Ministry of Sport

Foxtel Secures Exclusive Broadcasting Rights for Inaugural Surfing Super League Season

Posted on September 4, 2026 by Courtney

The Foxtel Group has expanded its premier sports broadcasting portfolio by securing an exclusive media rights agreement with the Surfing Super League for its highly anticipated inaugural season commencing in January 2028.

Under the terms of the partnership, Australian viewers will receive comprehensive, uninterrupted access to every wave of the revolutionary domestic competition, with fifty hours of dedicated broadcast coverage distributed exclusively across Foxtel, Kayo Sports, and BINGE.

This commercial alignment reinforces the platform’s market-leading position as the definitive home of Australian sport, integrating a fresh, fast-paced surfing format into a broadcast ecosystem that already commands major rights across league, union, cricket, and motorsport.

The introduction of the Surfing Super League represents a major commercial innovation within the Australian sports landscape. Designed as a cutting-edge, Australian-built competition, the league is structured to bring elite surfing action to nine iconic beaches around the country, combining high-performance athletics with a modern entertainment format tailored for digital-first audiences.

The partnership highlights the growing commercial value of niche and emerging action sports properties when paired with scale broadcast infrastructure. As streaming consumption habits continue to evolve across the Australian market, media organisations are increasingly investing in proprietary domestic events that offer differentiated content and exclusive intellectual property.

For the Surfing Super League, partnering with an established media giant provides the necessary reach, production capability, and promotional muscle to establish immediate national prominence. Meanwhile, for Foxtel, the addition of fifty hours of bespoke surfing content further diversifies its annual sporting calendar, ensuring continuous fan engagement during the peak summer months and strengthening long-term customer retention metrics.

As preparations ramp up toward the 2028 launch, both organisations are focused on finalising operational logistics, broadcast schedules, and integrated marketing campaigns to ensure the competition resonates strongly with sports fans nationwide.

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Football Australia Launches Under-15 National Teams to Strengthen Elite Pathways

Posted on September 4, 2026 by Courtney

Football Australia has announced the establishment of its youngest-ever national programs, introducing boys’ and girls’ Under-15 National Select sides to compete in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™.

Commenting on the importance of the campaign, Football Australia executive director of Football, Heather Garriock, said: “It’s been a fantastic year for our National Youth Teams and youth football in general, and great progress has been made.”

“Seeing both the Joeys and Junior Matildas qualify for their World Cups shows the depth of talent coming through our pathways right now.

“Adding these Under-15 programs is the next logical step and it’s wonderful to give aspiring young footballers early exposure to international football.

“These U-15 and U-17 players are sitting right in the sweet spot for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

“The boys will be exactly the right age to form the core of the Under-23 Olyroos, and we hope it’s the start of a long international journey for many.

“We’re excited to have Michael lead the new Football Australia department, which will lead the national approach to talent identification and development to help strengthen the National Teams.”

Incoming lead – coach, Michael Cooper, transitioning fully after the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, detailed the operational approach.

“I look forward to taking on the new role, while focusing on our immediate goal of making an impact with the Junior Matildas at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Morocco.”

“Our aim is to connect the various stages of the Australian football ecosystem – from schools, grassroots and community football through to clubs, Member Federations, A-League academies and national programs – to the national team pathway.

“This aligns closely with Football Australia’s current Talent Development Scheme, which emphasises multiple entry points, repeated observations and long-term monitoring of players.

“The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival will be a key part of the department’s processes and will link to the CommBank Emerging Championships.

“It will be exciting to lay the foundations for our youngest teams’ first entry into international football, where they will have an opportunity to face different nations and varying styles from all over the world,” Cooper said.

The boys’ team will feature in Azerbaijan this October, with the girls’ squad debuting next year ahead of annual scheduling in 2028. To oversee this framework, Junior Matildas coach Michael Cooper, has been appointed Pathways Talent Identification Lead, aligning development with the Talent Development Scheme and targeting success for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Formula 1 and Disney Expand Partnership with Pixar’s Cars Crossover at Italian Grand Prix

Posted on September 4, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 and Disney are scaling their extended global collaboration through a commercial activation at the Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio d’Italia 2026 in Monza.

Marking the inclusion of Disney and Pixar’s Cars within the broader global partnership, which has been officially secured through 2028, the race weekend serves as a major milestone celebration for the beloved franchise’s twentieth anniversary on one of international motorsport’s most prestigious stages.

The experiential and commercial showcase features a special appearance and honorary track lap by Lightning McQueen, displaying an all-new bespoke livery born from the Formula 1 and Disney creative alliance.

In addition, the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+, which debuted earlier this season at the Hungarian Grand Prix as the fourteenth Official FIA Formula 1 Safety Car carrying the iconic three-pointed star, will receive an exclusive Cars-inspired makeover for the Monza event.

Beyond on-track activations, the partnership unlocks commercial value through targeted merchandising and global retail distribution.

Attendees at Monza will have immediate access to trackside retail outlets stocking the exclusive Disney and Pixar’s Cars with Formula 1 collection, featuring branded apparel, accessories, collector items, and die-cast vehicles produced by Mattel.

Simultaneously, international fans can purchase selected product lines online via the Official F1 Store and DisneyStore.com, maximising retail monetisation and worldwide brand visibility ahead of Lightning McQueen Day.

Melbourne Stars Sign Old El Paso as Platinum Partner

Posted on September 4, 2026 by Courtney

The Melbourne Stars have bolstered their commercial portfolio ahead of the upcoming summer by securing Old El Paso as a new Platinum Partner and Official World Food Partner.

Commencing from the 2026/27 season, the multi-year partnership integrates the iconic global food brand across the club’s Big Bash League and Women’s Big Bash League teams, featuring prominent branding across match days, team apparel, and community-driven initiatives.

The collaboration launches alongside Old El Paso’s major new marketing campaign, titled ‘The Crunch is Calling’, aligning the brand’s vibrant Mexican-inspired food culture with the high-energy entertainment of domestic cricket across major venues such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Junction Oval.

Highlighting the synergy between the entertainment value of cricket and the brand’s consumer engagement goals, welcoming the partnership, Melbourne Stars GM, James Rosengarten, said: “We’re really excited to be welcoming Old El Paso to the Melbourne Stars family.”

“Old El Paso is a brand that knows how to bring colour, flavour and fun to family occasions, and ‘The Crunch is Calling’ is a natural fit with the noise, energy and excitement of Stars match days.

“We’re looking forward to working together to deliver great experiences for our fans across the MCG, Junction Oval, community events and our digital channels,” Rosengarten said.

General Mills Australia, operating under its broader parent organisation which generated global net sales of nineteen billion US dollars in fiscal 2025 alongside one billion in joint venture sales, views the partnership as a vital vehicle to connect communities through shared experiences.

Elaborating on the campaign’s alignment with national sporting culture, marketing director for General Mills ANZ, Surini Perera, added: “At Old El Paso, we’re all about bringing people together through food, fun and shared experiences.”

“’The Crunch is Calling’ celebrates those irresistible moments that bring people together – from a huge six or a game-changing wicket to the crunch of a taco shared with family and friends over a mexican inspired meal.

“Cricket has such a special place in Australian summers, and we’re excited to partner with the Melbourne Stars to create more memorable moments for fans and families across the BBL and WBBL seasons,” Perera said.

NBL27 Season to Implement Major FIBA Rule Overhaul and Expanded Replay Systems

Posted on September 4, 2026 by Courtney

The Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season is set to introduce a suite of new FIBA officiating rules designed to reshape game flow, player discipline, and integrity across the competition.

Taking effect from October 1, the regulatory updates will make their official debut when the Tasmania JackJumpers face Melbourne United at MyState Bank Arena.

The sweeping modifications address long-standing challenges regarding player conduct, tactical fouling, and officiating transparency. Unsportsmanlike fouls will be formally replaced and categorised into disruptive and flagrant infractions. Disruptive fouls will target less severe offences, such as tactical fouls stopping transition play without a legitimate attempt at the ball, and will not carry automatic ejection penalties. Conversely, flagrant fouls will be reserved for reckless or excessive contact and will result in immediate disqualification.

Technical fouls are similarly restructured into two distinct tiers to provide clearer adjudication. Category one offences encompass serious behavioural breaches, including disrespect toward officials, taunting, offensive language, and foul simulation, which will contribute toward player ejections. Category two infractions cover administrative delays or minor disruptions without risking disqualification.

Under the revised guidelines, players will face automatic ejection upon accumulating two category one technical fouls, two flagrant fouls, or a combination of one from each classification, while disruptive fouls and category two technical incidents are excluded from accumulation thresholds.

To curb manipulation by players attempting to draw soft contact, the league has tightened shooting foul interpretations. The act of shooting will now be strictly defined, requiring a clear upward motion of the shoulders and ball toward the basket on jump shots, or a definitive continuous motion following a ball gather on drives. Passing or moving the ball away from the basket after contact will nullify shooting foul claims, safeguarding defensive fairness.

Furthermore, the instant replay system undergoes a significant expansion to assist officials during high-stakes moments.

In the final two minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime, officials can review throw-in foul timing relative to the passer releasing the ball.

Additionally, goaltending and basket interference reviews are extended across all game stages, supporting coaches’ challenges and enhancing overall decision-making accuracy.

Melbourne End Zone Unveiled to Drive Tourism and Engagement Around NFL Game

Posted on September 4, 2026 by Courtney

The Victorian Government and Visit Victoria, in partnership with ESPN on Disney+, have launched the Melbourne End Zone at Federation Square, a free fan celebration designed to capitalise on the NFL Melbourne Game.

Running across September tenth and eleventh, the site features the ESPN on Disney+ Game Day Live stage, broadcasting live fixtures including the Seattle Seahawks versus New England Patriots and the headline clash between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Commercial partners Four’N Twenty and Toyota host interactive experiences, supported by Sports Entertainment Network and a half-time performance by the Jonas Brothers.

Emphasising the engagement value, The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand – SVP and managing director and Head of ESPN Asia-Pacific, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, said: “We’re excited for NFL fans to celebrate with the home of US Sport – ESPN on Disney+ at the Game Day Live stage at Fed Square.”

“It’s an iconic place to come together to soak up the atmosphere in the heart of Melbourne, thanks to SEN and Visit Victoria.

“It’s an unmissable landmark event in Australia’s sports history, set off with what’s sure to be an incredible half-time performance by the Jonas Brothers,” Watson-Wheeler said.

Minister for Major Events , Hon. Anthony Carbines shared the possible the economic outcomes of these engagements.

“Melbourne End Zone will bring the excitement of the NFL into the heart of our city, giving everyone the chance to be part of this history-making week.”

“Events like the NFL Melbourne Game provide major demand for our visitor economy, filling our hotels, restaurants and attractions while showcasing Victoria to the world,” Carbines noted.

Adding that the activation extends stays of fans, Brendan McClements, said: “The NFL Melbourne Game is attracting visitors from across Australia and around the world and Melbourne End Zone gives them another reason to stay longer and experience more of our city.”

“Melbourne will be buzzing throughout game week and beyond, with a huge six months of sport ahead, including the AFL Grand Final and the 150th Anniversary Test,” McClements said.

Expressing his enthusiasm, SEN CEO, Craig Hutchison, concluded: “The NFL’s arrival in Melbourne is a landmark moment for sport in Australia and we’re thrilled to be collaborating with ESPN on Disney+ and Visit Victoria to give fans a front-row experience at Federation Square.”

“Whether you’re a lifelong NFL supporter or discovering the game for the first time, this free event will create an incredible atmosphere in Melbourne and showcase why major sporting events continue to resonate strongly with local audiences,” Hutchison said.

Kayo Sports Unveils 2027 Line-Up and Fox Sports Rebrand

Posted on September 4, 2026 by Courtney

Kayo Sports has unveiled a blockbuster 2027 line-up at the DAZN Media+ Upfront, confirming that Fox Sports and Kayo Sports will unite under one Kayo Sports brand.

Fox Footy, Fox Cricket, and Fox League will become Kayo Footy, Kayo Cricket, and Kayo League, while remaining Fox channels adopt the Kayo Sports name.

This rebranding combines three decades of broadcast authority, trusted journalism, and world-class production from Fox Sports with Kayo Sports’ expansive digital reach and market-leading streaming experience to shape the future of Australian sport.

Highligting the network’s commercial impact, Foxtel group executive director – commercial sport, Adam Howarth, said: “Our $1 billion annual investment in sports rights and production is what enables us to bring Australians an unrivalled breadth and depth of sport, while also delivering value well beyond the screen through grassroots sport, community programs and pathways for the next generation.”

“In 2027, Kayo Sports will bring fans an extraordinary line-up of live sport, with more of the biggest competitions, teams and moments Australians love, all in one place.

“The scale of that offering, combined with the quality of the viewing experience and world-class production from Fox Sports, is what defines the value of Kayo Sports.

“It’s a proposition that is uniquely Australian, but now backed by the global reach, expertise and ambition of DAZN,” Howarth.

Reinforcing the network’s trajectory, Fox Sports managing director, Steve Crawley, noted: “We continue to set the standard for sports broadcasting at Kayo Sports and, in 2027, will be raising the bar even higher through an unmatched offering of more than 50 sports, best in class production, and the most experienced and entertaining line up of talent in the industry.”

“Fans turn to us for the best coverage of the sports they love.

“With the support of DAZN now behind us, Kayo Sports is only going to grow and grow and grow into a sports media powerhouse,” Crawley said.

The 2027 schedule features a diverse coverage across major codes, including every AFL and NRL match live, an extended MotoGP partnership exceeding thirty years, and the addition of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup.

Additionally, the platform announced a partnership with the Surfing Super League commencing in January 2028.

DAZN Media+ Unveils Major 2027 Strategy Featuring Brand Rebrand, Stadium Assets and AI-Powered Trading

Posted on September 3, 2026September 4, 2026 by Courtney

Formerly operating as Foxtel Media, DAZN Media+ has officially unveiled its new brand identity at its 2027 Upfronts event at The Cutaway in Barangaroo, marking an era following DAZN’s 2025 acquisition of the Foxtel Group.

Backed by a parent organisation reaching 300 million global viewers and contributing over $1 billion annually to Australian sports rights and production, the rebranded advertising arm introduced a sweeping suite of innovations designed to connect brands deeper into the sporting ecosystem.

Commenting on the multiple announcement, CEO – DAZN Media+, Mark Frain, said: “DAZN Media+ isn’t just a new name – it’s a declaration of what we can now offer brands across Australia.”

“We are closer to the action than ever before: from where we point the cameras, to the stadiums where the action unfolds, to the creators who extend the conversation beyond the final whistle,” Frain said.

Among the major announcements is a partnership with sporting screen technology provider SureVision, making DAZN Media+ the principal partner for in-stadium assets in 2027 across prominent venues such as the Gabba and 4 Pines Park.

Expressing his enthusiasm, CEO – SureVision, Nicholas Ebbeck, noted: “Our stadium network puts brands in front of highly engaged fans in some of Australia’s most recognisable and frequented sporting venues.

“We’re delighted to partner with DAZN Media+ to unlock the power of our best-in-class stadium display networks and bring more brands to the table to support our Australian sports teams and codes, making it simpler to build a truly connected sports presence,” Ebbeck said.

Additionally, the business launched Club Kayo, an always-on creator-powered ecosystem across AFL, NRL, Cricket, and Motorsport, alongside the Sports Audience Graph, a database built from six million first-party sports fans designed to drive precision targeting.

To streamline operations further, DAZN Media+ announced a collaboration with AudienceProject to deliver independent cross-media measurement across Kayo SPORTS, BINGE, Foxtel Go, and linear TV from 2027.

Furthermore, the company is introducing an AI-powered Sales Agent to simplify media trading workflows.

Simultaneously, chief sales officer at DAZN Media+, Nev Hasan, added: “The way media is bought is evolving, and we want to make sure DAZN Media+ remains easy to discover, easy to access and easy to transact with as our clients’ technology and workflows develop.”

“This is not about replacing the relationships and expertise that sit behind great media buying.

“It is about harnessing AI to give buyers and our sales teams better, faster access to the information they need, streamlining buying workflows and creating a more seamless way to transact,” Hasan noted.

Darius Boyd Appointed Queensland Maroons Head Coach in Two-Year Strategic Deal

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Courtney

The Queensland Rugby League has officially confirmed the appointment of former representative star Darius Boyd as the Queensland Maroons head coach on a two-year contract.

The appointment marks a transition in elite leadership for one of rugby league’s most successful representative brands, following Boyd’s proven pathway success in guiding the state’s Under 19 representative programs to consecutive victories over New South Wales.

Boasting a decorated professional career spanning 337 National Rugby League matches across the Brisbane Broncos, St George Illawarra Dragons, and Newcastle Knights, alongside 28 State of Origin appearances and 23 Test matches for Australia, Boyd brings extensive elite-level experience to the position.

Reflecting on his new leadership role within the elite representative setup, Darius Boyd said he was “extremely honoured” to be entrusted with coaching Queensland’s State of Origin team.

“It’s a privileged position and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”

“I understand the responsibility that comes with the role as well.

“My job is to build on the legacy created by the many great Queensland players and coaches who have come before us,” Boyd said.

Queensland Rugby League chair, Brian Canavan, emphasised that the appointment reflects a deliberate strategy to invest in home-grown leadership talent who possess an intimate understanding of the team’s cultural ethos and high-performance standards.

“Darius has lived and breathed what it means to represent Queensland.”

“His playing achievements speak for themselves, but what has impressed us just as much is the work he has done since retirement to develop as a coach and leader.

“He has built strong relationships throughout our pathways system, earned the respect of players and staff, and demonstrated a genuine commitment to helping young people reach their potential.

“Darius understands the responsibility that comes with the Maroons jersey.

“He knows our culture, our history and the standards required to succeed at the highest level,” Canavan said.

Since retiring from playing in 2020, he has focused heavily on coaching, leadership development, and player wellbeing, integrating deeply within the state organisation’s junior pathways and talent development systems.

The two-year commercial and coaching agreement provides long-term stability for the Maroons as they plan upcoming State of Origin series, ensuring continuity of culture and elite technical guidance across the high-performance pathway.

Patties Food Group Enters Japanese Market Through Partnership with J1 League FC Tokyo

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Courtney

Patties Food Group has announced a commercial expansion into the Japanese market, entering a partnership with J1 League football club FC Tokyo led by its flagship meat pie brand, Four’N Twenty.

The partnership marks the company’s first major sports-driven marketing venture in Japan, aligning its iconic Australian food heritage with an established professional football club.

Four’N Twenty products are already available across select retail channels in Japan, including AEON and Costco, with the new alliance designed to accelerate brand awareness, expand distribution, and enhance consumer engagement through in-stadium branding, food van activations, and product sampling initiatives.

Welcoming the landmark international partnership at a joint press conference, president and representative director of FC Tokyo, Eisuke Shirai, said: “We are extremely pleased and honoured to welcome Patties Food Group, one of Australia’s leading food companies, as a new premium partner of FC Tokyo.”

“Their flagship brand, Four’N Twenty, has long been a cornerstone of Australia’s sports spectator culture.

“Patties Food Group’s core philosophy of ‘great food and sports have the power to bring people together’ resonates deeply with the vision of our club.

“As we introduce new and exciting matchday experiences from Tokyo, we are fully committed as a club to walking hand-in-hand with Patties Food Group to support their long-term growth and success in the Japanese market,” Shirai stated.

Underscoring the rationale behind leveraging football to build brand affinity in a new demographic, chief marketing & growth officer of Patties Food Group, Anand Surujpal, added: “We are delighted to partner with FC Tokyo, a club that boasts some of the most passionate supporters in Japan.”

“We believe great food and sport have the power to bring people together, and this partnership is an exciting opportunity to introduce our meat pie to a whole new audience.

“It gives us a unique platform to connect with fans, build familiarity with the brand and support our long-term growth in Japan,” Surujpal said.

The collaboration builds upon Patties Food Group’s extensive history of sports marketing partnerships across Australia and internationally, spanning major associations with the Australian Olympic Committee, UFC, the Australian Baseball Team, and elite athletes such as Jonathan Brown and Tayla Harris. The organisation aims to embed its iconic offerings within international sporting culture.

GWM Extends Official Automotive Partnership with One New Zealand Warriors

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Courtney

Leading automotive group GWM has signed a three-year partnership extension as the official automotive partner of the One New Zealand Warriors.

Commencing its sponsorship in 2024 as its first major sporting investment in New Zealand, GWM will continue providing a corporate fleet while retaining jersey branding across all six club teams in the NRL, NRLW, New South Wales Cup, Jersey Flegg Cup, SG Ball Cup, and Harold Matthews Cup competitions.

The commercial renewal supports GWM’s local growth strategy, utilising grassroots integration, nationwide dealer networks, and creative fan engagement campaigns.

The collaboration has generated strong market traction, driven by marketing initiatives like “Wahs Selling Cars,” aligning the brand’s portfolio of SUVs, utes, hybrids, and electric vehicles with supporters.

Welcoming the extension, and highlighting the partnership’s strong commercial momentum, One New Zealand Warriors CEO, Cameron George, said: “GWM’s impact as a partner has been exceptional from the outset, adding energy and passion to our valued relationship.”

“Their innovation and creativity in bringing our brands together to create special fan experiences is a key reason they’re capturing the hearts and minds of Kiwi car buyers.

“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership for a further three years,” George stated.

Emphasising the alignment between the brand’s local expansion and the rugby league club’s reach, GWM New Zealan country manager, Cameron Thomas, added: “The One New Zealand Warriors’ partnership has become a very important part of GWM’s journey in New Zealand and being part of a partnership that supports the full club, including the women’s team, is something we are genuinely proud of.”

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen the partnership evolve from a traditional sponsorship into something much more meaningful – a platform that allows us to connect with Kiwis in an authentic, entertaining and distinctly local way.

“The success of Wahs Selling Cars has shown us what’s possible when we bring the One NZ Warriors, our people and our vehicles together.

“We’re not just using the partnership to build awareness; we’re using it to demonstrate our products, bring our brand to life and create genuine connections with Wahs fans across the country.

“We’re incredibly proud to extend our partnership and continue building on what’s started.

“The One New Zealand Warriors have a passionate and loyal fanbase, and together we see a huge opportunity to do even more, putting our vehicles at the heart of the partnership and showing Kiwis what GWM is all about,” Thomas said.

With a 20-dealer network, the extended partnership cements GWM’s footprint across New Zealand’s sporting landscape.

AXS Secures Partnership and Ticketing Rights with Melbourne Vixens for 2027 Season

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Courtney

Global ticketing and live event technology platform AXS has entered into a partnership with the Melbourne Vixens, signing on as a Major Partner and the club’s official ticketing partner starting from the 2027 Suncorp Super Netball season.

Under the agreement, AXS branding will feature prominently across the Vixens’ playing dress for home, away, and finals matches, alongside placement on media polos, travel jackets, and replica merchandise.

The partnership coincides with a formidable on-court foundation, following a 2026 campaign where the Vixens emerged as the competition’s most-watched team, drew the highest cumulative attendance, and advanced to a third consecutive Super Netball Grand Final.

Commenting on the partnership, Netball Victoria CEO, Andrea Pearman, said: “We’re delighted to welcome AXS as a Major Partner of the Melbourne Vixens and our new Official Ticketing Partner.

“The Vixens continue to be one of the strongest properties in Australian women’s sport.

“We were the most-watched team in Super Netball in 2026, attracted the highest total attendance across the season and our playing dress remains the number one commercial asset in netball.

“That provides an incredibly strong platform for our partners, but just as importantly, we want to work with organisations that can add something meaningful to the experience of our members and fans.

“AXS brings both of those elements to this partnership. They’ll have a significant presence across the Vixens brand, while their technology and match-day activations will help us continue to improve the experience we provide our supporters.”

For AXS, the alliance represents an expansion within the Melbourne Park precinct, where the platform serves as the official ticketing partner and operates the newly established AXS Fan Hub. The Vixens join a growing portfolio of seven major Melbourne professional sporting entities partnering with AXS across netball, basketball, soccer, and rugby league.

AXS Australia New Zealand CEO, Andrew Travis, detailed the company’s localised, fan-focused approach to the partnership.

“Melbourne sports fans set a high bar. They know what a great live experience looks like, and they expect their ticketing experience to live up to it.”

“What I love about this partnership is that every club has its own personality. We don’t want to turn up with the same playbook everywhere.

“We want to add something to the experiences fans already love, from making it easier to get and manage their tickets to surprising fans with upgrades to some of the best seats in the house,” Travis said.

The collaboration rolls out as the Vixens assemble a high-caliber squad for 2027, blending established Australian Diamonds stars with international talent as the club targets its next championship campaign.

Beyond apparel branding, the collaboration introduces fan-centric match-day activations, including the “AXS Seat Upgrade” program designed to elevate the live spectator experience.

NBL and Bunnings Launch Charity Fundraising Initiative for Bendigo CFA at Pre-Season Blitz

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian National Basketball League has partnered with hardware retailer Bunnings to launch a community fundraising initiative during the 2026 CODE Sports NBL Bendigo Blitz.

The five-day pre-season tournament will see a forty-dollar donation triggered for every successful three-point shot scored, directly supporting local Country Fire Authority brigades and families affected by the catastrophic bushfires that impacted Greater Bendigo and regional Victoria in January 2026.

Building on last year’s tally of 283 three-pointers, the campaign aims to raise upwards of ten thousand dollars, while the NBL provides complimentary match tickets for CFA volunteers and their families.

Emphasising the league’s commitment to leveraging its platform for social impact, NBL chief product officer, Alex Hamilton, said: “The CFA volunteers who responded in January put everything on the line for their community.”

“This is one small way we can turn what happens on the court into something that matters off it.

“I want to personally thank Bunnings for supporting this initiative and for everything they do as part of our long-standing partnership,” Hamilton said.

Bunnings head of community, partnerships and events, Michelle Walter highlighted the critical importance of ongoing recovery efforts following the summer disaster.

“The bushfires that impacted Greater Bendigo and communities across regional Victoria earlier this year were devastating, and our teams saw firsthand how CFA volunteers worked tirelessly to protect lives, homes and communities.”

“Bunnings is proud to join the NBL in recognising the CFA’s extraordinary efforts and provide further support to local brigades and affected families.

“We hope every three-pointer scored during the Blitz helps make a meaningful difference to the Bendigo community as it continues to recover,” Walter said.

Sports Group Melbourne Enlists SEN as Official Media Partner in Major Junior Football Alliance

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Courtney

Sports Group Melbourne (SGM) has officially announced a new commercial partnership with Sports Entertainment Network (SEN), designating the leading media organisation as the Official Media Partner across its premier suite of junior football competitions.

The alliance encompasses major youth sports properties, including the Junior Champions League, Youth Super Cup, Junior Academy League, and the Shepparton Cup, bringing heightened media visibility and professional broadcast amplification to grassroots athletic development.

The partnership bridges SGM’s expanding national footprint in youth football with SEN’s extensive multimedia network, providing vital exposure for emerging talent and supporting the broader commercial and developmental ecosystem of Australian football. By leveraging SEN’s broadcast and digital platforms, the collaboration aims to enhance the overall participant experience while offering increased commercial value to corporate partners invested in grassroots sports.

Emphasising the importance of grassroots investment in nurturing future sporting generations, Daniel McGuire, Chief Commercial Officer at Sports Entertainment Network, chief commercial officer at Sports Entertainment Network, Daniel McGuire, said: “Sports Entertainment Network is proud to partner with SGM and support its junior events.”

“Grassroots sport is incredibly important in building the next generation of athletes and creating a lifelong passion for the game.

“We’re excited to use SEN’s platforms to amplify these events and help give young footballers great opportunities to play, develop and enjoy the sport they love,” Mr McGuire said.

Welcoming the collaboration as a milestone for the organisation and the young athletes it serves, managing director of SGM, Rolando Navas, added: “Partnering with SEN gives us access to a media platform that truly understands the value of sport at every level.”

“Across the Junior Champions League, Youth Super Cup, Junior Academy League and the Shepparton Cup, this partnership means greater exposure for our young athletes and their achievements, and it strengthens our ability to deliver world-class events year-round.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with the SEN team across our full events calendar,” Navas said.

NBA Imposes Landmark $30 Million Fine and Draft Sanctions on Los Angeles Clippers for Salary Cap Circumvention

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has handed down sanctions against the Los Angeles Clippers, owner Steve Ballmer, and star player Kawhi Leonard following an exhaustive investigation into salary cap circumvention.

The league penalised the franchise with a USD30 million (AUD41 million) fine and the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks starting in 2029, alongside a one-year ban for Ballmer.

The investigation, conducted by legal firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, concluded that the organisation improperly channelled millions of dollars in off-the-books endorsement payments to Leonard through third-party corporate partners, including Aspiration Partners, Boingo Wireless, Daktronics, and Lockton Insurance.

In addition to Ballmer’s suspension, executive leadership faced severe disciplinary measures, including a one-year ban for president of business operations Gillian Zucker and a six-month suspension for president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank.

Kawhi Leonard received a USD700,000 (AUD976,710 ) fine, while his uncle, Dennis Robertson, was hit with a five-year league ban. The commercial and roster fallout has been immediate, with Leonard subsequently traded to the Toronto Raptors following months of speculation.

Condemning the institutional failures, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, emphasised the importance of financial compliance within the competition.

“The NBA’s collectively bargained system for determining player compensation is a fundamental component of the basketball competition that the league oversees for the benefit of the teams and players and ultimately the fans.”

“I am deeply disappointed by the flagrant violations of our rules and by the Clippers’ institutional and leadership failures that led to this misconduct.

“The severity of the penalties reflects the seriousness of the violations,” he said.

Despite the comprehensive 35-page findings report detailing complex financial transactions, the Clippers vehemently rejected the conclusions, accusing investigators of a biased process and vowing to challenge the penalties through every available legal avenue.

Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard distanced himself from the administrative arrangement, pointing to “lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle.” He maintained he had no knowledge of any illicit payment scheme as he prepares to embark on a fresh chapter with Toronto.