Ministry of Sport

Intuit Expands Small Business Accelerator Program Nationwide Ahead of LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Posted on September 30, 2026 by Courtney

Financial technology platform Intuit Inc. has announced a nationwide expansion of its Intuit IDEAS small business accelerator program, introducing a dedicated Los Angeles cohort to prepare regional enterprises for major procurement opportunities connected to the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Open to local small businesses operating in construction, sports and entertainment event services, and creative, marketing, and media sectors, the initiative is designed to help participants navigate complex procurement structures as LA28 aims to allocate 75% of addressable spend locally and 25% specifically to small businesses.

Building on the documented success of previous cohorts, which achieved an average revenue increase of 23% alongside monthly time savings of 16.5 hours, the expanded 2026-27 program will support over 150 small businesses across metropolitan hubs including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, New York City, Philadelphia, and San Diego, alongside a rural cohort in West Virginia and a national virtual group for military veterans and military-spouse entrepreneurs.

Emphasising the commercial impact of the rollout, SVP of Customer Success at Intuit, David Graham, said: “Since its launch, Intuit IDEAS has helped small business owners strengthen their companies, support their families, and invest back into their communities.”

“This initiative combines Intuit’s platform with hands-on guidance from Intuit experts, giving small business owners the tools, coaching, and support they need to grow, while reinforcing Intuit’s enduring commitment to investing directly in the local communities where we operate.

“The IDEAS program embodies our mission: powering prosperity for small businesses. When entrepreneurs have the right products, the right people, and the right support behind them, they don’t just thrive.

“They shape their community for years to come,” Graham said.

Highlighting the broader economic legacy of the collaboration for Southern California enterprises, LA28 CEO, Reynold Hoover, added: “The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games represent a historic economic catalyst for Southern California, but delivering on that requires equipping our local business community with the resources to succeed.”

“We are proud to collaborate with Intuit, a Founding Partner, to launch this targeted cohort for LA-based businesses.

“By pairing critical resources with education on direct pathways to the Games, we are building capacity that will empower our local economy well beyond 2028,” Hoover noted.

Throughout the 12-month program, participating enterprises receive complimentary access to Intuit’s financial technology stack, personalised expert guidance, executive coaching from Zella Life, hardware technology grants, and a USD5,000 (AUD7,156) completion cash grant.

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!.

Basketball Australia Appoints Alison Creagh as Director

Posted on September 30, 2026September 30, 2026 by Courtney

Basketball Australia has officially announced the appointment of highly experienced governance leader Alison Creagh AM CSC GAICD as a Director to fill an existing vacancy on the national board.

Bringing extensive professional expertise across strategic planning, risk management, cyber resilience, and stakeholder engagement, Creagh joins the sporting organisation at a critical juncture as basketball experiences sustained participation growth and prepares for major upcoming international sporting cycles.

welcoming the high-profile appointment, Basketball Australia chair, John Carey, said: “Alison brings an exceptional breadth of leadership, governance and sporting experience to the Basketball Australia Board.”

“Her understanding of the Australian sporting system, together with her expertise in strategy, risk and organisational leadership, will be enormously valuable as Basketball Australia continues to progress its priorities for the sport.

“On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Alison to Basketball Australia and look forward to working with her,” Carey said.

Expressing her commitment to the national framework, Alison Creagh noted the vital community and developmental footprint of the game.

“Basketball plays an important role in communities across Australia, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the sport’s continued growth and success.”

“I look forward to working with my fellow Directors, Basketball Australia’s leadership and the wider basketball community to support the sport’s ambitions and ensure it continues to provide opportunities for people at every level,” Creagh said.

Recognised for her extensive contributions to sport and veterans with appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia, Creagh’s robust corporate governance acumen will bolster the board’s strategic oversight as basketball expands its national footprint.

Creagh’s extensive leadership background encompasses a distinguished thirty-year career in the Australian Regular Army culminating in the rank of Brigadier, alongside prominent advisory and executive roles across government, private, and not-for-profit sectors.

Her prominent sports administration portfolio includes serving as president of Paralympics Australia, VP of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, director of Rowing Australia, and director-at-large of the Oceania Paralympic Committee.

Furthermore, she brings an existing familiarity with the organisation’s internal operations through her previous service on Basketball Australia’s High Performance Committee, ensuring seamless strategic alignment and immediate governance contribution.

David Stevenson Outlines Path to Tier-1 Status as NBL Secures Nine Network Broadcast Deal

Posted on September 29, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball League (NBL) has taken a stride in its commercial evolution, securing a two-year free-to-air broadcast deal with the Nine Network starting in the NBL27 season.

The agreement places the league on Nine’s primary platforms—including two live marquee games on Saturday nights across Nine and 9Now—alongside established subscription rights holders ESPN, Kayo, and Disney+.

Speaking on the rationale behind the deal, NBL Group CEO, David Stevenson, outlined how the broader Nine ecosystem serves as a fundamental growth engine to transition the league from a high-tier sport into Australia’s tier-one commercial landscape.

“Yeah, w we probably see them as, you know, in my terms a as our growth partner.”

“Because they’re helping us grow into new audiences on broadcast, newspapers, outdoors and and beyond…

“I think they’re going to help us take that next step from really, you know, we we’ve been a tier two sport.

“Hopefully at the high end of Tier 2 and we really want to grow to be that Tier 1 sport alongside AFL, NRL, cricket, tennis,” Stevenson said.

Commercial Record and On-Court Calibre Drive Value

The multi-platform partnership follows unprecedented commercial growth for the league, which enters the upcoming campaign with a record 14 new commercial partners alongside retained sponsors.

The league’s talent profile continues to expand globally, boasting 24 players with prior NBA experience.

Furthermore, the NBL has solidified its status as an elite pipeline to North America, with 36 players transitioning directly to the NBA.

“We love it because what it what it does is just help share the benefits of what we’re doing on a global stage.

“So we all know the good story of of the Australians…

“but it’s also the international players…

“who then see the NBL as the biggest pathway through to the NBA or the WNBL is the biggest pathway through to the WNBA, that’s a pretty remarkable position that we’ve got that frankly doesn’t exist in in lots of other sports,” Stevenson noted.

Innovating Fan Engagement and Digital Ecosystems

Beyond linear television, the NBL is diversifying its digital reach through a $100,000 Most Valuable Creator (MVC) initiative, designed to reward content creators for driving fan engagement across digital platforms.

“This idea of $100,000 of prize money is to say there’s some incentive for those creators to start creating content for for the NBL but also for them to be able to get a benefit out of it beyond the growth of their followers and and their engagement,” Stevenson explained.

Balancing digital innovation with game management remains central to the league’s strategy as it balances long-term fan acquisition with core basketball traditions.

“What we know is that there’s no sport that stands still that will grow.

“So we do need to keep moving, keep adjusting,” Stevenson concluded.

The Women in Sport Summit runs from 19–22 October 2026 at Adelaide Oval, with the Leadership Summit taking place on Wednesday 21 October. Secure a ticket here now!!!

American Football Australia Partners with PlayHQ to Drive Grassroots Digital Transformation

Posted on September 29, 2026 by Courtney

American Football Australia has entered a partnership with global sports platform PlayHQ to deploy a dedicated mobile application and connected web platform, modernising competition management as the sport experiences accelerated domestic growth.

Capitalising on Australian fanbase exceeding 8.8 million people and heightened local interest following Melbourne hosting its inaugural regular-season National Football League fixture, the national governing body for tackle and flag football has secured essential digital infrastructure to convert high-level market momentum into sustainable grassroots participation.

The integrated organisation provides streamlined registration, flexible payment processing, and comprehensive schedule management across states and clubs, significantly reducing administrative burdens for volunteers.

Furthermore, the platform integrates AnalyticsHQ, a native reporting dashboard designed to generate precise participation metrics to inform strategic decision-making, alongside an in-platform artificial intelligence assistant to expedite club onboarding and training.

Commenting on the collaboration, CEO of American Football Australia, Wade Kelly, said: “PlayHQ is a market leader and we are pleased they share the same vision of extraordinary growth for our sport in the coming years.”

“PlayHQ takes administrative load off our volunteers, gives families a simpler and more flexible way to register and pay, and gives us the data we need to make good decisions as the sport develops across the country, from grassroots clubs through to our high-performance pathways,” Kelly said.

Echoing these sentiments, and noting the infrastructure objectives underpinning the agreement, PlayHQ CEO, Tim MacKinnon, added: “American Football Australia came to us with a clear goal: to build the foundations to grow the sport at scale.”

“We are pleased to be their technology partner, providing a platform built for grassroots sport that gives administrators and volunteers time back, and gives players a straightforward experience from the moment they register,” MacKinnon said.

Brisbane 2032 Unveils First Emblem Piece in Regional Queensland Tour to Drive Statewide Engagement and Tourism Value

Posted on September 29, 2026September 29, 2026 by Courtney

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games entered a new commercial phase today as the first piece of the official emblems was revealed at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon in Far North Queensland.

Olympian and Paralympian, Ian Thorpe and Grant Patterson, unveiled the golden, ray-like design, initiating a multi-day regional tour designed to build brand equity, drive tourism, and foster statewide engagement across regional hubs including Townsville and Rockhampton ahead of the upcoming global showcase.

Australian paralympic swimmer, Grant Patterson, highlighted the cultural significance of participating in a home Games campaign, noting the unique commercial opportunity for regional awareness.

“It could be one of the edge pieces that create a full emblem.”

“I think it’d be pretty special to be a part of and that’s why I want to hang around for it swimming-wise but also get behind revealing the piece of the emblem to create awareness and get a bit of hype going leading up to Brisbane 2032,” Patterson said.

Ian Thorpe underscored the symbolic alignment with Queensland’s natural assets and economic identity.

“We have the largest coral reef in the world just up there, a little bit north, the oldest rainforest in the world, and they meet together, so I think that would be a great symbol for the Olympic Games – almost all of Queensland has that as well, which is unique.”

He further emphasised the commercial and unification goals of the statewide rollout.

“What we hope is that this emblem is emblematic for the entire state. It’s a difficult thing to do in a state the size of Queensland.

“But, you know, it’s nice to find the first piece, and when we put it all together, I hope it does represent that,” Thorpe said.

The multi-stage reveal marks a departure from traditional host city launches, engaging regional commercial corridors that will host critical sports preliminaries.

Cairns’ Barlow Park, currently undergoing an infrastructure upgrade involving power and water relocations ahead of soccer preliminaries, alongside the Cairns Convention Centre, Townsville’s sailing and soccer venues, and Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River rowing courses, highlight the extensive economic footprint of the Games.

Touch Football Australia’s Record-Breaking 2026 National Youth Kick Off in Coffs Harbour

Posted on September 29, 2026 by Courtney

The premier youth touch football showcase of the national calendar, the 2026 DoorDash National Youth Championships, has officially commenced in Coffs Harbour, drawing a record-breaking 131 teams to the Coffs Coast for four days of junior competition.

Marking the sixteenth occasion the regional hub has hosted the marquee tournament, the event underscores Touch Football Australia’s partnership with the NSW Government through Destination NSW and the City of Coffs Harbour.

Beyond its role as a vital elite development pathway for emerging talent transitioning into the senior National Touch League, the tournament serves as a major commercial driver for regional tourism, injecting an estimated economic benefit exceeding five million dollars into local accommodation, hospitality, and small business sectors.

Highlighting the developmental and commercial significance of the partnership, Touch Football Australia CEO, Marcus Ashcroft, noted the long-term value of the event.

“We love coming to Coffs Harbour. Many of the players competing here this week will go on to graduate to our senior National Touch League and potentially represent Australia in the future.

“It gives young players the opportunity to compete against the best from around the country, see how they stack up and continue along the pathway towards the highest levels of our sport,” Ashcroft said.

Local and state stakeholders emphasised the vital economic stimulus generated by the influx of thousands of players, coaching staff, and families to the region.

Nationals member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh, Singh MP, highlighted the returns for local enterprise.

“Events like NYC bring people from all over the country to Coffs Harbour, and they’re staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants and cafes and spending across the region.”

“That’s exactly what our hospitality sector needs and demonstrates why events like this are so important for the local economy.”

Reinforcing the municipal economic impact, City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Hon. Cr Nikki Williams, detailed the direct financial benefits for the city.

“Having thousands of players and their families arrive on the Coffs Coast is fantastic for our tourism industry, small businesses and hospitality venues. We’re talking about an injection of more than $5 million into our local economy, which is always a fantastic outcome for our city.”

“It’s great to see so many people across the Coffs Coast enjoying everything our region has to offer.

“Our hospitality and accommodation providers, along with small businesses right across the community, all benefit from major events like the National Youth Championships,” Mayor Williams stated.

With competition broadcast live and free via BarTV and the official Touch Football Australia YouTube channel, the tournament continues to expand its digital reach while cementing Coffs Harbour’s status as a premier destination for elite national sports tourism.

Racing NSW Appoints Graeme Hinton as CEO in Unanimous Board Decision

Posted on September 29, 2026September 29, 2026 by Courtney

Racing NSW has announced the unanimous appointment of Graeme Hinton as Chief Executive Officer, commencing December 1, 2026.

Hinton, who has served as acting chief executive officer since July and previously held the chief operating officer role for over a decade, succeeds Peter V’landys AM in steering the organisation’s commercial and strategic trajectory.

Racing NSW chair, Dr. Saranne Cooke, highlighted the rigorous governance behind the appointment

“The Board has had a succession plan in place for a number of years.”

“When Peter advised us of his decision, we consulted key stakeholders across the industry, and their support for Graeme was resounding.

“The Board’s decision was unanimous.

“The industry faces significant opportunities and risks over the coming years, and a CEO with deep experience in wagering and racing is critical.

“There is arguably no one in racing with Graeme’s breadth of knowledge, from the dynamics of wagering to the racing program, equine and participant welfare and the fundamentally important role of regulation.

“He is widely respected amongst participants and clubs. And he is a big thinker who wants to grow racing, not simply manage it.

“Hinton has been instrumental to Racing NSW’s major commercial milestones, including the establishment of The Everest and expansion of the Spring Carnival, alongside representing the sector during Senate inquiries into gambling advertising reform,” Cooke said.

Outgoing chief executive officer, Peter V’landys, praised his successor’s extensive capabilities.

“Racing is extremely lucky to have Graeme. He is one of the rare individuals who have deep knowledge of every aspect of the racing industry.”

“He is a brilliant commercial operator and is just as comfortable making the hard decisions as a regulator, without fear or favour.

“I have dealt with many racing CEOs over the last 22 years.

“Graeme is lengths superior to any of them, even at this stage.

“Although he is already the best in Australia, he will only get better, with the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry being the winner.

“I compliment the Racing NSW Board for its strong leadership in acting quickly and decisively to guarantee the future of all the participants in the NSW racing industry,” V’landys said.

Accepting the role, Graeme Hinton emphasised his dedication to long-term economic stability and industry collaboration

“It is a privilege to lead such an incredible industry that I have grown up around and have spent my working life in.”

“Racing is part of the economic and social fabric of our entire state.

“It provides employment to tens of thousands of people and entertainment to many, many more.

“I have been honoured to have spent the past decade involved in growing and improving this industry and ensuring that we have the foundations in place to protect it for the future.

“I look forward to working closely with the Racing NSW Board, our clubs, participants and industry partners to build on these strong foundations to ensure NSW remains at the forefront of racing in Australia and internationally.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I am always willing to listen and always keen to help.

“I want to continue to do that, so we can tackle the industry’s challenges together and ensure that it is here for generations to come,” Hinton said.

Minister for Gaming and Racing, Honourable David Harris MP, added: “I welcome the appointment of Graeme Hinton to CEO of Racing NSW. Mr Hinton brings valued experience and expertise to the role, and I look forward to working with him.”

Club Racing Australia Launches National Sport and Racing Experience Platform

Posted on September 29, 2026 by Courtney

Club Racing Australia is preparing to officially launch a pioneering national sport and racing engagement platform on 1 November 2026 for the upcoming 2027 season, anchored by foundational partnerships with the Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters, and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.

This initiative merges thoroughbred horse racing with club-aligned membership experiences, comprehensive race day hospitality, bespoke digital content, travel packages, and exclusive behind-the-scenes stable access. Designed to capture passionate sporting communities across all states, the platform provides flexible engagement pathways through a structured three-tiered membership model spanning accessible supporter packages, enhanced benefits, and premium partner opportunities.

A Club Racing Australia spokesperson emphasised the broader entertainment and lifestyle scope of the new enterprise model.

“Club Racing Australia is not simply about footy fans following a racehorse.”

“It is a fully programmed sport, racing, entertainment and hospitality experience designed to bring the best parts of thoroughbred racing to passionate, like-minded sporting fans across Australia.

“We are creating engagement across both sports, in all states, and giving members the opportunity to be involved as much or as little as they choose,” the spokesperson said.

Highlighting the commercial significance of the initial club agreements, Club Racing Australia spokersperson, noted the alignment with elite rugby league franchises.

“We are proud to welcome the Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles as our foundation club partners.”

“These clubs have passionate supporters, and we look forward to creating racing communities that give their fans a new way to connect with their club and the sport of racing.

“With the partnerships commencing on 1 November, we can begin building the club-aligned programs and member experiences for the 2027 season,” the spokesperson said.

To ensure high-performance operational credibility, the enterprise collaborates with leading bloodstock advisers including Kestrel Thoroughbreds, Clarke Bloodstock, and Paul Moroney Bloodstock, alongside elite Australian racing stables such as Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing, Bjorn Baker Racing, Tony Gollan Racing, and John O’Shea and Tom Charlton.

To accelerate early adoption ahead of the official launch, supporters who register before Christmas will enter a major promotional giveaway to win an all-inclusive VIP trip for two to Las Vegas for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season. Registration is currently open via the official online waitlist.

Adobe Secures Official AI and Technology Partnership with NHL

Posted on September 29, 2026 by Courtney

Global technology leader Adobe has secured a partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL), becoming the Official Creative, Marketing, and AI Partner ahead of the 2026-27 regular season rollout.

The collaboration integrates advanced enterprise artificial intelligence solutions across the league’s global operations to transform digital fan engagement, scale personalised content delivery, and streamline operational workflows for all thirty-two member clubs. By deploying Adobe CX Enterprise solutions, including GenStudio and the Adobe Experience Platform, the league aims to deepen connections with its international fanbase spanning over two hundred million supporters across one hundred and forty-seven countries.

Highlighting the cultural and drivers behind the alliance, NHL EVP of Innovation and Growth Strategy, David Lehanski, said: “The NHL’s greatest strength has always been the passion our fans bring to the game.”

“As the ways people follow sports continue to evolve, our focus is on creating experiences that feel as dynamic and compelling as the game itself.

“Adobe will help us unlock new ways to tell the stories of our Players, Clubs and moments that define hockey, while giving fans more opportunities to be a part of it.

“This partnership reflects our commitment in continuing to evolve how fans connect with the game they love,” Lehanski said.

Reinforcing the impact of the partnership, chief marketing officer and EVP of Global Marketing at Adobe, Lara Balazs, noted: “The National Hockey League has built an extraordinary connection with its fans, and Adobe is helping them take that relationship to the next level by using AI to deepen personalization and empower everyone to create.”

“With Adobe’s enterprise solutions, the League will be able to scale relevant, engaging content across every channel where fans spend their time, fueling operational efficiencies and unlocking individual creativity,” Balaz said.

The deployment of Adobe GenStudio will enable automated content supply chain management, ensuring brand compliance while accelerating the production of localised digital assets across multiple languages.

Furthermore, the integration of Adobe Journey Optimizer will provide real-time insights into consumer preferences, allowing clubs to deliver targeted messaging during marquee events such as the Stanley Cup Playoffs and international series.

Future phases of the collaboration will also explore introducing Adobe Express and Firefly generative tools to empower fans to create and share personalised sports content globally.

DraftKings Secures Exclusive Sportsbook and Online Casino Partnership for NHL on Prime’s Wednesday Night Hockey

Posted on September 29, 2026 by Courtney

Digital sports entertainment and gaming leader DraftKings has announced an agreement with Amazon’s Prime Video, securing exclusive status as the official sportsbook and online casino integration partner for NHL on Prime’s Wednesday Night Hockey throughout the 2026-27 season.

Supported by Omnicom Agency and Touché!, the commercial partnership encompasses broadcast features across regular-season coverage in Canada, as well as select Stanley Cup playoff series, expanding DraftKings’ strategic footprint in key regulated markets including Ontario and Alberta.

The arrangement integrates DraftKings branding directly into live broadcasts, spanning pregame coverage, live game action, intermission segments, and score clock elements designed to enhance viewer engagement on the streaming platform.

Highlighting the importance of the collaboration, chief marketing officer at DraftKings, Stephanie Sherman, said: “Canada remains an important part of DraftKings’ continued growth, and this exclusive deal with Prime Video creates an exciting new way to connect with hockey fans throughout the season.”

“NHL on Prime brings together the sport’s most passionate audiences, and we look forward to creating engaging experiences around the games and moments fans care about most,” sherman said.

Emphasising the commercial value of live streaming environments, head of streaming video sales at Amazon Ads Canada, Christopher Walton, noted: “In advertising, attention isn’t just a metric.”

“It’s the currency, and it’s never been harder to earn. Live sports streaming changes the equation entirely by eliminating channel surfing and delivering unmatched levels of viewer engagement, as fans don’t want to miss a second of the action.

“DraftKings recognised this opportunity, and together, we’re connecting with the most passionate fans in Canada through innovative, integrated experiences in-game, in-intermission and in commercial time,” Walton said.

Echoing these sentiments, chief client officer at Touché!, Kate Mateer, added: “This partnership is a win for DraftKings and for hockey fans across Canada.”

“By integrating DraftKings into the live game experience, we’ve created something that feels natural, relevant, and genuinely exciting for audiences.

“It’s exactly the kind of strategic opportunity we love helping our clients bring to life,” Mateer said.

The partnership commences as Wednesday Night Hockey launches with the Toronto Maple Leafs hosting the New York Islanders, providing an enhanced commercial platform for regulated sports betting and entertainment engagement.

PNG Chiefs Announce Premier Partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Ahead of 2028 NRL Debut

Posted on September 29, 2026 by Courtney

The Papua New Guinea Chiefs have secured Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Papua New Guinea as a premier partner under a multi-year agreement.

The partnership places the globally recognisable Coca-Cola branding prominently on the playing sleeves of the men’s team jersey, while granting exclusive category rights within the non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverage market across match days, media assets, hospitality suites, and community platforms.

This alliance builds upon Coca-Cola’s extensive involvement in regional rugby league pathways, spanning community grassroots competitions, the Ipatas Cup, and the Queensland Cup participation of the PNG Hunters, reinforcing the organisation’s long-term commitment to domestic sports development.

Highligting the weight of the collaboration as the expansion franchise constructs its operational framework, PNG Chiefs CEO, Lorna McPherson, said: “As a club, we’re incredibly pleased to welcome Coca-Cola Europacific Partners on board in a partnership which reflects the ambitions of both organisations and the scale of the opportunity that exists for us in Papua New Guinea.”

“Coca-Cola is one of the most recognisable brands in the world and to have CCEP partner with the club is a powerful endorsement of what we are building.

“The PNG Chiefs will be a club that proudly represents all of Papua New Guinea and the alignment with CCEP – and their extraordinary ability to reach communities right across the country – creates an incredible opportunity for us in how we engage our entire community and bring supporters closer to their team,” McPherson said.

The inclusion of CCEP expands the club’s corporate partner portfolio, providing vital commercial stability and nationwide distribution capacity.

Underscoring the broader cultural and social impact of the sponsorship agreement, country director at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Papua New Guinea, Tim Solly, added: “From our association with the Ipatas Cup, through to our support of the PNG Hunters and now our partnership with the PNG Chiefs, we have witnessed the power of rugby league to unite communities, inspire future generations and create lasting pride for Papua New Guineans.”

“As one of the country’s most recognised and trusted brands, we are proud to partner with the PNG Chiefs as they build toward their historic entry into the NRL competition.

“The PNG Chiefs represent an exciting new chapter for the sport and for the country, and we are honoured to be part of that journey from the beginning,” Solly said.

Cross-Sector Collaboration Key to Unlocking Women’s Sport Potential, Says TLA’s Kathryn De Iulio

Posted on September 28, 2026 by Courtney

Leading talent manager and TLA Worldwide GM of Talent Marketing Kathryn De Iulio has issued a call to action for the Australian sports industry to dismantle operational silos and drive commercial growth across female athletics.

Speaking ahead of her appearance at the Women in Sport Summit 2026, De Iulio emphasised that expanding the commercial footprint of female athletes requires sports administrators, brands, and management networks to unite under a cohesive ecosystem strategy.

Breaking Down Industry Silos

Drawing on over 20 years of experience managing elite athletes, De Iulio noted that while women’s sport has experienced accelerated growth over the past five years, stakeholders continue to operate in isolation rather than leveraging cross-sport opportunities.

“I think that we’ve all been running quite solo.”

“Like I work in this sport, I sit w here in the within the organisation, and I think we’re often sort of looking at what’s already been done before, but I still think that there’s an opportunity lacking.

“Like, what is this sport doing that we can piggyback off another sport and actually like bring multiple sports together and just continue to like look at women in sport as an entire industry,” De Iulio said.

De Iulio also highlighted that moving past traditional frameworks requires sports leaders to engage in open dialogue regarding operational hurdles and shared goals.

“I think there’d be a conversation that needs to be had. I think we need to break the barriers down.”

“Because I think as particular women, we don’t tend we’re very good at sharing, but sort of behind closed doors, I don’t think we kind of publicly share a lot of the frustrations and challenges that we have,” De Iulio explained.

Re-Imagining Athletes as Content Creators

Addressing commercial alignment between commercial partners and female athletes, De Iulio identified a critical disconnect in how brand budgets are currently allocated and executed.

“I think the biggest problem at the moment is that the athletes still consider themselves athletes and brands want content creators.”

“So I think first of all, I’d love to hear how brands think that they can utilise athletes and where they’re spending, why athletes keep you know, not keep it particularly like female athletes, if I look at those, if that space, like how I guess why they’re missing out on opportunities,” De Iulio stated.

To bridge this gap, De Iulio urged sports administrators to involve athletes directly in strategic decision-making processes to build scalable commercial models rather than merely replicating male sporting structures.

“I would listen to the athletes”

“I think one of the biggest things I’ve seen working with athletes for 20 plus years is that it’s always quite administrationally governed…

“I think they need to start to see them as spokespeople and advocates and people that have, you know, played the game in a way and and have access to the game in a way that the administrators don’t,” De Iulio concluded.

The Women in Sport Summit runs from 19–22 October 2026 at Adelaide Oval, with the Leadership Summit taking place on Wednesday 21 October. Secure a ticket here now!!!

David Boon Appointed Interim Cricket Australia Chair as Mike Baird Concludes Ten-Year Term

Posted on September 28, 2026September 29, 2026 by Courtney

Cricket Australia has announced a leadership transition with former Test batting stalwart David Boon set to assume the role of interim chair at next month’s annual general meeting on October 28.

The governance shift follows the decision of outgoing chair Mike Baird to step down after six years of service on the board, including nearly four years leading the national sporting body. Baird’s departure coincides with his recent appointment as NRMA Group CEO and follows significant strategic rulings regarding the commercialisation and self-determination privatisation model of the Big Bash Leagues, which includes inviting bids for a 100 per cent stake in the Melbourne Renegades license ahead of the 2027-28 domestic seasons.

Reflecting on his tenure, outgoing chair, Mike Baird, expressed strong confidence in the organisation’s trajectory.

“I believe Australian cricket continues to be well led by the CA Board.”

“Their mix of significant experience and passion for the game gives me great confidence for the future.

“This year CA will report record revenue, profit, attendance and viewership, and most importantly a 40 per cent increase in participation over the past four years.

“I have been incredibly proud to play a role in the oversight of cricket on the CNSW Board and, over the last six years, the CA Board, including almost four as chair.

“I am delighted that David Boon has agreed to undertake the interim chair role while we complete the formal chair process, and I will undertake a transition process with David over coming weeks,” he said.

Accepting the interim appointment, Boon emphasised his commitment to continuity and global market expansion for the organisation.

“It is an enormous honour to take the role of interim CA chair during what is a hugely exciting and also challenging time for cricket.”

“I look forward to leading the CA Board as we continue to make decisions that ensure the long-term health and prosperity of the game here and advancing Australia’s interests globally.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mike for his commitment and leadership as a passionate advocate for Australian cricket from grassroots clubs right through to the Cricket Australia and ICC boardrooms and all in between,” Boon said.

Having navigated initial policy discussions with Cricket New South Wales regarding structural reform, Baird consulted closely with state stakeholders before stepping down to ensure ongoing governance stability and institutional unity.

Boon brings extensive executive credentials to the post, having completed a nine-year tenure on the Cricket Tasmania board, including three years as chair, alongside a distinguished international playing career and fourteen years serving as an official international match referee.

A formal recruitment process to appoint a permanent chair will be conducted over the coming months. Meanwhile, Cricket New South Wales will nominate a replacement director to fill the vacancy on the Cricket Australia board.

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Unveils Training Venues and Launches Priority Ticketing

Posted on September 28, 2026 by Courtney

Organisers of the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 have officially unveiled twenty-nine elite Outdoor Training Venues nationwide, ensuring optimal preparation infrastructure across seven host cities for the twenty-four participating national teams.

High-performance infrastructure such as Ballymore’s National Rugby Training Centre in Brisbane anchors a comprehensive list of premier rugby clubs, elite academies, universities, and specialised sports facilities selected to host the world’s best athletes during the tournament cycle.

With Brisbane locked in to host ten major tournament matches, facilities including the National Rugby Training Centre Ballymore, Brisbane Grammar School, St Joseph’s Nudgee College, Easts Rugby Union Club, Sunnybank Rugby Union Club, and Padua College will provide bespoke training environments.

Similar high-performance frameworks have been secured across Townsville, Adelaide, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, and Sydney, extending the tournament’s commercial footprint deep into regional and metropolitan communities. The integration of localised training hubs ensures participating squads receive sole access to dedicated facilities during each match week, while facilitating public engagement through open training sessions during the pool phase.

Highlighting the importance of facility preparation and infrastructure investment, Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 managing director, Chris Stanley, emphasised the long-term legacy value of the venue network.

“Every great performance begins with exceptional preparation, and the selection of these Outdoor Training Venues highlights the depth and quality of the high-performance facilities Australia has to offer.”

“These venues will play a critical role in delivering an outstanding tournament experience for all 24 participating teams, providing the high-performance environments and support infrastructure needed to prepare for one of the world’s premier sporting events.

“We are proud to see venues like these helping bring Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 to life in communities across Australia, opening further opportunities for Australians to connect with the tournament and see the world’s best teams up close, while showcasing Australia’s ability to host major international events.

“Their contribution will help create an unforgettable experience for players, teams and fans, and leave a lasting legacy long after the final whistle,” Stanley said.

The venue confirmation and immediate ticketing rollout establish a strong operational foundation for tournament stakeholders, reinforcing Australia’s capacity to deliver major international sporting events efficiently.

The infrastructure announcement comes along with the commercial launch of ticketing operations, with a forty-eight-hour Visa Priority Ticket Sale opening to prospective buyers ahead of general public sales commencing one year prior to the tournament’s opening fixture.

Construction Commences on $40 Million Western Grandstand at North Ipswich Reserve

Posted on September 28, 2026 by Courtney

Construction has officially commenced on the $40 million Western Grandstand at North Ipswich Reserve, marking the stage of Ipswich City Council’s master plan to transform the venue into a national-standard sport and entertainment precinct.

Delivered by commercial contractor Buildcorp and designed by Blight Rayner, the two-storey facility is scheduled for completion in late 2027 to prepare for the 2028 rugby league season. The major infrastructure initiative is jointly financed through a tripartite funding model incorporating a $20 million commitment from the Australian Government, $10 million from the Queensland Government, and a matching $10 million investment from the Ipswich City Council.

Commenting on the timing and economic significance of the project, Ipswich Mayor, Hon. Teresa Harding, said: “Construction of the North Ipswich Reserve Western Grandstand is a major step in Ipswich’s journey to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as we deliver another venue for elite sporting performance,” “The new grandstand is the first stage towards realising our full vision for the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct of a national-standard 12,000-capacity rectangular stadium,” Hon. Harding said.

Underscoring the regional economic drivers supported by the federal funding, Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, shared: “Ipswich is Queensland’s fastest growing region and a rugby league and sporting powerhouse, so we deserve to have world-class sporting facilities, and this redevelopment will deliver that.”

“With momentum building behind a western corridor-based Jets NRL franchise from 2029, it’s fantastic that the grandstand will be completed in 2027 and be ready for a potential new team to enter the national competition,” Neumann said.

Reflecting on the continuity and community significance for the local sporting organisation, Ipswich Jets Group CEO, Richard Hughes, said: “We’ve watched generations of Jets run onto North Ipswich Reserve, so to now see the next chapter of this ground becoming a reality is incredibly special.”

“There is so much history here for our club and for Ipswich, and this project gives us the chance to honour that while creating something the next generation of players, supporters and families can be proud of,” Hughes stated.

The redevelopment provides a vital upgrade to the home of the Ipswich Jets, delivering undercover seating for 2,199 spectators under a long cantilevered roof alongside four modern changerooms, coaches’ boxes, media infrastructure, and flexible function facilities capable of hosting up to 250 guests.

Beyond spectator capacity, the scope incorporates a public plaza configured for food truck events, expanded car parking, upgraded amenities, and flood-resilient architectural designs tailored for the riverside location. The project directly supports regional commercial strategies, aligning with Queensland’s infrastructure preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and bolstering local bids for a prospective western corridor-based NRL franchise from 2029.