground on the player village” is a pivotal moment for the club’s identity, Chiefs CEO, Lorna McPherson, added: “This development is more than accommodation—it’s about creating a true home where our players and their families feel safe, supported, and valued.”

Resort-Style Living and Private Island Access

The partnership extends beyond traditional housing, offering a comprehensive lifestyle suite intended to ease the transition for relocating players. Key amenities at the Airways facility include:

Communal Hubs
High-Performance Facilities
Family Support
Exclusive Retreat

A Foundation for National Pride

PNG Chiefs: Expansion Roadmap

March 2026: Accommodation partner and “Chiefs Village” confirmed.
Late 2026: Recruitment window officially opens for the 2028 season.
November 2027: Residential units at Airways scheduled for practical completion and occupancy.
March 2028: PNG Chiefs officially debut in the NRL Premiership.

The Constantinou Group, a family business with roots in Port Moresby dating back to the 1950s, will lead the construction.

With the residential quarters slated for completion in November 2027, the Chiefs will have a fully operational “home base” months before their historic first kickoff, signaling to the rugby league world that Papua New Guinea is ready to compete at the highest level.

Bowls Australia Board Vacancy: Call for Appointed Director

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Courtney

Bowls Australia has formally opened applications for an appointed director position on its board of directors following a recent resignation.

The casual vacancy offers a strategic opportunity for a qualified professional to contribute to the governance of a National Sporting Organisation (NSO) during a transformative period for the sport.

The successful candidate will serve the remainder of the current term until the Bowls Australia Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October 2026.

Following the AGM, the position is eligible for a full three-year appointment, with a maximum tenure of nine years. This recruitment drive aligns with the launch of Bowls Australia’s new strategic roadmap, the Bold Bowls | Fun Bowls Action Agenda 2025–2028, which prioritises digital innovation and community connectivity.

Key Governance and Strategy Enablers

The Bowls Australia Board comprises nine Directors, five elected and four appointed, tasked with overseeing an organisation with an annual turnover of approximately $10 million and a workforce of 35–40 full-time employees.

The Board is currently prioritising candidates with a “proven successful background” in two specific areas:

Strategic Digital Leadership: Shaping a vision to modernise the bowls experience, strengthen participation, and enhance the sport’s long-term relevance through technology.
Data, Cyber, and Technology Governance: Providing expert oversight on data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital integrity to ensure investments are ethical, safe, and aligned with national commercial targets.

Appointment Criteria and Requirements

In accordance with the Bowls Australia Constitution, all directors must be a financial full member of a bowling club within an Australian State or Territory prior to their appointment (Bowls Australia can assist successful applicants in securing this membership).

Additionally, the board mandates that appointed directors hold Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) qualifications or equivalent.

Bowls Australia Board Vacancy: Key Application Details

Closing Date: Midnight, Wednesday, 1 April 2026.
Interview Date: Tuesday, 14 April 2026 (conducted by the Bowls Australia Nominations Committee).
Meeting Frequency: Six regular meetings per year, plus special meetings as required (in-person or virtual).
Submission Requirements: A maximum 2-page cover letter addressing the five key criteria and a 1-page CV.
Contact: Applications should be directed to the Bowls Australia CEO at [email protected].

Gold Coast Titans Secure Easi as Official Partner Through 2027

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Courtney

The Gold Coast Titans announced a new two-year partnership with industry-leading novated leasing and salary packaging firm, Easi.

The agreement, which runs through the conclusion of the 2027 NRL season, positions Easi as a central pillar of the club’s business networking and community fundraising arms.

Under the terms of the deal, Easi becomes the Official Presenting Partner of the Titans in Business program. This initiative aims to strengthen professional connections across the club’s extensive corporate network, with Easi set to play a lead role in delivering premium networking events and B2B engagement opportunities throughout the sporting calendar.

Enhancing Game-Day Community Impact

Welcoming the firm into the inner circle, and noting the alignment of their shared values, Gold Coast Titans CEO, Steve Mitchell, said: “We’re excited to partner with Easi over the next two years and welcome them into the Titans family.”

He emphasised that Easi’s commitment to both the corporate network and the 50-50 Charity Raffle demonstrates a “genuine investment” in the broader Gold Coast community.

Beyond the boardroom, the partnership features a high-visibility community component at Cbus Super Stadium. Easi has taken on the role of presenting partner for the 50-50 Charity Raffle held during every Titans home game.

This initiative serves a dual purpose: providing significant financial support to the club’s various charity partners while offering one lucky fan a substantial cash prize each week.

Strategic Growth and Corporate Synergy

For Easi, the partnership provides a platform to showcase their expertise in salary packaging and vehicle leasing to the Titans’ diverse membership and partner base.

The “Titans in Business” alignment is particularly timely as the club continues to grow its commercial footprint in the South East Queensland corridor.

Tasmania JackJumpers appoint new CEO

Posted on March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 by Courtney

The Tasmania JackJumpers and the newly formed Tasmania Jewels have officially ushered in a new era of leadership, announcing the appointment of Trent Jacobs as the clubs’ new CEO.

Jacobs, a seasoned sports executive with a diverse background across the AFL and A-League, will formally take the reins on April 7, 2026, following the departure of inaugural CEO Christine Finnegan. His arrival coincides with several major milestones, including the opening of the club’s High Performance Training Centre in mid-2026 and the highly anticipated debut of the Tasmania Jewels in the WNBL later this year.

A Proven Track Record in Sports Leadership

Trent Jacobs brings over two decades of high-level experience to the role. Most recently, he served as the executive director at Sports Cloud Australia, a digital growth startup he co-founded. His previous leadership roles include:

CEO of Melbourne Victory FC (2018–2021): Overseeing one of the A-League’s most successful franchises.
Richmond Football Club: Holding senior executive marketing and commercial roles during a period of significant growth for the AFL club.

Executive chair, Steve Old, highlighted that Jacobs was the “stand-out candidate” from a competitive national search.

“His exceptional experience in sports leadership coupled with his commercial acumen sets him in great stead to lead our teams on and off the court,” Old said.

“Defending the Island”: The Next Chapter

During the recruitment process, Jacobs quietly attended the JackJumpers’ Teal Round clash against the Brisbane Bullets at MyState Bank Arena to experience the atmosphere firsthand.

“I love the clarity of the club’s identity.”

“The DNA of ‘Defend the Island’ is so evident. It is something that permeates beyond the basketball court and I want to be a part of it,” Jacobs shared.

Jacobs acknowledged the legacy built by Christine Finnegan and head coach Scott Roth, noting that the club has united the Tasmanian community in a way that transcends the sport itself.

As he relocates his family to the island, his focus will remain on building this connection and exploring global opportunities for Tasmanian basketball.

QRU Records Seventh Straight Operating Profit

Posted on March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 by Courtney

The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has fortified its position as one of the most financially stable sporting bodies in Australia, today announcing its seventh consecutive operating profit.

The organisation reported a 2025 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of $813,997, a substantial increase from the $199,832 recorded in the 2024 financial year.

This financial performance was largely fueled by a surge in commercial partnership returns and heightened game-day revenues. A primary driver was the Queensland Reds’ high-profile tour match against the British and Irish Lions, which generated significant international interest and commercial inventory. The results indicate that the QRU’s long-term strategy of decoupling financial stability from on-field win-loss ratios is yielding tangible success.

The Ballymore Transformation

A central pillar of the QRU’s economic recovery has been the redevelopment of the Ballymore precinct. Since the completion of the BMS National Rugby Training Centre (NRTC) in 2023, the venue has undergone a massive financial turnaround, moving from an annual loss exceeding $1 million to near break-even point.

Noting that the precinct remains the bedrock of the union’s future growth, QRU CEO, David Hanham, said: “Our focus has been on building a business model for long-term sustainability.”

The organisation is now focused on the next phase of development, seeking partners for 4,000m² of already approved commercial space within the precinct to further diversify revenue streams.

Reporting and Asset Depreciation

Despite the strong operating profit, the QRU reported a statutory loss of $1,110,425. This figure is primarily attributed to a significant non-cash depreciation charge of $1,760,856 across the revamped Ballymore assets and the NRTC. This represents an improvement over the 2024 statutory loss of $1,647,196, which was also impacted by a $1,704,693 depreciation charge.

The QRU’s ability to maintain an operating surplus while managing significant infrastructure depreciation highlights a disciplined approach to asset management.

By converting Ballymore from a liability into a commercial asset, the union has secured a foundation for growth as it looks toward the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup and the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup, both set to be hosted in Australia.

Collingwood Secures Niterra as Coaches’ Partner and Finalises 2026 AFL Panel

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Courtney

Collingwood has officially announced global automotive giant Niterra as its Platinum Partner and Coaches’ Partner.

The collaboration will see Niterra’s NTK branding featured prominently on all coaching apparel and uniforms for both the AFL and VFL programs, aligning the club with a brand synonymous with precision engineering and innovation.

The partnership arrives as the Magpies lock in their full 2026 coaching structure under Senior Coach Craig McRae.

A key pillar of the panel remains Hayden Skipworth, who continues as head of football strategy and coaching, overseeing the broader development team.

The off-season was highlighted by the return of 2010 premiership hero Tyson Goldsack as an assistant coach responsible for the forward line, joining stalwarts Matthew Boyd (Midfield) and Jordan Roughead (Backs) in the senior assistant roles.

Commenting on the announcement, Collingwood CEO, Craig Kelly, noted that Niterra’s philosophy of evolution and precision aligns closely with the club’s dedication to growth.

“Niterra is a highly regarded global brand who have a philosophy based on evolution, precision and delivering a premium product,” Kelly said.

Craig McRae echoed these sentiments, stating that Niterra’s drive for innovation mirrors his coaching group’s mindset as they constantly search for new ways to improve player performance.

Niterra Australia’s head of marketing, Racquelle Felices, emphasised that the partnership celebrates the power of connection between fans, families, and automotive enthusiasts.

Collingwood 2026 AFL Coaching Structure: Personnel Summary

Senior coach, Craig McRae, leads a diverse panel supported by Hayden Skipworth as head of football strategy and coaching. The senior assistant group comprises Matthew Boyd managing the midfield, Tyson Goldsack overseeing the forwards, and Jordan Roughead directing the backline. Development is bolstered by former Essendon captain, Dyson Heppell, who joins Chloe McMillan, Nathan Murphy, and newly appointed VFL Senior Coach Matthew Lokan, while Greg Stafford enters the fold as Ruck Coach to mentor the club’s emerging division.

Parramatta Eels Secure MTC FutureReady as Inaugural Official Community Partner

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Courtney

The Parramatta Eels have officially announced MTC FutureReady as the Club’s first-ever Official Community Partner.

The collaboration represents an alliance between one of Western Sydney’s most iconic sporting institutions and a leading social enterprise dedicated to vocational transformation.

The partnership is designed to leverage the massive reach of the Eels to connect Western Sydney individuals and families with MTC FutureReady’s suite of education and employment services.

Central to the agreement is the co-design of community-specific programs, ensuring that support pathways for education and job placement are tailored to the practical needs of the local population.

Commenting on the partnership, Parramatta Eels CEO, Jim Sarantinos, emphasised that the club’s identity extends far beyond the football field.

“The Eels have always been more than a football club; we are part of the fabric of Western Sydney,” Sarantinos said.

He noted that MTC FutureReady shares a core commitment to empowering people, providing a genuine opportunity to create a “lasting impact where it matters most.”

MTC FutureReady CEO, Rob Marshall, stated that the partnership reflects a strong cultural fit.

“Together, we’ll create meaningful impact across the communities we both serve. We can’t wait to get started,” Marshall remarked.

MTC FutureReady brings thirty-seven years of community service experience to the partnership.

The organisation employs over 600 team members and supports more than 22,000 people annually across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the ACT. By aligning with the Eels, the enterprise aims to drive “life-changing transformation” through targeted training and meaningful employment services.

The partnership will take center stage during one of the NRL’s premier annual events. MTC FutureReady has been designated as the Official Gameday Partner for the Eels’ Round 5 Easter Monday clash against the Wests Tigers.

Record-Breaking 483,000 Fans Witness Mercedes 1-2 at 2026 Australian Grand Prix

Posted on March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 by Courtney

The 2026 Formula 1 season officially launched at Albert Park with a record-shattering weekend that solidified the event’s status as a global sporting titan.

A total weekend crowd of 483,934 fans attended the four-day festival, marking the highest attendance in the circuit’s thirty-year history on the F1 calendar and ranking as the third-highest weekend total in the history of the sport. This figure represents a robust year-on-year growth of nearly 20,000 spectators compared to the 465,498 recorded in 2025.

The event demonstrated massive engagement from the outset, with a record 86,210 fans attending on Thursday and 125,725 on Friday.

Saturday’s qualifying session drew 134,130 people, while Sunday’s race day saw a peak attendance of 136,935, pushing the venue toward its newly expanded capacity of 141,000.

On the track, the race marked the debut of the sport’s new-for-2026 technical regulations, which saw George Russell lead teammate Kimi Antonelli to a commanding 1-2 finish, the first such result for Mercedes in Melbourne since 2019.

Despite the celebratory atmosphere of the thirtieth anniversary of the race moving from Adelaide to Melbourne, local supporters faced significant heartbreak. Oscar Piastri, who was honored with a sold-out namesake grandstand on the main straight, crashed out on his way to the grid. His absence from the starting line meant that 2026 was the first time since 2001 that no Australian drivers featured in the starting grid for their home Grand Prix.

Logistically, the weekend was bolstered by significant infrastructure upgrades, including the November 2025 opening of Anzac Station and a tripling of capacity for the main overpass, which successfully mitigated the congestion issues of previous years.

While the record weekend total remains just shy of the all-time national record of 520,000 set in Adelaide in 1995, the 2026 event sets a new commercial benchmark for the future of Formula 1 in Victoria.

How Melbourne Secured the F1 Australian Grand Prix

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Courtney

While the 2026 Formula 1 season launched this weekend in Melbourne with a record-breaking sell-out, the story of how the city “snatched” the race from Adelaide is one of political subterfuge, secret identities, and a high-stakes meeting with then-F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

As chronicled by F1 Hall of Fame journalist David Tremayne, the transition from Adelaide to Melbourne in 1996 was the result of a deal so clandestine that its architects used aliases while travelling to the UK in 1993 to avoid detection by the media and rival politicians.

The Architect of the Steal

The move was orchestrated by Victorian businessman, Ron Walker, and then-Premier, Jeff Kennett. At the time, Melbourne was grappling with a $32 million debt and the recent disappointment of losing the Olympics to Atlanta. Walker and Kennett viewed the Grand Prix as a vital engine for economic recovery and a way to restore the city’s status as a global sporting capital.

Melbourne had lost faith in winning things, as stated by Walker. To secure the race, Walker confronted the newly elected South Australian Premier Dean Brown with evidence of a signed contract with Ecclestone, stunned silence followed. The depth of feeling in South Australia was so severe that Walker famously recalled a staff member spitting at his feet during a subsequent trip to Adelaide.

The 1996 Debut: Miracles and Oil Leaks

The inaugural Melbourne race in 1996 remains legendary for Martin Brundle’s horrifying 190mph barrel-roll at Turn 3. Despite his Jordan being broken in half, Brundle sprinted back to the pits to take the spare car for the restart, a feat of “abnormal bravery” that solidified Albert Park’s reputation as a high-speed, high-consequence circuit.

The race also saw the debut of Jacques Villeneuve, who sat on pole and led most of the race before a mechanical issue forced him to cede the lead to teammate Damon Hill. An oil coupling failure on Villeneuve’s car sprayed lubricant onto Hill’s visor, prompting Williams to order the rookie to slow down to ensure a 1-2 finish.

Today, wih the 2026 Grand Prix generating over $60 million in economic impact, the controversy of the “stolen race” has largely transitioned into a legacy of success.

Melbourne has transformed Albert Park into a global benchmark for street circuits, justifying the secret mission Ron Walker undertook three decades ago.

SEN Geelong Launches New Local Drive Show with Matt Worland and Cam Mooney

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Courtney

SEN Geelong has announced a expantion of its local footprint for the 2026 AFL Premiership season, headlined by the launch of a brand-new drive-time program, The Run Home with Worlo & Moons.

Airing every Monday and Friday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the show pairs veteran local radio talent Matt ‘Worlo’ Worland with three-time premiership player and media personality Cam ‘Moons’ Mooney.

The duo aims to provide a mix of sharp sporting analysis and “local Geelong flavour” to wrap up the workday for sports fans.

In addition to the drive slot, the pair will also host The Warm Up with Worlo & Moons at 6:00 AM on Saturday mornings, broadcasting across a massive regional network including Melbourne, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Gippsland.

Sharing how the expanded coverage highlights the station’s deep commitment to the region, SEN commercial director – Regional Victoria, Andy Mathers, said: “Geelong is a fiercely proud sporting city, and our listeners want content that reflects their passion and their community,”

“Worlo and Moons are the perfect local voices to lead our new drive show,” Mathers said.

Expanded “Cats Radio” Coverage

For Geelong supporters, the 2026 season brings the most comprehensive broadcast coverage in the station’s history.

Cats Radio will provide “parochial and biased” calls for every Geelong home and away game this year. The commentary team features a high-performance lineup including:

Cam Mooney (AFL Legend)
Nick Butler (Sports Journalist)
Ben Graham (Geelong Great & NFL Punter)
Liam Pickering (Former Cat & Player Agent)
Josh Jenkins (Former AFL Forward)

Elevated In-Stadium Experience

Fans attending games at GMHBA Stadium this season will benefit from an enhanced SEN Stadium experience.

The technology allows fans inside the venue to access live SEN match commentary without the traditional broadcast delay.

In addition, the system is not reliant on in-stadium Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless “second screen” audio experience that includes live insights and on-ground integrations.

The new local programming joins an established suite of Geelong-focused content, including Reel Adventures with Patrick Dangerfield and Dwayne’s World with Dwayne Russell.

TNT Sports and FIBA Strike Landmark U.S. Broadcast Deal Through 2029

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Courtney

FIBA and TNT Sports (a division of Warner Bros. Discovery) have announced a long-term partnership Basketball USA. The agreement, which runs through 2029, will see elite international competitions broadcast across the TNT, TBS, and truTV networks, alongside comprehensive streaming on HBO Max.

The deal effectively positions TNT Sports as the primary U.S. home for the world’s most prestigious basketball events, including the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 in Germany and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar.

The collaboration will also leverage TNT’s massive digital ecosystem, including Bleacher Report, House of Highlights, and B/R W, to maximize the reach of FIBA events among younger, digitally native audiences.

Strategic Alignment and Women’s Sports Growth

For TNT Sports, the acquisition bolsters an already robust basketball portfolio that includes the BIG EAST, Big 12, and the NCAA Men’s Tournament.

Noting that the deal further strengthens their leadership position in women’s sports, VP of Content Acquisitions at TNT Sports, Anthony D’Inverno, said: “We’re excited to showcase these events across all of TNT Sports networks and platforms, bringing fans closer to the players and stories that define international basketball.”

Emphasising the importance of high-quality broadcast access in a market as basketball-centric as the United States, director general of FIBA Media, Frank Leenders, added: “This deal will take the profile of international basketball to a whole new level in the USA.”

High-Stakes Debut in Puerto Rico

The partnership officially tips off this week with the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico, running from March 11 to 17. This tournament is expected to generate significant viewership as it marks the highly anticipated senior world-stage debuts for American stars Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese.

Key FIBA Events Included in the Agreement:

March 2026: Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament (Puerto Rico).
September 2026: FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup (Berlin, Germany).
July 2027: Men’s World Cup Americas Qualifiers (USA vs. Dominican Republic).
2027: FIBA Basketball World Cup (Qatar).

With the U.S. Men’s team currently holding a 3-1 record in their Americas Qualifiers and the Women’s team preparing for a title defense in Berlin, the timing of the deal provides fans with a seamless “all-access” pass to the national teams’ journeys over the next four years.

Panthers Launch 2026 Corporate Hospitality Program for CommBank Stadium Season

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Courtney

The Penrith Panthers have officially opened sales for their 2026 Corporate Hospitality program, inviting businesses and fans to experience a high-stakes season at their temporary home, CommBank Stadium.

With the club operating out of Parramatta while the new Penrith Stadium undergoes construction, the 2026 schedule features some of the most anticipated matchups in recent years, including the “Battle of the West” and a grand final rematch atmosphere.

The hospitality launch is timed to capture the peak of the NRL season’s opening momentum. Key dates already drawing high demand include the Round 4 “Battle of the West” against the Parramatta Eels on Saturday, March 28, followed immediately by a blockbuster Round 5 clash against the Melbourne Storm on Friday, April 3.

Premium Experience Tiers

The 2026 program is designed to cater to a range of objectives, from high-level client entertainment to rewarding internal staff. Available packages include:

The 1967 Lounge: An exclusive membership-based offering providing elevated comfort, light catering, and access to a private cash bar. Full-season memberships for the Lounge are currently priced at approximately $1,350 per person (or $150 per game).
Private Suites & Outdoor Boxes: Ideal for groups seeking a dedicated space with premium food and beverage service and prime views of the action.
Tooheys Cumberland Lounge & Field Club: Options for fans looking for a more social, high-energy environment with high-quality dining.

The club’s Partnerships team has emphasised that packages can be tailored to specific budgets and objectives, whether for one-off celebrations or full-season corporate alignments.

Given the limited capacity of premium bays (specifically Bays 214–216 and 115–116 for 1967 Lounge members), early commitment is recommended as marquee rounds are expected to sell out weeks in advance.

Tasmania Devils Launch High-Performance “Dancing With The Devils” Leadership Series

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Courtney

The Tasmania Devils have unveiled a premier professional development initiative, the Dancing With The Devils Leadership Series, designed to translate elite sporting principles into corporate excellence.

Launching in May 2026, the program offers senior managers and emerging Tasmanian leaders an “inner sanctum” experience to refine their leadership credentials through the lens of a high-performance football club.

The series is built upon the Devils’ “Why and Way” values framework, focusing on accelerating learning, embracing individuality, and fostering team resilience in high-stakes environments.

Participants will move through four full-day workshops at football-connected venues across the state, ensuring a truly statewide impact that mirrors the club’s community-first philosophy.

Elite Access and Keynote Faculty

The curriculum is headlined by high-profile leaders from the Tasmania Football Club, providing participants with exclusive insights into the culture-building required to launch a national franchise.

Brendon Gale: Inaugural CEO of the Tasmania Devils and former Richmond FC chief.
Kath McCann: General Manager of Marketing, Public Affairs, and Social Impact.
Lauren Jauncey: General Manager of Strategy, People, and Culture.
Technical Staff: Key members of the football department will provide insights into performance systems and preparation.

Beyond the workshops, attendees will gain access to select Devils VFL and VFLW training sessions. This practical component allows leaders to witness “alignment in action” and hear directly from coaching staff about establishing a culture of excellence under pressure.

Program Structure and Academic Integration

To ensure a high-quality, diverse learning environment, the cohort is strictly limited to two participants per organisation. The program also bridges the gap between sport and academia through a significant partnership with the University of Tasmania.

MBA Credit: Successful graduates can receive credit toward a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Capability.
Community of Practice: Monthly online sessions will run between the core workshops to maintain momentum and foster a collaborative “Alumni Network.”

Applications are now open for leaders ready to “perform when it matters most.”

Matildas Set for Record-Breaking International Women’s Day Clash as Ticket Sales Top 250,000

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Courtney

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 has officially shattered all previous tournament benchmarks, with organisers confirming that more than a quarter of a million tickets have already been sold.

The achievement cements the event as the most successful edition in the history of the regional championship, significantly outpacing the total attendance of the 2010 tournament in China in just its opening ten matches.

The surge in interest is being driven by a “Matildas mania” that has shown no signs of slowing since the 2023 World Cup.

To date, 92,795 fans have attended the first ten fixtures across Perth, the Gold Coast, and Sydney. This early figure alone has eclipsed the previous all-time record of 59,910 spectators set across an entire tournament.

The commercial and cultural momentum has also translated to the small screen, with Australia’s opening two matches drawing a combined television audience of 2.68 million viewers on Network 10 and Paramount+.

Economic and Tourism Impact

Western Australia’s Minister for Tourism, Reece Whitby, emphasised that major sporting events of this scale help create local jobs and promote the region globally, citing the 44,000-strong crowd in Perth as a prime example.

In addition, Queensland Minister, Andrew Powell highlighted the Gold Coast’s role in proving the state is a premier destination for international sport.

Describing the fan response as extraordinary, chief operating officer of the organising committee, Sarah Walsh, said: “Surpassing a quarter of a million ticket sales so early in the competition demonstrates the remarkable support for women’s football and confirms the tournament is already exceeding expectations.”

A Historic Encounter at Stadium Australia

All eyes are now fixed on a massive showdown scheduled for International Women’s Day, when the Matildas face the South Korea women’s national football team at Stadium Australia.

The fixture is on track to produce the largest crowd of the tournament so far. NSW Premier Chris Minns noted that Sydney is preparing for an “electric atmosphere” as fans scramble to secure the remaining tickets for what is expected to be a defining moment of the 2026 campaign.

AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026: Milestone Data

Total Tickets Sold: Exceeding 250,000 across the full tournament schedule.
Opening Attendance: 92,795 fans across the first 10 matches.
Broadcast Reach: 2.68 million viewers for Australia’s initial two fixtures.
Perth Opening Match: More than 44,000 fans filled Perth Stadium.
Previous Record: 59,910 (Total attendance for the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup).