Ministry of Sport

Swimming Australia and Channel 9 Launch Team-Based Swim GP Format in Melbourne Ahead of 2032 Olympics

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Courtney

Swimming Australia has partnered with media powerhouse Channel 9 to launch Swim GP, a team-based entertainment format designed to commercialise elite swimming ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Scheduled for 13 and 14 November 2026 at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), the event will pit four teams of twenty Australian Dolphins against each other across short-form, high-energy sessions.

Supported by the Victorian Government, which has also locked in backing for the 2028 Australian Short Course Championships, the initiative aims to capitalise on surging public interest following last year’s Australia v The World event, blending competitive racing with fan-centric innovations like bonus points, coaches’ calls, and live audience voting.

The commercial push is designed to elevate athlete profiles and drive broadcasting revenues through Nine’s network.

Emphasising the long-term vision behind the new property, Swimming Australia CEO, Rob Woodhouse, said: “Swim GP is an next exciting step in our planning ahead of 2032 to engage swimming fans in the theatre and entertainment of our sport.”

“We saw the support off the back of Australia v The World last year, and we know swimming fans love seeing our athletes compete.

“Building this platform with our partner Nine, we want every household in Australia to know the names of our Dolphins as we lead into 2032 and events like Swim GP allow us to create that platform, for both branding and commercial success.

“We’re thankful for the support of the Victorian Government to deliver this event for the first time, and excited to bring this to swimming and sports fans in Melbourne,” Woodhouse said.

Highlighting the necessity of shifting towards modern entertainment models, Dolphin Zac Stubblety-Cook “It’s great that the sport is trying new avenues and we’re excited to see what this means for swimming leading into 2032, it’s important to get a home crowd invested in the sport of swimming.”

“And fandom is central to this. We also want to be part of something that creates FOMO … and heated rivalries. We have some of the best swimmers in the world, and I don’t think the Australian public fully realise just how good this Dolphins team is.

“We want them to join us on the journey to 2032 … and this is just the start,” he said.

The event will feature elite coaching leadership from Dean Boxall, Damian Jones, Mel Marshall, and Craig Jackson, while showcasing marquee names such as Olympic gold medallists Mollie O’Callaghan, Cam McEvoy, and Lani Pallister alongside Paralympic champions Tim Hodge and Lakeisha Patterson.

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Toyota Deepens Olympic Commitment by Signing TEAM JAPAN Partnership Agreement as Gold Partner

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Courtney

Toyota Motor Corporation has formally reinforced its longstanding commitment to elite sport by signing a comprehensive TEAM JAPAN Partnership Agreement with the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and the Japanese Paralympic Committee (JPC) as an official Gold Partner.

Announced in Toyota City, the agreement is designed to deliver robust financial and operational backing, creating an optimal environment where Japanese athletes competing on the world stage can maintain absolute focus on their training, preparation, and competitive performance without distraction.

As a cornerstone of the partnership, Toyota will leverage its extensive corporate resources, technical innovation, and mobility expertise to support national athletic delegations across upcoming international multi-sport cycles.

The collaboration builds directly upon the manufacturer’s deep-rooted global sports sponsorships, aligning corporate social responsibility with high-performance sports administration.

By securing Gold Partner status with both the JOC and JPC, Toyota aims to streamline resource allocation, enhance athlete welfare initiatives, and foster robust grassroots-to-elite sports development pathways across Japan’s broader sporting ecosystem.

For Toyota, the agreement reinforces its overarching brand positioning as a leader in sustainable mobility while deepening local stakeholder engagement within its domestic market.

Furthermore, the partnership provides a predictable funding structure that shields athletes from commercial volatility, allowing national federations to plan long-term talent identification and development initiatives with confidence. Through targeted investments in sports science and athlete support systems, the collaboration ensures that competitors representing Japan are equipped with the necessary resources to excel against international counterparts.

With preparations already well underway for upcoming international competitions, the formalisation of the TEAM JAPAN partnership establishes a secure foundation for athletes, coaches, and sports administrators alike.

UEFA and Concacaf Demand FIFA Distribute $2.1 Billion in Reserves Following Private Equity Collapse

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Courtney

European and North American football governance UEFA and Concacaf have formally demanded that president Gianni Infantino release at least USD10 million (AUD14 million) from governing body reserves to each of its 211 member associations.

The joint intervention follows the rapid collapse of Infantino’s controversial “FIFA Forward Enterprise” (FFE) private equity proposal, which sought to privatise commercial and ticketing rights before crumbling under widespread global opposition from national federations.

Sent by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, and Concacaf counterpart Victor Montagliani, the formal correspondence reveals that FIFA is projected to close the 2023–26 financial cycle with accumulated reserves of approximately USD6 billion (AUD8.4 billion), an amount considerably exceeding foreseeable operational requirements through to the 2030 men’s World Cup. The proposed one-off capital release would total USD2.11 billion (AUD2.9 billion) across the 2027–30 cycle, earmarked specifically for an infrastructure and grassroots football development programs worldwide.

The governance dispute intensified after Infantino attempted to leverage member access to capital injections, offering USD40 million (AUD56 million) contingent on backing the FFE plan and establishing a strict September deadline for federations.

Ceferin and Montagliani strongly criticised these conditional funding frameworks, arguing that member associations should never be forced to choose between development funds and good governance integrity, or between financial support and evaluating proposals purely on their commercial merits.

“Fifa currently holds billions of dollars in accumulated reserves.”

“These resources belong to football and exist to serve the game and its 211 member associations.

“Prudence should not prevent a careful examination of whether a portion could responsibly be released to the extent those reserves exceed Fifa’s foreseeable needs,” they said in the formal letter.

The confederation leaders have formally requested an independent, comprehensive financial review of FIFA’s accounts, demanding full access to underlying operational figures and fiscal assumptions.

This institutional push coincides with mounting governance scrutiny from Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt, who dispatched a separate letter demanding full transparency and complete disclosure of all FFE documentation ahead of the upcoming FIFA Council meeting on October 15.

Fever Secures Record USD250 Million Funding Round Backed by Australian Venture Capital Firm Athletic Ventures

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Courtney

Live-entertainment technology platform Fever has secured USD250 million (AUD351 million) in a primary equity financing round, marking the largest funding event of its kind for the sector.

Led by prominent global private markets investor EQT with participation from Australian venture capital firm Athletic Ventures, Point72 Private Investments, and Baillie Gifford, the funding follows three consecutive years of rapid scaling during which Fever tripled its revenue while maintaining positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation.

The organisation will deploy the fresh capital to expand its operational footprint across its existing network of more than 55 countries and deepen technological integration for elite sports organisations, venues, promoters, and cultural institutions worldwide.

Highlighting the commercial rationale behind backing physical event infrastructure amidst rapid digital disruption, Athletic Ventures co-founder and NBA champion, Matthew Dellavedova, said: “I’ve spent my career thriving off the energy that the crowd brings, and it is truly irreplaceable.”

“I’m excited that Athletic Ventures has invested in the platform that brings these experiences to life.

“We’re pleased to be supporting Fever alongside EQT, Point72 and Baillie Gifford.”

Athletic Venture co-founder, Matt de Boer, added: “Across my AFL career, I learned that the moments people remember most are the ones shared with a crowd, live.”

“Fever has built an elite platform that puts more of those moments in front of more people, in 800+ cities around the world.

“We’re incredibly impressed with the team and proud to be backing them on the next stage of their growth.

“I’m excited that Athletic Ventures has invested in the platform that brings these experiences to life.

“We’re pleased to be supporting Fever alongside EQT, Point72 and Baillie Gifford,” he said.

The platform’s partner-first framework has secured major commercial collaborations across international sport, highlighted by a comprehensive global agreement designating Fever as an Official Supplier for Formula 1 through 2031.

Under the long-term arrangement, Fever will supply advanced ticketing technology and fan-experience optimisation across every Grand Prix via Formula 1’s official website, joining an extensive partner roster that includes SailGP, the X Games, and FC Barcelona.

Euroleague Basketball Secures Three-Season German Betting Partnership with LetsBet

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Courtney

Euroleague Basketball has strengthened its footprint in the European sports market by announcing a three-season partnership with wagering operator LetsBet, designating the company as the official local betting partner for both the EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup in Germany.

Running from the 2026-27 season through to the end of the 2028-29 campaign, the alliance aims to expand the commercial visibility of elite club basketball across the German market through comprehensive digital activations and extensive in-arena brand presence during home fixtures for participating German clubs. The competitive landscape features top-tier representation, with FC Bayern Basketball competing in the flagship EuroLeague, alongside NINERS Chemnitz, ratiopharm ulm, Rostock Seawolves, and Frankfurt Skyliners battling for the BKT EuroCup crown.

Commenting on the agreement, chief commercial officer of Euroleague Basketball, Gawain Davies, pointed to the importance of expanding engagement within a key European territory.

“Germany is an important market for Euroleague Basketball, with a strong and growing interest in European club basketball.”

“We are pleased to welcome LetsBet as a local partner of both the EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup for the next three seasons.

“This partnership will allow us to strengthen our connection with basketball fans in Germany while working with a partner that has major ambitions in the market,” Davies said.

Emphasising the extensive industry expertise underpinning the collaboration, chief operating officer at LetsBet, Gabriel Vollmann, added: “Euroleague Basketball is the leading platform in European basketball.”

“This partnership is an important milestone for LetsBet in Germany.

“Our team brings more than 20 years of industry experience, including extensive experience in managing major sports partnerships.

“Through this partnership, we will have the opportunity to connect with basketball fans across multiple touchpoints, from in-arena visibility and digital and social media activations to branded content, fan engagement initiatives and exclusive experiences.

“We are pleased to bring this expertise to the German market and look forward to building a long-term connection with the basketball community in Germany,” Vollmann said.

Inter Miami’s Nu Stadium Selected to Host Final Phase of 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Courtney

Inter Miami CF’s newly opened Nu Stadium has been officially confirmed as the host venue for the decisive final phase of the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.

Announced by world football governing body FIFA, the state-of-the-art 26,700-seat venue will stage the tournament’s semi-finals, bronze final, and championship decider from January 27 to January 31, 2027.

Highlighting the alignment between global tournament expansion and regional sports infrastructure development, FIFA chief football officer, Jill Ellis, emphasised the event’s commercial objectives.

“The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup was created with a clear ambition: to give the best clubs in the world the chance to compete on the global stage every year.”

“Following an incredible first edition that featured an unforgettable final in London, we’re now bringing the world’s top clubs to Miami.

“The excitement surrounding this competition is already growing, and Miami provides a perfect setting to showcase the quality and global appeal of women’s club football.

“I can’t wait to see who rises to the occasion and lifts this beautiful trophy,” Ellis stated.

Echoing these sentiments, chief revenue officer for Inter Miami CF and Nu Stadium, Iñigo Aznar, added: “Our vision is to build on the momentum we have created in South Florida and establish Miami and Nu Stadium as one of the world’s great stages for sports and entertainment.”

“Hosting the final phase of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027 is another important step in that journey, bringing the champions of the world’s leading confederations and some of the best women’s footballers on the planet to our new home.

“We look forward to welcoming fans from Miami and around the world for an unforgettable celebration of the game,” Aznar said.

The tournament brings together the reigning club champions from all six continental confederations in a single-elimination structure designed to elevate the commercial visibility and global stature of women’s professional football.

Confirmed participants already featuring in the draw include Concacaf champions Club América Femenil and UEFA title holders FC Barcelona Femení, alongside qualifiers from Asia, Oceania, Africa, and South America navigating preliminary rounds across October and December.

New Zealand Cricket Announces Landmark Three-Year Commercial Partnership with Energy Firm Genesis

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has secured a landmark commercial agreement, announcing a three-year partnership with energy generator and retailer Genesis.

The alliance marks NZC’s inaugural major energy sector partnership, bridging grassroots participation with elite international performance.

Under the terms of the deal, Genesis assumes naming rights for the grassroots initiative Genesis Smash Play while securing prominent back-of-shirt branding across both the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS playing kits for the upcoming domestic and international summer seasons.

Underscoring the significance of aligning with a major corporate entity outside traditional sponsorship categories, NZC CEO, Geoff Allott, said: “This partnership breaks new ground for NZC in terms of being our first major energy partner and we couldn’t be happier to have them on board ahead of a massive home summer.”

“Genesis get that cricket isn’t just about the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS – it’s about kids picking up a bat for the first time through Genesis Smash Play and ensuring the next generation get to enjoy the game we all love,” Allott shared.

Echoing these sentiments, Genesis chief revenue officer, Stephen England-Hall, highlighted the alignment between the brand’s market positioning and the cultural resonance of cricket during the summer months.

“At Genesis, we believe the best Kiwi summers are lived at full power.”

“That’s why we’re proud to back Kiwi cricket at every level, from the next generation discovering the game through Genesis Smash Play to our national teams inspiring us on the world stage.

“Our ambition is to help make cricket even more fun, exciting and rewarding, creating more reasons for New Zealanders to play, support and celebrate the game throughout the summer,” England-Hall said.

Beyond kit integration and grassroots development, the commercial partnership introduces high-impact fan engagement elements, including Genesis sponsoring the opening Powerplay of each innings across all NZC home white-ball international fixtures for the next three seasons.

To drive immediate consumer activation, Genesis is launching exclusive fan experiences alongside a consumer promotion offering one year of free power to twenty selected winners.

The partnership was formally launched at Genesis’ Auckland corporate office, featuring prominent national representatives including Fran Jonas, Nathan Smith, Adam Milne, and Molly Penfold showcasing the new playing strip.

Formula 1 and Mattel Expand Gaming Partnership with F1 Car Collection Pack for Hot Wheels Game

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 and global entertainment company Mattel have deepened their commercial collaboration by announcing the upcoming F1 Car Collection Pack for the racing video game HOT WHEELS™ Infinite Rush.

Scheduled for release in March 2027, the downloadable content marks a major milestone as the first time officially licensed Formula 1 vehicles will be playable within a Hot Wheels game environment.

Developed alongside racing game developer Milestone, the expansion will integrate all 22 official team cars from the 2026 Formula 1 grid into the game’s elite Speeder category.The agreement capitalises from the ongoing partnership between Formula 1 and Mattel, which recently won Best Licensed Toys or Games Range at the 2026 Licensing Awards.

Highlighting the value of the expansion, chief commercial officer of Formula 1, Emily Prazer, said: “Our partnership with Mattel and Hot Wheels keeps evolving for our fans, and this latest move gives them the opportunity to race their favourite driver’s car in the HOT WHEELS Infinite Rush video game.”

“They can play against friends and family, immersing themselves in the world of F1 and enjoying the speed, competition, and drama of the sport in a whole new format.

“We know it’s going to be hugely popular given the reaction to the previous F1 Hot Wheels die-cast cars, and we can’t wait to see fans get behind the wheel when the F1 Car Collection Pack launches in March 2027,” Prazer said.

Emphasising the collaborative trust on the project, Milestone publishing director, Andrea Loiudice, noted: “We’re incredibly proud to be the first to bring Formula 1 Hot Wheels die-cast cars to a video game.”

“The opportunity to work alongside such prestigious partners as Mattel and Formula 1 is a great testament to the trust they place in Milestone and in our ability to deliver high-quality racing experiences.

“Bringing the full 2026 F1 grid to HOT WHEELS Infinite Rush with the F1 Car Collection Pack is an exciting milestone for us, and we’re sure players around the world will be just as thrilled to enjoy these iconic cars in a whole new way,” Loiudice stated.

Expressing her enthusiasm about the agreement, head of licensed games at Mattel, Erika Winterholler, added: “The combination of Formula 1’s authenticity and Milestone’s racing expertise created a unique opportunity to deliver something truly special for Hot Wheels fans.”

“Bringing the full 2026 Formula 1 grid to HOT WHEELS Infinite Rush reflects our approach to building best-in-class gaming experiences through great partnerships, while continuing to expand how fans engage with the Hot Wheels brand,” Winterholler said.

Adelaide 36ers Secure Iconic Local Bakery Balfours as Club Partner in Multi-Year Agreement

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Courtney

The Adelaide 36ers have announced a two-year partnership with iconic South Australian bakery Balfours. Under the agreement, the brand will feature prominently on the back of the club’s gameday media polo for both the NBL27 and NBL28 campaigns.

The collaboration unites two enduring local institutions, blending professional basketball entertainment with a heritage brand that has been woven into the fabric of South Australian life since 1853, following its recent return to local family ownership via Unique Homestyle Foods.

The partnership is designed to elevate fan engagement and matchday hospitality at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Supporters will experience direct brand activations starting from the club’s opening home fixture against the Cairns Taipans, featuring product giveaways, complimentary food sampling across selected matches, and integration within corporate hospitality suites.

Furthermore, the partnership introduces an exclusive Balfours Fan Tunnel experience, giving members and fans a closer touchpoint as they welcome players onto the court before tip-off.

Commenting on the partnership, Adelaide 36ers CEO, Nic Barbato, said: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome Balfours on board as an Adelaide 36ers partner.”

“There’s something really special about bringing two iconic South Australian brands together, particularly when both have such strong connections with our local community.

“Balfours has been part of South Australian life for generations and is a brand that so many of our members and supporters have grown up with.

“We’re excited to bring Balfours products into our gameday experience and give our fans the opportunity to enjoy some delicious goods over the next two seasons,” Barbato said.

Balfours and Unique Homestyle Foods owner, Matt Brown, highlighted the personal and generational ties connecting his family business to the basketball franchise.

“We’re so proud to have Balfours back in South Australia, where it belongs.”

“So many South Aussies have memories of Balfours and we’re excited to connect back with the community. It’s important for us to continue Balfours’ legacy supporting the South Australian community, whether that’s grassroots sport, right up to the big leagues.

“Personally, our family are mad supporters of the team and attend every home game, and my first job was actually part of the catering team, servicing the original ‘Clipsal Powerhouse’, in the era of Mark Davis, Al Green and Phil Smyth.

“Our connection goes back decades and now we have the opportunity to give back to a sport that’s given so much to us, and all the fans,” he said.

This alliance underscores the continued commercial appeal of NBL clubs to major consumer brands seeking authentic community integration and high-visibility engagement platforms.

Padel Point Announces Flagship 10-Court Indoor Venue in Rosehill to Scale Australian Racquet Sports Market

Posted on September 21, 2026September 21, 2026 by Courtney

Padel Point has unveiled plans to open its second major Sydney location in Rosehill by late 2026, marking an infrastructure expansion for the rapid commercial growth of padel in Australia.

Spanning ten indoor panoramic courts supplied by JUBOpadel, the state-of-the-art facility will establish one of the largest dedicated padel venues in the country, reinforcing Greater Sydney as a primary economic, lifestyle, and competitive hub for the world’s fastest-growing racquet sport.

Strategically positioned in Rosehill, the venue will capture surging player demand from key commercial and residential corridors including Parramatta, the Hills District, Western Sydney, the Inner West, and Sydney Olympic Park.

The venue layout is specifically engineered to host major domestic tournaments, high-performance coaching academies, junior development pathways, and international competitions, significantly elevating Sydney’s capacity to attract elite professional players, corporate sponsors, and global sports tourism.

Highlighting the commercial vision driving the multimillion-dollar expansion, Padel Point executive director, Farzin Rahimi Nami, emphasised the organisation’s long-term commitment to raising facility standards and supporting sustainable grassroots participation.

“The opening of our Rosehill club is a proud milestone for Padel Point.”

“From the beginning, our mission has been clear: to bring a premium padel experience to Australia and create world-class environments where players can enjoy the sport at every level,” Nami said.

“This new facility represents a continuation of that mission.

“By investing in one of the country’s largest indoor padel clubs, we are creating a destination that will support community participation, player development, coaching excellence, and major international events,” Nami said.

The development capitalises on soaring consumer participation and rising corporate investment across the broader Australian sports economy. By providing year-round, weather-independent indoor infrastructure, Padel Point aims to bridge community engagement seamlessly with elite tournament operations.

Construction is currently progressing towards an anticipated end-of-2026 launch, with subsequent announcements concerning corporate partnerships, membership tiers, and high-performance programming scheduled for release in the coming months to support the venue’s commercial rollout.

FC Barcelona Secures Five-Year Espai Barça Technology Partnership with Telefónica

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Courtney

FC Barcelona has formally announced a five-year partnership agreement with telecommunications giant Telefónica.

Under the multi-year accord, Telefónica assumes the official designation of Espai Barça partner, providing cutting-edge connectivity services across the newly redeveloped Spotify Camp Nou. The alliance was cemented during an official signing ceremony featuring FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta and Telefónica España Chairman Borja Ochoa.

Reflecting on the significance of the infrastructure partnership, FC Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, said: “This agreement with Telefónica brings to Espai Barça a leading technology and telecommunications company that understands the scale and ambition of the project.”

“This partnership will allow us to continue working towards an increasingly connected and innovative Spotify Camp Nou and will help us offer the best possible experiences to our members and fans in general,” Laporta stated.

From an economic and regional development perspective, Telefónica España chairman, Borja Ochoa, highlighted the broader corporate impact and longstanding commitment on the agreement.

“Telefónica is reaffirming its institutional role as a driving force in the Spanish economy, its support for culture and sport, and its commitment to Catalonia and the city of Barcelona.”

“Last year, Telefónica invested 121 million euros in Catalonia, where it employs more than one thousand people,” Ochoa said.

As part of the commercial terms, Telefónica secures exclusive venue assets, including a private corporate box at Spotify Camp Nou and naming rights to one of the premium lounge spaces currently under construction within the stadium complex.

The collaboration enhances Espai Barça’s commercial positioning as a world-class sporting and entertainment precinct, bolstering its appeal to multinational brands ahead of major international showcases.

Kylian Mbappé Secures Landmark Sponsorship Switch from Nike to Swiss Brand On

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Courtney

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has ended his two-decade-long partnership with Nike, signing a major global agreement with Swiss sportswear challenger On.

The transition marks On’s official entry into the global football market, supported by fellow French icon Thierry Henry, who has been appointed as the brand’s Director of Football. The partnership breaks the duopoly traditionally held by established footwear giants, introducing innovative design frameworks and equity collaboration into elite football administration and equipment manufacturing.

Mbappé, who has been sponsored by Nike since childhood and wore their signature Mercurial boots throughout his rise to international stardom, takes on a multifaceted role as global ambassador and direct product collaborator. The agreement breaks new commercial ground by positioning the player as an active stakeholder in On’s long-term product development.

Reflecting on the strategic alliance, former world cup title holder, Mbappé, said: “From the beginning, what drew me to On was the opportunity to build something entirely new together that will help shape tomorrow’s game.”

“I want to bring my experience and perspective into what we create, push what’s possible through innovation, and always stay true to the joy of football.

“We have a shared dream, and this is only the beginning,” Mbappé said.

On Founder and Co-CEO, David Allemann, underscored the brand’s disruptive commercial intent behind entering the football sector following its successful expansions in running and tennis.

“Football doesn’t need another sportswear brand to do more of the same.”

“Football needs new ideas and a challenge to what is possible.

“When we enter a sport, we want to be the brand of the future — through true innovation and contemporary design.

“Our ambition is to bring On’s approach to the pitch, the pavement, and the runway — connecting elite performance with the culture that surrounds the game.

“With Kylian we have the perfect partner to dream what football can become,” he said.

Thierry Henry, whose involvement as Director of Football has shaped On’s strategic entry since late 2025, emphasised the collaborative product focus with Mbappe.

“Building something new in football requires a bold and original approach.”

“Over the past year, I’ve seen first-hand the curiosity and attention to detail the team at On brings to that process.

“We want to listen to players, understand what they need and create something that can genuinely add to the game.

“I’m proud to be part of shaping what comes next,” he said.

Brisbane Bullets Secure Education Partnership with UniSC

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Courtney

The Brisbane Bullets have announced an education partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC). The collaboration spans the regional corridor from the Fraser Coast down to Moreton Bay and Brisbane, bridging elite professional sport with higher education and community-focused infrastructure development as both organisations look towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Under the agreement, UniSC branding will feature prominently on the Bullets’ playing uniforms and across game day activations. In addition, the partnership unlocks high-value, work-integrated learning opportunities, joint research initiatives, and community programs on site at UniSC. Key study pathways set to benefit from the alliance include sports and exercise science, nutrition and dietetics, marketing and communications, and UniSC’s specialised international sports management program.

Commenting on the educational agreement, UniSC vice-chancellor and president, professor Helen Bartlett, said: “We are proud to offer our support and expertise to an organisation which similarly recognises the wonderful potential of our region and wants to play a central role in its development.”

“For our students, this partnership will open doors to practical learning in a professional sporting environment and create valuable opportunities to build industry connections that can support their future careers.

“Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, championing diversity, equal opportunity, and incredible athleticism.

“Like tertiary education, we know that sport has the power to be transformative, for individuals and for broader society,” Bartlett said.

Underscoring the alignment between the club and the regional institution as the team marks the twentieth anniversary of its most recent championship, Brisbane Bullets GM of commercial, Brandon Matukas, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome UniSC as our Official Education Partner.”

“This collaboration is about creating genuine opportunities for students and strengthening the nationally renowned reputation of the university.

“We believe it’s important to collaborate with local institutions with whom we share a community, and it is a source of great pride to be working with UniSC as we move forward towards NBL27 and beyond,” Matukas said.

The partnership reinforces UniSC’s elite sporting portfolio, sitting alongside existing collaborations with the Dolphins NRL club, the Sunshine Coast Lightning, and the Queensland Academy of Sport.

Fortescue Zero Launches Racing and Innovation Team to Become First Australian-Owned Outfit in Formula E

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Courtney

Advanced engineering and green energy Fortescue Zero is expanding its footprint in motorsport, acquiring the Penske Formula E operation to launch a dedicated racing and innovation team for the upcoming 2026/27 season.

Subject to formal approval by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula E Operations (FEO), the venture will make history as the first Australian-owned outfit to compete in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Transitioning from a technical supplier and Official Pit Boost provider to a full constructor entrant, the team will compete utilising Jaguar’s advanced GEN4 powertrain architecture.

Outlining the rationale behind the expansion, Fortescue Growth and Energy CEO, Gus Pichot, emphasised the dual purpose of high-performance racing as an industrial incubator.

“For more than a decade Fortescue Zero has been the brains behind some of the groundbreaking technologies powering and transforming electric racing.”

“Now, we’re going to show the world how we can compete on the track as well.

“Progressing from the pit lane to the grid is the next chapter in our motorsports story. We’re here to race, to win and to innovate.

“At Fortescue it’s in our DNA to go to the extreme, push the limits and go further and faster than our competitors.

“For us, motorsports is more than just a chance to take home a championship trophy, it’s a platform to develop, test and hone in on the next great technologies that will transform industries beyond racing,” Pichot stated.

Welcoming the entry into the electric championship organisation, Formula E CEO, Jeff Dodds, underscored the historical alignment between the two organisations.

“Fortescue Zero has been a vital technology partner for Formula E from day one, standing alongside us since the inception of the Championship.”

“Formula E is far more than a racing series, it’s an incubator for peak performance and ground-breaking technology, and Fortescue Zero exemplifies both.

“We are excited to see the competitive edge and innovation they will bring to the GEN4 era of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.” Dodds noted.

The move leverages Fortescue’s extensive high-performance heritage, tracing back to its roots in Williams Advanced Engineering, to test cutting-edge battery software and electrification solutions in extreme track environments before scaling applications across global heavy industry and commercial fleets.

The arrival of the GEN4 technical regulations for the 2026/27 season introduces permanent all-wheel drive, active aerodynamics, and enhanced power outputs scaling up to 600kW in attack mode, creating a high-stakes proving ground for sustainable automotive technology.

Nine Entertainment Cites Surging Ratings and Momentum in Long-Term Partnership with NBL

Posted on September 21, 2026September 21, 2026 by Courtney

The 9Network’s decision to broadcast live and free coverage of the National Basketball League (NBL) was driven by undeniable ratings momentum and rising mainstream buzz rather than traditional league pitches, according to Network Director of Programming Geoff Dyer.

Speaking on The Moneyball podcast, Dyer detailed how the commercial and broadcast partnership underscores Nine’s evolution away from simple content acquisition toward collaborative, long-term sports property investment designed to scale the game’s broader commercial ecosystem.

Under the broadcast framework, Nine delivers two live and free games every Saturday across the 9Network and 9Now, complemented by comprehensive digital coverage.

Dyer emphasised that basketball’s positioning as both an electrifying live venue experience and a fast-paced, non-stop television product made it an ideal asset for Nine’s year-round sports portfolio.

“The NBL really kind of came onto our radar just based off the growth that it’s had. I mean, we could see it in the ratings that it was getting,” Dyer said.

Highlighting the narrowing performance gap between the NBL and the NBA, Dyer added pointinig to elite international talent attraction and the league’s renowned Next Stars pathway as critical commercial drivers enhancing the product’s appeal to mainstream Australian audiences and advertisers alike.

Furthermore, the partnership has unlocked internal advocacy across Nine’s business infrastructure.

“When we announced the NBL, the broad kind of outpour of support from people in our business, from hosts, from talent, was overwhelming.

“We’re going to encourage them to become NBL spokespeople, to be telling the story of the game,” Dyer noted.

Crucially, Nine’s evaluation of success extends beyond traditional television ratings to encompass holistic ecosystem growth, including stadium attendances, club memberships, and digital interactions.

“So for us, in any of the conversations that we had with the NBL, which is a wonderful organisation … if the objective between us was to grow the game, there was never ‘well, it’s that we can’t do that, that’s a bad idea.

“It’s like, ‘do we think that’ll grow the game? Okay, well let’s see if there’s a way that we can do that’, because all of the other success will follow if we can just grow the game.

“So that is what success looks like to us,” Dyer explained.

Reiterating the shift in modern sports broadcasting, Dyer concluded that content acquisitions are obsolete.

“Much more as a partnership. 100 per cent.”

“I don’t think there are any sports that we just acquire anymore. Everything is a partnership,” he stated.