Ministry of Sport

Emirates Debuts Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Livery in Sydney on Flagship A380

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Courtney

Emirates has amplified its commercial presence in the build-up to the Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027, touching down in Sydney with a striking new tournament livery emblazoned across its flagship Airbus A380, registered as A6-EVH.

Operating as flight EK412, the newly branded aircraft arrived in Sydney before continuing onward to Christchurch, New Zealand, showcasing the tournament branding across two of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier rugby markets on its maiden voyage.

Underscoring the alignment between the company’s aviation network and its elite sports investments, president of Emirates Airline, Tim Clark, said: “Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is coming to Australia, and we are thrilled to mark that occasion by bringing our Rugby World Cup livery to Sydney for the first time.”

“Emirates has been a passionate supporter of rugby for nearly four decades.

“As we celebrate 30 years of flying to Australia, this livery is a symbol of everything we stand for: a love of sport, a passion for connecting people, and a steadfast commitment to Australia,” he said.

The eye-catching design features a bold orange motif centred around an official Rugby World Cup graphic, reflecting the scale and energy of the upcoming tournament while marking Emirates’ fifth consecutive tournament livery since 2011.

The aircraft will carry the bespoke branding across the carrier’s international network for a full twelve months, acting as a moving billboard to drive global engagement and tourism interest ahead of the tournament’s opening match.

Having commenced operations to Australia three decades ago, Emirates holds a foundational role within international sports administration. In 2025, the company secured its position as the first organisation in World Rugby history to achieve Platinum Partner status under a landmark agreement running through to 2035.

This comprehensive portfolio encompasses the Men’s Rugby World Cups in 2027, 2031, and 2035, alongside the Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2029 and 2033, reinforcing its status as one of the code’s most vital financial supporters.

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!.

Wellington Secures Hosting Rights for 2027 Race of Champions at Hnry Stadium

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand’s capital will welcome international motorsport royalty with the Race of Champions (ROC) making its national debut at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium on 9–10 January 2027.

Backed by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and delivered in partnership with WellingtonNZ, the event will transform the venue turf into a purpose-built tarmac race circuit. By pitting elite drivers from Formula 1, World Rally Championship, and Supercars head-to-head in identical machinery, the event anchors a major tourism drawcard for the regional summer calendar.

The initial driver roster features four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel, ten-time F1 race winner Valtteri Bottas, 2025 Supercars Champion Chaz Mostert, and New Zealand rally star Hayden Paddon. The commercial significance of securing the property underscores the nation’s rising status in international motorsport administration.

Reflecting on the milestone, WRC driver Hayden Paddon, emphasised the broader national impact of the upcoming event.

“It’s amazing to see one of the world’s most spectacular motorsport events come to New Zealand for the first time ever.

“New Zealand is really in a golden age of Motorsport at the moment across so many disciplines and I can’t think of a more fitting celebration of this than Hosting the Race Of Champions that attracts so many of the biggest stars from all around the world.

“This is really a once and a lifetime opportunity for Kiwi motorsport fans to get up close and personal with drivers from F1, WRC, circuit and other Motorsport forms, all battling it out in equal machinery inside one of NZ’s most famous sports stadiums.

“It’s really a historic event for so many reasons and I’m personally incredibly proud to be a part of it.”

Expressing his enthusiasm, Supercars star, Chaz Mostert, added: “I’m honoured to be invited back to ROC in 2027. It was so cool to be a last minute edition for 2025.”

“I got to rub shoulders with some of the best race car drivers from around the world and the event was so much fun.

“Huge thank you to Fredrik and the ROC organisation for having me back and looking forward to it being in Wellington NZ as it’s a beautiful part of the world. Bring it on.”

Highlighting the tourism value, Member for Taupō – National Party, Hon. Louise Upston, noted: “Race Of Champions is set to turn up the heat on Wellington’s summer events calendar.”

“Seeing some of the world’s best drivers battle it out at Hnry Stadium will be a thrilling spectacle.

“This one-off event will draw motorsport enthusiasts from across New Zealand and reinforce Wellington’s reputation for hosting unforgettable major events,” Hon Upston said.

With robust domestic interest anticipated, the 2027 Wellington showcase establishes a major commercial benchmark for sports tourism across the Pacific.

AAMI Secures Two-Year Principal Partnership with Sydney Sixers Across BBL and WBBL

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Courtney

Leading Australian insurer AAMI has entered into a major two-year commercial agreement to become the official Principal Partner of the Sydney Sixers, securing prime branding real estate across both the Weber WBBL and KFC BBL playing uniforms.

Under the terms of the multi-year partnership, which extends through to the conclusion of the 2027-28 season, the AAMI logo will feature prominently on the front of playing shirts, caps, and helmets for both the men’s and women’s squads.

In addition to primary team sponsorship, AAMI assumes the designation of Official Insurance Partner of the Sydney Sixers and Official Partner of Cricket NSW, reinforcing its footprint across elite and grassroots cricket in the state.

The sponsorship arrangement incorporates significant community integration, with AAMI stepping in as the Presenting Partner for the club’s upcoming Community Rounds. These dedicated matchday celebrations will spotlight grassroots cricket clubs and local volunteers, highlighted by key fixtures against the Melbourne Renegades in the Weber WBBL on November 15 and the Perth Scorchers in the KFC BBL on January 10.

Commenting on the partnership, Sydney Sixers GM, Rachael Haynes, said: “We’re delighted to welcome AAMI as Principal Partner of the Sydney Sixers.”

“AAMI is one of Australia’s most recognised and trusted brands, with a long history of supporting Australians when they need it most.

“Their commitment to community aligns strongly with our values as a club and our ambition to create meaningful connections with our members, fans and grassroots cricket communities.

“We’re particularly excited to have AAMI partner with us on our Community Rounds, which play an important role in celebrating and supporting the local clubs, volunteers and participants who are the lifeblood of cricket across New South Wales.

“We look forward to building something special alongside AAMI over the next two years and we thank them for their support,” Haynes said.

Underscoring the rationale behind connecting the insurance brand with Australia’s national sport, EGM of brand and customer experience at AAMI, Mim Haysom, added: “Cricket has a wonderful way of bringing Australians together, whether it’s at the ground, around the television or at a local club.”

“That makes our NSW Cricket and Sydney Sixers partnership a great fit for AAMI.

“We’re thrilled to support both the WBBL and BBL teams and to play a role in the Sixers’ Community Rounds, celebrating the clubs, volunteers and fans who make cricket such an important part of communities across New South Wales.

“We’re looking forward to showing up for Sixers fans throughout the season and bringing the partnership to life in ways that are exciting and memorable for all,” Haysom said.

Disney+ and NHL Secure Five-Year Streaming Partnership for Sweden and Finland

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Courtney

Disney+ and the National Hockey League have announced a five-year broadcasting agreement, bringing professional ice hockey to subscribers in Sweden and Finland beginning with the 2026/27 season.

Delivered through the dedicated ESPN on Disney+ offering, the arrangement encompasses 160 regular-season fixtures, including 50 matches scheduled in prime Nordic viewing windows, alongside 20 postseason playoff fixtures and shared rights to the Conference Finals and the iconic Stanley Cup Final.

Commenting on the cultural and commercial significance of securing the broadcast rights, GM of Disney+ EMEA, Karl Holmes, said: “In Sweden and Finland, hockey isn’t just watched, it’s a passion shared across generations.”

“From overtime winners to the race for the Stanley Cup, there’s nothing quite like the NHL.

“With so many Swedish and Finnish stars, we’re excited to bring the NHL to customers, adding another brilliant competition to our growing lineup of live sport,” Holmes said.

Echoing these sentiments, chief media officer and SEVP of the NHL, David Proper, noted that international expansion remains central to the league’s global growth trajectory.

“The NHL’s connection to fans across the Nordic region and internationally has never been stronger, driven by the success of both Nordic-born players in the NHL and our tremendous on-ice product overall.”

“Disney+ and ESPN are important in expanding our global reach and serving our international fans, providing broad access and unique perspective to NHL games and showcasing the incredible impact Nordic players continue to have on the sport,” Proper added.

Highlighting the value of integrating expert storytelling and local-language commentary into the broadcast package, SVP and GM of networks and sports at The Walt Disney Company EMEA, Diego Londono, noted: “ESPN’s relationship with the NHL has been shaped by decades of expert insight, analysis and storytelling, and we’re proud to bring that experience to customers in Sweden and Finland for the first time on Disney+.”

“With ESPN alongside each game, fans can follow every twist of the NHL season through world-class production, expert analysis and local language commentary.

“It’s another exciting addition as we continue to build ESPN on Disney+, bringing customers more of the world’s biggest sports,” Londono affirmed.

The broadcast pact aligns with a period of surging commercial momentum for the league, following a record-breaking U.S. viewership season for ESPN in 2025/26.

By broadcasting matches featuring prominent Nordic athletes such as William Nylander, Filip Forsberg, Rasmus Dahlin, Aleksander Barkov, Mikko Rantanen, and Sebastian Aho, the collaboration provides a powerful platform to deepen subscriber engagement and brand loyalty across lucrative Scandinavian markets.

Ministry of Sport announces new partnership with Flinders University for Women in Sport Futures Day

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Courtney

The Ministry of Sport has announced an exciting new partnership with Flinders University for the Women in Sport Futures Day, taking place Monday 19 October at Adelaide Oval.

Through this partnership agreement, Flinders University will integrate comprehensive academic and professional resources into the event, deploying expert guest speakers, structured mentoring programs, and workshop facilitation to equip students with practical skills suited for high-performance sports environments.

Commenting on the partnership, Ministry of Sport CEO, Ben Parsons, shared the Ministry’s commitment to developing the next generation of women in sport

“This new partnership shines a light on the importance of investing in the next generation of women in sport,” Parsons said.

Flinders University — Make your future gold.

On the field or behind the scenes, discover where a Flinders degree can take you in the sports industry. From coaching, sports marketing and development, to event management, leadership, and the science behind health and fitness, Flinders offers hands-on, practical training to help you build the skills and knowledge to succeed in the high-performance world of sports and fitness.

Featuring specialised programming tailored for coaches, sports scientists, clubland administrators, and corporate partners, the summit pairs high-level executive keynotes with practical performance forums.

Participants attending the four-day program can expect explorations of sponsorship revenue strategies, fan engagement models, and systemic institutional reform designed to cement Australia’s status as a world-class sporting destination.

View full event details here.

Formula 1 and FIA Reveal 2027 Calendar Featuring 24 Grands Prix and Expanded Ten-Sprint Format

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) have officially released the 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar following approval by the World Motor Sport Council.

Encompassing twenty-four Grands Prix across twenty-two countries and five continents, the 2027 schedule introduces a significant commercial expansion of the Sprint format, increasing from six to ten events, alongside the return of historic circuits in Portugal and Türkiye.

Underscoring the balance of sporting integrity and global growth reflected in the schedule, president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “The 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is a strong reflection of the global appeal and continued growth of our sport.”

“With twenty-four Grands Prix across five continents, the return of Portugal and Türkiye, and the opportunity for an expanded Sprint programme, the calendar combines tradition, innovation, and fan engagement while maintaining the highest sporting standards.

“I would like to thank Formula One Management, the promoters, the national sporting authorities, the FIA officials and volunteers and all our stakeholders for their collaboration and commitment,” Sulayem said.

Emphasising the momentum and value driving the championship forward, president and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, added: “The 2027 calendar brings together some of the most iconic circuits and vibrant cities in the world, creating an incredible stage for another unforgettable season of Formula 1.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Portugal and Türkiye to the championship and to expand Sprint racing to ten events, giving our fans even more intensity, drama, and the wheel-to-wheel action that make our sport so special.

“Formula 1 continues to go from strength-to-strength, attracting new audiences around the globe…

“As we continue this remarkable journey of growth, I want to thank our fans around the world as their passion drives everything we do,” Domenicali said.

The 2027 season opens with pre-season testing at Sakhir from 24–27 February, preceding the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. The early calendar navigates Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan, and China before moving through Miami and Canada.

The European leg features Portimão’s return in June following Monaco, while Istanbul Park rejoins the circuit in October between Azerbaijan and Singapore, concluding with a closing swing through Austin, Mexico City, São Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.

This indicates that total viewership on Sprint weekends outperforms non-Sprint fixtures by 12 percent, with Sprint Qualifying generating triple the fan engagement of traditional Free Practice sessions.

Furthermore, 82 percent of attendees report enhanced ticket value, prompting the addition of new Sprint hosts, including Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco, and Abu Dhabi, alongside returning venues Montréal, Silverstone, Monza, São Paulo, and Lusail.

Swisse Wellness Secures Naming Rights for Tennis Australia’s Hot Shots Program Alongside Maya Joint Ambassador Appointment

Posted on September 17, 2026September 17, 2026 by Courtney

Tennis Australia has announced a commercial partnership that repositions its premier junior participation initiative as Swisse Hot Shots Tennis, following an agreement with leading health brand Swisse Wellness.

Simultaneously, rising tennis star Maya Joint has been appointed as an official program ambassador, joining world No. 7 Alex de Minaur to inspire the next generation of participants through grassroots engagement.

Tennis Australia aims to strengthen the commercial and emotional connection between grassroots development and elite pathways, driving long-term brand equity and youth participation across the country.

Emphasising the value of establishing grassroots developmental foundations through corporate alignment, Tennis Australia chief tennis officer, Tom Larner, said: “Swisse Hot Shots Tennis is where so many kids take their first steps in our sport, and creating a positive first experience is incredibly important.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Swisse as naming rights partner and Maya as an ambassador for the program.

“Swisse shares our belief in helping kids build confidence, resilience and important life skills, while Maya’s story shows what’s possible when young players develop a love for the game from an early age,” Larner said.

Highlighting that the naming rights sponsorship reflects the brand’s core commercial commitment to fostering community wellbeing and active family lifestyles, Swisse Wellness marketing director, Stephanie Taylor, said: “We know the positive impact sport can have on children’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing.”

“Swisse Hot Shots Tennis provides a fun and welcoming environment where kids can build confidence, make friends and develop lifelong healthy habits.

“We’re proud to partner with Tennis Australia to help more kids discover the joy of tennis and the benefits of being active,” Taylor said.

The collaboration aligns Australia’s top vitamins, minerals, and supplements brand with a nationwide program introducing thousands of children aged three to ten to the sport annually using modified equipment and age-appropriate court designs.

The partnership leverages Joint’s soaring international profile following standout performances on the global professional circuit.

For Joint, the ambassador role represents a full-circle connection to her own introduction to the sport.

“I fell in love with tennis when I was really little, in kindergarten, so it’s pretty special to now be involved with a program that helps introduce kids to the sport.”

“Swisse Hot Shots Tennis is such a fun way to learn. The modified equipment makes it easier for kids to rally, have success early and enjoy themselves from day one, which is so important when you’re starting out.”

Cricket Victoria Appoints Shaun Richardson as Chair and Penelope Cleghorn as Deputy Chair

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Courtney

Cricket Victoria has announced a leadership change following its September board meeting in Colac, appointing Shaun Richardson as the organisation’s new Chair and electing Penelope Cleghorn as Deputy Chair.

Mr Richardson succeeds Ross Hepburn, whose six-year tenure as a Director and four years as Chair concluded at Cricket Victoria’s Annual General Meeting on August 31. The leadership transition coincides with the recent reinstatement of the Deputy Chair role within the organisation’s Constitution following an approved amendment at the latest AGM.

Reflecting on his new responsibilities, Mr Richardson emphasised the importance of maintaining strong foundations while driving ongoing development across all levels of the game.

“Cricket has been a significant part of my life, and it is an enormous privilege to be appointed Chair of Cricket Victoria.”

“Victorian cricket has strong foundations built by generations of players, volunteers, administrators, clubs and associations who care deeply about the game.

“I want to acknowledge Ross for his leadership and his contribution to Victorian cricket as both a Director and as Chair.

“Our responsibility to ensure the game continues to grow at every level remains.

“Penelope and I, along with the rest of the Board, will continue to be ambitious and make decisions that strengthen cricket from the grassroots through to the elite,” Richardson said.

Welcoming the appointments, Cricket Victoria CEO, Nick Cummins, highlighting the institutional knowledge both leaders bring as the organisation navigates a critical period.

“Shaun and Penelope have been valuable members of the Cricket Victoria Board since joining in 2021 and 2020 respectively and have a deep understanding of our organisation and the broader Victorian cricket landscape.”

“They are taking on these positions at an important time for Cricket Victoria and Australian cricket more broadly. We have a clear strategy and an experienced Board and Executive team, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead.”

Mr Richardson, who has served as a Cricket Victoria Director since 2021, brings extensive commercial and administrative acumen to the position, alongside a professional background spanning over two decades in banking and finance as a Business Banking Executive at NAB.

His grassroots cricket credentials include First XI playing days with St Kilda and Dandenong Cricket Clubs alongside a long-standing administrative association with the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association at Caulfield Cricket Club.

Both Mr Richardson and Ms Cleghorn commence in their respective positions immediately, providing governance stability and commercial continuity for Victorian cricket administration.

NBA Advances Expansion Timelines for Las Vegas and Seattle Alongside Euroleague

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball Association has advanced its roadmap for global expansion, with Commissioner Adam Silver confirming that formal decisions regarding potential new franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle are anticipated by the end of 2026.

Speaking following the conclusion of the NBA’s Board of Governors meetings in New York City, league leadership outlined commercial valuations exceedinng USD10 billion (AUD14.1 billion) for the expansion slots, aligning with the league’s broader objective to scale from thirty to thirty-two teams ahead of the 2028-29 season. While Seattle benefits from immediate readiness at Climate Pledge Arena, Las Vegas expansion discussions remain more complex due to ongoing venue and site evaluations, though robust investor bids continue to progress.

NBA Commisioner, Silver, shared on the ongoing domestic expansion.

“Discussions are ongoing.”

“I think everyone knows at this point we’re focused on Las Vegas and Seattle.

“There are multiple groups interested in both cities.

“We are in discussions with them.

“The timeline, as I’ve said before, it’s not a foregone conclusion that we will expand either in one city or both cities.

“But what we’ve told all interested parties is our anticipation our board will make a decision by the end of this calendar year,” he said.

Elaborating on the distinctions between the two candidate markets, Silver added the infrastructure readiness of the Pacific Northwest venue.

“There was not as much discussion around Seattle as there was around Las Vegas, largely because Las Vegasm, it’s not even clear what the site will be, let alone the arena yet, and therefore it’s a much longer timeline before we can throw the ball up for basketball.”

“On the other hand, in Seattle, we have had operational groups out to Climate Pledge, who clearly have a state-of-the-art arena there.

“If we were opening in five weeks, we could be ready in Seattle.

“More of the discussion was around Las Vegas, but I’ve been saying it’s our goal to have decisions by the end of the year, and that continues to be our goal,” Silver added.

Simultaneously, the league is accelerating its international footprint through the development of NBA Europe, a proposed sixteen-team competition designed to reshape the continental basketball landscape.

Led by deputy commissioner Mark Tatum, negotiations are actively progressing with EuroLeague officials to establish a unified commercial and competitive structure. Although initial projections targeted a 2027 launch, league executives remain focused on securing broad alignment among clubs and investors before finalising operational frameworks.

“We did discuss ongoing negotiations with the EuroLeague.”

“I believe we’re making progress there. We believe that the league would be strengthened by joining forces with the EuroLeague.

“It doesn’t have to happen, but I think we all would be better off as a unified front in Europe,” Silver shared.

NSW Government Expands Share Our Space Program to Integrate Sports Facilities Across New South Wales

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Courtney

The New South Wales Government has announced a statewide expansion of the Share Our Space program, mandating that all new public educational facilities automatically open their sports ovals, courts, and green infrastructure to local communities outside school hours.

Under the updated policy, more than twenty upcoming public primary and high schools across high-growth corridors, including the newly completed Edmondson Park High School opening in Term 1, 2027, will be seamlessly integrated into the program upon completion.

47th Premier of New South Wales ,Premier Chris Minns, emphasised the economic and social rationale underpinning the policy shift toward shared community infrastructure.

“Our school ovals and sports courts are too valuable to sit unused behind locked gates when there are no kids in the classroom.”

“We’ve already opened up these facilities to the community at nearly 250 schools across the state.

“Now, we’re making sure every new public school built in New South Wales does the same.

“This means more communities can access sporting facilities like those here at Edmondson Park High School, outside school hours and during the school holidays,” Minns said

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Hon. Prue Car, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the long-term value of leveraging public investments for grassroots engagement.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering record funding for new and upgraded schools across NSW, and we want schools to be able to share these world-class public facilities with their communities so that everyone can benefit.”

“Giving local families access to space and facilities in schools that would otherwise be locked up after school, over weekends and during school holidays, is something that just makes sense.

“Growing communities need public schools and public spaces – and ensuring every new public school that we build can share its facilities is about building better, more connected local communities,” Hon. Car said.

This infrastructure initiative builds on a successful trial scaling access across sixty-five schools, permanently elevating the statewide network to nearly 250 participating locations and unlocking vital recreational assets for families and grassroots sports participants.

The policy addresses critical community demand for accessible outdoor spaces, particularly across rapidly expanding metropolitan regions like Western Sydney, by ensuring publicly funded facilities do not remain idle behind locked gates during weekends and school holidays.

NSW Rugby Union Secures Silver Fern Sport as Official Training Equipment Partner Through 2028

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Courtney

NSW Rugby Union has announced a commercial agreement, securing Silver Fern Sport as an Official Partner for Rugby Training Equipment, excluding balls, through to 31 December 2028.

The partnership is designed to deliver tangible financial and operational benefits directly to grassroots rugby clubs across New South Wales, underpinning the ongoing rollout of the Small Equipment Legacy Program.

Under the terms of the agreement, all junior and senior clubs will receive a specialised rugby pack and comprehensive product catalogue. Furthermore, affiliated clubs will receive a ten per cent credit on eligible general and Legacy Grant purchases, providing a valuable financial mechanism to reinvest back into local club resources.

Emphasising the brand’s dedication to creating grassroots value through the partnership, managing director of Silver Fern Sport, Kent Rae, said: “We’re proud to be part of an initiative that delivers a genuine benefit back to the rugby community.”

“We look forward to building a strong partnership with NSW Rugby and supporting clubs across the state through to 2028,” Rae said.

Highlighting the broader implications of the collaboration, CEO of NSW Rugby Union, Peter Murphy, noted that the arrangement goes beyond a standard commercial sponsorship to drive meaningful outcomes for local participants.

“This partnership is about more than a commercial relationship; it’s about creating a genuine benefit for our clubs and investing back into the future of rugby across NSW.”

“Silver Fern Sport shares our commitment to supporting the grassroots game, and we’re excited to see the impact of the Small Equipment Legacy Program over the coming years,” Murphy said.

The alliance reflects a shared commitment between both organisations to support community development and build a sustainable economic foundation for the game at the grassroots level.

By easing equipment acquisition costs for local volunteers and administrators, the initiative directly addresses key cost-of-play barriers. Silver Fern Sport will also receive integrated brand visibility across NSW Rugby’s digital, social, and marketing channels, connecting the supplier directly with the broader regional rugby community.

Tasmania JackJumpers Secure Head Coach Scott Roth on Two-Year Contract Extension Through NBL29

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Courtney

The Tasmania JackJumpers have secured head coach Scott Roth on a two-year contract extension, locking in his leadership of the National Basketball League franchise through to the conclusion of the NBL29 season.

Since his appointment as the club’s inaugural head coach ahead of their debut NBL22 campaign, Roth has forged the competitive grit and grind identity of the organisation, capturing a historic championship in just the team’s third year.

The retention ensures vital operational continuity, brand stability, and leadership permanence for the Tasmanian sporting property as it builds upon its rapid commercial growth and regional fan engagement.

Reflecting on his deep connection to the regional community, Roth, emphasised that local support remains the primary catalyst for his continued tenure on the island.

“The biggest thing for me is the people of Tasmania.”

“That’s the driving force, the impact Tasmanians have on my family, on my life.

“They’ve been so gracious in welcoming us, I’m grateful and humbled, and hungry for the next two years,” Roth said.

Confirming that this extension will mark his final tenure at the club, Roth highlighted the importance of strategic time management and leadership succession planning before returning state-side.

“I talk a lot about time-wealth, and I don’t have a lot of it left in my lifetime.”

“How I use time, I have to be smart about it, and two years is about as much as I have left to give.

“I don’t have a to-do-list for this final stretch, I think it’s more about continuity, holding the standards, and giving the club a longer runway to consider who they’re looking at next,” Roth added.

Tasmania JackJumpers chair, Steve Old, underscored the cultural impact Roth has delivered across the island state, noting the broader economic validation his success has provided for other major codes.

“Scott didn’t just coach a basketball team, he helped build a club, a culture and something that Tasmania has truly made its own.”

“Scott understands Tasmania, Tasmania understands Scott, and it’s a pretty special combination,” Old said.

Reinforcing that retaining Roth protects the high-performance culture required to sustain elite competitiveness and destination-club status, Jackjumoers CEO, Trent Jacobs, noted: “We were clear that Scott is the right man to continue to lead the JackJumpers and we believe he can continue to consistently have us competing in finals and fighting for championships.”

NBL Expands International Broadcast Footprint to 35 Countries Ahead of NBL27 Season

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball League (NBL) is heading into the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season on the back of its largest international broadcast footprint in history, extending live and digital coverage to 35 countries worldwide.

Building on a robust prior campaign that showcased 773 matches globally, the competition’s commercial distribution network now spans North America, Europe, and Asia through an expanding mix of pay-television, free-to-air, over-the-top, and app-based media platforms.

In North America, a continued partnership with NBA TV secures live broadcast reach across the United States and Canada into an estimated 33 to 37 million households, bolstered by global video-on-demand distribution.

Across Europe, established territories served by Sportklub, Arena Sport, and Maincast are complemented by a major new partnership with EuroLeague TV, extending live NBL action into key markets including Greece, Italy, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Asian market penetration continues to accelerate through digital platforms such as Leisu Sports, Penguin Sports, and Douyin, alongside Indonesian free-to-air broadcaster TVRI, which draws approximately 500,000 viewers per match.

Underscoring the commercial and significance of the broadcast expansion, NBL Group chief media and content officer Heath O’Loughlin, said: “We thank all our international broadcast partners for the continued interest, faith and support they’ve shown.”

“We are thrilled that the NBL will be seen in 35 countries this season, so millions more people can experience how good this League, and the players in it, really are. Growing our audience across Asia, North America and Europe is one of the things we’re most proud of, and we’re excited about how many more fans we can engage with and entertain this season,” O’Loughlin said.

The league’s digital strategy is proving equally profitable, with organic YouTube viewership generating nearly 5.77 million views and exceeding one million watch hours last season, driven heavily by emerging fanbases in the Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam.

Domestically, comprehensive multi-platform coverage is secured via ESPN, Disney+, Kayo Sports, Sky Sport, and free-to-air broadcasts on the Nine Network ahead of the season tip-off on September 19.

Visa Secures Principal Partner and Payment Technology Role for Australia Rugby World Cups

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Courtney

World Rugby has secured a partnership with digital payments leader Visa, appointing the enterprise as Principal Partner and Official Payment Technology Partner for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 in Australia.

The multi-tournament agreement reinforces the commercial scale of rugby union’s premier global properties while establishing a secure payment framework across venues. A dedicated 48-hour priority ticket sale will open to eligible Visa cardholders from 12:00 AEST on 28 September until 30 September 2026, ahead of general sales starting on 1 October 2026.

Beyond venue payment processing, Visa will secure brand integration as the presenting partner of the Player of the Match award across both competitions. The collaboration underscores a mutual commitment to advancing both men’s and women’s elite rugby divisions equally, leveraging Australia’s hosting duties to drive long-term commercial expansion across the region.

Commenting on the corporate alignment, World Rugby chief revenue officer, Michel Poussau, said: “We are delighted to welcome Visa back to the Rugby World Cup family as Principal Partner for the next two editions in 2027 and 2029 in Australia.”

“Visa’s partnership underlines the strength and global appeal of these tournaments, as well as our shared ambition to deliver iconic events shaped by innovation, accessibility and unforgettable fan experiences.

“Its support for both tournaments is a powerful statement of belief in the future of rugby and the equal opportunity ahead for the men’s and women’s game.

“Through this partnership, eligible Visa cardholders will benefit from exclusive access opportunities, while Visa’s technology and expertise will help us enhance the journey for fans in Australia and around the world,” Poussau said.

Echoing the commercial rationale, Visa Regional president – Asia Pacific, Stephen Karpin, added: “Some events have their own gravitational pull. Rugby World Cup is one of them. People don’t simply follow it, they travel for it and come together in ways that extend far beyond the match.”

“Recent data showed cross-border Visa transactions in host cities of a major sporting event increased nearly 20% year on year.

“Through Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029, we’re proud to help deliver seamless payment experiences that enable fans to focus on the moments that matter, while supporting the movement of people, commerce and opportunity,” Karpin noted.

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is rugby union’s pinnacle event contested every four years by the world’s best nations.

For six weeks from 1 October to 13 November 2027, Australia will welcome the world to a nationwide festival of rugby, celebrating its rich culture and heritage, and kicking off a new era of rugby that will have a positive impact for Australia, Oceania and the game globally.

Austability Secured as Presenting Partner of Team Australia for Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Courtney

Defence and security provider Austability has expanded its commitment to veteran rehabilitation by being named the Presenting Partner of Team Australia for the Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026, presented by ATCO.

Building upon its previous sponsorship of Team Australia at the Invictus Germany Sports Festival in June 2026, the renewed alignment will back a thirty-strong contingent of wounded, injured, or ill veterans as they compete against international delegations from New Zealand and the Republic of Korea in Perth this October.The multi-sport festival encompasses adaptive disciplines including indoor rowing, pickleball, swimming, and sitting volleyball, extending the global impact of the Invictus movement closer to home across the Indo-Pacific region.

Emphasising the cultural synergy driving the partnership forward, and noting that corporate backing from an organisation deeply rooted in the defence community ensures optimal support for competing athletes, Invictus Australia director of teams, pathways & alumni, Adam Pine OLY, said: “Austability understands veterans and shares our values, and that makes this partnership especially meaningful.”

“Their support for Team Australia will help us create an environment where competitors can challenge themselves and make the most of this unique opportunity.

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Austability and welcome their support as Presenting Partner of Team Australia for the Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026, Presented by ATCO,” Pine said.

Comprising a workforce predominantly composed of veterans, Austability views the elite adaptive sports sponsorship as an authentic extension of its corporate ethos centred on purpose, community connection, and post-service recovery.

Noting the rationale behind backing the national delegation on home soil, governor general of Austability, Ben Khandan, added: “The Invictus Australia Sports Festival provides an incredible opportunity for competitors to challenge themselves, represent their country and continue building confidence through sport.”

“Supporting Team Australia is a natural extension of who we are and what we stand for.

“We understand the power of belonging, purpose and connection in the recovery journey.

“We’re proud to stand alongside Team Australia as Presenting Partner and help bring this inaugural event to life on home soil,” Khandan said.

Delivered in partnership with the Invictus Games Foundation, the Perth festival bridges the gap between major international Games cycles, creating sustainable pathways for veteran wellbeing through community and elite sports participation.