Ministry of Sport

FIFA and Netflix Announce Partnership Ahead of World Cup 2026

Posted on December 19, 2025December 19, 2025 by Courtney

FIFA has officially announced a landmark partnership with Netflix Games to launch an exclusive, reimagined football simulation title. Timed to coincide with the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The upcoming title, developed by independent studio Delphi Interactive, will be available exclusively to Netflix subscribers.

Scheduled for a summer 2026 release, the game is strategically positioned to capitalise on the global fervour surrounding the World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Rather than competing directly in the high-budget, unit-sale-driven console market, FIFA is prioritising global reach and accessibility.

By leveraging Netflix’s massive established subscriber base, FIFA is attempting to democratise the gaming experience, shifting focus toward a casual-first, mobile-centric product that is fast to learn and broadly recognisable.

As the streaming giant continues to expand its “Netflix Games” portfolio, the inclusion of a globally dominant sports brand like FIFA serves as a powerful tool for increasing engagement time within its ecosystem.

The game will be offered at no additional cost to members, accessible via mobile devices and television interfaces, further integrating sports entertainment into the Netflix user journey.

While details regarding the long-term licensing structure remain under wraps with ongoing corporate documents, the partnership places Delphi Interactive at the centre of FIFA’s next digital phase.

The studio has been tasked with creating a “hardworking” simulation that stands the test of time while meeting the elite standards of a World Cup year.

A FIFA spokesperson noted that the shift reflects a modernised view of the football video game market, prioritising distribution through existing digital ecosystems over standalone monetisation.

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Gold Coast Titans Secure Multi-Year Extension with Gold Coast Commercial Real Estate

Posted on December 18, 2025December 19, 2025 by Courtney

The Gold Coast Titans have solidified their local commercial foundation, announcing a significant multi-year partnership renewal with Gold Coast Commercial Real Estate (GCCRE).

Commenting on the partnership renewal, Titans CEO, Steve Mitchell, said: “The next two years promise exciting opportunities for GCCRE and the Titans, and we look forward to delivering meaningful outcomes for businesses, supporters, and the broader Gold Coast community together.”

The two-year extension reinforces the Titans’ strategy of aligning with industry leaders that hold a dominant share of the South East Queensland market.

Gold Coast Commercial Real Estate, a prominent agency specialising in commercial leasing, sales, property management, and investment solutions, views the partnership as a primary vehicle for expanding its professional footprint across the region’s rapidly growing economic corridor.

The collaboration is designed to leverage the Titans’ high-visibility platform to showcase the economic and cultural vibrancy of the Gold Coast.

For the agency, the partnership is less about traditional branding and more about a mission to align with an organisation that reflects its core values of teamwork, resilience, and community spirit.

By maintaining a presence within the Titans’ business ecosystem, GCCRE can better engage with a diverse network of corporate stakeholders and investors.

The renewal comes at an important time for the Titans as they continue to build out their commercial program ahead of the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

West Coast Eagles Announce Collaboration with SABA

Posted on December 18, 2025December 19, 2025 by Courtney

The West Coast Eagles have announced a multi-year agreement with premium Australian fashion label SABA.

The partnership will see the iconic brand become the club’s preferred supplier, specifically tasked with delivering the female corporate uniform from the 2026 season.

West Coast Eagles CEO, Don Pyke, noted that the partnership is centred on enhancing the confidence and professional identity of the club’s female representatives.

“We’re thrilled to partner with SABA to deliver our female club uniform from 2026.”

“SABA brings a modern style, making sure our women look smart and feel confident when representing our club at corporate events and match days,” Pyke said.

Emphasising that the partnership is built on shared values of quality and resilience, general manager at SABA, Lucinda Grice, said: “At SABA, we design with purpose and care, creating quality, hardworking pieces that stand the test of time.”

“It has been a pleasure to provide a uniform that feels true to the club and reflects the way their team shows up every day,” Grice said.

This alignment highlights the Eagles’ ongoing commitment to professional excellence off the field, ensuring staff and executives maintain a sophisticated aesthetic during high-stakes corporate engagements and match-day hospitality.

SABA, a label synonymous with modern, purpose-driven design, was selected for its ability to reflect the elite standards of one of Australia’s most recognisable sporting organisations.

The agreement places a significant emphasis on the brand’s ability to provide high-quality, durable apparel that meets the rigorous demands of the AFL’s commercial calendar.

From a logistical and community-engagement perspective, the partnership has been heavily supported by the SABA Claremont Quarter store.

The local team was instrumental in the granular details of the rollout, including bespoke styling, sizing, and quantity management, ensuring a seamless integration into the club’s operations.

Melbourne Victory Extends Partnership with Maple Living

Posted on December 18, 2025December 18, 2025 by Courtney

Melbourne Victory has announced that premier home builder Maple Living has not only renewed its status as a Premier Partner but has also signed on as the foundation sponsor for the club’s inaugural NPLW program.

The extension marks the fourth consecutive year of collaboration between the two organisations.

Emphasising the importance of corporate stability as the club expands its competitive footprint, Melbourne Victory managing director, Caroline Carnegie, said: “It is wonderful to have Maple Living back as a Premier Partner of the Club.”

“Our partnership was established in early 2022 and has continued to strengthen ever since.”

“Heading into our fourth year, we are thrilled to now have Maple Living as a key partner of our NPLW program. It is an exciting time as we strive for success across both A-League competitions and our academies,” Carnegie said.

Director, Anthony Wardan, noted that the collaboration has been “incredibly rewarding” and cited a desire to deepen the connection with the club’s supporter base as a primary driver for the expansion.

By securing a front-of-shirt partner for a new developmental tier before its first match demonstrates the strong market value of the Victory brand.

Rugby Australia launches Super Rugby Next Gen competition in 2026

Posted on December 18, 2025December 18, 2025 by Courtney

Rugby Australia has announced a restructuring of its developmental architecture with the launch of the Super Rugby Next Gen competition, set to debut in February 2026.

The new three-week tournament is designed to replace the existing Super Rugby U19s format.

Strategically, the competition has been positioned to serve as a critical selection and preparation window for the Australia U20s program. By scheduling the tournament for early February, Rugby Australia has aligned its domestic talent identification with the international calendar, specifically the Rugby Championship U20s in April and the World Rugby U20 Championship, which will be staged in Georgia in July 2026.

On the other note, while the competition remains focused on the U20 age bracket, Rugby Australia has introduced a tactical flexibility allowing clubs to field over-age players. This hybrid model is intended to increase the physical intensity of the matches, ensuring that emerging talent is “battle-hardened” before entering the rigorous international window.

Highlighting the strategic intent behind the move, Rugby Australia general manager of Men’s High Performance and Competitions, Ben Whitaker, said: “From a high performance perspective, Super Rugby Next Gen is an opportunity for the best emerging talent in our Super Rugby programs to test themselves ahead of another big year for the Australia U20s and Super Rugby clubs.”

Every match of the Super Rugby Next Gen series will be streamed live via the Rugby.com.au YouTube channel, providing a global platform for the code’s most recognisable rising stars.

The tournament is scheduled to kick off on February 7 in Sydney, with the defending U19 champions, the NSW Waratahs, taking on the Western Force.

The opening round continues the following day in Canberra, where the ACT Brumbies will host the Queensland Reds.

JumpShot Secures Investors Ahead of 2026 Series A

Posted on December 18, 2025December 18, 2025 by Courtney

Sports-tech firm JumpShot has reinforced its investor registry, confirming that Zubin Antia and Sean Lin have joined the company’s latest funding round.

The move comes as the organisation accelerates its transition from foundational development to market activation, specifically targeting a formal Series A capital raise in 2026.

Co-owner at BL Development Group, Antia, has a background in multi-market hospitality expansion, brings expertise in “experiential” consumer brands, a sector increasingly vital to sports-tech companies looking to bridge the gap between physical venues and digital engagement.

Commenting on the new investors and how it affects the company, JumpShot ,CEO Derrick Mayes, said: “Every leader we bring onto our team sharpens our ability to scale with intention.”

In addition, Lin’s expertise in EBITDA improvement and revenue growth across technology and software sectors will likely be leveraged to ensure the company’s go-to-market execution meets the rigorous requirements of institutional investors during the 2026 Series A.

This focus on monetisation is critical as the company seeks to move its “CourtSuite” platform from a proprietary concept to a commercially viable ecosystem.

The company is currently preparing for the “CourtSuite Summit,” a private event held in partnership with global engineering and manufacturing firm TAIT.

This summit is designed to provide stakeholders with a first-look at the patented basketball ecosystem, highlighting the “fan-to-player” connectivity that JumpShot believes will drive its future content rights and licensing revenue.

As the sports technology landscape becomes increasingly crowded with gamification tools, JumpShot’s strategy relies on building a defensible infrastructure.

By layering this new capital with creative partnerships, the organisation is positioning itself not just as a hardware provider, but as a lifestyle and media property capable of shifting fan interaction at the grassroots and entertainment levels.

360 Hoops Targets 2026 for National Market Entry

Posted on December 18, 2025December 18, 2025 by Courtney

As youth sports participation costs rise and facility availability remains a bottleneck for growth, US-based 360 Hoops has announced a formal commercial rollout for 2026.

The company, which specialises in a patented three-basket hardware system and a proprietary 3v3v3 gameplay format, is positioning itself to address the primary pain point for facility operators: revenue density per square metre.

The pivot from prototype to national property follows a 2025 validation phase that included visibility on ESPN’s “The Ocho” and integration into US youth development programs.

By allowing five units to be deployed on a single standard basketball court, the system can support up to 60 active athletes simultaneously, a six-fold increase over traditional 5v5 training sessions.

Co-founder of 360 Hoops, Anthony Gomez, noted that the value proposition for club directors and private complexes hinges on this spatial efficiency.

“It really comes down to one question: how much value can you generate per square foot?” Gomez said.

The business model is built on vertical integration, combining high-margin unit sales with long-term revenue pathways including sanctioned tournament rights, licensing, and brand partnerships.

This “ecosystem” approach seeks to create a defensible category that insulates the brand from competitors—a tactic often seen in the rapid commercialisation of sports like pickleball and padel.

The organisation’s credibility is supported by the involvement of Mike Brey, an assistant coach for the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, who serves as an investor and advisor.

His presence suggests a focus on ensuring the technical skills developed in the 360-degree format are transferable to the traditional game, a necessity for long-term adoption by governing bodies and schools.

With a Year 1 target of 30 markets, the company plans to establish flagship complex partnerships before expanding into schools and community parks.

The non-stop 14-minute game format offers a high-density content opportunity that aligns with current trends in fast-paced, urban sports consumption.

NBL Group Promotes Alex Hamilton as Chief Product Officer

Posted on December 18, 2025December 18, 2025 by Courtney

The National Basketball League (NBL) has strengthened its executive leadership team with the promotion of Alex Hamilton to Chief Product Officer for the NBL Group.

The move signals a consolidation of the league’s most critical commercial pillars, as Hamilton takes charge of an expanded portfolio encompassing product development, fan growth, marketing, technology, government relations, and events.

Reflecting on her appointment, Hamilton expressed her focus on the league’s trajectory and collaborative culture.

“Excited to share that I’ve taken on the role of Chief Product Officer for the NBL Group, driving an expanded portfolio across product, fan growth, marketing, technology, government and events.”

“Looking forward to this next step and continuing to work with a fabulous team, our clubs, partners and stakeholders to help shape the next phase of growth,” Hamilton said.

This “all-in-one” portfolio approach is designed to streamline how the league engages with its rapidly expanding domestic and international fan base.

In her new position, Hamilton will be responsible for overseeing the league’s technological infrastructure and marketing strategies, ensuring that the NBL’s commercial products remain competitive in a crowded sports and entertainment market.

The inclusion of government relations and events in her remit further highlights the league’s focus on securing infrastructure support and expanding its footprint through marquee domestic and international fixtures.

Queensland Rugby Union Secures Ford Australia

Posted on December 17, 2025December 18, 2025 by Courtney

The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has announced a partnership with Ford Australia as the Official Automotive Partner of the QRU and the Queensland Reds for a minimum of three years.

This agreement immediately strengthens the QRU’s financial base and its suite of commercial partners, leveraging the synergy between the two recognisable brands, both boasting over a century of legacy.

Commenting on the partnership, CEO of Ford Australia, Andrew Birkic, noted: “We are excited to become the Official Automotive Partner of the Queensland Rugby Union, reinforcing our commitment to Queensland rugby and its communities.”

Emphasising the alignment and honour of the deal, QRU chief executive, David Hanham, added: “We are thrilled to be embarking on this exciting journey with an iconic partner, Ford Australia.”

“This partnership unites two iconic brands with rich histories and a commitment to excellence and innovation.

“Together, we will build a best-in-class partnership.

“Similarly to when Bank of Queensland committed to us earlier this year, we’ve been able to identify a prospective partner a long way out and work with them to demonstrate who we are and what we stand for, and pleasingly, it’s resonated with Ford Australia,” Hanman said.

The value of the partnership is multifaceted, encompassing brand visibility, operational efficiency, and fan engagement:

The Ford logo will be proudly displayed on the Reds’ playing shorts, a key broadcast asset.

Additionally, the branding will feature on the shoulder of the Coach Media Polo and the collar of Queensland Reds Under-15s, U16s and U19s training and playing jerseys, embedding the Ford brand across the entire Queensland rugby development program.

The partnership provides direct operational benefits to the organisation, with QRU staff receiving a fleet of F-150 vehicles and operational staff utilising Reds-branded Transit Vans for equipment transport.

The program includes provisions for Ford to “activate on Reds match days,” deliver “Fan Days featuring community clinics and Reds player appearances,” and produce branded social media content.

The long-term commitment from Ford joins an outstanding suite of renewed and new commercial partners, including Principal Partner BMS Group and the recent naming rights deal with Sumo Energy, signaling strong market confidence in the QRU and Reds organisation.

North Queensland Cowboys Group Acquire CBD Car Park

Posted on December 17, 2025December 18, 2025 by Courtney

The North Queensland Cowboys Group has purchased the Metro Quays multistorey car park on Ogden Street in Townsville.

This acquisition is explicitly designed to enhance the convenience and quality of the fan experience for club members and supporters, while simultaneously playing a pivotal role in the revitalisation of the Townsville Central Business District (CBD).

Emphasising the strategic alignment between the commercial investment and customer satisfaction, Cowboys Leagues Club general manager, Clint Williams, said: “We’re excited this acquisition will make it easier and more enjoyable for our members, supporters, and guests to visit not only the Leagues Club and Queensland Country Bank Stadium but the CBD in general.”

The asset purchase, described as another exciting step in revitalising our CBD and enhancing the game day experience, involves comprehensive planned upgrades.

These facility improvements will address core operational areas, including security, lighting, signage, and accessibility.

The aim is to transform the site into a high-utility, multipurpose asset capable of serving three distinct customer bases: Cowboys Leagues Club visitors, stadium fans (Queensland Country Bank Stadium), and patrons attending local events.

By controlling this vital piece of transit infrastructure, the organisation minimises external logistical friction and maximises the ease of access for its high-volume event days.

This investment underscores the club’s robust commercial program and its broader commitment to regional economic development.

By directly controlling and upgrading this infrastructure, the Cowboys are better able to improve logistics for large-scale events, which maximise both fan engagement and the overall financial and social honour the club provides to the region.

The organisation is actively fulfilling its stated goal to play our part in creating a more vibrant and accessible city centre for everyone.

Essendon Football Club CEO Craig Vozzo Steps Down

Posted on December 17, 2025December 18, 2025 by Courtney

Essendon Football Club has announced the departure of its chief executive officer, Craig Vozzo, who has chosen to step down to relocate to South Australia and prioritise family commitments.

Vozzo concludes his tenure after his initial three-year contract, initiating a critical governance transition for the AFL club as it seeks to maintain recent structural momentum.

Vozzo’s departure comes at a period where Essendon claims to have established strong foundations across its football programs and commercial operations.

Club President, Andrew Welsh, affirmed the CEO’s impact, noting Vozzo’s “deep understanding of football has been pivotal in reshaping our football programs, which underwent significant transformation under his leadership.”

Welsh confirmed the Board has commenced a “thorough process to identify our next CEO,” seeking a candidate with the necessary “blend of leadership capability, strategic vision, and cultural alignment.” Chief Operating Officer Nick Ryan will assume the acting CEO role during this period.

Furthermore, the club is attempting to mitigate the loss of Vozzo’s specific operational expertise.

Welsh revealed that Essendon is actively exploring options to retain him in a consultancy capacity, specifically within the crucial areas of list management and recruiting.

This suggests that while Vozzo’s administrative leadership role is ending, the club recognises the unique, non-transferable value of his football operations acumen and the potential instability his complete exit could cause in the high-stakes football department.

His exit necessitates the Board to find a new leader capable of building on the established operational stability while guiding the club into its next chapter of strategic and commercial growth.

National Unification of Australian Athletics Confirmed

Posted on December 17, 2025December 18, 2025 by Courtney

Australian Athletics and Little Athletics Australia have reached an agreement in principle to unify, forming a single national governing body under the name Australian Athletics.

This structural alignment is designed to streamline operations, enhance the sport’s profile, and, most critically for the sports business sector, unlock new commercial and strategic opportunities.

The move establishes a single National Member Federation recognised by World Athletics and the Australian Sports Commission, consolidating the fragmented national landscape.

State Member Associations of Little Athletics Australia will transition to become members of the unified Australian Athletics, a governance shift that promises to improve regulatory consistency and administrative efficiency, which has been successfully modelled in states like Western Australia and the ACT.

As Little Athletics Australia President Sherrie Boulter highlighted, participation nationally grew by 16% this season, positioning the junior structure as a vital athlete acquisition funnel.

By formally integrating this engine into the senior body, the organisation is implementing a clear retention strategy aimed at reducing participant churn and securing talent through “clearer athletics pathways” as athletes move toward competitive structures.

This unification is timed to maximise impact leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.

As an integrated entity, the new Australian Athletics is better positioned to leverage the increased visibility and targeted government and corporate investment that accompanies a home Games cycle.

As Jane Flemming OAM noted, this development best places the sport to be successful long into the future, suggesting the consolidation is foundational to securing major, multi-year commercial partnerships.

The immediate priority for the combined leadership is the finalisation of implementation plans, expected by mid-February 2026.

For sponsors and broadcasters, the unified body presents a more attractive proposition: a single point of entry offering cohesive national programming and a clear, managed pathway from grassroots participation to elite performance.

Formula 1 Secures Two-Year Deal for Portuguese Grand Prix Return at Portimão

Posted on December 17, 2025December 17, 2025 by Courtney

Formula 1® has announced a commercial agreement, securing the return of the Portuguese Grand Prix for the 2027 and 2028 seasons at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (Portimão).

The two-year deal involves key strategic partners: the Portuguese government, Turismo de Portugal, and promoter Parkalgar, Parques Tecnológicos e Desportivos, S.A.

This agreement reinforces F1’s growing calendar demand and provides a substantial economic boost to Portugal’s Algarve region.

The decision to bring F1 back to Portimão, which last hosted races in 2020 and 2021, was driven by strong interest, according to Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, who stated that the interest and demand to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix is the highest that it has ever been.

Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion of Portugal, Manuel Castro Almeida, said: “The F1 Grande Prémio de Portugal will have a direct impact on economic activity, generating opportunities throughout the economic chain, from tourism to trade, and services to SMEs, projecting the country as a competitive and reliable destination.”

He added that hosting the Grand Prix “reinforces our regional development strategy, enhancing the value of the territories and creating opportunities for local economies.”

Chairman and CEO of the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Jaime Costa, confirmed the circuit’s excitement, noting the return will deliver a powerful boost for our tourism, region, and community.

The two-year program is expected to deliver a significant financial honour and global projection for Portugal’s image worldwide.

Queensland Government Launches “Sport Hub Queensland”

Posted on December 17, 2025December 17, 2025 by Courtney

The Queensland Government has introduced an initiative with the launch of Sport Hub Queensland (Sport HQ), a free and accessible online platform designed to strengthen the governance and operational capabilities of the state’s sport and racing sectors.

This initiative is explicitly positioned to prepare local organisations for the upcoming 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and ensure their long-term viability beyond the event.

Sport HQ is designed as a centralised, collaborative, and future-focused resource, providing essential tools, templates, and videos across critical operational areas, including:

Governance and Financial Management
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
Participation and Pathways Development
Games Readiness

The creation of this platform is a direct strategic investment by the government to standardise best practices and improve management across all levels of the sporting and racing communities, regardless of an organisation’s size or location.

This ensures the entire state maximises the commercial and social honour derived from hosting the 2032 Games.

This resource will align with the new 10-year Sport Strategy for Queensland, which is scheduled to be unveiled in early 2026.

By providing practical resources and a unified platform, the government is establishing a comprehensive program to build a more resilient and high-performing sporting ecosystem capable of supporting both elite competition and grassroots participation growth.

Adelaide 36ers and Apex Steel Extend High-Value Partnership

Posted on December 17, 2025December 17, 2025 by Courtney

The Adelaide 36ers NBL club has renewed its long-standing partnership with Apex Steel for an additional three years, extending the relationship through to the end of the NBL29 season.

This multi-year extension confirms the strength of one of the club’s most enduring commercial relationships and provides vital financial stability for the basketball organisation.

The agreement ensures the “Apex Steel logo will again feature prominently on the back of the Adelaide 36ers jersey,” a key piece of high-value broadcast and in-arena branding that has become a familiar part of the club’s presentation.

Highlighting the alignment beyond simple sponsorship, Adelaide 36ers CEO, Nic Barbato, said: “Apex Steel has been an incredible supporter of our club for a long time, and we are thrilled to continue this partnership for another three years.”

“Their belief in what we’re building is genuinely appreciated, and we’re proud to carry their brand on our jersey once again,” Barbato noted.

Apex Steel owner, John Konstandopoulos, confirmed this commitment, stating his organisation is delighted to extend its commitment to the 36ers for a further three seasons, expressing approval of the direction the club is heading in and the culture it is continuing to build, both on and off the court.