Ministry of Sport

Western Bulldogs Launch New Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan to Drive Strategic Community Impact

Posted on August 10, 2026August 10, 2026 by Courtney

The Western Bulldogs Football Club has officially launched its new Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), reinforcing its commitment to positive social impact and community engagement across all organisational levels.

Designed to shape the overarching diversity and inclusion ambitions of both the club and its Community Foundation, the framework marks the second iteration of its kind and aims to further promote and advance inclusion for players, staff, members, and supporters.

Spanning a three-year operational window through to 2029, the DIAP operates alongside the club’s foundational Reconciliation Action Plan, ensuring a structured, long-term approach to equality, respect, and cultural recognition.

Structured around four primary diversity focus areas encompassing gender, multiculturalism, LGBTQI+, and people with a disability, the plan outlines concrete commitments across four key pillars of activity:

Governance and Strategy
Education and Training
Football
Events and Communications

By detailing physical actions across these operational pillars, the club seeks to harness the transformative power of sport to foster a connected, equitable, and empowered community where every individual feels a genuine sense of belonging.

Writing in the opening commitment statement, club president Kylie Watson-Wheeler and CEO Ameet Bains acknowledge that to live up to its designation as the league’s community club requires “ongoing meaningful effort”.

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Seven NBL Clubs Break Ranks with Breakaway Owners’ Association in Governance Standoff

Posted on August 10, 2026 by Courtney

Seven of the NBL’s ten clubs have publicly distanced themselves from a newly formed breakaway “Owners’ Association,” reaffirming their full commitment to working collaboratively with the league’s established governance structures.

Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne United, New Zealand, Sydney, and Tasmania released a joint statement making it clear that the independent group, established by just three dissenting owners from Illawarra, South East Melbourne, and Perth, does not represent the views or interests of the majority of the competition.

Representatives for the coalition argued that creating a separate, independent advocacy body is entirely unnecessary given existing communication channels.

“This group are not representatives of the majority of NBL club owners, and their views do not reflect the views of the other seven owners.”

“Creating a separate, independent group to advocate for clubs is not necessary. We already have strong, open and collaborative lines of communication with the League,” the coalition said.

NBL Group CEO, David Stevenson supported the majority stance, emphasising that the organisation already maintains structured forums for strategic and commercial collaboration.

“Healthy debate and differing perspectives are an important part of any successful sporting competition.”

“However, our priority is building a stronger future through collaboration, shared ambition and long-term thinking, not fragmentation or pursuing outcomes that benefit only a select few.

“The NBL will continue investing its time, energy and resources in working with the vast majority of clubs that are aligned in purpose and committed to the collective success of the competition,” Stevenson shared.

While acknowledging that healthy debate forms a natural part of any elite sporting competition, the seven clubs stressed that they strongly oppose approaches that create division or prioritise a small faction over collective league success.

Emphasising the financial and structural health of the competition, the coalition pointed out that the NBL has never been in a stronger position regarding its commercial value, television audiences, and broader fan engagement.

They attributed this stability to modernised governance frameworks and the inclusion of respected independent figures, such as former Rock Entertainment Group CEO Len Komoroski and former ACCC Chair Professor Graeme Samuel AC. Upholding transparency as a core priority, the seven clubs committed to continuous improvement while backing the league’s executive leadership.

Dolphins Strengthen Community and Cultural Ties Through Immersive Torres Strait Islands Visit

Posted on August 10, 2026 by Courtney

The Dolphins rugby league club has utilised a competition bye to deepen its grassroots footprint and cultural connections within the Torres Strait Islands, with head coach Kristian Woolf, star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Edrick Lee, and club community teams completing an immersive multi-day regional tour.

Travelling from Brisbane to Horn Island and Thursday Island, the delegation engaged directly with local schools, community leaders, and rugby league clubs, reinforcing the organisation’s long-term commitment to Indigenous engagement, cultural awareness, and player welfare development across regional areas.

The program featured collaborative coaching clinics alongside local squads including the Ngurpay Brothers, Knights, Roosters, and Suburbs clubs, alongside educational sessions at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School and Tagai State College.

The club representatives also met with Mayor Elsie Seriat OAM to inspect proposed local rugby league infrastructure upgrades aimed at supporting future Queensland Rugby League Country Round fixtures and youth pathways.

Reflecting on the personal and strategic significance of the tour, Tabuai-Fidow highlighted the deep cultural alignment fostered by the leadership group.

“It was a pretty special thing to do, especially from the club wanting to go up there and just have that exposure to where I’m from and my background,” Tabuai-Fidow said.

Highlighting cead coach Kristian Woolf’s active participation across Thursday Island and Badu Island, where Woolf engaged extensively with students and local participants, Tabuai-Fidow praised the relational dynamics within the squad.

“I think that’s a big one. Him growing up with Indigenous boys and girls, he sort of knows how to work us out and how to get the best out of us.”

“I think that’s something special to have.

“We can go into our shell and be pretty quiet, but I think we’re growing out of that and just being proud of our culture.

“Obviously Wolfie’s proud of that as well and it’s something special to have as a coach and that bond you can build,” Tabuai-Fidow added.

The delegation participated in traditional NAIDOC activities, bush soapmaking workshops, and storytelling sessions celebrating regional heritage alongside local families.

Andrew Flintoff Resigns as England Lions Coach to Lead Sydney Thunder in Big Bash League

Posted on August 10, 2026 by Courtney

Andrew Flintoff has officially resigned from his position as head coach of the England Lions, cutting ties with the England and Wales Cricket Board’s development structure to focus exclusively on his role as the men’s head coach of the Sydney Thunder.

Initially appointed to the Big Bash League franchise under an arrangement that would have allowed him to split his duties, Flintoff has chosen a far more decisive path. By stepping away from the English development pathway, the forty-eight-year-old has taken full responsibility for reviving a Sydney Thunder side that finished last in the previous Big Bash season.

The shift marks a critical turning point in Flintoff’s coaching career, moving beyond the protective bubble of English cricket to test his managerial capabilities in the competitive Australian domestic market.

Cricket Australia has detailed a two-year contract securing his services, signalling a major commercial and strategic investment by the franchise as they seek to rebuild their competitive edge. Rather than serving as a ceremonial figurehead, Flintoff faces the rigorous operational challenge of engineering a complete sporting turnaround for the western Sydney organisation.

The decision carries substantial result for cricket administration across both nations. While the ECB loses a high-profile figure from its ranks, the Sydney Thunder secure an undivided leader whose global profile offers immense commercial leverage.

For Flintoff, who returned to the sport following his recovery from a severe accident, the full-time commitment represents the ultimate test of his elite coaching credentials. By cutting ties with the ECB, he avoids the logistical compromises of a dual role, allowing him to immerse himself entirely in pre-season preparations, list management, and tactical execution ahead of the summer.

The move underscores the growing commercial value of elite coaching talent within Twenty20 franchise circuits.

Queensland Government Invests $9 Million in Sunshine Coast Sports Infrastructure Ahead of Brisbane 2032

Posted on August 10, 2026August 10, 2026 by Courtney

The Queensland Government has announced a $9 million funding injection to support community sporting organisations around Sunshine Coast Stadium, establishing vital temporary and permanent infrastructure upgrades as the venue prepares for its major Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games expansion.

The investment will fund a brand-new clubhouse for the Kawana Dolphins Senior Rugby League Club, comprehensive venue enhancements at the Meridan Fields community sports complex, and temporary facilities to accommodate displaced teams during construction.

With Architectus appointed as principal architect and early site works commencing ahead of major construction next year, the project sits outside the jointly funded $7.1 billion Games Venue Infrastructure Program, safeguarding local sports pathways throughout the multi-year redevelopment.

Emphasising the collaborative approach required to manage the regional infrastructure transition, Sunshine Coast mayor, Rosanna Natoli, said: “We know this will bring change for a number of clubs and their members, and we appreciate the way our sporting community has worked with us throughout the planning process,” Mayor Natoli said.

Highlighting the long-term community and commercial legacy of the project, Kawana Dolphins senior rugby league president, Michelle Horn, noted the certainty provided for members.

“This is an opportunity to create a lasting legacy that will serve the Kawana community, strengthen rugby league on the Sunshine Coast and provide a permanent home for generations of Dolphins to come,” Horn said.

Echoing these sentiments, Sunshine Coast Falcons CEO, Chris Flannery, added: “The current Kawana clubhouse and dressing rooms have remained largely the same for over 40 years, since I was playing here as a junior, so to see the Kawana Dolphins players, staff, members and volunteers finally get a new clubhouse and facility, is a wonderful outcome for everyone involved.”

As construction begins following the conclusion of the current rugby league season, the Sunshine Coast Falcons will temporarily relocate to Meridan Fields for next year, benefiting from improved field lighting, timekeeping and game filming facilities, new goal posts, and temporary spectator seating.

For the 2028 and 2029 seasons, the Falcons will transition to the Kawana Dolphins complex, which receives its new clubhouse development in 2027.

Penrith City Council Launches Advanced Online Booking System to Streamline Sports Facility Access

Posted on August 10, 2026 by Courtney

Penrith City Council has officially launched a new digital booking system designed to modernise and streamline the hiring process for community venues, local sports facilities, Ripples pools, and recreational spaces across the region.

The state-of-the-art platform enables customers to complete the entire venue reservation lifecycle digitally, integrating real-time facility availability, document uploads, and secure online payment gateways into a single streamlined interface. By replacing legacy administrative hurdles with a frictionless digital architecture, the council aims to optimise asset utilisation, reduce administrative overheads, and enhance commercial accessibility for grassroots sporting clubs, community organisations, and private hirers alike.

The newly deployed digital infrastructure features granular, detailed listings for every registered venue, complete with high-resolution imagery and comprehensive data regarding site accessibility, parking provisions, amenities, and wireless network connectivity.

To further elevate the user experience and drive higher engagement rates, selected premium council venues incorporate immersive virtual fly-through visuals, allowing prospective hirers to conduct comprehensive digital site tours prior to finalising bookings.

This technological upgrade reflects a broader strategic shift within local government administration toward digital-first service delivery, ensuring that municipal sporting and community assets are fully leveraged to support local physical activity, regional sporting events, and community development programs.

Highlighting the rationale behind the digital transformation initiative, Penrith Mayor, Todd Carney, said: “We’re always looking for smarter and simpler ways for our community to connect with Council services.”

“This new system makes booking faster and more convenient, giving our community an easier way to access the many venues and sporting facilities we have right here in Penrith,” Mayor Carney said.

The implementation of the booking platform is expected to deliver substantial operational efficiencies for grassroots sporting clubs and community groups that rely heavily on consistent, reliable access to council-managed infrastructure.

Perth Glory Secures Revo Fitness as Major Partner in Multi-Year High-Performance Facility Agreement

Posted on August 10, 2026 by Courtney

Perth Glory has officially announced a commercial partnership with rapidly growing fitness network Revo Fitness, running through to the end of 2029.

Under the terms of the agreement, Revo Fitness assumes official Major Partner status and secures prominent naming rights to the A-League club’s premier training facility, which will now be designated as the Revo Fitness High-Performance Training Centre.

This alliance brings together two highly visible Western Australian brands, uniting a foundational state sporting organisation with a contemporary domestic fitness success story that has evolved from a single suburban site into an expansive national network.

A Partnership that Centres on High-Value-In-Kind Equipment

Revo Fitness will deliver a state-of-the-art equipment fit-out, alongside ongoing servicing, maintenance, and comprehensive gym memberships. This ensures that Perth Glory’s A-League men’s, women’s, and elite youth academy squads gain seamless, high-performance access to the exact same quality equipment deployed across Revo’s extensive network of commercial clubs.

Commenting on the partnership, Revo Fitness managing director and founder, Andrew Holder, said: “Revo started as one gym in Perth, and now we’re partnering with one of the state’s most recognised clubs.”

“Perth Glory’s players train at an elite level every day, and giving them the same equipment we run across our gyms is a real, practical way for us to back that,” Holder said.

For Perth Glory, aligning with a fast-scaling commercial enterprise provides vital financial and operational stability while amplifying community engagement.

Echoing this vision, Perth Glory CEO, Ben Leaver, added: “We’re thrilled to have Revo Fitness on board as major partners.”

“They are a fantastic West Australian success story, and as a club, we are proud to be aligning with them. Revo’s commitments to promoting exercise and healthy living and being a force for good in the local community mirrors ours as a club and we are really looking forward to working closely with them,” Leaver said.

Founded in Western Australia, Revo Fitness continues to accelerate its national footprint while upholding core corporate values centered on affordability, simplicity, and active community connection.

Australian Golf Services Appoints Ben Sellenger as Chief Commercial Officer

Posted on August 7, 2026August 7, 2026 by Courtney

Australian Golf Services has announced the appointment of experienced sports executive Ben Sellenger as Chief Commercial Officer, working collaboratively across both Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia.

Sellenger brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience spanning sport, major agencies, governing bodies, and rights holders, most recently serving as CEO of Ciaron Maher Racing. In his new position, Sellenger will lead the overarching commercial growth agenda for Australian Golf Services, focusing heavily on partnerships, revenue development, and creating sustainable value for the sport and its key commercial stakeholders.

Australian Golf Services was jointly established by Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia to foster structural integration across the sport’s national governing bodies.

Sellenger highlighted his longstanding belief in this unified operational model, reflecting on his return to the code two decades after beginning his post-legal professional career within the industry.

“Twenty years ago I started my (post-legal) career in this sport. Today I’m back in it.

“I believed then, as I believe now, that Australian golf’s greatest potential could only be unlocked through real structural integration between its governing bodies.

“AGS, jointly established by Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia, is that integration, made real,” he said.

Highlighting the solid commercial health and market penetration of the sport, Sellenger pointed to recent growth metrics underlining golf’s status as a major economic contributor.

“I’m joining as Chief Commercial Officer at a genuinely exciting time: golf is now Australia’s biggest adult participation sport, with more than 4 million playing in some form and a $10 billion economy still growing.”

“Off-course venues up 17% a year, junior memberships doubled in five years, and a new generation of golfers coming through younger and more diverse than ever,” he further noted.

Looking toward future expansion and partnership opportunities, Sellenger concluded: “More people playing, in more ways, than ever before. But plenty still to build, with the right partners.”

Perth Bears Unveil Home Jersey and Commercial Partners Ahead of 2027 NRL Debut

Posted on August 7, 2026August 7, 2026 by Courtney

The Perth Bears have officially unveiled the club’s inaugural Home jersey ahead of their highly anticipated debut in the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2027, blending modern athletic design with deep-rooted heritage.

Featuring a sleek modern take on traditional red-and-black hoops, the jersey pays direct tribute to the first-ever North Sydney Bears jersey from 1908 when the organisation was a foundation member of the competition, while also incorporating the founding year and original logo on the back collar.

Emphasising the cultural significance of the launch, Perth Bears CEO, Anthony De Ceglie, said: “The Perth Bears are the most exciting story in Australian sport.”

“While our club is new, it is not without history and we move forward on the foundations of both the North Sydney Bears and rugby league in WA.

“We’re extremely proud to be taking the red-and-black colours into a brand new era while also honouring our history,” De Ceglie said.

Perth Bears chairman, Ben Morton, noted that the jersey unveiling represents another critical operational milestone on the road to the 2027 season.

“I’m extremely proud of the team and the work that has been achieved over the past year to get us to this point.”

“I also want to take the chance to say thank you to our inaugural jersey foundation partners who have supported us and believe in our club,” Mr Morton said.

Expressing confidence that the design will resonate strongly with supporters across Western Australia and North Sydney, Perth Bears head coach, Mal Meninga, shared: “It’s really important to acknowledge our history, but also to create a new identity for the Bears here on the west coast.”

“A bear doesn’t shy away, a bear stands up, a bear is bold and courageous, which is exactly what we are going to be.

“We are focused on building a club that WA and North Sydney will be proud of and we will have a team that will do that,” he said.

The rollout also highlighted a robust lineup of inaugural jersey foundation partners, securing financial backing from Principal Partner Cash Converters, Premier Partner Budget Direct, and Major Partners Penrite Oil, Atlas, and XFM. The elite apparel was designed by New Balance, with Belgravia Apparel acting as the Australasian elite team wear partner, establishing a strong commercial foundation for the new franchise.

Sports Entertainment Network Secures Broadcast Rights for Historic Australia-Bangladesh Test Series

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Courtney

Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) has confirmed its broadcast coverage for the two-Test series between Australia and Bangladesh, delivering every ball live from regional hubs in Darwin and Mackay this August.

Marking a commercial milestone for Australian cricket, the opening Test at Marrara Stadium in Darwin from August 13 to 17 represents the city’s first Test match in twenty-two years, while the second Test at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay from August 22 to 26 serves as the venue’s maiden men’s Test match.

Furthermore, the tour marks Bangladesh’s first Test series on Australian soil since 2003, providing a high-profile launchpad for Australia’s new World Test Championship campaign with a near full-strength squad featuring Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon.

Reflecting on the importance of the series and the network’s continuing market expansion, SEN CEO, Craig Hutchison, said: “SEN has built a strong connection with cricket fans by being wherever the game is played, and we’re proud to be bringing listeners comprehensive coverage of what promises to be a fascinating and historic series.”

“These matches are important for so many reasons. Test cricket returns to Darwin for the first time in more than two decades, Bangladesh is making its first Test tour of Australia since 2003, and Mackay will host a men’s Test for the very first time.

“We’ve assembled an outstanding commentary team for both matches, combining some of the most respected voices in the game with expert analysis from people who have played and covered cricket at the highest level.

“Just as importantly, the start of this series will mark SEN’s 59th consecutive Australian Men’s Test broadcast, which reflects our long-term commitment to delivering world-class cricket coverage for fans across Australia,” Hutchison stated.

SEN will maintain a dedicated on-site presence for both fixtures, deploying an elite commentary lineup featuring Tom Morris, John Donohoe, Simon Katich, Bharat Sundaresan, Trent Copeland, and Justin Langer.

The broadcast will be accessible across multiple network platforms, including SEN Fanatic on DAB+, SEN Top End 1611am in Darwin, and digitally via the SEN App through SEN Sync and SEN Stadium integrations.

Significantly, the opening match in Darwin represents SEN’s 59th consecutive Australian Men’s Test broadcast, underscoring the network’s long-term commercial investment in domestic and international cricket broadcasting rights.

Foxtel Media kicks off AFLW 2026 with Major Brand Backing

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Courtney

Foxtel Media has confirmed that a corporate partners NAB, Toyota, Medibank, Harvey Norman, and AAMI will return as principal sponsors for Kayo Sports and Foxtel’s broadcast coverage of the 2026 AFLW season.

Kicking off on Sunday, 9 August 2026, the upcoming campaign builds on surging viewership momentum, underpinned by historic milestones including Australia’s recent 50-point victory over Ireland’s Banshees in the inaugural international representative match in women’s football, which stands as the most-watched AFLW event ever recorded across Kayo Sports and Foxtel.

Reflecting on the strong commercial partnership landscape and escalating market demand, Sport Sales director – Melbourne & Perth at Foxtel Media, Monika Poposki, emphasised the broader significance of the broadcast investment.

“The 2026 AFLW season marks another milestone for Kayo SPORTS’ commitment to women’s sport as continued investment from leading brands reflects the growing influence of women’s sport and the deep connection it creates with fans.”

“The momentum is clear, with 60% of Australian sports fans now interested in women’s sport, further reinforcing the AFLW’s place as a key part of Australia’s sporting calendar,” Poposki said.

“With every match of the 2026 AFLW season, including every final and the Grand Final, available live across Fox Footy and Kayo SPORTS, our partners have the opportunity to be part of every defining moment and align with athletes, stories and moments that resonate deeply with audiences.

“Combined with premium integrations across our coverage, we’re helping brands engage audiences in authentic ways while supporting the continued growth of women’s football,” Poposki said.

The renewals highlight growing advertiser confidence in elite women’s sport, driven by sustained multi-year audience growth across the competition. Each brand has secured tailored integration packages across the broadcast schedule to maximise consumer engagement without interrupting the live viewing experience.

NAB takes on in-show naming rights, while Harvey Norman assumes ownership of the replay and player of the match segments, and AAMI anchors the dedicated impact moments. Furthermore, Medibank holds naming rights for the returning magazine program The W Debrief for its third consecutive season alongside a weekly branded segment, and Toyota delivers its signature promotional features.

Adelaide Football Club Secures Anytime Fitness as Official 2026 Trade and Draft Partner

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Courtney

The Adelaide Football Club has announced Anytime Fitness Australia as its official 2026 Trade and Draft Partner and exclusive gym operator in a multi-year collaboration.

The partnership unites two of South Australia’s largest consumer networks, leveraging Anytime Fitness’s statewide presence of fifty-two locally owned clubs alongside the club’s prominent supporter base to promote community health, fitness, and strength training.

As part of the agreement, Adelaide midfielder and vice-captain Alex Neal-Bullen has been appointed as an official Anytime Fitness ambassador, starring in a dedicated “Train Like A” content series that highlights elite training habits, physical preparation, and mental resilience.

Highlighting the alignment of values, managing director of Anytime Fitness Australia, Simon Thompson, said: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Adelaide Football Club, one of South Australia’s most iconic sporting organisations.”

“We share a belief that strength extends far beyond game day and through this partnership we hope to inspire South Australians to move more, train with purpose and experience the lifelong benefits of strength training.

“With 52 Anytime Fitness clubs across the state, we’re excited to make that journey more accessible than ever,” Thompson said.

Emphasising the mutual benefits of the partnership for grassroots engagement and member health, Adelaide Football Club CEO, Tim Silvers, added: “Health and wellbeing are at the heart of our club’s success, and Anytime Fitness Australia shares that same commitment to helping people become the best version of themselves.”

“The partnership provides a great opportunity to inspire people to prioritise their own wellbeing.”

The agreement grants Anytime Fitness extensive brand integration across Crows assets, featuring LED and superscreen stadium branding on match days, robust digital and social media integrations, and prominent logo placement on the uniform of Adelaide’s list management team during the 2026 Trade and Draft period.

With Anytime Fitness operating as the nation’s largest fitness network with over six hundred and thirty clubs and 780,000 members, the alliance provides substantial commercial exposure while aligning with the club’s community wellbeing initiatives.

North Sydney Oval Enters 12-Month Sustainability Partnership with WOSUP to Eliminate Single-Use Plastics

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Courtney

North Sydney Oval has secured a 12-month commercial and environmental partnership with WOSUP (War On Single Use Plastic) to implement a reusable cup system across approximately 30 annual fixture events.

Owned and operated by North Sydney Council, the historic venue traditionally consumes roughly 800 single-use plastic cups per game for draught beer, wine, and spirits service. The new agreement is projected to divert more than 24,000 single-use plastic cups from landfill annually, testing the commercial viability and operational efficiency of large-scale venue reuse systems.

The initiative aligns directly with the North Sydney Council Community Strategic Plan objective to reduce waste and conserve natural resources, while supporting the New South Wales Government’s broader regulatory focus on expanding reusable packaging systems through the NSW Plastics Plan 2.0.

Under the operational framework, patrons purchasing draught beverages will receive their drinks in durable WOSUP cups. Following consumption, users can deposit their cups at designated collection points around the stadium, where they will be systematically recovered, professionally cleaned, and re-circulated into the venue’s match-day inventory.

Commenting on the rollout, WOSUP CEO, Martin Salter, said: “WOSUP is proud to be leading the transition to reusable packaging across Australia’s sporting venues and we’re delighted to partner with North Sydney Council on this important initiative.”

“Together, we’re demonstrating that practical reuse systems can significantly reduce waste while maintaining a great experience for patrons.

“We hope this agreement encourages more councils, stadiums and event organisers to embrace reuse as the new standard.

“Small changes at venues like North Sydney Oval can have a lasting impact on reducing single-use plastic waste across Australia,” Salter said.

Highlighting the project’s importance for community-owned sports assets and local environmental stewardship, North Sydney Mayor, Hon. Zoë Baker , added: “We know that large events can generate significant amounts of waste and initiatives like this help us explore practical solutions that reduce our environmental impact.”

“North Sydney Oval is an important community venue, and this initiative gives patrons an opportunity to be part of a simple change that could make a meaningful difference over time,” Mayor Baker noted.

Council and venue operators will actively monitor patron participation, return rates, and logistical efficiency across the trial period, sharing progress reports throughout the year.

LIV Golf Secures New Lead Investor and Multi-Partner Ownership Model

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Courtney

LIV Golf is finalising a binding agreement with a lead investor and advancing toward an innovative multi-partner ownership model following the earlier withdrawal of financial support from the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the LIV Golf New York event on August 5, chief executive officer Scott O’Neil, confirmed that the board-approved investment deal anchors a new phase of commercial stability and structural evolution for the breakaway golf circuit, with over a dozen additional parties expressing interest in acquiring minority stakes.

Despite high-profile player defections back to the PGA Tour, the organisation has successfully retained core talent such as Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, while pivoting strategically toward equity-based incentives and comprehensive name, image, and likeness rights education.

Addressing the shifting commercial landscape and player compensation models, O’Neil defended the financial autonomy and earning capacity of elite athletes.

“There’s no shame in people making money for their craft.”

“The best people in the world at what they do should make a good living,” he said.

He also noted that competitors increasingly view the circuit as a unique second opportunity to transition from traditional cash payouts to meaningful equity ownership, creating a powerful alignment of long-term commercial interests across the entire organisation.

The league’s distinctive franchise team culture remains a vital cornerstone of its commercial proposition and fan appeal. O’Neil emphasised the strong camaraderie, active family involvement, and inclusive caddie partnerships cultivated across successful tournaments in global markets such as Adelaide and South Africa, describing the operational setup as entirely unique within professional sport.

O’Neil also described how the tour is “very special”, highlighting how top athletes actively embrace the competitive team format and issue challenges to rival entities.

Player commitment across the roster remains robust, with major champion Cameron Smith confirming his contract intentions, Marc Leishman expressing full confidence in the 2027 season, and veteran Dustin Johnson offering a blunt declaration of support with “Long LIV Golf.”

Trackman Secured as Official Ball Tracking and Simulator Supplier for 2026 Solheim Cup

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Courtney

Global radar and optical tracking technology leader Trackman has secured a commercial agreement to become the Official Ball Tracking and Simulator Supplier of the 2026 Solheim Cup.

Staged at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands from September 7 to 13, 2026, the partnership integrates Trackman’s industry-leading data analytics and precision solutions into the twentieth edition of women’s golf’s premier international team competition.

With more than 100,000 installations globally spanning over seventy countries, Trackman continues to expand its strategic footprint across elite international sports, aligning with a marquee event that routinely captures global broadcast and spectator attention.

Trackman Co-founder and CEO, Klaus Eldrup-Jørgensen, emphasised the significance of the partnership.

“Trackman has always been about helping the game move forward, from the practice tee to the biggest stages in golf.”

“Partnering with the Solheim Cup is a privilege, and we’re excited to help bring even more precision, insight, and engagement to one of golf’s most compelling international competitions,” Eldrup-Jørgensen said.

Solheim Cup tournament director for IMG, Jill Lederer, noted the momentum building around the milestone twentieth edition.

“We are delighted to welcome Trackman as an Official Supplier to the 2026 Solheim Cup.”

“The Solheim Cup is one of the most important sporting events of the year and our list of Official Partners and Suppliers reflects the excitement felt in the world of golf as we approach the 20th edition of this special event,” Lederer commented.

Major brands including PING, Skyscanner, and Rolex anchor the commercial program, alongside Official Course and Turf Maintenance Machinery Partner John Deere, and adidas serving as Event Supporter and Official Footwear Supplier.

Furthermore, the 2026 edition welcomes a wave of new commercial entities, including E-Z-GO, TUMI, and Creative Technology and Roe Visuals.

Bernardus Golf, which previously hosted three editions of the KLM Dutch Open on the DP World Tour between 2021 and 2023, provides a world-class venue for the tournament. As ticket sales accelerate across grounds passes and premium hospitality packages such as the ‘Tap Inn at the 15th Green’, the commercial integration of advanced tracking technology guarantees enhanced fan engagement and deepens the sport’s professional infrastructure.