Ministry of Sport

SportWest and Camerahouse Leederville Renew WA Sport Awards Partnership

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Courtney

SportWest has officially announced a two-year extension of its partnership with Camerahouse Leederville.

The renewal ensures that one of the most visually significant components of the WA Sport Awards will remain a focal point of the state’s premier sporting celebration through 2028.

The “Image of the Year” category is designed to recognise photographers who capture the emotional and high-impact moments of Western Australian sport, spanning the spectrum from grassroots community clubs to elite professional performance.

Commenting on the partnership extension, SportWest CEO, Troy Kirkham, said: “Sport is defined by powerful moments, and this award honours the images that capture the passion, achievement and community connection of sport in Western Australia.”

Emphasising the unique nature of sports photography,director of Camerahouse Leederville, Giovanna Thomas-Fiore, added: “Photography has the unique ability to tell powerful stories, and sport provides some of the most compelling moments to capture.”

“We’re proud to continue as naming rights partner… and to celebrate the talented photographers and sporting moments across WA,” Thomas-Fiore said.

Commercial and Community Alignment

Camerahouse Leederville, a prominent local business within the WA photography sector, leverages the partnership to connect with a broad demographic of professional and amateur photographers.

The collaboration provides the brand with a high-visibility platform to showcase the “art of photography” within the context of the state’s most compelling sporting narratives.

The WA Sport Awards Context

The WA Sport Awards serve as the definitive recognition program for the Western Australian sporting ecosystem.

Beyond athletes and coaches, the awards honor the critical contributions of volunteers, officials, and administrators.

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PGA Tour Announces Workforce Reductions Amid Transition to For-Profit Model

Posted on April 24, 2026April 24, 2026 by Courtney

The PGA Tour has initiated a restructuring process, eliminating 4% of its workforce as the organisation continues its transition into the new for-profit entity, PGA Tour Enterprises.

The move, confirmed on Thursday, saw 56 U.S.-based full-time employees laid off, while an additional 73 open positions will remain unfilled as part of a broader rationalisation of the circuit’s operations.

The decision follows a comprehensive organisational review conducted by a third-party consulting firm.

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp issued a memo to staff explaining that the recommendations were a mechanical necessity to streamline the business following the landmark investment from Strategic Sports Group (SSG).

Shifting Commercial Landscape

In January 2024, the PGA Tour secured a deal with SSG, a consortium of U.S. sports team owners, worth up to USD3 billion (AUD4.2 billion). To date, SSG has deployed an initial USD1.5 billion (USD2.1 billion) into the tour’s new commercial arm.

While the agreement originally allowed for a co-investment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which finances the rival LIV Golf circuit, negotiations appear to have reached a standstill.

Communication between the PGA Tour and the PIF has notably cooled since high-profile discussions involving President Donald Trump at the White House in February 2025.

This silence coincides with a strategic pivot by the PIF; last week, the sovereign wealth fund announced a new five-year strategy to focus capital on the domestic Saudi economy and diversify away from oil, potentially signalling a recalibration of its aggressive international sports spending.

Brisbane Broncos Appoint Coronis as Official Real Estate Partner

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Courtney

The Brisbane Broncos have today announced a strategic two-year partnership with Queensland-based real estate leader Coronis, naming the group as the Club’s Official Real Estate Agent.

The agreement focuses on performance-driven culture and community connection, aligning two of Queensland’s most recognisable brands.

The partnership activates immediately, with more than 300 Coronis staff attending tonight’s Round 8 clash against the Canterbury-Bankhouse Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium.

The Coronis team will take over the Derby Lounge as part of a high-value staff reward initiative, marking the beginning of a program designed to provide the agency’s team with exclusive access to elite sporting environments.

A core component of the partnership is a dedicated digital and content program featuring Broncos players. These co-created campaigns will explore the parallels between elite athletic preparation and high-performing sales mindsets, emphasizing the role both organisations play in helping Queenslanders “find their place.”

Commenting on the partnership, Broncos CEO, Dave Donaghy, said: “Coronis is a high-performance business, and that’s something we deeply connect with as a Club.”

“They’re in the business of helping people find a place to call home.

“Suncorp Stadium is our house, and it’s built on the same foundations, people, community and shared experience,” Donaghy said.

Highlighting the motivational value of the alliance, Coronis Group CEO, Karuna Mazzocchik, added: “The Broncos have built one of the great high-performance cultures in this country, and bringing our team into that environment is going to have a real impact on the way we show up for our clients every single day.”

As an end-to-end property business with over 40 years of history in Brisbane, Coronis will leverage the partnership to drive internal culture and client engagement. The deal includes:

Elite Access: Hosting internal corporate events at the Broncos’ Clive Berghofer Centre.
Match-Day Presence: Access to premium hospitality and stadium inventory at Suncorp Stadium.
Ambassador Engagement: Utilising Broncos players and Club Ambassadors for internal high-performance sessions.

Fanatics and NFL Strike Global On-Site Retail Deal Starting with 2026 Draft

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Courtney

Fanatics and the National Football League (NFL) have today announced a landmark multi-year partnership, designating the global sports platform as the league’s official on-site retail partner for its entire roster of marquee global events.

The exclusive agreement, which officially commences with the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, marks the first time Fanatics will manage on-location retail for the league’s premier events, including the Super Bowl.

Noting that the move aligns with the league’s evolution into a year-round global brand, NFL senior vice president of consumer products and licensing, Casey Collins, said: “Fanatics has established itself as the perfect partner to meet consumer demand for the best merchandise possible.”

“We look forward to working in lockstep with Fanatics to deliver every fan a world-class retail experience during the League’s biggest moments,” Collins said.

Highlighting the importance of global scale in this new era of the league, Fanatics president of business affairs, Gary Gertzog, said: “The League is reaching more fans across more countries each year, and we believe that our global scale and expertise.”

“Set us up perfectly to super-serve the fan experience across these coveted, marquee sports moments,” Gertzog stated.

Under the expanded pact, Fanatics will oversee end-to-end retail operations for the NFL Shop at stadiums and host city locations.

The partnership covers a comprehensive list of tentpole events, including NFL Kickoff, the NFL International Games, NFL Flag Championships, the NFL Scouting Combine, and the Pro Bowl Games.

Enhanced Fan Experience and Technology

The partnership is designed to leverage Fanatics’ merchandising scale to deliver a more cohesive and tech-driven shopping experience. For the upcoming NFL Draft in Pittsburgh (April 23–25), the footprint will feature over 10 retail outlets, including a flagship superstore tent at Point State Park and multiple kiosks throughout the North Shore and Acrisure Stadium.

Fanatics already serves as the NFL’s official e-commerce partner and operates the online stores for 29 individual teams, including in-venue retail for 16 franchises.

The partnership is expected to introduce new retail concepts and innovative product lines that reflect the unique identity of each host city.

Football Australia Announce Two New Board of Directors

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Courtney

Football Australia has officially confirmed the appointments of Rachel Wiseman and Angela Mentis to its Board of Directors.

The move follows a formal ratification by Members at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on 23 April 2026.

Stating that the new directors were selected to fill specific capability gaps as the organisation scales, Football Australia chair, Anter Isaac, said: “These appointments reflect a deliberate effort to strengthen the Board’s capability across commercial strategy, digital transformation, financial services and major rights environments.”

“Rachel brings deep experience in media, sport and complex commercial negotiations, while Angela adds significant leadership in large-scale organisational, customer and technology transformation,” Isaac said.

Rachel Wiseman: Media and Commercial Specialist

Wiseman joins as an appointed director, effective from 25 April 2026 until November 2027. With over two decades of leadership across the technology, media, and tourism sectors, she brings high-value experience in navigating complex sporting rights environments.

Notably, Wiseman served as the director of business affairs for Fox Sports Australia (2007-2014), where she was instrumental in negotiating key sports broadcast agreements.

More recently, as CEO Member Capital at NRMA, she led major diversification strategies and M&A activities. Her background as a lawyer and her current role as a Non-Executive Director for Web Travel Group (ASX: WEB) provide the Board with deep commercial and legal rigor.

Angela Mentis: Digital and Financial Leader

Mentis will fill an elected director casual vacancy, serving from 25 April 2026 until the conclusion of the 2027 AGM. Her career spans 30 years in the financial services sector, headlined by her tenure as the first female CEO of the Bank of New Zealand in its 160-year history.

During 17 years at National Australia Bank (NAB), Mentis held the role of group executive for Digital, Data, Analytics, and Innovation, managing a division of 900 people across three countries. Her expertise in large-scale technological and cultural transformation is expected to be a primary driver for Football Australia’s digital evolution. She currently holds non-executive roles with the Reece Group and TAL Group.

Bunnings Launches 2026 “Legend of the Tongs”

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Courtney

Bunnings has officially fired up the second year of its nationwide Legend of the Tongs search, a community-focused initiative designed to celebrate the grassroots volunteers who serve as the backbone of Australian rules football.

Now in its 12th year as an official AFL partner, the retailer will run the campaign across 18 weeks of the 2026 season, rewarding the local legends who sustain their clubs through the iconic match-day BBQ.

The 2026 campaign introduces a new “community choice” public vote to help shortlist finalists, with the ultimate winner crowned the “Legend of the Golden Tongs.”

This top honour includes $25,000 in Bunnings products and materials for the winner’s local club. The initiative follows a successful inaugural year in 2025, where 90-year-old Geoff Wills of the Bundoora Junior Football Club was recognised for an incredible 45 years of service.

Former Richmond star, Matthew ‘Richo’ Richardson, returns as an ambassador, joined this year by four-time AFLW premiership player and commentator Libby Birch. The inclusion of Birch highlights the campaign’s focus on the rapid growth of the women’s game.

“The growth of the women’s game… is only possible because of the dedication of volunteers at a grassroots level.”

“It’s great to be part of a campaign that gives back to them,” Birch said.

Bunnings head of community, sponsorship and events, Michelle Walters, emphasised that the program is a mechanical necessity for supporting the more than 200,000 volunteers nationwide.

“Whether it’s firing up the BBQ, backing their teams or raising vital funds, these volunteers play a huge role in keeping community footy thriving,” Walters noted.

Legend of the Tongs Structure and Prizes

Throughout the 18-week nomination period, Bunnings will recognise weekly “legends” from across the country. Each week, five clubs will receive a BBQ prize pack valued at over $585, featuring a Jumbuck 6-burner BBQ and a Bunnings pop-up marquee.

Beyond the weekly prizes, eight standout winners will receive a trip for two to the 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final. The first round of weekly winners has already been announced, including:

Victoria: Kayne Henman and Laura McCallum
South Australia: Jarrad Young
Queensland: Jackie Barrie
Western Australia: Vance Bond

New research from Bunnings reinforces the cultural significance of the initiative, revealing that nearly 29% of Australians cite the BBQ as their favourite volunteer role.

Nominations are currently open and will close on 16 August 2026.

Melbourne Storm Turns Up the Intensity with Dare Iced Coffee Partnership

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Courtney

The Melbourne Storm has officially welcomed Dare Iced Coffee as a high-energy new partner for the next two seasons.

Announced on 23 April 2026, the multi-year agreement establishes the iconic Australian brand, owned by Bega Group, as an Official Partner, deeply integrating it into the club’s matchday and digital experience at AAMI Park.

Expressing enthusiasm for the new alliance, and noting the brand’s cultural fit, Melbourne Storm CEO, Justin Rodski, said: “Dare is an iconic Australian brand that aligns strongly with our Club’s values around performance, high energy and consistency.”

“We look forward to working together to engage our fans through innovative and entertaining digital content,” Rodski said.

Echoing the sentiment, and stating the partnership was a natural match, Bega Group’s executive general manager, Darryn Wallace, added: “Melbourne Storm set the benchmark for high performance and intensity, which aligns perfectly with what Dare stands for—delivering consistency when it matters most.”

Key Partnership Activations:

Digital Integration: Dare will sponsor the “Dare Defensive Play of the Week” across the Storm’s digital channels.
Matchday Visibility: The brand will be prominent during pre and post-game interviews, ensuring high-value exposure during peak fan engagement periods.
Network Synergy: As an Official Partner, Dare joins a robust corporate network that recently saw the long-term extension of Hostplus through 2028.

Lachlan Ilias and Titans Deliver Vital Support to Motherhood Village Charity

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Courtney

The Gold Coast Titans have strengthened their ties to the local community, with five-eighth Lachlan Ilias and partner Regan Stephens visiting Motherhood Village to deliver a significant financial and material contribution.

The visit marks the culmination of the club’s International Women’s Day initiative, which focused on supporting perinatal mental health and local mothers.

Ilias and Stephens presented a cheque for $2,075, raised through a dedicated club auction.

In addition to the funds, the pair delivered a second wave of care packages containing essentials for mothers and infants, following an initial delivery by NRLW star Jaime Chapman. These packages were the result of a coordinated effort by Titans players and staff to provide immediate, practical support to families in need.

Vital Services for Gold Coast Mothers

Motherhood Village is a peer-led charity providing free in-person support for mothers from pregnancy through to five years postpartum.

Emphasising that the donation is a necessity for maintaining the charity’s accessibility, founding director and CEO, Tracey Tyley, said: “It goes directly to helping us keep our support groups free of charge for our mums to attend.”

“Looking after our mums means the world to us, and this support allows us to keep doing that. It really makes a huge difference for us… we’re just so grateful,” Tyley said.

Personal Connection and Community Impact

For Ilias, who is in his debut season with the Titans, the initiative highlighted the unique cultural landscape of the region.

“Being in a smaller city like the Gold Coast, it’s very community-based.”

“Anywhere we can help out and do something like this, it means a lot. There’s a lot of boys in the Titans who are passionate about giving back,” Ilias noted.

The moment carried extra weight for Regan Stephens, who reflected on her own upbringing to explain her passion for the cause.

“I grew up with a single mother, she raised me. We didn’t have much at all, but she was a happy mum.”

“That’s always stayed with me… being a child of a happy mother, not a perfect one, but a happy one. I would do this again and again in a heartbeat,” she said.

Government Funding Drives Excellence in Western Australian Netball Pathways

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Courtney

Netball WA has announced a funding from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) has successfully established a new high-performance framework for the state’s emerging talent.

The initiative, which commenced in May 2025, has formalised a two-year development program designed to bridge the gap between grassroots competition and the elite Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) environment.

The new High Performance Pathway provides athletes within the West Coast Fever Reserves and West Coast Fever Futures squads with unprecedented access to professional coaching, education, and off-court support services.

Centred at the Gold Netball Centre, the program allows developing players to train alongside contracted SSN athletes, fostering a “full-time” club culture that has already yielded tangible competitive results.

Noting that the shared facility model is a mechanical necessity for rapid athlete maturationm, general manager of Performance and Pathway, Sara Francis-Bayman, said: “The opportunity for players to train side-by-side in a club environment, using the same facilities and support staff fast tracks their development and strengthens our WA Talent Pathway.”

Immediate Competitive Impact

The program’s effectiveness was evidenced by the West Coast Fever Reserves’ premiership victory in July 2025.

As the 2026 Super Netball Reserves season commences this week, officials report that athletes are better prepared than ever after being immersed in a high-performance environment since November.

Highlighting the program’s influence on national representation, Fever Reserves coach, Guy Keane, added: “The program was also a catalyst for another impressive performance by Western Australia at the National Netball Championships.”

The state’s 17/Under team secured a fourth-place finish, with nine athletes subsequently selected for National Pathway Programs—a year-on-year increase for the state.

2026 National Selections

The success of the pathway is further reflected in the recent selection of nine West Australian athletes into Australian representative squads:

2026 Australian 17/Under Squad: Bianca Brennan, Sienna Gortat, Amelie Markovic, Skyla Payne, Zoe Trezise, and Loyola Vaauli.
2026 Australian 19/Under Squad: Ava Buselich, Lily Knight, and Emily Rivers.

Minnesota Lynx Partner with Victory+ for Free Local Streaming

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Courtney

The Minnesota Lynx have officially named Victory+ as their exclusive local streaming partner for the 2026 WNBA season.

This multi-year agreement makes the Lynx the first professional basketball team to provide its local broadcasts via a free, ad-supported streaming platform, effectively removing traditional paywall barriers for fans in the Minneapolis/St. Paul region.

The partnership covers 26 regular-season games and all three preseason matchups, starting with the preseason opener against the Washington Mystics on April 25. Under this model, Victory+ and the Lynx will share revenue through advertising, providing a direct alternative to the collapsing regional sports network (RSN) structure.

Describing the move as a foundational strategy for the league’s next era, CEO of the Lynx and Timberwolves, Matt Caldwell, said: “Access matters more than ever. We heard clearly from fans about how and where they watch, and Victory+ allows us to remove barriers and make Lynx basketball more accessible than ever before.”

Key Broadcast Features for 2026:

Barrier-Free Access: Fans can stream all locally distributed games for free by downloading the Victory+ app on smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Roku, etc.) and mobile devices (iOS, Android).
Content Hub: Beyond live games, the platform will host a 24/7 Lynx hub featuring game recaps, highlights, and behind-the-scenes player features.
National Exposure: The Lynx will also feature in a record 28 nationally televised games across networks including ABC, CBS, ESPN, ION, and NBC—an increase from 21 in 2025.
Simulcast Options: Select games are expected to be simulcast on a yet-to-be-announced over-the-air local channel.

Impact on the Minnesota Timberwolves

Following the conclusion of their agreement with FanDuel Sports Network North (formerly Bally Sports), the Timberwolves’ local broadcast rights for the 2026-27 season remain uncommitted. A shift to Victory+ would align the two franchises under a unified, fan-first digital distribution model.

Victory+, owned by A Parent Media Co. Inc., has rapidly expanded its portfolio since launching with the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks.

QSport Appoints Alison Lyons as Chair Amid Strategic Leadership Transition

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Courtney

QSport, the industry peak body for sport in Queensland, has announced a leadership transition following its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Alison Lyons, previously deputy chair, has been appointed as the new chair, succeeding Ben Callard who concludes an eight-year tenure on the Board.

The transition comes at a necessity for the organisation as it prepares to launch a new draft constitution and a refreshed strategic plan.

Lyons, who also serves as the venue and government partnerships manager (QLD) for the AFL, brings extensive expertise in facility strategy and government relations, skills that are increasingly critical as the state prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

New Board Leadership and Appointments

Joining Lyons in the executive leadership is Adam Vanzanten, general manager of community Rugby League at Queensland Rugby League, who has been elected deputy chair. The AGM also saw several key re-elections and new appointments to the Board:

Field Team Sport Director: Alison Lyons (Re-elected)
Outdoor Sport Group Director: Chris Davis (CEO, Little Athletics Queensland) (Re-elected)
Aquatic Sport Group Director: Annie Watson (General Manager, Australian Sailing) (New)
Independent Director: Dion Collins (Ross Planning) (New)

The Board is rounded out by Continuing directors, Nicole Comerford (treasurer) and Gail Torrens (indoor sport group director).

Legacy of Service

The organisation formally acknowledged the contributions of outgoing chair, Ben Callard, and independent director, Amanda Fielding. Callard was praised for his steady leadership through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic and executive transitions, while Fielding was recognised for her six years of service focusing on equity, innovation, and commercial partnerships.

“Ben and Amanda have both left an enduring legacy on QSport.”

“Their leadership, integrity and commitment have strengthened our organisation and helped position QSport for the future,” said Lyons.

Strategic Outlook: The Road to 2032

The new leadership team takes office as the Queensland sport sector enters a high-growth phase. QSport is currently finalising a new draft constitution and strategy for member consultation, designed to align the industry state-wide under pillars of uniting, activating, and championing the sport ecosystem.

This reset aligns with the industry trends in 2026, including the “Games On!” Grassroots Infrastructure Program and the recently signed Japan-Australia Sports & Health Innovation Exchange (JASHIE), which aims to position Queensland as a global hub for sports technology and event innovation.

NFL Legend Joe Montana to Headline Melbourne Event Ahead of MCG Blockbuster

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Courtney

Joe Montana, the four-time Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback, will visit Melbourne this September as the headline act for an exclusive speaking tour and lunch.

The visit precedes the first-ever NFL regular-season match in Australia, featuring the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The special event, titled an “NFL Celebration Lunch,” will take place at Crown Palladium on 10 September 2026. Montana, who spent 14 seasons with the 49ers, will share insights into his legendary career and provide expert analysis on the following day’s matchup. The visit marks Montana’s first significant appearance in Australia in decades, highlighting the commercial and cultural scale of the NFL’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific region.

The Historic “G” Blockbuster

The LA Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers fixture, scheduled for Friday, 11 September 2026, has already demonstrated massive commercial demand:

Sell-out Success: General access tickets sold out within hours of release.
Premium Market: Remaining VIP and hospitality packages are currently valued between $1,750 and $2,800.
Global Broadcast: The match is set to be a “Thursday Night” broadcast in the United States, positioning Melbourne’s sporting infrastructure before a global audience of millions.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who toured the MCG in April 2026, has promised a “Super Bowl-calibre” entertainment experience, including a high-production half-time show designed to introduce the full spectacle of American football to the Australian public.

From Melbourne to Brisbane 2032

While Montana downplayed a direct link between the game and the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, the timing is strategically significant. The NFL and the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) have recently held “fruitful discussions” with the Brisbane 2032 organising committee.

With Flag Football set to debut at the LA28 Games, the NFL is aggressively investing in the Australian market, including a recent initiative to provide NFL Flag Football kits to every school in the country. The Melbourne blockbuster serves as a high-visibility proof-of-concept for the code’s long-term viability in Australia.

The NFL’s presence will extend beyond the MCG walls, with a planned “NFL Precinct” at Melbourne Park featuring:

Interactive fan zones and merchandise hubs.
Ticketed open training sessions for both the Rams and 49ers.
Official “Watch Parties” at AAMI Park for fans unable to secure MCG tickets.

Tickets for the Joe Montana lunch will be available via Ticketmaster starting 27 April 2026.

Melbourne Park Appoints AXS as Official Ticketing Partner for Year-Round Events

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Courtney

Melbourne Park has announced a landmark partnership with global ticketing leader AXS to transform the fan experience for its year-round calendar of sports, music, and entertainment.

The deal, which excludes the Australian Open, will see AXS technology integrated across the precinct’s iconic venues, including Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, John Cain Arena, and Margaret Court Arena.

AXS, which currently powers world-renowned venues such as The O2 in London and Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, will introduce new digital platforms designed to streamline the purchase journey.

A key feature of the rollout will be the proprietary AXS Mobile ID technology, providing a secure method for fans to buy, sell, and manage tickets while enhancing accessibility and precinct-wide data insights for promoters.

Stating that the move is central to the precinct’s mission of maintaining its status as a premier global destination, Melbourne Park CEO, John Harnden AM, said: “This partnership with AXS continues our focus on elevating the fan experience at Melbourne Park, delivering a world-class ticketing journey to match our world-class sports, music and entertainment experiences.”

Highlighting the flexibility of the new system, CEO of AXS Australia and New Zealand, Andrew Travis, said: “Melbourne Park is an iconic live events destination, and we are excited by the opportunity this partnership offers in bringing our flexible, connected ticketing approach to life.”

Melbourne Park remains a critical driver of Victoria’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and hosting one of the world’s most diverse event calendars.

By partnering with AXS, the official ticketing provider for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the precinct is aligning itself with the highest international standards of event technology.

The appointment of AXS follows a series of high-profile tours already utilising the platform in the region, including Ed Sheeran’s Loop Stadium tour and Robbie Williams’ upcoming BRITPOP tour.

Strategically, this partnership allows the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust to leverage AXS’s global expertise to “supercharge” the state’s live events landscape, ensuring the precinct can handle high-demand “spectacle” events with greater efficiency.

The transition to AXS technology is expected to provide entertainment promoters with enhanced marketing tools and real-time analytics, further incentivising international acts to prioritise Melbourne Park on their global touring schedules.

While the Australian Open will maintain its existing arrangements, the AXS platform will now serve as the gateway for the millions of fans attending domestic sport and international concerts annually.

Stacey West to Step Down as Netball Australia CEO; Mark Falvo Appointed Interim

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Courtney

Netball Australia has announced that chief executive officer, Stacey West, will step down from her role as the organisation transitions into a new strategic phase.

West, who has been with the governing body for 16 years and served as CEO since December 2023, leaves the sport in a position of significant commercial strength following a series of landmark achievements.

Mark Falvo, the current CEO of the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027, has been appointed to serve as interim CEO for Netball Australia, effective Monday, 27 April 2026. Falvo will manage the leadership of both entities during the transition, leveraging his extensive commercial expertise within the Australian and global sporting landscapes.

Reflecting on her tenure, West described the role as a “labour of love.”

“I hand over the reins at the dawn of a new era with the sport poised for continued success.”

“I’m particularly proud of the work we’ve done to grow the game at every level, from supporting the establishment of the First Nations Black Swans to refreshing Woolworths NetSetGo and strengthening our connections across the Pacific,” West said.

Praising West’s dedication and the positive momentum she fostered during her 16-year career with the organisation, Netball Australia chair, Liz Ellis AO, noted: “Stacey has supported the game in both its highs and challenges, and provided constant positive energy and focus to ensure netball thrives into the future.”

Regarding the appointment of Falvo, Ellis noted that his dual-role leadership would provide essential market knowledge as the sport pursues its transformation agenda.

“Stacey and Mark already work very closely to discharge their duties and responsibilities, and a positive and collaborative transition plan is already being executed,” Ellis added.

The announcement follows a highly successful period for the code, including the recent signing of a five-year broadcast partnership with Nine, record-breaking attendance figures for Suncorp Super Netball, and a 13% surge in broadcast viewership this season.

West was also instrumental in the November 2025 launch of Made in Netball, a 10-year strategic plan designed to govern the sport’s direction through to 2035.

Under West’s leadership, the Australian Diamonds have maintained their international dominance, while the domestic league has continued to defy market trends in audience growth.

The governing body will now move toward a formal search for a permanent successor to lead the sport toward the home World Cup in 2027.

Rugby Australia Announces Record $70.6 Million Surplus Following Lions Tour

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Courtney

Rugby Australia has delivered a landmark financial result at its Annual General Meeting in Sydney today, announcing a record operating surplus of $70.6 million for the 2025 financial year.

The result marks a dramatic turnaround following the organisational reset of 2024, underpinned by the commercial windfall of the 2025 British & Irish Lions series and a surge in domestic matchday revenue.

The governing body reported total revenue of $262.2 million, with matchday earnings accounting for $146.8 million. This performance has allowed Rugby Australia to exit its credit facility ahead of schedule and hold cash reserves of $31.4 million.

Strategically, the surplus will be used to establish a long-term investment fund, intended to safeguard the sport’s future ahead of hosting the 2027 Men’s and 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cups.

Strategic and Community Gains

Beyond the professional tier, the ‘Get Into Rugby’ program drove a 24% year-on-year increase in junior registrations (ages 4-7). Community participation in senior XVs has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels, supported by a 17% rise in accredited coaches and a 24% increase in match officials.

Commenting how the financial recovery allows the code to operate with renewed clarity, Rugby Australia CEO, Phil Waugh, said: “We are delivering on our promise to reset the game’s finances, restore pride and set a new strategic course for Australian Rugby.”

“A period of resilience has transitioned to an era of opportunity,” Waugh said.

Echoing this sentiment, and noting the importance of unity across Member Unions, Rugby Australia chair, Daniel Herbert, added: “Australian Rugby now has an excellent platform as we prepare for the generational opportunities presented by the home Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups.”

Rugby Australi’s Record-Breaking Engagement

The 2025 season saw unprecedented public interest in the Wallabies, with 373,168 fans attending seven domestic Tests, an average of 53,308 per match.

This represents an all-time Australian record for a non-World Cup year. Key highlights included:

MCG Record: 90,307 fans attended the second Lions Test in Melbourne.
Sell-out Success: Tests in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth reached maximum capacity.
Broadcast Growth: Super Rugby Pacific ratings grew by 27% on Stan Sport and 13% on Nine.

Governance and Leadership

The AGM also confirmed the unanimous re-election of Kristy Giteau as president for a second term. Additionally, members approved constitutional updates to align with the Australian Sports Commission’s mandatory recognition criteria ahead of the July 2026 deadline.

Click here to view Rugby Australia’s 2025 Official Annual Report.