Ministry of Sport

Borussia Dortmund Secures Five-Season Partnership with Panasonic

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Courtney

Bundesliga powerhouse Borussia Dortmund (BVB) has entered into a five-season commercial partnership with Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions Europe, extending through 2031.

The deal establishes Panasonic as an Official Partner of the club, pairing traditional marketing and venue inventory with operational integration designed to accelerate BVB’s facility modernization and decarbonization targets.

Under the framework of the agreement, Panasonic will deploy its building technology expertise across selected Borussia Dortmund properties.

Initial pilot projects will focus on testing high-efficiency heat pumps, commercial air conditioning systems, and industrial cooling solutions across club infrastructure, evaluating performance and energy reduction over a multi-year assessment period.

Commenting on the partnership, regional director for DACH, UK, and Ireland at Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions, José Manuel Alves, said: “With our technologies, we aim to help make the club’s infrastructure more sustainable and support its decarbonisation targets,” Alves said.

director and authorised signatory for internationalization & commercial partnerships at Borussia Dortmund, Benedikt Scholz, emphasised the shift toward operational commercial integration.

“In Panasonic, we have found a partner who shares our ambitions and supports us on this journey with innovative technologies,” Scholz said.

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WSC Studios and ESPN Launch Animated Kids Series The Sports Explorers for ESPN JV

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Courtney

Sports technology pioneer WSC Sports, through its newly established creative production arm WSC Studios, has partnered with ESPN to launch The Sports Explorers, an original 20-episode animated kids series designed to engage youth demographics.

Serving as the flagship original series for ESPN JV—ESPN’s youth-oriented content vertical launched in late June 2026, the show combines live-action archival highlights with original animated characters known as “The Squad” to deliver educational, character-driven athletic narratives.

The series was developed through a creative collaboration between ESPN and WSC Studios via WSC’s ongoing partnership with the ESPN Edge Innovation Center.

Powered by WSC’s proprietary agentic production platform, the series utilises artificial intelligence to scale content creation, animation, and digital packaging while maintaining creative direction from experienced youth media creators.

The premiere episode centers on NBA superstar LeBron James, with subsequent episodes highlighting prominent global athletes.

The project extends WSC Studios’ growing roster of original intellectual property, which includes The Alley & Oop Show with the NBA, Goalitos alongside LaLiga and EA Sports, and Wagtales with the Australian Football League.

The production framework leverages WSC Sports’ existing core enterprise relationship with ESPN, which currently utilises the platform to automatically edit and distribute highlights across more than 16,000 live annual sporting events and power the personalised SportsCenter for You engine inside the ESPN App.

VP of multi-platform Video at ESPN, Celia Bouza, emphasised the importance of developing specialised youth-facing entry points to build long-term brand equity.

“The best sports stories have the power to inspire fans of any age, and The Sports Explorers gives us an entirely new way to tell them.”

“By combining ESPN’s sports storytelling expertise with WSC Studios’ creative capabilities, we’re bringing some of the biggest names and moments in sports to life for kids in a way that entertains, educates and encourages them to discover the joy of being a fan,” Bouza said.

Highlighting the role of narrative media in establishing early fandom, head of WSC Studios, Itai Epstein, added: “Every athlete has a story that can spark a kid’s love of sports.”

“The Sports Explorers turns those journeys into adventures kids want to come back to, and that’s where lifelong fandom begins,” Epstein said.

Cadillac Formula 1 Team Announce Global Partnership with Frontieras North America

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Courtney

The Cadillac Formula 1 Team has secured a multi-year global commercial partnership with energy technology firm Frontieras North America, designating the Houston-headquartered company as the team’s Official Energy Transformation Partner ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

The deal unites two American new entrants seeking to challenge established global benchmarks within their respective industries.

As the first new constructor to join the Formula 1 grid in a decade, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, formed through a joint venture between TWG Motorsports and General Motors, is deploying the partnership to showcase advanced American engineering and technology.

In turn, Frontieras North America will leverage Formula 1’s international platform to elevate its commercial profile among global institutional investors, regulatory bodies, and industrial partners.

Frontieras specialises in solid carbon fractionation via its patented FASForm technology, a zero-waste process designed to process coal and hydrocarbons into clean-burning synthetic fuels, agricultural fertilisers, and industrial chemical feedstocks.

Commenting on the partnership, global head of commercial strategy for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, Tyler Epp, said: “Innovation has always been part of America’s story, and this partnership is another chapter in it.”

“Frontieras and the Cadillac Formula 1 Team speak the same language; we’re two American brands built to challenge the status quo in industries where the margins are narrow and the stakes are high.

“Through innovation and tenacity, we share a common belief that we can compete with more experienced peers on a global stage,” Epp said.

Co-founder and CEO of Frontieras North America, Matthew McKean, added: “Formula 1 demands vision, engineering, athleticism, and the courage to take risks that most people would never consider.”

“It brings together nations that compete everywhere else and unites them under a shared respect for human ingenuity.

“Energy asks the same of us. Frontieras built FASForm to serve the world, and as Cadillac’s Energy Transformation Partner, we’re proud to carry an American story onto the global stage where bridges between nations are built,” McKean said.

The agreement expands Cadillac F1’s commercial sponsor portfolio, which includes TWG AI, 3M, Claro, Core Scientific, IFS, and Jim Beam, as the team continues developing its primary operational hubs across Indianapolis, Charlotte, and Silverstone.

Concurrently, Frontieras is advancing plans to construct its initial commercial-scale processing facility in Mason County, West Virginia.

Bowls Australia Releases 2025-2026 Annual Report Following AGM

Posted on October 20, 2026October 20, 2026 by Courtney

Bowls Australia (BA) has formally released its 2025-26 Annual Report following its Annual General Meeting. The report captures the national governing body’s first full year of operational execution under the Bold Bowls | Fun Bowls Action Agenda 2025-2028 plan.

Performance reporting across the four-year operational agenda is structured around four primary strategic pillars: Play Well, Win Well, Tell Our Story, and Grow Financially, supported by an overarching Amplifying Events portfolio.

The 2025-26 review highlights sustained progress across community participation, high-performance programs, digital administration platforms, commercial asset development, and elite event execution.

Key operational milestones detailed in the report include expanded adoption of the BowlsLink digital integration system, record athlete participation at the Australian Open, international competitive success from the Australian Jackaroos and Para Jackaroos, the rollout of the “Bowls. It’s How We Roll.” national brand campaign, and the launch of the Bowls for Brisbane 2032 pathway strategy.

Crucially, the organisation also finalized structural preparations to transition the direct internal management of its commercial media and partnership rights.

Board Elections and Executive Governance Realignment

Following votes cast by State and Territory Member Associations, incumbent Director Graham Hay was re-elected to the Bowls Australia Board of Directors. Member delegates also formally ratified the earlier casual vacancy appointment of Chloe Stewart as an Elected Director.

During the subsequent post-AGM Board session, directors re-elected incumbent President Iain Evans to serve another executive term, while Roxy Chen was elected VP . Andrew Brown was also re-appointed by the Board as an appointed director.

president of Bowls Australia, Iain Evans, acknowledged the collective contribution of state bodies, regional clubs, high-performance athletes, and commercial stakeholders in establishing foundational momentum under the sport’s updated strategic framework.

The completed board appointments establish governance continuity as Bowls Australia transitions into direct commercial rights distribution and advances its long-term high-performance preparation ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games cycle.

Toyota Australia Repurposes Matchday Assets to Support North Queensland Junior Rugby League Clubs

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Courtney

Toyota Australia, in coordination with the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, has donated 300 rugby league footballs to three regional junior clubs across North Queensland.

The equipment, originally manufactured for a Cowboys matchday fan activation, was repurposed following the event to provide direct operational support to the Upper Ross Rams, Charters Towers Miners, and JCU Saints Junior Rugby League clubs.

The initiative highlights the broader sustainability and community impact underlying Toyota Australia’s principal partnership with the Cowboys franchise, ensuring activation assets transition into long-term grassroots utility. By supplying core playing equipment, the donation directly reduces overhead costs for regional sports organisations managing junior development programs across regional Queensland.

Emphasising that commercial partnership assets should deliver measurable community benefits beyond stadium gates, GM of national marketing at Toyota Australia, Vin Naidoo, said: “Our partnership with the Cowboys is about much more than what happens on game day.”

“It gives us an opportunity to support the communities and grassroots clubs that play such an important role in rugby league across North Queensland.

“When the opportunity arose to donate these footballs, working with the Cowboys meant we could connect with local clubs and ensure they went where they could make a genuine difference.

“We’re proud to support the young players, coaches and volunteers who continue to grow the game across our region.”

Confirming the practical value for community club operations, Charters Towers Miners Junior Rugby League representative, Amanda Glenwright, added: “Footballs are one of the most heavily used pieces of equipment at any rugby league club, so a donation like this makes a real difference.”

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of Toyota Australia and to the Cowboys for helping facilitate the donation.

“These footballs will be used by our players every week at training and on game days, and it’s great to see partnerships like this delivering directly back into grassroots rugby league,” Glenwright said.

Futures Day Brings More Than 700 Students Inside the Future of Women’s Sport

Posted on October 19, 2026 by Courtney

Sporting leaders, industry voices and emerging career opportunities took centre stage at Adelaide Oval as more than 700 students explored where a future in sport could take them.

More than 700 students gathered at Adelaide Oval on Monday, 19 October, for the Women in Sport Summit Futures Day 2026, hearing directly from people shaping the industry and discovering pathways extending well beyond the field of play.

Created and delivered by Ministry of Sport as part of the Women in Sport Summit, Futures Day connected the next generation with speakers across sporting leadership, sports medicine, research and industry. The ambition was clear: help young women see the breadth of opportunities available and imagine themselves taking those opportunities.

Guiding the program was UK presenter, BBC host and Miss England titleholder Sian Brennan-Todd, who recently relocated to Australia. Brennan-Todd brought warmth, energy and a strong connection with the young audience, drawing together the day’s themes and making conversations about careers and leadership feel accessible.

Ashlee Morgan set the tone with an opening address exploring the journey of women in sport. Her message encouraged students to broaden their definition of success: competing is one pathway, but so too are coaching, leadership, working behind the scenes and influencing how sport evolves.

Alex Henrick then took students inside sports medicine, revealing the range of professionals and roles supporting athletes and sporting organisations. The session opened a window into an essential part of the industry that often operates outside the spotlight.

Leah Cassidy brought a personal perspective through her sporting journey and discussion of the Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport, connecting individual experience with the broader work of advancing opportunities for women.

The panel discussion, The Careers and Opportunities You Didn’t Know Existed, brought Callum Beale, Clare Lindop, Selma Barlow and Linzi Appleyard together to unpack pathways students may not previously have considered.

The conversation went beyond job titles, exploring the confidence, resilience and willingness to take opportunities that underpin a career in sport. Students heard that confidence can be developed, setbacks do not define potential, and learning from those already working in the industry can help open doors.

The horizon widened further during the Flinders University panel with SACA, featuring Tori Toogood, Dr Rubi Cury, Megan Wooldridge, Dr Holly Evans and Professor Shane Pill.

With Brisbane 2032 in focus, the discussion explored the opportunities ahead and how students can begin building their own pathways. Panellists paired their optimism for women’s sport with recognition of the challenges that remain, encouraging students to contribute to change within their schools and communities.

The closing fireside conversation between Brennan-Todd and Jessi Miley-Dyer brought the day’s themes into focus. Miley-Dyer’s story offered students a perspective on influencing sport’s direction, challenging expectations and creating lasting change.

It was a fitting conclusion to a day that put more than 700 students in the room with people and ideas helping shape women’s sport.

University of Tasmania and Tasmania Devils Announce Partnership

Posted on October 19, 2026 by Courtney

The University of Tasmania (UTAS) has expanded its commercial integration with the Tasmania Devils, signing a multi-year deal to become the expansion AFL club’s Official Higher Education Partner.

The formal agreement organises over two years of operational collaboration across tertiary education, workforce development, executive training, and shared high-performance infrastructure ahead of the club’s entry into the national Australian Football League and AFLW competitions.

Central to the partnership is a focus on developing local industry capabilities and providing dual-career pathways for dual-gender athletes, sports administrators, and allied health professionals across the state.

Emphasising the alignment between the state’s flagship tertiary institution and the expansion franchise, GM of commercial and partnerships at the Tasmania Devils, James Creak, said: “We’re proud to have the University of Tasmania, our state’s premier tertiary education provider, as our Official Higher Education Partner.”

“Our Devils’ purpose is to ‘Honour the Map and Inspire the Future’. Our partnership with the University of Tasmania brings that purpose to life, connecting two organisations with a shared ambition to create opportunities for Tasmanians.

“Together, we have an exciting opportunity to connect education and sport, open new pathways for students and athletes, and make a meaningful contribution to communities across our state.

“We’re excited about what we can achieve together and the lasting impact this partnership can have for Tasmania,” Creak said.

Highlighting the importance of creating off-field career pathways within the regional sports economy, executive director of global marketing and recruitment at UTAS, Michelle Weir, added: “There is an entire workforce behind an elite sporting organisation, and this partnership gives our students the opportunity to explore those careers and build connections to an industry that is growing here in Tasmania.”

“Whether their future is in business, events, marketing, health, performance or another part of the industry, we want students to see that there are exciting career pathways connected to the game that go well beyond playing it.

“Both the University and the Devils are deeply connected to communities across Tasmania.

“By working together, we have an opportunity to use education and sport to create pathways, build aspiration and contribute to communities across our state,” Weir said.

The agreement builds upon UTAS’s existing support for the Blundstone Tasmanian Academy of Leadership and Sport (TALS), an initiative established by the Devils in 2025.

Under the existing TALS framework, UTAS and the club launched an accelerated 2.5-year degree program offering graduates 1.5 years of advanced standing toward a Bachelor of Business.

The formal alliance will grant UTAS students direct access to work-integrated learning placements across various club operations, including business management, event delivery, sports marketing, sports science, and high-performance health services.

Macarthur FC Proposes $20 Million Modular Stadium at Oran Park as Camden Council Weighs Infrastructure Options

Posted on October 19, 2026 by Courtney

A-League Men club Macarthur FC has submitted a proposal for a $20 million modular stadium in Oran Park as a potential alternative home venue, though funding uncertainties and local government planning processes leave the initiative unresolved.

Documents considered by Camden Council outline plans for a temporary, boutique stadium located on privately owned land adjacent to the Oran Park Hotel.

Designed with a capacity of 6,000 general seats and 500 corporate seats, the modular layout includes expansion scope to scale up to 10,000 seats.

Under the proposed structure, Macarthur FC would assume full responsibility for the venue’s design, construction, and ongoing operations, targeting over 86 event days annually across A-League fixtures, academy matches, Football NSW events, and community activities.

Funding Model and Local Council Response

The framework submitted by Macarthur FC requested full capital coverage from Camden Council, seeking $10 million in the 2026–27 financial year and a further $10 million in 2027–28.

However, Camden Council resolved at its May 12 meeting that it could not proceed with the proposal using reserve funds or debt financing.

Instead, council elected to form an advisory working group to investigate the feasibility of a council-owned community stadium within the Camden Growth Centre, located near a planned Metro station, with a target delivery timeline of five years. Applications for community representatives to join the working group remain open until October 23.

Council officers identified several operational, financial, and planning hurdles regarding the Oran Park proposal, including:

Cost Estimation: The initial submission lacked a detailed construction cost breakdown.
Land Tenure: While the council evaluated a potential 20-year lease, the private landowner indicated a shorter horizon of five to eight years prior to future site redevelopment.
Planning & Procurement: Unresolved statutory planning approvals and municipal procurement protocols.

Attendance Dynamics and Venue Context

Macarthur FC currently plays out of the 17,500-capacity Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Since entering the A-League Men, the Bulls have recorded an average home attendance of 4,060 spectators, with their opening 2026–27 home match against Perth Glory drawing 3,441 fans.

Construction Underway on Cawdor Centre of Excellence

While the Oran Park stadium proposal remains subject to future council assessments, Macarthur FC has formally commenced construction on its ownership-backed Centre of Excellence in Cawdor, near Camden.

The development serves as the club’s long-term training and administrative headquarters, featuring multiple grass and synthetic pitches alongside a 2,000-square-metre main facility housing player changerooms, a high-performance gymnasium, sports science and rehabilitation suites, and corporate office spaces.

Champion Data Appointed A-Leagues Broadcast Graphics Partner

Posted on October 19, 2026 by Courtney

Australian sports technology firm Champion Data has been appointed official broadcast graphics partner for the A-Leagues under a three-season agreement, supporting the live presentation of both the A-League Men and Ninja A-League Women competitions across free-to-air Network 10 and streaming platform Paramount+.

The collaboration involves close integration between Champion Data, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), and production stakeholders to develop, test, and deploy a modernised graphics package. Powered by Champion Data’s proprietary live graphics platform, GGi, the infrastructure bridges match data, graphics rendering, and live broadcast workflows to deliver real-time statistics, scores, and data-driven storytelling elements to air.

Crucially, the partnership brings the broadcast production standards of the Ninja A-League Women into direct alignment with the men’s competition, advancing the reach and visibility of female football.

Head of Broadcast at the APL, Toby Sinclair, highlighted the operational and storytelling value of integrating Champion Data’s visualisation tech.

“We’re excited to partner with Champion Data to enhance the broadcast of A-Leagues matches across Australia for the next three seasons.”

“As our audiences continue to grow, Champion Data’s expertise in data integration and graphical visualisation will help deliver an even richer viewer offering for our fans.

“As part of the partnership, we’re also excited to elevate the broadcast experience of the Ninja A-League Women – bringing it in line with the A-League Men – as we continue to grow the reach and visibility of the women’s game,” Sinclair said.

Underscoring the commitment to reliable production-ready execution, chief commercial officer at Champion Data, Tony Woods, said: “Broadcast graphics play an important role in helping fans follow the action and connect with the story of a match.”

“We’re proud to be partnering with the A-Leagues on the next stage of their broadcast delivery.

“Our focus will be on bringing the creative to life through reliable data integration, production-ready graphics and experienced match-day support, helping deliver compelling, data-led content to fans across both competitions.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with the APL and broadcast partners,” Woods said.

Champion Data will manage end-to-end technical delivery, operator training, and live matchday support throughout the contract term, further establishing its presence across Australia’s tier-one professional sporting codes.

Euroleague Basketball Unveils 10-Year Business Plan Targeting €13 Billion Valuation and €3.4 Billion Club Distributions

Posted on October 19, 2026 by Courtney

Euroleague Basketball has unveiled an economic framework of its newly approved 10-year strategic business plan following a unanimous vote by all 13 Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) shareholder clubs at their meeting in Lake Como.

The decade-long growth blueprint outlines a structural transition toward a permanent franchise-based model, setting target club distributions of EURO3.4 billion, annual commercial revenues of €648 million, and a combined long-term valuation for the league and its clubs exceeding €13 billion.

The financial model projects €3.4 billion in total economic distributions to participating teams over the 10-year horizon. This total comprises €2.2 billion derived from direct operational and commercial revenues alongside €1.2 billion generated from franchise expansion fees.

Building on a five-fold commercial expansion over the preceding decade, the organization aims to reach €648 million in annual commercial revenue by Year 10.

Expansion represents a primary structural pillar of the new strategy, with Euroleague Basketball confirming it currently holds 15 binding offers from prospective ownership groups valued collectively at €1.2 billion.

The board has established two distinct expansion windows—scheduled for 2027 and 2031—to integrate new permanent franchises, with entry fees flowing directly into club distribution pools as additional capital.

Under the current baseline, the 13 licensed shareholder clubs carry a collective valuation of €1.8 billion, while the league entity itself is valued at €1.4 billion.

The formal transition to a North American-style franchise model is projected to deliver an immediate 25 percent valuation uplift starting in the 2026–27 season. By the end of the 10-year plan, the combined valuation of the founding shareholder clubs is forecast to triple to €5.4 billion, while the underlying league entity is projected to reach €7.98 billion, a 5.7-fold increase from its current standing.

While currently 40 percent of licensed clubs operate on a self-sustaining financial basis, Euroleague Basketball targets 100 percent financial sustainability across all shareholder franchises by the conclusion of the plan’s first phase.

Underscoring the rationale behind shifting to a franchise governance structure, Euroleague Basketball chief financial officer, Xavi Puyada, said: “A growing number of our licensed clubs have achieved a sustainable financial operation in recent years, with 40% currently being in that position.”

“All clubs see full sustainability as an ultimate priority, and the 10-year business plan puts that at the very center.

“The value of the EuroLeague and of its clubs is growing very rapidly, and that will only accelerate further as we execute the business plan and the clubs continue with their own progress.

“Clubs will keep ownership on a valuable asset without requiring any additional risks or investments,” Puyada said.

To enforce fiscal discipline, the league will introduce stricter Financial Fair Play regulations. Strategic reinvestments will prioritise digital platform expansion via Euroleague Basketball+ alongside venue infrastructure development managed by VenueCO, a dedicated entity created to assist clubs in financing, modernising, and commercialising home arenas.

Matti Clements Reappointed AIS Director to Lead High-Performance Sport Ahead of Brisbane 2032

Posted on October 19, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has confirmed the reappointment of Matti Clements as Director of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) for an additional three-year term.

The decision secures critical leadership stability across Australia’s elite high-performance ecosystem as national sporting organizations align their planning toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2030 Commonwealth Games, the French Alps 2030 Winter Games, and the Brisbane 2032 home Games.

Highlighting the value of maintaining administrative consistency across high-performance sports policy, Australian Sports Commission CEO, Kieren Perkins, said: “Under Matti’s stewardship, Australia’s high performance system is more united than ever, with sports and organisations working together to ensure our athletes Win Well not only on the road to Brisbane 2032, but for generations to come.”

“That unity and Matti’s strong vision has helped create the conditions for historic levels of Australian Government investment and outstanding results on the world stage, including Australia’s strong performances at the Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.

“Matti has also overseen the establishment and growth of Para Uplift, creating more opportunities and providing greater support for current and future Para athletes as we build towards a home Games in Brisbane.

“Having Matti continue as AIS Director provides important stability as we build towards LA 2028, the 2030 Commonwealth Games and French Alps Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and ultimately Brisbane 2032.

“I am delighted that Australian sport will continue to benefit from her experience, passion and drive through this critical period,” Perkins said.

AIS Director Matti Clements emphasised the ongoing commitment to institutional capability building and elite environment design.

“It is a privilege to continue as AIS Director during such an important period for Australian high performance sport.”

“Win Well has given our system a strong shared foundation and clear direction. Our opportunity now is to build on that work and continue developing the capability, culture and exceptional environments that enable athletes and coaches to achieve elite performances on the world stage.

“I look forward to continuing to work with athletes, coaches, sports and our partners across the system to make the most of this opportunity, ensure Australia is ready to perform on the world stage and deliver a lasting legacy from our home Games.”

Clements, who became the first female Director of the AIS following the Tokyo Olympics, has driven significant operational alignment across Australian Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth Games programs. Central to her tenure has been the execution of the Win Well Strategy, a unified high-performance framework co-designed with over 60 sporting bodies to prioritise sustainable athletic performance and mental wellbeing.

“Her leadership has coincided with record federal government funding allocations, including targeted capital injections into Para sport through the Para Uplift program, alongside strong international competition results across Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026.

The extension ensures continuity within the Australian Sports Commission‘s top leadership tier, complementing the prior reappointments of ASC Chief Executive Officer Kieren Perkins OAM through 2031 and ASC Chair Kate Jenkins AO through 2029.

The leadership confirmation establishes a firm governance foundation as the AIS continues executing multi-year pathway strategies to maximize Australia’s medal potential at Brisbane 2032.

Crisafulli Government Allocates 30 Million Dollars for Round 2 of Games On! Infrastructure Program

Posted on October 19, 2026 by Courtney

The Queensland State Government, led by Premier David Crisafulli, has officially announced a 30 million dollar commitment toward Round 2 of its Games On! Grassroots Infrastructure Program.

The initiative will fund facility upgrades across 72 community sporting clubs statewide, supporting long-term community participation and athlete development in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The University of Queensland Football Club (UQFC) at Chapel Hill has been named the initial recipient under Round 2, securing more than 1.4 million dollars to construct a modernised clubhouse. Servicing a membership base of over 1,400 players, coaches, and match officials, with women and girls representing more than one-third of total club participants, the new infrastructure will replace aging facilities with universally accessible change rooms, modern amenities, and administrative spaces.

The announcement builds on the initial phase of the program, which committed capital to 119 projects under Round 1. Of those initial allocations, 40 projects are fully complete and 79 remain under active construction across regional and metropolitan Queensland.

Round 2 funding targets diverse sporting disciplines including football, netball, gymnastics, and cricket, delivering court developments, lighting installations, player change facilities, and grandstand seating.

Highlighting the necessity of ensuring community sport infrastructure directly benefits from the state’s Olympic legacy, Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander, said: “Games On! is delivering real benefits for sporting clubs, athletes and communities right across the state.”

“This $30 million boost will support another 72 clubs and build on the projects already underway right across Queensland from Cairns to Currumbin.

“The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland the home of sport in Australia by investing in the facilities our clubs need today and delivering a legacy that will serve Queenslanders for generations to come.

“Through Games On! we’re making sure grassroots clubs and communities share in the benefits of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mander said.

Member for Moggill, Dr Christian Rowan, underscored the localised social impact for Brisbane’s western suburbs.

“These upgrades are long overdue and this is a great result for the University of Queensland Football Club and the western suburbs of Brisbane.”

“Games On! is delivering real benefits for local communities by investing in the facilities and infrastructure that sporting clubs need to grow and thrive,” Dr Rowan said.

University of Queensland Football Club secretary, Joanna Cullinan, confirmed the upgrade addresses critical facility standards for female athletes and grassroots volunteers.

“We are thrilled to receive the Games On! funding to redevelop our aging home facilities, marking a major milestone for female football and grassroots sport in Brisbane’s western suburbs.”

“With over 1200 junior players and women and girls representing over one-third of the club’s membership, the long-overdue upgrade will deliver modern, universally accessible, and fit-for-purpose change rooms and amenities.

“The funding is a gamechanger for our club and our community at UQFC. Our players, volunteers, and families deserve facilities that offer dignity, safety, and modern comfort,” Ms Cullinan said.

The funding distribution aligns with broader government policy objectives to modernise community infrastructure and support rising participation rates across Queensland sport.

Seven Network Dominates Ratings with 1.73 Million Viewers for Rugby League World Cup Opener

Posted on October 19, 2026 by Courtney

The Seven Network secured a major ratings victory on Thursday evening, with its live broadcast of the Rugby League World Cup opener between Australia and New Zealand drawing a National TV Audience of 1.73 million viewers.

The closely contested match topped all primetime Thursday viewing, delivering early broadcast momentum for Seven as it kicks off a month-long tournament schedule.

The high-volume audience numbers underscore the strong commercial return on Seven’s broadcast rights acquisition, positioning the network for potential ratings dominance throughout October and November.

Network executives anticipate a halo effect across Seven’s broader evening lineup during the tournament, providing strong audience lead-ins for key commercial properties despite Australia not featuring in every scheduled fixture.

In the surrounding primetime windows, Seven News led the overall evening bulletins with 1.29 million viewers, followed by strong commercial performances from The Chase with 598,000 viewers and Home & Away averaging up to 570,000 viewers across Seven and 7TWO.

Commercial rival Nine Network posted 1.08 million viewers for Nine News, supported by A Current Affair at 771,000 and Tipping Point at 713,000. On Network 10, RBT secured 555,000 viewers, while late-night programming saw Paramedics deliver 442,000 viewers on Nine and the public broadcaster’s ABC News record 840,000 viewers.

The initial ratings surge validates the commercial viability of international rugby league properties on free-to-air television, setting a competitive baseline for domestic network audience shares as the tournament progresses.

National Squash League Secures iHeartMedia as Title Sponsor for 2026-27 Season Ahead of LA28 Debut

Posted on October 19, 2026 by Courtney

The National Squash League has entered into a sponsorship agreement with iHeartMedia, designating the audio media company as the Official Audio Media Partner and title sponsor for the 2026–27 season.

The commercial partnership comes as the property builds long-term promotional momentum leading into squash’s official Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Although financial terms remain undisclosed, the agreement establishes a broad promotional network for the league across iHeartMedia’s national broadcast, digital, and audio channels.

Under the terms of the deal, iHeartMedia will secure jersey patch inventory across all 16 National Squash League franchises and receive exclusive access to Olympic-bound athletes for dedicated multimedia storytelling.

The audio broadcaster will also serve as the presenting sponsor for the National Squash League Playoffs, scheduled for 5–7 March, integrating “The Power Play” branding across marketing campaigns, match broadcasts, and venue activations. The season-long initiative aims to expand the sport’s domestic consumer base by tapping into iHeartMedia’s nationwide audience reach.

Noting that the collaboration serves as a foundational element of the league’s broader commercial architecture for the current season, commercial advisor for the National Squash League, Stephanie Borges, said: “The partnership is structured to introduce high-profile squash personalities to new demographic segments during a crucial window for the sport’s international development.”

Highlighting the unique timing of the sport’s Olympic integration, president of business development and partnerships at iHeartMedia, Michael Biondo, added: “Squash’s Olympic debut presented a unique opportunity to bring the sport to our platform’s audience.”

The 2026–27 National Squash League season commenced at SquashBridge in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with iHeartMedia’s title sponsorship assets immediately debuting across venue assets and digital platforms.

Repco Supercars Championship Secures Five-Year Deal to Return to Phillip Island as Finals Series Venue from 2027

Posted on October 16, 2026 by Courtney

The Repco Supercars Championship will return to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit starting in 2027, following a five-year agreement backed by the Victorian State Government.

Under the new arrangement spanning 2027 to 2031, the historic circuit will host a decisive Finals Series round, marking the category’s first visit to the coastal venue since 2019. The deal aligns with the 30th anniversary of the Supercars era, which included Phillip Island on its inaugural 1997 calendar, and provides a multi-year commercial anchor for the regional tourism and sports entertainment economy across Victoria’s Bass Coast.

The return of the touring car championship is expected to deliver substantial regional economic benefits, supporting local accommodation, hospitality, and retail operators. The announcement comes as part of a broader major events strategy by the state government to secure long-term major event assets for regional communities.

Supercars executive chairman and acting CEO ,Barclay Nettlefold, highlighted the historical and strategic significance of bringing the category back to the venue.

“As we celebrate 30 years of Supercars in 2027, it feels incredibly fitting to return to Phillip Island, a circuit that formed part of our championship in 1997 and holds a special place in the history of our sport.”

“Phillip Island is an iconic venue that has delivered some memorable moments for Supercars, and we’re incredibly excited to bring the championship back and create a new chapter in that history for our fans, teams and drivers,” Nettlefold said.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Travis Auld, emphasised the operational partnership required to deliver the event.

“Phillip Island is one of the most spectacular and recognisable circuits in Australia, and we’re excited by the opportunity to bring the Repco Supercars Championship back to this beloved venue.

“We have a proven track record delivering world-class sporting events, and we’re looking forward to working closely with Supercars, the Victorian Government and local stakeholders, with the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit providing the perfect stage,” Auld said.

Minister for Major Events, Hon. Anthony Carbines, underscored the regional economic impact of securing the championship.

“Supercars are coming back to Phillip Island, and so are the crowds and the customers for local businesses,” Carbines said. “Labor has locked this in for five years, because regional Victoria deserves major events that keep delivering,” Carbines said.

The full 2027 Repco Supercars Championship calendar will be released in due course, while the ongoing 2026 season continues at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 from October 23 to 25.