Ministry of Sport

New Zealand Cricket CEO Allott Emphasises Vital Commercial Impact of Upcoming India Tour

Posted on September 18, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) CEO, Geoff Allott, has underlined the economic importance of the upcoming tours from India, revealing that a single major series generates sufficient broadcast and commercial revenue to financially underwrite the national governing body for multiple years.

Speaking on the financial framework underpinning New Zealand’s cricket ecosystem, Allott highlighted that bilateral fixtures against India serve as a primary financial pillar, sustaining both elite high-performance pathways and grassroots community programmes across the country.

The upcoming 12-match inbound tour, running from October 22 to December 1 across all three formats, arrives at a crucial financial period for NZC following a preliminary deficit of $7.3 million for the financial year ending July 31.

Bolstered by strong commercial backing, including Hero VIDA as the official title sponsor for the centenary series celebrating 100 years of sporting ties, NZC has forecasted a surplus exceeding $10 million for the current financial year. Ticket demand has shattered previous benchmarks, with over 50,000 sales recorded by early September.

Sharing the economic scale of the visit, NZC CEO, Allott, shared: “For a small country like New Zealand and a small association like New Zealand, it means a heck of a lot.”

“It largely helps us fund our game for two or three years,” he said.

Allott stressed that the revenue surplus is directly required to offset operational cost structures and maintain nationwide community investments.

“We have to have that because of our cost structure if we want to maintain investment into the community and into our clubs.”

“India have been incredibly supportive of New Zealand for a long period of time with consistent tours and we know we can’t be more grateful for that.

“As I say, it underpins the whole of our cricket.

“It’s not just our high performance structures but it actually also underpins all of our societal and community games as well, which is really, really important.

“The fandom from our local Indian diaspora and our local supporters will be amazing.

“So you combine full stadiums with lots of noise, lots of colour, two great teams going at it.

“What better way to start the cricket summer,” he added.

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Sydney Roosters Secure Partnership with SIPENERGY

Posted on September 18, 2026September 18, 2026 by Courtney

The Sydney Roosters have announced a partnership with local renewable energy provider SIPENERGY. Under the agreement, running through to the end of 2028, SIPENERGY assumes the designation of the club’s Official Solar and Battery Partner.

The alignment connects the National Rugby League powerhouse with a trusted Sydney-based solar specialist, offering members and fans exclusive access to tailored energy solutions, in-house installation teams, and comprehensive ongoing customer support.

Commenting on the partnership, Sydney Roosters chief operating officer, Jarrod Johnstone, said: “We’re delighted to welcome SIPENERGY to the Sydney Roosters as our Official Solar Partner.”

“SIPENERGY has built its business around quality, service and providing solutions tailored to its customers, and those values align strongly with the standards we hold at the Roosters.

“We’re looking forward to working with the SIPENERGY team over the coming years and to provide our members and fans with the opportunity to engage with a trusted Australian solar provider,” Johnstone said.

For SIPENERGY, the partnership represents an alignment between a homegrown business and one of rugby league’s most recognisable brands, reinforcing local community ties across Sydney suburbs.

SIPENERGY founder, Nicholas Sipple, underscored the mutual benefits of the collaboration for club members.

“We’re a Sydney business backing a Sydney club, and we’ve been installing solar on roofs across these suburbs for years.”

“What members and fans get from this partnership is access to a trusted local solar service provider.

“With in-house specialists and installation teams you can be assured of receiving a system sized for your household needs and ongoing customer support,” he said.

WHITE FERNS Head Coach Ben Sawyer Departs Role Following High-Performance Review

Posted on September 18, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand Cricket has announced that WHITE FERNS head coach Ben Sawyer has departed his role after four years at the helm, following a review of the organisation’s women’s high-performance structure.

Appointed in June 2022, Sawyer oversaw a transformative period for the national team, highlighted by a bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and a historic victory at the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai.

While his contract was originally slated to conclude in December 2026, New Zealand Cricket confirmed that the programme has entered a natural transition phase requiring a strategic shift in leadership.

Reflecting on his tenure, Sawyer, expressed deep gratitude for his time leading the squad.

“Being the WHITE FERNS coach has been a huge honour and I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this group.”

“This team means a lot to me and I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in the past four years,” Sawyer said.

Noting that the decision was reached to support the future direction of the high-performance pathway, NZC chief high performance cricket officer, Daryl Gibson, added: “Ben’s overseen a period of considerable change and progression for the WHITE FERNS and we’re deeply appreciative of the commitment, professionalism and time he invested in the women’s game.”

“It was a difficult decision which was not made lightly, but it reflects our view that the next stage of the WHITE FERNS journey requires a different leadership approach to support the future direction of the programme,” Gibson stated.

WHITE FERNS captain, Melie Kerr, praised Sawyer’s dedication and meticulous preparation during a defining era for the sport.

“His preparation was second to none, he poured his heart and soul into the role and left no stone unturned trying to make the team better.

“Ben played a huge part in a defining moment for women’s cricket in New Zealand.

“He showed a belief in us that helped propel the team to World Cup victory after a difficult few months and that’s a testament to his character and leadership,” Kerr said.

The high-performance review has also resulted in the disestablishment of the WHITE FERNS manager role, paving the way for a newly introduced Performance Lead position. An interim head coach and team manager will oversee the squad ahead of their upcoming tour to Australia, with formal recruitment for both leadership roles commencing shortly.

FIBA and Global Partner Nike Convene Leaders in Berlin to Advance Coaching Pathways for Women in Basketball

Posted on September 18, 2026 by Courtney

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA), operating in partnership with Nike, has hosted a high-level leadership session during the FIBA Women in Basketball Forum in Berlin.

Centred squarely around the core theme of transitioning from grassroots participation to elite executive leadership, the collaborative session examined how inclusive, evidence-based coaching frameworks can secure robust, long-term developmental foundations for young female athletes.

The event brought together emerging industry leaders, international coaches, and delegates from premier development initiatives, including the FIBA Youth Leaders Program, WiLEAD Europe, and Adelante, to address critical workforce and coaching pipelines across the global sports economy.

Facilitated by general manager of Future of Youth Sport at Nike Dan Burrows, the program featured expert panel contributions from prominent figures including Dr Sergio Lara Bercial of Leeds Beckett University and ICOACHKIDS, former German national team player and HereToHoop community coach Ireti Amojo, Berlin Basketball Association leader Franziska Keich, and esteemed FIBA Hall of Famer Amaya Valdemoro. Discussions focused heavily on cultivating confidence, a tangible sense of belonging, and high-performance resilience among girls at the grassroots level, effectively aligning corporate social investment with sustainable participation growth.

Reflecting on the importance of aligning corporate sponsors, elite athletes, and sports administrators during a period of unprecedented commercial expansion, Valdemoro emphasised the enduring imperative of structured mentorship and grassroots engagement.

“I spoke about how to follow your dreams and how coaches need to be with young players – through my own experiences.”

“I was once a little girl dreaming to be an Olympic medalist.

“It is important to have these conversations because women’s basketball is growing and it is important for everyone to have this information – the sponsors, the players, the coaches and the media.

“Every year we are getting a step ahead. The balance is becoming equal. Women’s basketball is now globalised.

“I think social media has been helping. Also, my advice for people is to be yourself, don’t be afraid of anything, be brave, ask for help and follow your dreams,” Valdemoro shared.

EuroLeague TV Expands OTT Portfolio with International Domestic Leagues for 2026-27 Season

Posted on September 18, 2026 by Courtney

Euroleague Basketball has announced a major expansion of its over-the-top streaming platform, EuroLeague TV, integrating premier domestic competitions from Australia, China, France, Germany, Greece, and Italy ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 competitive season.

Delivered in close collaboration with sports data and technology partner Sportradar Group AG, the expanded broadcast offering significantly increases live programming volume and viewer engagement across multiple international time zones.

The streaming portfolio now encompasses selected high-stakes fixtures from the Australian National Basketball League, Chinese Basketball Association, French Betclic ELITE, German easyCredit Basketball Bundesliga, and the Greek Basketball League, while seamlessly building upon existing multi-year broadcast coverage of the Italian LBA Serie A.

The initiative aims to establish a unified digital destination where basketball enthusiasts can access diverse live matches, detailed editorial features, and interactive services through a single seamless user experience.

Live action across the enhanced platform officially commences on September 18, highlighted by the high-profile launch of the inaugural Euroleague Basketball SuperCup. Alongside these newly integrated domestic leagues, EuroLeague TV will continue to broadcast its established tier-one properties, including the flagship EuroLeague, the youth development showcase adidas NextGen EuroLeague, and a heavily expanded BKT EuroCup tournament.

Following a structural expansion from twenty to thirty-two participating teams, the BKT EuroCup alone will deliver sixty additional matches compared to the previous campaign, substantially amplifying the platform’s commercial value proposition for subscribers, corporate sponsors, and global media rights holders.

Renowned technology partner Deltatre will continue to power the robust digital infrastructure, supporting an extensive catalog of on-demand content, match highlights, dedicated linear channels, and exclusive behind-the-scenes original programming designed to deepen long-term fan loyalty.

Available across selected territories spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East, the broader programming schedule directly addresses soaring consumer demand for round-the-clock professional basketball content.

Heinz Australia Secures Official Partnership with National Basketball League

Posted on September 18, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball League (NBL) has announced a commercial partnership with Heinz Australia, designating the iconic food manufacturer as an official league partner ahead of the upcoming Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season.

The agreement integrates Heinz across high-impact fan touchpoints, spanning courtside brand visibility at regular-season fixtures, prominent pre-game broadcast integrations, and experiential fan activations at HoopsFest Perth.

Commenting on the partnership, NBL chief commercial officer, Samantha Green, said: “Heinz products take centre stage on dinner tables right across the country, and we’re proud to welcome them into the NBL family.”

“This partnership is about putting Heinz in front of our fans in a way that feels natural and authentic, whether that’s courtside at our games or as part of the HoopsFest family experience.

“We’re looking forward to a fun season together,” Green said.

Noting that the league’s exceptional growth trajectory provided an ideal platform for consumer brand activation, Heinz Australia chief marketing officer, Michael Magee, added: “At Heinz, we’re focused on building meaningful connections with consumers through the occasions that matter most, and game day is a key part of that.”

“The NBL’s rapid growth, highly engaged fan base and strong game day culture make it a natural partner for Heinz as we continue to build our connection to sporting occasions across Australia and New Zealand.

“We’re excited to work with the league to create memorable fan experiences and reinforce that, on game day, it has to be Heinz,” he said.

The partnership leverages the food giant’s focus on major sporting occasions and high-visibility consumer engagement platforms.

With the NBL27 season tipping off on September 19, the collaboration provides Heinz with direct connectivity to basketball’s rapidly expanding fan base through multi-channel digital interactions, social media touchpoints, and immersive live matchday environments.

Steve Hooker OAM Appointed Chair of Sport Australia Hall of Fame

Posted on September 18, 2026September 18, 2026 by Courtney

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) has announced a leadership transition, with long-serving chair John Bertrand AO stepping down after twenty-one years at the helm.

Olympic pole vault gold medallist Steve Hooker OAM has been appointed as his successor, effective immediately, following a multi-year tenure as deputy chair and board member. The high-profile succession marks a new era for the independent not-for-profit organisation, which has expanded its national influence, scholarship initiatives, and commercial footprint across four decades of Australian sporting history.

During his extraordinary twenty-one-year tenure, Bertrand transformed SAHOF from a heritage organisation into a powerhouse platform for sports administration, mentoring, and national recognition.

Under his guidance, the Scholarship & Mentoring Program expanded to support over 230 athletes across 56 sports, while overall membership grew from approximately 455 to over 600 members.

Simultaneously, Hooker, who made history as the first pole vaulter inducted into SAHOF in 2017 and joined the board in 2023, brings extensive corporate governance and high-performance experience to the role. Having previously served on the Australian Olympic Committee Board and led commercial enterprises, Hooker assumes leadership at a critical juncture for sports philanthropy and governance in Australia.

Reflecting on his departure and his successor’s readiness, outgoing chair, Bertrand, said: “After 21 years as Chair, I am now handing over the reins to Steve Hooker.”

“Steve, as Deputy Chair, has already been adding enormous value to the Hall of Fame.

“His enthusiasm, energy and can-do attitude is second to none, and Steve is going to do great.

“If there is one legacy I would like to leave, it is for the Sport Australia Hall of Fame to inspire the next generation of young Australians to achieve their potential in sport and in life,” Bertrand said.

Expressing his vision for the organisation, Hooker, said: “It’s a great honour to take on the role of Chair of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.”

“It has been a privilege to serve on the Board for the past three years and to see firsthand the important role the Hall of Fame plays in celebrating Australia’s greatest sporting achievements, stories and people.

“It’s no small thing taking the helm after 21 years of leadership by John Bertrand.

“He’s been a powerhouse for the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and has set a benchmark that the board and I will strive to emulate.

“I’m excited to work with our Members, Board, team and partners to build on the organisation’s proud history and help shape its next chapter,” Hooker shared.

The handover also includes board renewals, with general member director Perry Crosswhite AM retiring after eight years of distinguished service.

SAHOF has appointed high-profile administrator Peter Montgomery AM and olympic swimming legend Petria Thomas OAM as new directors to ensure continuous governance excellence across elite sports administration.

NBL Partners with iCoach to Integrate AI-Powered Game Intelligence Ahead of NBL27 Season

Posted on September 18, 2026September 18, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball League (NBL) has announced a partnership with Australian sports technology company iCoach, integrating artificial intelligence and predictive intelligence to transform live game coverage and deepen fan engagement.

The collaboration positions the league at the forefront of digital sports innovation, converting vast data streams and match footage into real-time, context-driven insights for broadcasters, coaches, and audiences globally as the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season prepares to tip off on September 19.

Commenting on the partnership, NBL group chief media and content officer, Heath O’Loughlin, said: “For our broadcast, this partnership is about giving commentators and fans the context they need and deserve in the moments that matter most.”

“When amazing things happen in-game, iCoach will play a key role in helping our commentators bring that story to life instantly, rather than losing it in the flow of the game.

“It’s a genuine step forward in how we tell stories about the players and key people in our competition,” O’Loughlin said.

Echoing the commercial of the agreement, iCoach founding director, Anthony Soriano, added: “This is an incredible vote of confidence in both our technology and the long-term vision for what we can build together.”

“The NBL has established itself as one of Australia’s most progressive sporting organisations, and we’re incredibly excited to work alongside the league to help shape how AI and predictive intelligence can enhance basketball over the next decade,” he said.

The alliance focuses heavily on enhancing the broadcast product by instantly surfacing historical milestones, individual achievements, and team trends during live play.

Emirates Debuts Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Livery in Sydney on Flagship A380

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Courtney

Emirates has amplified its commercial presence in the build-up to the Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027, touching down in Sydney with a striking new tournament livery emblazoned across its flagship Airbus A380, registered as A6-EVH.

Operating as flight EK412, the newly branded aircraft arrived in Sydney before continuing onward to Christchurch, New Zealand, showcasing the tournament branding across two of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier rugby markets on its maiden voyage.

Underscoring the alignment between the company’s aviation network and its elite sports investments, president of Emirates Airline, Tim Clark, said: “Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is coming to Australia, and we are thrilled to mark that occasion by bringing our Rugby World Cup livery to Sydney for the first time.”

“Emirates has been a passionate supporter of rugby for nearly four decades.

“As we celebrate 30 years of flying to Australia, this livery is a symbol of everything we stand for: a love of sport, a passion for connecting people, and a steadfast commitment to Australia,” he said.

The eye-catching design features a bold orange motif centred around an official Rugby World Cup graphic, reflecting the scale and energy of the upcoming tournament while marking Emirates’ fifth consecutive tournament livery since 2011.

The aircraft will carry the bespoke branding across the carrier’s international network for a full twelve months, acting as a moving billboard to drive global engagement and tourism interest ahead of the tournament’s opening match.

Having commenced operations to Australia three decades ago, Emirates holds a foundational role within international sports administration. In 2025, the company secured its position as the first organisation in World Rugby history to achieve Platinum Partner status under a landmark agreement running through to 2035.

This comprehensive portfolio encompasses the Men’s Rugby World Cups in 2027, 2031, and 2035, alongside the Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2029 and 2033, reinforcing its status as one of the code’s most vital financial supporters.

Wellington Secures Hosting Rights for 2027 Race of Champions at Hnry Stadium

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand’s capital will welcome international motorsport royalty with the Race of Champions (ROC) making its national debut at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium on 9–10 January 2027.

Backed by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and delivered in partnership with WellingtonNZ, the event will transform the venue turf into a purpose-built tarmac race circuit. By pitting elite drivers from Formula 1, World Rally Championship, and Supercars head-to-head in identical machinery, the event anchors a major tourism drawcard for the regional summer calendar.

The initial driver roster features four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel, ten-time F1 race winner Valtteri Bottas, 2025 Supercars Champion Chaz Mostert, and New Zealand rally star Hayden Paddon. The commercial significance of securing the property underscores the nation’s rising status in international motorsport administration.

Reflecting on the milestone, WRC driver Hayden Paddon, emphasised the broader national impact of the upcoming event.

“It’s amazing to see one of the world’s most spectacular motorsport events come to New Zealand for the first time ever.

“New Zealand is really in a golden age of Motorsport at the moment across so many disciplines and I can’t think of a more fitting celebration of this than Hosting the Race Of Champions that attracts so many of the biggest stars from all around the world.

“This is really a once and a lifetime opportunity for Kiwi motorsport fans to get up close and personal with drivers from F1, WRC, circuit and other Motorsport forms, all battling it out in equal machinery inside one of NZ’s most famous sports stadiums.

“It’s really a historic event for so many reasons and I’m personally incredibly proud to be a part of it.”

Expressing his enthusiasm, Supercars star, Chaz Mostert, added: “I’m honoured to be invited back to ROC in 2027. It was so cool to be a last minute edition for 2025.”

“I got to rub shoulders with some of the best race car drivers from around the world and the event was so much fun.

“Huge thank you to Fredrik and the ROC organisation for having me back and looking forward to it being in Wellington NZ as it’s a beautiful part of the world. Bring it on.”

Highlighting the tourism value, Member for Taupō – National Party, Hon. Louise Upston, noted: “Race Of Champions is set to turn up the heat on Wellington’s summer events calendar.”

“Seeing some of the world’s best drivers battle it out at Hnry Stadium will be a thrilling spectacle.

“This one-off event will draw motorsport enthusiasts from across New Zealand and reinforce Wellington’s reputation for hosting unforgettable major events,” Hon Upston said.

With robust domestic interest anticipated, the 2027 Wellington showcase establishes a major commercial benchmark for sports tourism across the Pacific.

AAMI Secures Two-Year Principal Partnership with Sydney Sixers Across BBL and WBBL

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Courtney

Leading Australian insurer AAMI has entered into a major two-year commercial agreement to become the official Principal Partner of the Sydney Sixers, securing prime branding real estate across both the Weber WBBL and KFC BBL playing uniforms.

Under the terms of the multi-year partnership, which extends through to the conclusion of the 2027-28 season, the AAMI logo will feature prominently on the front of playing shirts, caps, and helmets for both the men’s and women’s squads.

In addition to primary team sponsorship, AAMI assumes the designation of Official Insurance Partner of the Sydney Sixers and Official Partner of Cricket NSW, reinforcing its footprint across elite and grassroots cricket in the state.

The sponsorship arrangement incorporates significant community integration, with AAMI stepping in as the Presenting Partner for the club’s upcoming Community Rounds. These dedicated matchday celebrations will spotlight grassroots cricket clubs and local volunteers, highlighted by key fixtures against the Melbourne Renegades in the Weber WBBL on November 15 and the Perth Scorchers in the KFC BBL on January 10.

Commenting on the partnership, Sydney Sixers GM, Rachael Haynes, said: “We’re delighted to welcome AAMI as Principal Partner of the Sydney Sixers.”

“AAMI is one of Australia’s most recognised and trusted brands, with a long history of supporting Australians when they need it most.

“Their commitment to community aligns strongly with our values as a club and our ambition to create meaningful connections with our members, fans and grassroots cricket communities.

“We’re particularly excited to have AAMI partner with us on our Community Rounds, which play an important role in celebrating and supporting the local clubs, volunteers and participants who are the lifeblood of cricket across New South Wales.

“We look forward to building something special alongside AAMI over the next two years and we thank them for their support,” Haynes said.

Underscoring the rationale behind connecting the insurance brand with Australia’s national sport, EGM of brand and customer experience at AAMI, Mim Haysom, added: “Cricket has a wonderful way of bringing Australians together, whether it’s at the ground, around the television or at a local club.”

“That makes our NSW Cricket and Sydney Sixers partnership a great fit for AAMI.

“We’re thrilled to support both the WBBL and BBL teams and to play a role in the Sixers’ Community Rounds, celebrating the clubs, volunteers and fans who make cricket such an important part of communities across New South Wales.

“We’re looking forward to showing up for Sixers fans throughout the season and bringing the partnership to life in ways that are exciting and memorable for all,” Haysom said.

Disney+ and NHL Secure Five-Year Streaming Partnership for Sweden and Finland

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Courtney

Disney+ and the National Hockey League have announced a five-year broadcasting agreement, bringing professional ice hockey to subscribers in Sweden and Finland beginning with the 2026/27 season.

Delivered through the dedicated ESPN on Disney+ offering, the arrangement encompasses 160 regular-season fixtures, including 50 matches scheduled in prime Nordic viewing windows, alongside 20 postseason playoff fixtures and shared rights to the Conference Finals and the iconic Stanley Cup Final.

Commenting on the cultural and commercial significance of securing the broadcast rights, GM of Disney+ EMEA, Karl Holmes, said: “In Sweden and Finland, hockey isn’t just watched, it’s a passion shared across generations.”

“From overtime winners to the race for the Stanley Cup, there’s nothing quite like the NHL.

“With so many Swedish and Finnish stars, we’re excited to bring the NHL to customers, adding another brilliant competition to our growing lineup of live sport,” Holmes said.

Echoing these sentiments, chief media officer and SEVP of the NHL, David Proper, noted that international expansion remains central to the league’s global growth trajectory.

“The NHL’s connection to fans across the Nordic region and internationally has never been stronger, driven by the success of both Nordic-born players in the NHL and our tremendous on-ice product overall.”

“Disney+ and ESPN are important in expanding our global reach and serving our international fans, providing broad access and unique perspective to NHL games and showcasing the incredible impact Nordic players continue to have on the sport,” Proper added.

Highlighting the value of integrating expert storytelling and local-language commentary into the broadcast package, SVP and GM of networks and sports at The Walt Disney Company EMEA, Diego Londono, noted: “ESPN’s relationship with the NHL has been shaped by decades of expert insight, analysis and storytelling, and we’re proud to bring that experience to customers in Sweden and Finland for the first time on Disney+.”

“With ESPN alongside each game, fans can follow every twist of the NHL season through world-class production, expert analysis and local language commentary.

“It’s another exciting addition as we continue to build ESPN on Disney+, bringing customers more of the world’s biggest sports,” Londono affirmed.

The broadcast pact aligns with a period of surging commercial momentum for the league, following a record-breaking U.S. viewership season for ESPN in 2025/26.

By broadcasting matches featuring prominent Nordic athletes such as William Nylander, Filip Forsberg, Rasmus Dahlin, Aleksander Barkov, Mikko Rantanen, and Sebastian Aho, the collaboration provides a powerful platform to deepen subscriber engagement and brand loyalty across lucrative Scandinavian markets.

Ministry of Sport announces new partnership with Flinders University for Women in Sport Futures Day

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Courtney

The Ministry of Sport has announced an exciting new partnership with Flinders University for the Women in Sport Futures Day, taking place Monday 19 October at Adelaide Oval.

Through this partnership agreement, Flinders University will integrate comprehensive academic and professional resources into the event, deploying expert guest speakers, structured mentoring programs, and workshop facilitation to equip students with practical skills suited for high-performance sports environments.

Commenting on the partnership, Ministry of Sport CEO, Ben Parsons, shared the Ministry’s commitment to developing the next generation of women in sport

“This new partnership shines a light on the importance of investing in the next generation of women in sport,” Parsons said.

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Featuring specialised programming tailored for coaches, sports scientists, clubland administrators, and corporate partners, the summit pairs high-level executive keynotes with practical performance forums.

Participants attending the four-day program can expect explorations of sponsorship revenue strategies, fan engagement models, and systemic institutional reform designed to cement Australia’s status as a world-class sporting destination.

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Formula 1 and FIA Reveal 2027 Calendar Featuring 24 Grands Prix and Expanded Ten-Sprint Format

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) have officially released the 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar following approval by the World Motor Sport Council.

Encompassing twenty-four Grands Prix across twenty-two countries and five continents, the 2027 schedule introduces a significant commercial expansion of the Sprint format, increasing from six to ten events, alongside the return of historic circuits in Portugal and Türkiye.

Underscoring the balance of sporting integrity and global growth reflected in the schedule, president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “The 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is a strong reflection of the global appeal and continued growth of our sport.”

“With twenty-four Grands Prix across five continents, the return of Portugal and Türkiye, and the opportunity for an expanded Sprint programme, the calendar combines tradition, innovation, and fan engagement while maintaining the highest sporting standards.

“I would like to thank Formula One Management, the promoters, the national sporting authorities, the FIA officials and volunteers and all our stakeholders for their collaboration and commitment,” Sulayem said.

Emphasising the momentum and value driving the championship forward, president and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, added: “The 2027 calendar brings together some of the most iconic circuits and vibrant cities in the world, creating an incredible stage for another unforgettable season of Formula 1.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Portugal and Türkiye to the championship and to expand Sprint racing to ten events, giving our fans even more intensity, drama, and the wheel-to-wheel action that make our sport so special.

“Formula 1 continues to go from strength-to-strength, attracting new audiences around the globe…

“As we continue this remarkable journey of growth, I want to thank our fans around the world as their passion drives everything we do,” Domenicali said.

The 2027 season opens with pre-season testing at Sakhir from 24–27 February, preceding the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. The early calendar navigates Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan, and China before moving through Miami and Canada.

The European leg features Portimão’s return in June following Monaco, while Istanbul Park rejoins the circuit in October between Azerbaijan and Singapore, concluding with a closing swing through Austin, Mexico City, São Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.

This indicates that total viewership on Sprint weekends outperforms non-Sprint fixtures by 12 percent, with Sprint Qualifying generating triple the fan engagement of traditional Free Practice sessions.

Furthermore, 82 percent of attendees report enhanced ticket value, prompting the addition of new Sprint hosts, including Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco, and Abu Dhabi, alongside returning venues Montréal, Silverstone, Monza, São Paulo, and Lusail.

Swisse Wellness Secures Naming Rights for Tennis Australia’s Hot Shots Program Alongside Maya Joint Ambassador Appointment

Posted on September 17, 2026September 17, 2026 by Courtney

Tennis Australia has announced a commercial partnership that repositions its premier junior participation initiative as Swisse Hot Shots Tennis, following an agreement with leading health brand Swisse Wellness.

Simultaneously, rising tennis star Maya Joint has been appointed as an official program ambassador, joining world No. 7 Alex de Minaur to inspire the next generation of participants through grassroots engagement.

Tennis Australia aims to strengthen the commercial and emotional connection between grassroots development and elite pathways, driving long-term brand equity and youth participation across the country.

Emphasising the value of establishing grassroots developmental foundations through corporate alignment, Tennis Australia chief tennis officer, Tom Larner, said: “Swisse Hot Shots Tennis is where so many kids take their first steps in our sport, and creating a positive first experience is incredibly important.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Swisse as naming rights partner and Maya as an ambassador for the program.

“Swisse shares our belief in helping kids build confidence, resilience and important life skills, while Maya’s story shows what’s possible when young players develop a love for the game from an early age,” Larner said.

Highlighting that the naming rights sponsorship reflects the brand’s core commercial commitment to fostering community wellbeing and active family lifestyles, Swisse Wellness marketing director, Stephanie Taylor, said: “We know the positive impact sport can have on children’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing.”

“Swisse Hot Shots Tennis provides a fun and welcoming environment where kids can build confidence, make friends and develop lifelong healthy habits.

“We’re proud to partner with Tennis Australia to help more kids discover the joy of tennis and the benefits of being active,” Taylor said.

The collaboration aligns Australia’s top vitamins, minerals, and supplements brand with a nationwide program introducing thousands of children aged three to ten to the sport annually using modified equipment and age-appropriate court designs.

The partnership leverages Joint’s soaring international profile following standout performances on the global professional circuit.

For Joint, the ambassador role represents a full-circle connection to her own introduction to the sport.

“I fell in love with tennis when I was really little, in kindergarten, so it’s pretty special to now be involved with a program that helps introduce kids to the sport.”

“Swisse Hot Shots Tennis is such a fun way to learn. The modified equipment makes it easier for kids to rally, have success early and enjoy themselves from day one, which is so important when you’re starting out.”