Ministry of Sport

Electrical Group Training Renews and Expands Partnership with RugbyWA to Support Women’s and Girls’ Rugby

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Courtney

RugbyWA has announced that Electrical Group Training (EGT) has renewed and expanded its partnership, reinforcing their corporate and community commitment to the growth and development of women’s and girls’ rugby across Western Australia.

Having first established its partnership with the sporting organisation in 2025, EGT will continue its prominent role as a Supporting Partner of the Female Under-16 and Under-18 Representative Teams, alongside supporting the elite Female Academy Program.

In addition, this renewed agreement broadens EGT’s community footprint by extending its sponsorship to the Junior Girls Series, a foundational community competition designed to provide young female players with regular, structured opportunities to play rugby and build skills in a supportive environment.

Welcoming the ongoing collaboration and its direct impact on player pathways, RugbyWA CEO, Simon Taylor, said: “Electrical Group Training has been a genuine supporter of women’s and girls’ rugby, helping emerging players access representative opportunities and continue their development both on and off the field.”

“Extending EGT’s support to the Junior Girls Series will provide more young players across WA the opportunity to participate, develop and progress through the pathway,” Taylor said.

The partnership leverages shared community values, successfully combining grassroots sporting participation with vocational career advocacy.

Highligting the tangible outcomes achieved through the alliance, EGT CEO, Carl Copeland, added: “With the help of RugbyWA and the Big Sister Program, 14.5% of EGT’s apprentices are women.”

“Partnering with RugbyWA helps EGT spread the word that an electrical apprenticeship is more than just a viable option for women, it’s a chance at a long-term career in our industry,” Copeland noted.

As Western Australia’s largest employer of electrical apprentices, EGT connects trainees with an extensive network of host businesses across the state, providing structured training and hands-on experience.

Beyond its core trade operations, EGT serves as the Western Australian delivery partner for The Big Sister Program, a national Building Women’s Careers Program funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. This initiative delivers pre-vocational training, mentoring, and employment opportunities to improve gender equity in traditionally male-dominated trades.

newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

Nightcliff Cricket Club Secures Aussie Broadband Technology Grant to Drive Grassroots Growth

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Courtney

Nightcliff Cricket Club has been named among the successful recipients of the 2026 Community Cricket Tech Fund, securing digital infrastructure support through an ongoing collaboration between Aussie Broadband and Cricket Australia.

The national grant initiative supports grassroots cricket clubs by providing essential technological resources, helping local organisations manage the rising demands of digital e-scoring, online administration, and community engagement.

Selected from a competitive pool sharing in a $100,000 funding round across 36 successful clubs nationwide, Nightcliff Cricket Club will leverage the grant to offset operational technology costs and maintain connectivity across multiple grades.

Aussie Broadband Chief Financial Officer Darren Rowland emphasised the societal and sporting role played by local clubs, highlighting the timing following international fixtures in the region.

“Community clubs like the Nightcliff Cricket Club play a vital role in growing the game from the grassroots level. With the landmark Australia and Bangladesh Test match having wrapped in Darwin, it’s a timely reminder of cricket’s ability to connect and inspire communities right across the country,” Rowland stated.

Detailing the operational challenges offset by the corporate partnership, Nightcliff Cricket Club treasurer, Andrew Innes, added: “The development of online connectivity for local cricket has been great for promoting our club and engaging people away from Nightcliff to follow our progress.”

“However, these technological advances do come at a cost to clubs especially when multiple sides are playing at the same time.

“With the growth in playing numbers, especially in female and junior categories, the demand for internet ready devices to support participation requirements is ever increasing, especially as our older hardware become obsolete.

“This support from Aussie Broadband is fantastic in assisting in this challenge.

“Not only has it provided the club with a state-of-the-art device but covered the cost of operating it for a year.

“Without this generous support from Aussie Broadband the club would have been required to fund acquisition of additional devices from its own resources, a cost which would have impacted funding for other operational demands or been supported by increased cost on members,” Innes said.

Established in 1968, Nightcliff Cricket Club fields multiple senior and junior grades alongside a Woolworths Cricket Blast program within Territory Cricket competitions.

Recent administrative data across Northern Territory community cricket highlights high digital integration, with over eighty-three per cent of matches live-scored via connected devices, alongside a twenty-three per cent surge in participation among children aged five to twelve.

However, this heavy reliance on digital infrastructure creates substantial financial pressures for volunteer-run sporting organisations, particularly as hardware ages and participation expands across female and junior divisions.

The Community Cricket Tech Fund will continue for another two years, providing further opportunities for grassroots sporting entities to strengthen their digital capabilities.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

Foxtel Media Secures Exclusive Ad Sales Partnership for DAZN Australian YouTube Sports Channels

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Courtney

Foxtel Media has expanded its commercial footprint into the digital video landscape by becoming the exclusive advertising sales partner for DAZN-owned Australian YouTube sports channels.

The partnership covers prominent digital destinations including Fox Cricket, Fox League, Fox Footy, Fox Sports Australia, and Kayo Sports, providing brands with unprecedented access to a combined audience reach of 2.4 million users and over 600 million annual views.

By integrating these high-engagement channels into its ecosystem, Foxtel Media enables advertisers to extend live broadcast campaigns seamlessly into digital post-game recaps and mid-week content while maintaining a brand-safe environment.

Emphasising the significance of taking premium sports content beyond traditional subscription paywalls, chief sales officer at Foxtel Media, Nev Hasan, said: “As part of DAZN, we see every day the extraordinary power sport has to connect and inspire fans.”

“This partnership takes our sports offering beyond the paywall, opening new playing fields for brands to tap into that passion in a trusted, brand-safe environment.

“By combining YouTube’s scale with the targeting capabilities across the DAZN’s Australian digital ecosystem, we’re giving advertisers another powerful tool to amplify campaign performance and maximise return on investment,” Hasan said.

Echoing the commercial enthusiasm, Chris Ledlin, Sports, TV, News Country Lead at YouTube Australia, highlighted the immense value of unifying linear and digital sports rights. “Foxtel Group and DAZN’s world-class sports production has built an incredibly passionate, highly engaged community on YouTube,” Ledlin noted. “By bringing Fox Sports Australia, Fox League, Fox Footy, and Kayo SPORTS content to YouTube, Foxtel & DAZN have created a powerhouse ecosystem where Australia’s biggest sporting moments thrive. We are thrilled to grant exclusive YouTube co-sales rights to Foxtel Media. This partnership empowers brands to build deep, high-impact sponsorships across marquee sporting properties on YouTube, including the NRL & AFL, transforming premium sports content into a unified sales strategy that delivers unmatched connection and reach on YouTube.”

The commercial alignment bridges pay-TV sports production with YouTube’s massive scale, capitalizing on stellar viewership growth that saw total channel views surge by 200 per cent across calendar year 2025.

Flagship digital properties such as Fox Cricket generate more than 75 million annual views, while Fox League and Fox Footy drive substantial engagement through popular entertainment programming and expert debate.

Table Tennis Australia Secures Strategic Partnership with Banner Asset Management to Boost High-Performance Pathways

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Courtney

Table Tennis Australia has announced a partnership with Banner Asset Management. Specialising in debt and equity opportunities within the Australian real estate market, Banner Asset Management has built a strong corporate and community footprint in elite sport, having previously backed prominent Australian table tennis stars including Olympic and Paralympic medallist Melissa Tapper, alongside elite competitors Finn Luu and Nicholas Lum.

The partnership underscores a shared commercial commitment to strengthening Australia’s high-performance sporting environment, providing essential financial backing to help athletes compete and succeed on the global stage.

Commenting on the collaboration, Table Tennis Australia CEO, Nicole Adamson, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Banner Asset Management for its support of Table Tennis Australia and Australian table tennis athletes.”

“Banner has demonstrated a genuine commitment to our sport and, importantly, to the people within it.

“Their support helps us provide greater opportunities for athletes to compete, develop and pursue their goals at the highest level,” Adamson said.

Highlighting the alignment between corporate values and elite athletic performance, Founder and CEO of Banner Asset Management, Andrew Turner, shared: “Banner is proud to support Table Tennis Australia and the athletes who represent our country.”

“We believe strongly in supporting talented Australians who are committed to achieving their goals, and we have seen first-hand the dedication, professionalism and resilience required to compete at the highest level.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Table Tennis Australia and supporting the growth of the sport and its athletes,” Turner stated.

For Banner Asset Management, the ongoing investment reflects a core corporate ethos centered on supporting high-achieving Australians who demonstrate exceptional dedication and professionalism.

Brisbane Broncos Appoint Steve Lacey as General Manager of Retail and Merchandise

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Courtney

The Brisbane Broncos have appointmented Steve Lacey as their new GM of Retail and Merchandise, following more than two decades of dedicated service with Super Retail Group.

The appointment brings a wealth of commercial experience after dedicating twenty-two and a half years to rebel Sport and Amart Sports, having commenced his extensive retail career as a footwear salesperson in Toowoomba where he achieved early sales accolades.

Over a distinguished corporate tenure spanning ten distinct operational roles across Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, Lacey developed deep expertise across store management, senior retail leadership, and merchandising category management while traveling globally with leading sporting brands.

Transitioning into the elite rugby league landscape, Lacey expressed immense enthusiasm for joining Australia’s premier sporting brand and contributing to its ongoing commercial success.

“To combine my passion and career in retail and merchandise with my lifelong passion for rugby league at a world-class sporting organisation and Australia’s biggest sporting brand that I have supported my entire life in the Brisbane Broncos is quite simply a dream opportunity!”

I’m incredibly appreciative and grateful to Dave Donaghy, Dan Glass, Casey Powell and the entire Broncos team for the opportunity and the trust they’ve placed in me.”

Throughout his extensive corporate journey, Lacey played a pivotal role in driving customer-centric strategies, commercial innovation, and major sporting partnerships across the Australian sports landscape.

His career highlights include fostering strategic collaborations with the Queensland Rugby League, the Queensland Maroons, the ABF Future Immortals, the Queensland Murri Carnival, and Legends of League, alongside contributing to the successful implementation of the organisation’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

Collingwood Reveals La Trobe Financial Partnership to Include AFLW Sponsorship

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Courtney

Collingwood has extended its partnership with La Trobe Financial, announcing that the financial services firm is expanding its support to become an official AFLW Major Partner ahead of the club’s opening home game of the 2026 season.

Operating as a Premier Partner of the club’s AFL program for nearly two decades, La Trobe Financial’s branding will now feature across all football codes, with its logo appearing on the sleeves of all off-field AFLW apparel, venue signage, and digital assets.

Commenting on the partnership extension, Collingwood CEO, Craig Kelly, said: “For almost two decades, La Trobe Financial has been an important partner of Collingwood and we are thrilled to see them now represented across all our football programs.”

“Their long-standing commitment to our Club has played a significant role in supporting our athletes, Members and wider community.

“With the ongoing collaboration with Chris and the whole team at La Trobe Financial, we look forward to elevating this partnership and bringing our communities together through AFLW,” Kelly said.

Echoing these commercial and community-focused sentiments, and noting the strategic growth of women’s sport, La Trobe Financial CEO, Chris Andrews, added: “Our partnership with Collingwood has been founded on a shared commitment to community and bringing people together.”

“Extending that partnership to the AFLW is a natural next step.

“We’re proud to support a competition that continues to grow in strength, influence and impact and to partner with an organisation that shares our commitment to inclusion, leadership and community connection,” Andrews stated.

As part of the multi-program partnership, La Trobe Financial is also offering a commercial incentive for club members through its 12 Month Investment Account, providing new and existing investors with an effective 0.25 percent higher rate of return on investments of $10,000 or more.

Jane Fernandez Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Netball World Cup Sydney 2027

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Courtney

Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 has officially appointed Jane Fernandez as its new CEO, locking in experienced executive leadership to guide the Local Organising Committee through the planning and delivery phases of the tournament.

Having served as Interim Deputy CEO since May, Fernandez steps into the permanent role as commercial momentum builds ahead of the world cup, which will be contested in Sydney from 25 August to 5 September 2027.

Her appointment closely follows the confirmation of Mark Falvo as Netball Australia’s full-time CEO, establishing a dual-leadership team of seasoned sports administrators tasked with driving the game’s long-term strategic growth both on and off the court.

Commenting on the appointment, Netball Australia and Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 chair, Liz Ellis AO, said: “These are exciting and important times for netball, both in Australia and around the world, as we look to build on the sport’s momentum and embrace the significant opportunities ahead.”

“Netball Australia is fortunate to have two of Australia’s most highly respected and experienced sports administrators now leading key areas of the game.

“The permanent appointments of Mark Falvo as Netball Australia CEO and Jane Fernandez as CEO of Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 reflect the ambition we have for netball and our determination to strengthen the sport both on and off the court.

“Jane brings an impressive depth of major-event experience and leadership to the role, and her appointment provides strong continuity as we enter the next critical phase of tournament delivery,” Ellis said.

Reflecting on her appointment, Fernandez emphasised her commitment to delivering a landmark global event.

“I am delighted and honoured to be appointed Chief Executive of Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 and to have the opportunity to lead the organisation through to the delivery of the tournament.”

“Having served as Interim Deputy CEO over the past few months, I have seen first-hand the capability, commitment and passion of our team and the tremendous work already underway to deliver what we aspire to be the biggest and best Netball World Cup yet,” Fernandez said.

Bringing over two decades of major event experience across senior executive roles, Fernandez boasts an impressive commercial and operational background. Her credentials include serving as CEO for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia 2023, head of Sport at the Australian Olympic Committee, tournament director for the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015, and executive general manager of Operations for Rugby World Cup 2027 Australia.

Netball Australia Appoints Mark Falvo as Permanent CEO

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Courtney

Netball Australia has officially appointed Mark Falvo as its permanent Chief Executive Officer, locking in experienced leadership to guide the organisation through a commercial growth phase.

Mr Falvo assumes the permanent position after serving effectively as Interim Chief Executive Officer since April 2026, alongside his previous role as Chief Executive Officer of the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 since June 2025.

The appointment comes at a crucial juncture for Australian netball, underpinned by a lucrative five-year broadcast partnership with Nine Entertainment, the upcoming home Netball World Cup in Sydney next year, and the broader strategy of potential Olympic inclusion.

Praising the appointment of Falvo, Netball Australia chair, Liz Ellis AO, said: “The Netball Australia Board undertook an extensive and considered search for our new CEO, and we were delighted by the calibre of the candidates.”

“The interest in and momentum for netball continues to build and we are in a pivotal moment for our game.

“Ultimately, we appointed Mark because of his proven ability to create long-term value for national sporting organisations, his very strong financial and commercial capabilities, and his depth of experience in corporate strategy, major event legacy planning and collective bargaining.

“Mark provides significant experience in supercharging women’s sport, as he helped to do with the Matildas and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“He has actively demonstrated his care and respect for netball over the past year, and he provides us with extensive industry knowledge, relationships and market credibility,” Ellis said.

Reflecting on his permanent appointment, Mr Falvo emphasised the rare opportunity to secure the game’s long-term financial future and governance standards.

“Netball is already a superpower in Australian sport, as the largest sport for women and girls and one that is rapidly growing for men and boys.”

“The ingredients for continued growth in our professional Super Netball league, backed by our new five-year broadcast deal with Nine Entertainment, the opportunity presented by a home World Cup in Sydney next year, and the prospect of Olympic inclusion creates a once in a generation opportunity to set the game up for the long-term.

“My role will be to capitalise on this rare moment and create long-term value for the entire game, as well as improve the operational, financial and governance performance of Netball Australia.

“Working together across our vast netball ecosystem, we have the opportunity to create a legacy that will ensure the strength and endurance of our game into the next centenary and it’s an honour and privilege to lead this work.

“I take on the role of custodian of the game with significant respect for the people within this sport who continue to contribute and lead at every level of the game,” Falvo said.

Bringing extensive sports administration expertise from a fifteen-year tenure at Football Australia, where he served as Deputy General Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, contributed to the successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 bid, and helped negotiate equal pay agreements, Mr Falvo enters the role equipped with a proven track record in supercharging women’s sport and managing major international events.

Major Upgrade for Ballymore Announced by Queensland Government, RA and QRU

Posted on August 20, 2026 by Courtney

The Queensland Government, alongside the Queensland Rugby Union and Rugby Australia, has announced an investment to transform Ballymore into a premier elite rugby precinct.

Commencing later this year, the project involves demolishing Ballymore’s obsolete Eastern Stand to construct the state-of-the-art Teams in Gold Facility. The development will become the permanent, year-round home for Rugby Australia’s National Men’s and Women’s Sevens programs, making Rugby Sevens the first Olympic program to relocate to Queensland since Brisbane secured hosting rights for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Furthermore, the precinct will house the Wallaroos and the Wallabies during Queensland stints, featuring an integrated 2400-seat grandstand and a fourth floodlit training field.

Welcoming the milestone, QRU CEO, David Hanham, said: “This is a day of huge significance for rugby in Queensland and Australia. We set out with a clear and ambitious vision to create a truly world-class high-performance and community sporting precinct. Today, we have realised that vision.”

“This will be one of the best high-performance precincts in the world for rugby and it will stand proudly here in Queensland.

“More than that, it will create a hub for community sport and athlete development.

“Thanks to the vision and leadership of the Queensland Government, led by Premier Crisafulli, the partnership with the QRU and Rugby Australia is laying the foundations for a future of long-term, sustainable excellence for rugby in Queensland.

“The future of Australian Rugby has never looked brighter, and there is no better place to build that future than right here in Queensland,” Hanham said.

Echoing the economic impact of the funding, Premier David Crisafulli, said: “Queensland is the new home of Rugby Sevens and the Wallaroos because organisations want to be part of what we are building here in Queensland.”

“Having national teams based in Queensland at Ballymore only grows the game and encourages more kids to dream of pulling on the green and gold one day,” Hon Crisafulli noted.

Rugby Australia CEO, Phil Waugh, concluded: “This is an historic moment for Australian Rugby and the benefits from today’s announcement will be felt for generations.”

“The major upgrade of Ballymore will ensure the game’s spiritual home in Queensland will evolve into a high-performance centre of excellence to rival any around the rugby world.

“All of this has been made possible because of the strength of the partnership between the Queensland Government, the QRU and Rugby Australia,” Waugh shared.

The upgrade expands Ballymore’s main pitch into an 8000-capacity multi-purpose venue capable of hosting provincial and international fixtures. This funding anchors a broader commercial calendar, bringing events such as the Rugby Australia Summit and the John Eales Medal to Queensland twice over the next seven years.

Rule42 Sports Group Expands Softball Footprint with Major AUSL Investment and Softball America Acquisition

Posted on August 20, 2026 by Courtney

Rule42 Sports Group has announced a major equity investment in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) alongside the acquisition of premier media and rankings platform Softball America.

The dual transactions position Rule42 as a dominant force spanning amateur scouting and elite professional competition, capitalising on surging global interest in women’s softball.

As part of the investment, Rule42 founder and owner Renée James will join the AUSL Board of Directors, reinforcing an ownership ecosystem backed by Athletes Unlimited, Major League Baseball, the Milwaukee Brewers, and Ryan Sanders Baseball.

Emphasising the rationale behind the move, Renée James, said: “This is an amazing time for women’s softball. Fan interest is incredibly strong, and the opportunities for athletes at both the amateur and professional levels have never been better.”

“Rule42 sees the potential for even more growth, and we’re backing that belief with action.

“By investing in the AUSL and buying Softball America, we’re going all-in on softball,” James said.

Highligting the value of the acquisitions, VP of Softball at Rule42 and GM of Softball America, Tara Henry, added: “Joining Rule42 is a significant milestone for the Softball America team and our entire community.”

“This investment from Rule42 is a powerful commitment to women’s sports and to the continued growth and development of softball at every level.

“With Rule42’s backing, we can create more opportunities for athletes, expand pathways to discovery and success, and bring greater visibility to the sport while advancing the continued growth of the game at every level,” she noted.

Welcoming the partnership, CEO and Co-Founder of Athletes Unlimited, Jon Patricof, noted that bringing a high-profile technology veteran onto the board validates the league’s multi-million-dollar commercial upside and structural trajectory.

Founded in 2025, the six-team AUSL recently concluded a standout second season marked by a 152 per cent surge in average ESPN viewership and numerous sellout fixtures, attracting blue-chip corporate partners including adidas and Labcorp.

Cowboys Group Unites Regional Outreach Under New ‘Cowboys for Community’ Banner

Posted on August 20, 2026 by Courtney

The Cowboys Group, incorporating the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, Cowboys Leagues Club, and Cowboys Community Foundation, has officially unified its regional outreach under a single centralised banner known as Cowboys for Community.

Designed to streamline requests from charities, schools, and sporting organisations, the program establishes a coordinated pathway managed centrally by the Foundation. Annually receiving hundreds of community assistance applications ranging from memorabilia and merchandise to financial donations and player appearances, the Group aims to ensure regional investments are assessed transparently and efficiently across Northern Australia.

Highlighting the evolution of the organisation’s corporate social responsibility, Cowboys Community Foundation CEO, Fiona Pelling, said: “Supporting our community has always been part of who we are, but those contributions have often come through different teams, relationships and processes.”

“Cowboys for Community brings these threads together, giving people one clear path to reach out and provides a more complete picture of our contribution across our communities, helping us make informed decisions about where our support can have the greatest impact.

“Ultimately, this is about combining the resources of the Cowboys Group to make an even greater difference across our region,” Pelling said.

Adding corporate context, Cowboys Leagues Club GM, Clint Williams, added: “The Cowboys Leagues Club has a proud history of supporting local organisations and causes, having donated over $14 million to community causes since we began, and our commitment to this is stronger than ever.”

“Cowboys for Community gives us a coordinated way to continue that support while working closely with the Foundation and wider Cowboys Group,” Williams said.

The newly streamlined portal has already demonstrated tangible regional outcomes, supporting vital local initiatives such as the North Queensland branch of Invictus Australia through charity fundraising.

New Zealand Cricket Forecasts $7.3m Deficit for FY26 Amid Broadcast and Sponsorship Adjustments

Posted on August 20, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand Cricket has revealed a preliminary deficit of $7.3 million for the financial year ending 31 July 2026, a significant variance from the initial budget forecast deficit of $1.8 million.

The financial shortfall is attributed to budgeting errors involving revenue from a multi-year domestic broadcast contract that had already been received in previous financial years. Additional financial pressure stemmed from a reduction in income following alterations to New Zealand Cricket’s partnership with title sponsor Dream11, prompted by regulatory changes to India’s gambling laws, alongside an overall escalation in operational costs.

Addressing the financial result, New Zealand Cricket CEO, Geoff Allott acknowledged the severity of the outcome while expressing confidence in the organisation’s underlying financial health.

“As an organisation we accept that this financial performance isn’t good enough, nor is it sustainable.”

“It’s important that we own this updated budget deficit and immediately put in place the necessary steps to adjust and ensure it doesn’t happen again.

“To be clear, NZC had received all the broadcast revenue it should have, it is not lost income,” Allott said.

Allott also added that the upcoming financial year is projected to deliver a strong recovery, with net surpluses exceeding $10 million driven largely by commercial and broadcast revenues from the high-profile inbound tour by India.

“The loss of Super Smash title sponsor Dream11, coupled with the FY26 budget deficit, meant this was the most financially responsible decision for the competition,” Allott added.

In response to the deficit, management has instituted a series of corrective measures, including a comprehensive review of internal financial processes, budget reassessments, and structural adjustments to the domestic Super Smash competition.

Following consultation with Major Associations and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association, the final season of the current Super Smash broadcast cycle will be scaled down to 24 matches broadcast across 12 double-header match-days in the traditional December-January window.

Discussions are also underway to ensure these fixtures remain free-to-air following the conclusion of TVNZ’s previous rights agreement.

The preliminary deficit figures remain subject to final completion of the annual audit in early November, which will incorporate a transition to GAAP-compliant Public Benefit Entity Financial Reporting.

Despite the short-term headwinds, leadership remains focused on maximising the upcoming summer schedule and ensuring long-term fiscal prudence across a lumpy four-year sports business cycle.

The Sporting Globe Named Official Sports Bar Partner of the NFL in Australia Ahead of Melbourne Game

Posted on August 20, 2026 by Courtney

The Sporting Globe Bar & Grill has secured a partnership to become the Official Sports Bar Partner of the NFL in Australia, capitalising on the upcoming regular-season game in Melbourne between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers.

The commercial agreement establishes nationwide venues as official hubs for NFL fandom, integrating comprehensive watch parties, game-day food and beverage promotions, and large-screen activations across the country.

Commenting on the announcement, NFL GM – Australia and New Zealand, Charlotte Offord, “we’re excited to welcome The Sporting Globe as the Official Sports Bar Partner of the NFL in Australia.”

“As the game continues to grow across the country, partnerships like this play an important role in creating more opportunities for fans to come together and experience the excitement of the NFL in an authentic and engaging way.

“The Sporting Globe has built a reputation as Australia’s home of live sport, making them a natural fit for us.

“Together, we’ll create memorable experiences for fans throughout the season, from weekly game viewing through to major moments like the NFL Melbourne Game and Super Bowl, helping us deepen our connection with our growing fanbase across Australia,” Offord said.

Expressing his enthusiasm, CEO of The Sporting Globe, James Sinclair, added: “after 16 years of creating some of Australia’s most memorable Super Bowl and NFL events at The Sporting Globe, we see partnering with the NFL as the culmination of amazing experiences and unforgettable moments.”

“Becoming the NFL’s official sports bar partner in Australia elevates the way we can bring the game to life for our fans. More games, more often, at a whole new level.

“Whether you’re at The Sporting Globe at the Kickoff Festival, or at your local Sporting Globe anywhere in the country, we’re the best place in Australia to experience the NFL,” he added.

The partnership’s centrepiece launches in September at the NFL’s three-day Kickoff Festival at Melbourne Park, where The Sporting Globe will collaborate with TAB to deliver the TAB Clubhouse X The Sporting Globe destination, complete with an elevated rooftop viewing deck, mega screen, and garden terrace.

Furthermore, the brand’s flagship Richmond venue will host appearances from the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush cheerleaders and mascot Sourdough Sam.

To support the partnership launch, The Sporting Globe is launching an exclusive ticket giveaway for the Melbourne fixture, driving customer acquisition and engagement across its national network as interest in American football surges locally.

European Tour Group and Fanatics Strike Multi-Year Retail and Licensing Partnership

Posted on August 20, 2026 by Courtney

The European Tour Group has entered into a multi-year commercial partnership with global digital sports platform Fanatics, appointing the company as the exclusive operator of the Official DP World Tour Store and the European Ryder Cup Store.

Under the agreement, Fanatics will also serve as the exclusive retail partner for the highly anticipated 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland, while managing dedicated retail outlets across premier international tournaments including the Amgen Irish Open, Genesis Scottish Open, BMW PGA Championship, and the Husqvarna British Masters.

Commenting on the partnership, chief revenue and content officer at the European Tour Group, Richard Bunn, said: “This new partnership starts at a time when the DP World Tour and Ryder Cup Europe are enjoying unprecedented growth in their fan bases.”

“For example, we could have sold out our general admission tickets for next year’s Ryder Cup more than 12 times over.

“This is also translating into strong demand for official product and Fanatics bring a level of scale, innovation and product expertise that will elevate the retail experience for our fans around the world,” Bunn said.

The collaboration unites two of golf’s premier properties with Fanatics’ advanced multi-channel retail infrastructure to satisfy extraordinary consumer demand.

Sharing the commercial significance of the partnership, international president at Fanatics, Stephen Dowling, noted: “This partnership reflects the incredible momentum behind golf right now, and we’re proud the European Tour Group has chosen Fanatics to help write its next chapter.”

“As a proud Irishman, seeing the Amgen Irish Open and the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor both part of this partnership makes it even more special personally, there’s no bigger stage in world sport, and we’re excited to deliver for golf fans both in Ireland and across the world,” Dowling said.

Noting the operational breadth of the agreement, VP for international growth and strategy at Fanatics, Chris Smith, added: “This is a genuinely comprehensive partnership, covering everything from event retail, e-commerce and pop-up activations to licensing, wholesale and product design, and that breadth is what allows us to give golf fans the product they deserve, at the scale these events demand.”

The alliance encompasses global e-commerce, physical pop-up activations, wholesale distribution, product design, and the creation of extensive new officially licensed apparel ranges.

Crucially, Fanatics has secured the rights to produce official replica kits mirroring the exact on-course outfits worn by Team Europe during competition days, capitalizing on a commercial boom where golf apparel transitions dynamically into mainstream lifestyle streetwear.

NFL Unveils Star-Studded Entertainment Lineup for Melbourne Regular-Season Game

Posted on August 20, 2026August 20, 2026 by Courtney

The National Football League (NFLL) has announced a high-profile entertainment lineup for the 2026 NFL Melbourne Game, a major talent to bolster the commercial appeal of its first ever regular-season fixture in Australia.

Set for Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the clash between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will feature Australian singer Cody Simpson performing the national anthem, followed by American rock band Infinity Song with the U.S. anthem. Additionally, the cast of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical will perform “Sweet Caroline” during a game break.

Commenting on the significance of the lineup, senior director of global game presentation and entertainment at the NFL, Tim Tubito, said: “Melbourne is set to deliver a truly special pregame, bringing together talented voices for the first regular season NFL game played in Australia.”

“From Cody Simpson and Infinity Song honoring both nations through their anthems, to the cast of A Beautiful Noise bringing ‘Sweet Caroline’ to life, this entertainment lineup reflects the scale, spirit and celebration of this historic game,” Tubito said.

Expressing his enthusiasm on the upcoming performance on the show, Cody Simpson, shared: “As both a proud Aussie and proud Californian, I’m excited to be singing the Australian National Anthem at the upcoming first-ever regular season NFL game played on Australian soil.”

“Growing up between Australia and the United States, I’ve followed the NFL for years and have also been to many sporting events at the iconic MCG, so I’m excited to witness and be a part of this unique spectacle.

“And to watch two epic California teams battle it out, including my local Los Angeles Rams! See you there,” Simpson said.