Ministry of Sport

Hawthorn Football Club Extends Strategic Partnership with Trilogy Funds

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Courtney

Hawthorn Football Club has announced a three-season extension of its partnership with Trilogy Funds.

The agreement ensures that Trilogy Funds will continue its role as the club’s Official Finance and Investment Partner, building upon a successful collaboration that first commenced in 2023.

As part of the renewed commitment, Trilogy Funds will maintain a significant presence throughout the AFL season, featuring co-branded signage across match-day venues and facilitating player appearances to drive brand visibility.

A key component of the partnership extension remains the direct value proposition for supporters. Trilogy Funds has confirmed that it will again host a giveaway for Hawthorn members and fans, providing the opportunity to attend the Toyota AFL Grand Final later this year.

Expressing his appreciation for the continued backing of the organisation, Hawthorn Football Club CEO, Ash Klein, said: “We are excited to be extending our collaboration with Trilogy Funds for the next three years.”

“We are grateful for the support Trilogy Funds continues to provide our Club, and we hope our members and fans can benefit from this partnership into the future,” Klein said.

Highlighting the importance of the partnership, Trilogy Funds co-managing director, Henry Elgood, noted: “We are pleased to continue our alignment with Hawthorn Football Club, particularly given their rich history and passionate supporter base.”

“Importantly, the renewed partnership also creates ongoing opportunities to bring the alignment to life through shared experiences via match-day functions and other co-supported moments—so Trilogy Funds’ stakeholders can attend, connect, and witness the partnership firsthand,” Elgood stated.

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St Kilda Football Club Announces Partnership with Live-Shopping Platform Whatnot

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Courtney

The St Kilda Football Club has formalised a new commercial agreement with live-stream shopping platform Whatnot, naming the company as the club’s official and exclusive live shopping partner. The partnership is set to run through to the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Whatnot, which serves as Australia’s largest platform for community-driven live commerce, allows buyers and sellers to connect through shared interests in brands, products, and collectibles.

This deal represents an expansion for St Kilda, aiming to diversify its commercial portfolio and engage supporters through interactive, digital-first experiences.

Highlighting the club’s commitment to exploring modern digital engagement strategies, St Kilda chief customer and commercial officer, Michael Scott, said: “As a club, we’re always looking for innovative ways to engage new audiences and stay ahead of the game, both on and off the field.”

“Partnering with a fast-growing and unique platform like Whatnot is a fantastic opportunity for us to diversify our commercial partnerships and connect with fans in a completely new way,” Scott said.

Noting that the collaboration marks a significant milestone for the brand, general manager of Whatnot Australia, Alex McCauley, added: “This is a first-of-its-kind partnership for Whatnot, and we’re excited by the opportunity to connect with a passionate new audience.”

Enhancing Fan Engagement

Under the terms of the agreement, the partnership will focus on interactive content and digital activations. Fans will have the opportunity to participate in live-streamed events featuring St Kilda players and club personality Ollie Geale.

These sessions are designed to facilitate real-time interaction, allowing the club to leverage the unique community-building features inherent to the Whatnot platform.

As an immediate incentive for the club’s supporter base, Whatnot has launched an exclusive offer for St Kilda members, providing a $15 credit upon signing up to the platform.

Whatnot will receive prominent exposure across the club’s digital, social, and game-day assets throughout the remainder of the 2026 AFL season.

Football Australia Secures Landmark Partnership with Coca-Cola

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Courtney

Football Australia has officially announced a new two-year partnership with Coca-Cola, naming the global beverage icon as the Official Supplier of the CommBank Socceroos and CommBank Matildas.

The collaboration aims to leverage the significant reach of football’s most prestigious international tournaments, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™.

Commenting on the partnership, Football Australia CEO, Martin Kugeler, said: “This partnership brings together the global scale of Coca-Cola with the passion and reach of football in Australia, creating new opportunities to connect with fans across the country.”

“As part of Football Australia’s long-term strategy, we will continue to align with premium brands, such as Coca-Cola, who enable us to grow and make football more accessible and attractive to all Australians,” said Kugeler.

Shoaring how that the partnership aligns with the company’s history of uniting Australians, managing director of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Orlando Rodriguez, noted: “Partnering with Football Australia reflects our continued commitment to connecting communities through experiences that unite the nation, with the CommBank Socceroos and Matildas at the heart of that.”

Strategic Campaigns and Fan Engagement

The partnership is structured around two major national campaigns, beginning with an activation supporting the CommBank Socceroos during the 2026 World Cup period. From 10 June 2026, Coca-Cola will launch exclusive 10-pack cans of Coca-Cola Classic and Coca-Cola Zero at Coles, featuring CommBank Socceroos stars Nestory Irankunda, Mathew Ryan, Jordy Bos, and Cameron Burgess.

Supporters who purchase these limited-edition packs will be eligible to enter promotional draws via the Coles website, with prizes including VIP match-day experiences and signed merchandise. A subsequent campaign will follow in 2027 to support the CommBank Matildas as they prepare for their appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ in Brazil.

The brand has already begun its activation efforts, with Coca-Cola’s iconic Kings Cross billboard in Sydney illuminated in green and gold starting 27 May to show support for the CommBank Socceroos ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The partnership will utilise digital, broadcast, and outdoor marketing channels nationally to maintain fan engagement throughout the tournament cycles.

Carlton Football Club Announce Partnership with Fisher & Paykel and Haier

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Courtney

The Carlton Football Club has welcomed appliance industry leaders Fisher & Paykel and Haier as a new Gold Partner.

The multi-year agreement spans both the club’s AFL and AFLW programmes, representing a major addition to the Blues’ corporate portfolio.

Beyond its presence on the team side, the partnership extends into the club’s business ecosystem, with the appliance brands joining the Carlton IN Business Network as a Platinum Partner.

The collaboration is designed to leverage the physical proximity of the Fisher & Paykel and Haier Experience Centre in Fitzroy, with the club intending to unlock new avenues for corporate events and member engagement within Melbourne’s inner north.

In addition to corporate and team alignment, Fisher & Paykel and Haier will maintain a visible presence on match days, serving as the Bronze Match-Day Partner for the Carlton Respects fixtures across both the AFL and AFLW seasons.

To mark the launch of the partnership, the club is offering supporters the opportunity to win premium appliance packages.

The promotion includes a major prize featuring a Haier 12kg / 9kg 600 Series Laundry Centre with Heat Pump Dryer, alongside a runner-up package consisting of a Haier 12kg / 8kg 600 Series Combi front loader washer dryer.

Bendigo to Host 2026 CODE Sports NBL Blitz

Posted on May 27, 2026May 27, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball League (NBL) has officially announced that the 2026 CODE Sports NBL Blitz will be held in Bendigo, Victoria.

The pre-season tournament is scheduled to take place at the Red Energy Arena over five days, running from Wednesday, 2 September to Sunday, 6 September 2026.

The event will bring together all 10 NBL teams from Australia and New Zealand for a series of 10 competitive fixtures, serving as the final preparation period ahead of the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season, which is set to tip off on 19 September 2026.

2026 NBL Blitz Schedule (AEST)

Date	Match	Tip-off
Wednesday, 2 Sept	Cairns Taipans vs. Perth Wildcats	5:30pm
	Sydney Kings vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix	8:00pm
Thursday, 3 Sept	Brisbane Bullets vs. Tasmania JackJumpers	5:30pm
	Illawarra Hawks vs. Adelaide 36ers	8:00pm
Friday, 4 Sept	New Zealand Breakers vs. Sydney Kings	5:30pm
	Perth Wildcats vs. Melbourne United	8:00pm
Saturday, 5 Sept	South East Melbourne Phoenix vs. Brisbane Bullets	5:30pm
	Adelaide 36ers vs. Cairns Taipans	8:00pm
Sunday, 6 Sept	Melbourne United vs. Illawarra Hawks	2:30pm
	Tasmania JackJumpers vs. New Zealand Breakers	5:00pm

Economic and Community Impact

The event is supported by the Victorian Government’s Regional Events Fund, aiming to stimulate the local visitor economy by drawing thousands of fans to Bendigo’s hotels, cafes, and restaurants.

Beyond the matches, the tournament will feature grassroots activations, including player-led clinics and school visits to inspire the next generation of regional basketball talent.

The Blitz will be hosted at the recently upgraded Red Energy Arena, which has seen enhancements including two new indoor courts and improved lighting for outdoor facilities. This tournament marks the first time Bendigo has hosted the pre-season Blitz since 2018.

Adelaide 36ers Launch Pioneering Chinese Basketball Academy

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Courtney

The Adelaide 36ers have revealed an international initiative with the launch of the Adelaide 36ers Chinese Basketball Academy.

This industry-leading program is designed to attract talented student-athletes from China by integrating elite-level basketball development with high-quality Australian secondary education.

The initiative, delivered in partnership with the South Australian Department for Education and Woodville High School, represents a significant move to strengthen South Australia’s standing as a global destination for both sport and international education.

Commenting on the initiative, Adelaide 36ers chief of external relations & community strategy, Ross Wait, said: “The Adelaide 36ers Chinese Basketball Academy provides a truly unique opportunity for students to enhance their English language skills, achieve academic success, and experience Australian lifestyle and culture – all within a professional basketball environment.”

Adding that the collaboration aligns with the school’s mission to foster a future-focused learning ecosystem, Woodville High School principal, Anna Mirasgentis, added: “This collaboration not only delivers outstanding academic and sporting opportunities but also connects our school community with diverse cultures and global perspectives.”

Academic and Athletic Integration

The Academy is scheduled to welcome its inaugural cohort of Year 10 students for a semester-long program commencing in Term 1, 2027. The curriculum is designed to offer a balanced environment where participants can pursue academic excellence alongside professional-grade basketball training.

As an Adelaide 36ers High Performance partner school, Woodville High School will provide the primary training and educational hub for participants. The program features:

Specialist basketball coaching and strength and conditioning programmes.
Immersive match-day experiences and mentoring opportunities with 36ers staff.
Tailored English language development and academic support.
Comprehensive pastoral care through the International Education Services’ homestay programme.

The programme will be capped at 20 students to ensure a personalised approach to development, with a strong focus on cultural integration and student wellbeing.

Strengthening International Connections

The initiative aims to facilitate engagement across multiple sectors, including tourism, local industry, and community organisations, while positioning South Australia as a premier location for international student-athletes.

Registrations of interest are currently open, with the Academy expecting high demand for the inaugural intake. Link found here.

Basketball NSW Announce Partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Courtney

Basketball NSW has formally entered into a partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (the Duke of Ed), becoming an official Duke 4Sport Partner.

This initiative is designed to create structured pathways for young people across New South Wales to integrate their basketball involvement with the globally recognised youth development framework.

Under the agreement, Basketball NSW will provide diverse opportunities for participants to fulfil their Duke of Ed requirements through the sport. Whether as players, coaches, officials, or volunteers, participants can leverage these roles to meet their award milestones while gaining hands-on experience in one of the state’s most popular sporting ecosystems.

Basketball NSW Interim CEO David Simpson highlighted the alignment of values between the two organisations, noting that the partnership serves both the physical and personal developmental needs of young athletes.

“Becoming a Duke 4Sport Partner allows us to connect with young people who are looking to challenge themselves and grow through sport,” said Simpson. “This partnership not only supports young people in completing their Duke of Ed, but also strengthens our basketball community by welcoming new players, coaches and most importantly volunteers into the game.”

Expanding Pathways and Youth Development

The Duke of Ed framework currently engages more than 30,000 registered participants annually across New South Wales. By aligning with this established program, Basketball NSW aims to broaden its grassroots engagement and foster a culture of service and leadership among its youth demographic.

Dual-Purpose Engagement: Participants can satisfy service and physical recreation components of their award by contributing to local basketball associations, thereby reducing barriers to entry for volunteers and officials.
Skill Acquisition: The partnership emphasises the development of transferable life skills, such as leadership, communication, and organisational management, that extend beyond technical basketball competency.
Community Strengthening: By welcoming new coaches and volunteers, the initiative seeks to alleviate resourcing pressures on local clubs while promoting long-term retention within the game.

Construction Commences on $15 Million PCYC Caloundra Multipurpose Facility

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Courtney

Construction has officially commenced on a new $15 million Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) facility in the Sunshine Coast’s growing Stockland Aura community.

The milestone, marked by an official sod-turning ceremony, signals the beginning of a significant infrastructure development designed to bolster youth engagement, physical health, and community cohesion in the region.

The purpose-built centre will be located on a 6,500-square-metre site situated adjacent to the Emergency Services Precinct in the Aura development, west of Caloundra.

Facility Infrastructure and Community Impact

The new multipurpose hub is set to provide a broad suite of amenities to meet the needs of the fast-growing Caloundra South population. Once operational, the venue will feature:

A 24/7 gymnasium.
Dedicated modern gymnastics halls.
Outdoor basketball courts and open-air activity spaces.
Flexible, multipurpose rooms for community meetings and programming.

The facility represents a major investment from the Queensland Government, with land provision facilitated through a partnership with the Sunshine Coast Council and Stockland.

Youth Development Pathway

Beyond its physical infrastructure, the centre is intended to serve as a hub for PCYC Queensland’s established suite of youth-focused developmental initiatives.

Programming will include well-recognised youth leadership and crime prevention platforms such as Braking the Cycle, After Dark, Drop In, and the Youth Leadership Team. By offering these services in a purpose-built space, PCYC Caloundra aims to provide young people with safe, inclusive environments to build professional skills, enhance their physical wellbeing, and form positive social connections.

Nike Names Australian-Founded The Yard Gym as First Global Gym Partner

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Courtney

Nike has announced a landmark global partnership with the Sydney-founded strength and conditioning franchise, The Yard Gym (TYG). The deal designates The Yard Gym as Nike Training’s first-ever official Global Gym Partner.

Following the closure of its own boutique “Nike Studios” concept in Texas and California in March 2026, the sportswear giant has opted to pivot from operating its own physical locations to empowering existing, high-growth fitness communities.

Commenting on the partnership, VP and GM of Nike Training, Chloe Speed, said: “Like Nike, The Yard Gym believes training is more than a workout. It’s about unlocking progress.”

“By combining Nike’s expertise in performance innovation with TYG’s industry-leading approach to community and programming, we’ll help more athletes push the limits of what’s possible and raise the bar of training globally.”

Daniel Bova added that the alignment of core values was the catalyst for the deal. “Nike Training embodies the same grit we see inside every TYG studio. We share the same obsession: building stronger, better humans in and out of the gym.”

Partnership Benefits

The collaboration is structured to integrate Nike’s performance innovation with The Yard Gym’s established operational model across three primary areas:

Exclusive Outfitting: Nike Training will serve as the exclusive provider of footwear, apparel, and accessories for all TYG coaches and team members worldwide.
Experience Co-creation: Both organisations will collaborate on developing training programmes, community activations, and events designed to increase training consistency and participation.
Environmental Integration: Nike branding and technology will be incorporated into the physical infrastructure of existing and future TYG locations, creating a cohesive “Nike Training” presence.

The Yard Gym: A Rapid Global Rise

Founded in 2020 by Daniel and Tiarne Bova in Cronulla, New South Wales, The Yard Gym has rapidly evolved from a single suburban studio into a significant global franchise.

The brand’s model focuses on strength-based workouts, including its signature RIG (strength) and TURF (conditioning) sessions, alongside HYROX training and run clubs.

The brand’s growth has been bolstered by its distinctive aesthetic and a strategic partnership with F45 co-founder Rob Deutsch, who joined as a strategic advisor in 2023.

By late 2025, the brand had sold over 250 franchise licences, with a physical footprint currently spanning Australia, the United States, New Zealand, and Mexico.

Ben Simmons Eyes Boomers Return for LA 2028 Olympic Campaign

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Courtney

Three-time NBA All-Star, Ben Simmons, has signalled his intent to return to the international basketball stage, setting his sights on the Australian Boomers’ roster for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The 29-year-old, who has not represented Australia at the senior level since the 2013 FIBA Oceania Championships, is reportedly working toward a rigorous physical and mental recovery to facilitate a potential national team comeback.

Path to the Boomers

The ambition was confirmed by Boomers assistant coach and Simmons’ godfather, David Patrick, during a recent appearance on the basketball.com.au podcast Cut to the Jase.

Patrick noted that while Simmons has enjoyed significant success at the youth level, representing the Boomers in the Olympic arena remains a marquee goal he has yet to achieve.

“Believe it or not, he wants to wear it and I think the Olympics is kind of his goal.”

“I think as he’s got older and matured like all of us do, I think that’s one thing he hasn’t ticked off the box, playing for his country…

“I think he’s on track to trying to get healthy mentally and physically, and I think it’s something that he will try to do moving forward,” Patrick said

Patrick acknowledged that a return to elite international competition requires a structured approach for a player who has navigated a challenging period following his departure from the NBA. Simmons last featured in an NBA game on May 30, 2025, while with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Current Status and Career Pivot

Since concluding his 2024-25 NBA campaign, Simmons has remained an unrestricted free agent. While he has previously expressed an interest in an NBA return, he has notably transitioned into professional sport fishing.

As the controlling owner of the South Florida Sails, Simmons recently celebrated his first major title, winning the 2026 Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) Walker’s Cay Open in The Bahamas.

Despite his recent success in professional angling, the former No. 1 overall draft pick has maintained that he is not retired from basketball. He continues to weigh his professional options while balancing his physical conditioning requirements.

Trevor Gleeson Appointed Head Coach of the Adelaide 36ers

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Courtney

The Adelaide 36ers have announced the appointment of five-time NBL championship-winning coach, Trevor Gleeson, as the club’s new head coach.

Gleeson joins the 36ers following an illustrious 14-year career in the NBL and extensive international coaching experience. His resume is headlined by five NBL titles achieved with the Perth Wildcats (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020) and dual NBL Coach of the Year honours (2011, 2021).

Highlighted that the club’s current roster maturity necessitated the arrival of a coach with proven high-level leadership credentials, executive chairman, Grant Kelley, said: “Trevor is a coach of the highest calibre.”

“He is a proven winner, an outstanding leader, and someone who understands what it takes to build a championship program.

“This is an important appointment at a time when we have a roster built for success,” Kelley said.

Commenting on his appointment, renowned coach, Gleeson, said: “Adelaide’s vision for the future and what it was looking for in a Head Coach really aligned with my principles and my experience.”

“I’m excited and I am looking forward to the challenge of building the 36ers into a Championship team.

“Obviously, I’ve got strong ties with Bryce Cotton, so that’s always incentive to have arguably the best player in NBL history,” he said.

Gleeson is set to commence his role next month, where his primary objectives will include finalising the playing roster and overseeing pre-season development.

A High-Performance Pedigree

Gleeson’s career has seen him transition from domestic success to the highest levels of global basketball, including assistant coaching roles in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks.

His recent tenure as head coach of the Chiba Jets in Japan’s B League saw him maintain a high standard of performance, guiding the team to back-to-back playoff appearances with a 68.5 per cent win rate.

Key Career Statistics:

Total NBL Games Coached: 460
NBL Winning Percentage: 59.6%
All-Time NBL Coaching Rank: 6th for total games coached
International Experience: NBA Assistant (Raptors/Bucks), Boomers Assistant, Chiba Jets (Japan)

Football Australia Marks AFC Grassroots Football Day with Focus on Community Inclusion

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Courtney

Football Australia has celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026, reinforcing the sport’s role as a primary driver for community development, safety, and inclusion.

Held under the theme ‘Football for all, for Life’, the event underscored the organisation’s ongoing commitment to growing the game from the grassroots level, in alignment with FIFA World Football Week and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Commenting on the program, Canterbury Football Association CEO, Trent Thomas, said: “Football at the grassroots level has seen girls and women’s football continue to grow in recent years.

“More enjoyment, more participants, and an increased sense of community all brought together through grassroots football,” he said.

Adding his comment, Football Australia representative, Grace Lambourne, added: “Through Club Changer we support our clubs to provide a safe, fun and enjoyable environment where everyone is welcome; whether that be as a player, volunteer, referee or supporter.”

“Everyone should feel they belong and are welcome to play, stay, and love the game,” Lambourne said.

Community Engagement and Grassroots Growth

Hosted by the Balmain & District Football Club in collaboration with Football NSW and the Canterbury Football Association, the event attracted more than 400 participants ranging from 4 to 74 years of age. The program utilised small-sided football sessions to cater to a diverse demographic, featuring dedicated girls-only junior programs, all-abilities sessions, and over-age categories.

A key focus of the event was the Girls Junior Gala Day, which hosted 150 girls aged between 4 and 8. This activation highlighted the sustained surge in female participation following the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with Football Australia reporting a 32 per cent increase in female involvement across the nation. Beyond playing opportunities, the gala also facilitated leadership development for young referees and coaches, addressing the critical need to foster the next generation of football volunteers and officials.

A central feature of the celebration was the formal recognition of the Balmain & District Football Club’s commitment to organisational excellence. The club was presented with the prestigious 3 Star Club Changer award, recognising its robust frameworks regarding child safeguarding, accessibility, and overall club development.

Grace Kim Appointed Ambassador for MyGolf Powered by Ripper GC

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Courtney

LPGA Tour star Grace Kim has been unveiled as the latest ambassador for Golf Australia’s MyGolf Powered by Ripper GC program.

The appointment marks a move to capitalise on the current momentum in female golf participation across the country.

Kim, 25, brings significant world-class credentials to the junior program, including a breakthrough major championship victory at last year’s Amundi Evian Championship and a key role in Australia’s International Crown-winning team.

Having reached a career-high world ranking of No. 21, Kim now joins the program as its standalone female ambassador to inspire the next wave of grassroots golfers.

Commenting on her appointment, Kim, said: “Golf has given me so much, and I’m passionate about showing young girls and boys just how fun and rewarding the game can be.”

“It’s a sport you can play for life, and I hope through my ambassadorship I can help inspire more kids to give it a go,” Kim said.

Expressing her enthusiasm about Kim’s appointment, Golf Australia acting general manager of participation, Chris Crabbe, added: “Grace is an incredible role model, she is a proven winner on the world stage and as our standalone female ambassador, she is going to help us inspire more girls, as well as boys, across the country to play golf.”

Driving Participation Growth

The program is Australia’s leading national junior golf initiative for children aged 5-12, focusing on game-based learning, social development, and life skills. The timing of Kim’s appointment aligns with a substantial surge in female interest in the sport:

Rising Engagement: Girls’ participation in the MyGolf program has increased by 27 per cent year-on-year, growing at double the rate of boys.
National Reach: Last year saw over 40,000 participants in the program, with girls accounting for one-third of that total.
Long-term Impact: Industry data indicates that nine in 10 MyGolf participants continue to engage with the sport after finishing the program, with 18 per cent ultimately transitioning into official club memberships.

As part of her ambassadorial role, Kim will participate in junior clinics, create digital content, and headline national campaigns.

HoopsFest Perth Confirmed for Extended 2027 Showcase

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball League (NBL) has officially unveiled the schedule for the 2027 HoopsFest Perth, presented by Virgin Australia.

Following the announcement of a landmark three-year partnership with the airline, the festival is set to return to Western Australia for a five-day extravaganza at the RAC Arena from 13-17 January 2027.

The 2027 event marks the third year of the festival, which has become a significant fixture on the Australian sporting calendar. The showcase will feature 10 high-stakes fixtures, continuing the momentum from the previous year, which saw record attendance of over 35,500 fans—a 25 per cent year-on-year increase.

Expanded Five-Day Schedule

The festival will feature an intense block of competition involving teams from both the NBL and WNBL:

Wednesday, 13 January: Perth Lynx vs. Townsville Fire (4:00pm); Melbourne United vs. Cairns Taipans (6:30pm).
Thursday, 14 January: Sydney Flames vs. Southside Melbourne Flyers (4:00pm); Sydney Kings vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix (6:30pm).
Friday, 15 January: Adelaide Lightning vs. UC Capitals (4:00pm); Perth Wildcats vs. New Zealand Breakers (6:30pm).
Saturday, 16 January: Tasmania Jewels vs. Geelong Venom (4:00pm); Tasmania JackJumpers vs. Adelaide 36ers (6:30pm).
Sunday, 17 January: Bendigo Spirit vs. Perth Lynx (11:30am); Brisbane Bullets vs. Illawarra Hawks (2:00pm).

Beyond the fixtures, the event will once again host community clinics, open training sessions, and the free Bounce Nation Fan Zone. Early-bird tickets are currently available via HoopsFest.com.au, with pricing starting at $9 for juniors and $27 for adults.

Strategic Growth and International Visibility

HoopsFest remains a key component of the Western Australian Government’s major events strategy, with a commitment to keep the festival in Perth for at least the next two seasons.

The event has also solidified its reputation as a scouting hub, drawing consistent attention from NBA personnel and international scouts tracking the next generation of global basketball talent.

The festival’s commercial appeal has been bolstered by the new airline partnership, which supports travel logistics for teams and fans.

Virgin Australia, now the Official Airline Partner of both the NBL and WNBL, serves as the Presenting Partner for the festival, aiming to further integrate the event into the broader tourism and sports landscape of Western Australia.

SportAI Acquires Padelytics to Scale AI-Driven Racket Sports Analytics

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Courtney

Norwegian-based SportAI has announced the acquisition of Padelytics. The move unites two of the most prominent artificial intelligence (AI) teams currently operating within the racket sports industry, specifically targeting the rapid global expansion of padel, tennis, and pickleball.

The merger is designed to fast-track the development of a comprehensive, hardware-agnostic platform capable of delivering automated match analysis, technical performance metrics, and personalised coaching insights.

As part of the integration, Padelytics CEO and co-founder, Nenad Zivic will transition into the role of chief product and technology officer (CPTO) at SportAI. Zivic, who brings extensive experience from his tenure at Meta, will oversee the unified product vision and technical leadership. SportAI CEO and co-founder Lauren Pedersen will continue to lead the group.

“This acquisition brings together two of the strongest AI companies in racket sports and significantly accelerates our ambition to build the defining AI platform for the industry.”

“By complementing our technology and API capabilities with a product that can be deployed directly to clubs and players, this acquisition enables us to accelerate our rollout and reach a much broader market,” Pedersen said.

The teams are currently presenting their integrated technology roadmap at the Padel World Summit in Barcelona, where they are showcasing the future of automated video analysis and sports intelligence.

Gameplan for Market Dominance

The acquisition arrives as padel maintains its status as one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, with the International Padel Federation (FIP) reporting over 35 million active participants and a 42 per cent year-over-year increase in federation-registered members.

By integrating Padelytics’ field-deployable product capabilities with SportAI’s existing API and computer vision infrastructure, the combined entity aims to scale its services across Europe, North America, and other emerging markets. The technology is specifically designed to function across diverse hardware, ranging from high-end court-mounted camera systems to standard mobile devices, ensuring accessibility for clubs, coaches, and individual players.

Current partnerships already integrate the combined tech stack into major racket sports platforms, including MATCHi, Save My Play, and Rackety, facilitating widespread adoption across global club networks.