Ministry of Sport

Hong Kong China Rugby Partners with Tixserve and Tradable Bits for 50th Anniversary Digital Transformation

Posted on July 29, 2026 by Courtney

Hong Kong China Rugby has announced alliance with digital ticketing provider Tixserve and fan engagement platform Tradable Bits to launch a mobile-first connected fan experience for the landmark 50th anniversary of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.

Powered by the Tixserve-enabled HKCR Ticketing application and integrated with Tradable Bits’ FanCRM, the collaboration unifies secure digital ticket fulfilment, interactive fan activations, and first-party data collection into a single, seamless platform as the tournament enters a new era at the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park.

The initiative addresses the growing commercial imperative for sporting organisations to capture rich first-party supporter insights and build sustainable long-term revenue streams.

Building upon previous digital campaigns that delivered a 180 per cent increase in participation and record-breaking Saturday attendances, the integrated platform elevates the commercial value delivered to corporate partners and sponsors.

By replacing legacy systems with authenticated digital solutions, HKCR has streamlined operations while deepening engagement across local supporters, international visitors, and the wider global rugby community.

Highlighting the importance of the digital upgrade to match the scale of the milestone event, head of digital at Hong Kong China Rugby, Matt Rosslee, said: “The Hong Kong Sevens has always been about creating unforgettable experiences for fans.”

“Partnering with Tixserve and Tradable Bits allowed us to deliver a connected digital journey that matched the scale and ambition of this landmark tournament while helping us build stronger, more meaningful relationships with our supporters,” Rosslee said.

Co-founder and head of operations at Tixserve, James Kirby, noted: “A digital ticket can achieve far more than grant entry.”

“It can be the beginning of a lasting fan relationship.

“By combining secure digital ticket fulfilment with fan engagement and first-party fan data, we’re helping sports organisations create more personalised supporter experiences while unlocking long-term commercial value,” Kirby said.

Echoing this sentiment, Mike Morris, General Manager, APAC at Tradable Bits, added, “Fans expect digital experiences that are simple, connected and personalised. Together with HKCR and Tixserve, we’re creating a seamless fan journey that helps rights holders build stronger relationships with their audiences while delivering greater value for partners and sponsors.”

As international sporting bodies increasingly prioritise direct consumer data ownership, the collaboration demonstrates how mobile-first ticketing innovation underpins future commercial growth.

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2K Unveils NBA 2K27 Gameplay Trailer Ahead of September Launch and Preseason Showcase

Posted on July 29, 2026 by Courtney

Publisher 2K and developer Visual Concepts have officially lifted the lid on NBA 2K27, releasing a gameplay trailer showcasing next-generation visual enhancements alongside star cover athletes Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark, and Derrick Rose.

Set to launch globally on September 4 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC via Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2, with early access kicking off on August 29, the latest iteration of the premier basketball franchise arrives on the back of record-breaking commercial engagement.

To capitalise on this momentum, 2K has introduced a franchise-first digital showcase format, scheduling the Preseason Breakdown Game Reveal for August 19 AEST across major streaming platforms including Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, and X.

Strategic updates for NBA 2K27 place a heavy emphasis on community-driven development and commercial balance across multiple game modes.

On the gameplay front, defensive artificial intelligence has been re-engineered to contest shots more effectively in competitive environments like The REC, supported by a fully dynamic Dunk Meter that evaluates defensive positioning continuously from takeoff to finish.

In the MyPLAYER Builder, total badges have expanded from 40 to 53 with 19 brand-new additions, while returning Cap Breakers now allow attribute boosts to be previewed directly within the builder interface.

Meanwhile, MyTEAM introduces a landmark cross-platform innovation by unifying the Auction House across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, creating the largest pool of community-listed cards in franchise history and driving greater market liquidity and price consistency.

Core franchise modes also receive substantial structural updates designed to mirror modern league economics.

MyNBA integrates highly requested community features such as salary cap mechanics reflecting the new Collective Bargaining Agreement’s second apron and the introduction of No-Trade Clauses for free agents.

In MyCAREER and The City, development resources have been concentrated on refining on-court environments rather than altering the layout, highlighted by a striking new nighttime aesthetic and the recreation of legendary streetball venue Rucker Park, which serves as the backdrop for the narrative prelude story titled Fire and Concrete.

AFL Secures Three-Year State of Origin Extension in Major Commercial and Tourism Boost

Posted on July 29, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian Football League (AFL) has confirmed a major three-year extension for the AAMI AFL Origin series, locking in elite state-based representative football from 2027 through 2029.

Following the commercial return of the concept earlier this year which drew more than 58,000 fans to Optus Stadium, the renewed schedule guarantees marquee fixtures across Western Australia and South Australia, providing corporate partners, broadcasters, and fans with long-term certainty.

The upcoming three-year calendar commences in February 2027 when Western Australia hosts South Australia at Optus Stadium, marking nearly three decades since the two states last clashed under elite State of Origin rules and coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the inaugural Origin match played in Western Australia in 1977.

In 2028, South Australia and Adelaide Oval will host a blockbuster encounter between South Australia and Victoria, before Western Australia welcomes Victoria back to Optus Stadium in 2029.

Emphasising the importance of locking in the representative structure, AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon, said: “State football is one of the great traditions of our game, and we are pleased to see it continue in 2027 and beyond after the huge success of its return earlier this year which saw more than 58,000 people fill Optus Stadium in Perth.”

“Locking in the structure for the next three years provides fans, clubs, players and stakeholders certainty on Origin, allowing them to embrace the state rivalry and celebrate our great game,” Dillon said.

State governments have backed the partnership as a powerful catalyst for regional tourism and economic activity.

Highlighting the upside, Western Australia Premier, Roger Cook, added: “Hosting the 2027 and 2029 AFL Origin against South Australia and Victoria is a significant boost for our local tourism industry and businesses, offering more local jobs.”

Echoing these sentiments regarding the 2028 Adelaide Oval fixture, South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, noted: “Our hotels, restaurants bars and pubs will benefit from Victorians flooding into SA to witness Origin on the most spectacular of stages at the Adelaide Oval.”

Financial backing is reinforced by the continuation of AAMI as the official naming rights partner. Broadcast coverage will span the Seven Network, Foxtel, 7plus, Kayo, and WatchAFL, delivering extensive national and international exposure for host cities Perth and Adelaide.

New Zealand Appoints Deborah Hart as Chair of Sport Integrity Commission Board

Posted on July 29, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand Sport and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell has officially announced the appointment of experienced governance leader and public policy adviser Deborah Hart as the new Chair of the Sport Integrity Commission Board.

Bringing extensive legal, regulatory, dispute resolution, and human rights expertise to the high-profile governance position, Hart’s professional background includes chairing Utilities Disputes Limited and the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand, serving on the Human Rights Review Tribunal, and leading independent inquiries such as the Independent Review of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Electoral Laws.

The leadership restructure also sees Traci Houpapa MNZM, who has served capably as interim chair since March 2026, transition into the role of deputy chair, while experienced board member Tim Castle has been formally reappointed for a further two-year term. The governance appointments are designed to provide robust, independent oversight, ensuring the organisation maintains public confidence and fulfils its national mandate to uphold ethical standards, safety, and fairness across the sporting landscape.

Announcing the appointments, Minister Mark Mitchell emphasised the critical qualifications brought by the incoming leadership team.

“Deborah brings a wealth of governance, legal and accountability expertise to the role and will provide strong, independent leadership as the Commission enters its next phase and strengthens confidence in New Zealand’s sport integrity system.”

“The Sport Integrity Commission plays a vital role in promoting safe, fair, and inclusive sport and recreation environments for all New Zealanders.

“Deborah’s experience and leadership make her exceptionally well placed to guide the Commission through its next phase of development,” Mitchell said.

Addressing the broader leadership transition, Minister Mitchell acknowledged the outgoing interim contributions.

“Traci has made a significant contribution to the Board and provided steady leadership as interim Chair.

“I want to thank her for stepping into that role. Her appointment as Deputy Chair will help support a smooth transition to the Commission’s new leadership structure.

“These appointments ensure the Board has the skills, experience and leadership needed to support the Commission’s important mandate and maintain public confidence in New Zealand’s integrity system.

Corporate Traveller Announce Partnership with Perth Bears

Posted on July 29, 2026 by Courtney

Corporate Traveller has expanded its commercial footprint with Western Australia’s newest National Rugby League franchise, becoming the inaugural Foundation Coaches Partner for the Perth Bears ahead of their 2027 debut season.

Building on its role as a Co-Major Partner of the Bears in Business corporate network, the agreement integrates Corporate Traveller directly into the club’s elite performance infrastructure, featuring prominently on Head Coach Mal Meninga’s apparel, coaches’ box signage, and official media backdrops.

Perth Bears CEO, Anthony De Ceglie, welcomed the deepened arrangement as a vital milestone.

“To have a national leader like Corporate Traveller expand their commitment to the Perth Bears ahead of our 2027 NRL debut is a massive vote of confidence in our franchise.”

“Corporate Traveller understands what it takes to perform under pressure.

“As we build an elite football program from the ground up, having their support behind Mal and our coaching department, alongside their backing of our Bears in Business network, gives us an incredible foundation for success both on and off the field,” De Ceglie said.

Highlighting the synergy between travel management efficiency and athletic preparation, Perth Bears head coach, Mal Meninga, added: “In elite sport, preparation is everything, the environment we build around our coaching staff and playing group directly impacts how we perform on match day.”

“Corporate Traveller is all about efficiency, reliability, and helping teams perform at their best away from home.

“I’m thrilled to have the team at Corporate Traveller as our official Coaches Partner as we prepare to make history with the Bears,” Meninga said.

Corporate Traveller will also connect local Western Australian enterprises through the Bears in Business network, delivering tailored travel solutions.

Tom Walley, Global Managing Director of Corporate Traveller, expressed enthusiasm for the regional market alignment.

“The Bears are a team writing their own history from game one, and that kind of ambition is exactly what gets us fired up.

“We back growth wherever we find it, and right now, there’s nowhere in the country with more of it than Perth.

“This partnership puts us right where the action is, and it’s a market we know well.”

“We’ve always believed in showing up in person for the businesses we work with, not just servicing them from a distance.

“That’s exactly what this partnership is about, standing shoulder to shoulder with the communities we operate in, in Perth and beyond.

“And when you’ve got a coach of Mal Meninga’s calibre steering the ship, you know this club means business, on and off the field,” said Walley.

Disability Sports Australia and Bupa Partner to Launch National ‘Every Body Moves’

Posted on July 29, 2026 by Courtney

Disability Sports Australia has officially launched ‘Every Body Moves‘, a new national community participation series designed to unite people with and without disability through inclusive sporting activities.

Developed by Disability Sports Australia and presented by Bupa through its Healthy Cities initiative, the program also receives foundational support from the Australian Sports Commission via its investment under the Play Well Strategy.

The initiative aims to bridge participation gaps, dismantle physical and social barriers, and establish clearer pathways into local sport for individuals and their support networks across the country.

Highlighting the importance of the rollout in making community sport universally welcoming from the outset, Disability Sports Australia ceo, Ayden Shaw, said: “Sport has an incredible ability to bring people together, but too often people with disability experience sport separately from their family, friends and wider community.”

“Every Body Moves creates a more welcoming way into sport, whether you attend with family, siblings, friends or your support network, everyone should feel welcome to experience it together.

“Sometimes the biggest barrier isn’t ability, it is not knowing where to start or feeling like you belong, “Every Body Moves” helps create that first connection to community sport,” Shaw said.

Echoing his sentiments, Bupa director of social impact and sustainability, Bronwyn Portes, added: “At Bupa, we know that good health is about more than healthcare.”

“It’s about helping people feel connected to their community, stay active and have opportunities to participate.

“Through our Healthy Cities initiative, we’re proud to partner with Disability Sports Australia on Every Body Moves to help create welcoming environments where people with and without disability can come together through sport, build confidence, make connections and belong.

“By making it easier for people to take part in sport close to home, we’re helping build healthier, more inclusive communities,” Portes said.

The 2026 series is scheduled to roll out across major urban centres including Adelaide, Blacktown, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, and Sydney, offering free participation for people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. By collaborating closely with local sporting organisations and regional community partners, the initiative seeks to foster immediate social connection and active lifestyle habits close to home.

The collaboration is deeply integrated with Bupa’s broader Healthy Cities initiative, which encourages active community participation while unlocking vital funding for environmental and nature regeneration projects.

Since its Australian launch in 2023, Healthy Cities has backed over 95 projects and contributed to planting more than 470,000 native plants and trees.

UEFA Could Possibly Boycott World Cup Over FIFA’s Controversial Private Investment Plan

Posted on July 29, 2026 by Courtney

European football is hurtling towards a major governance crisis as UEFA nations prepare an emergency virtual meeting to discuss a potential World Cup boycott in opposition to FIFA president, Gianni Infantino’s plans to commercialise the governing body.

The tension stems from FIFA’s announcement regarding a USD20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, which aims to sell over a 20 per cent stake to private investors to raise USD4.2 billion.

The move caught major national associations completely unawares, triggering intense fury across European corridors regarding commercial transparency and the governance of local and international games.The lead investor group is proposed to be Thrive Eternal, headed by CEO Josh Kushner.

The initiative has severely strained relations between FIFA and UEFA, with European football’s governing body condemning the commercial sell-off in uncompromising terms.

“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross.

“UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association.

“So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.

“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially.

“None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell,” EUFA shared.

Infantino has defended the restructure by framing the capital injection as a mechanism to democratise funding, promising member associations access to USD20 million rather than USD8 million between 2027 and 2030 for infrastructure and grassroots development.

Defending the pivot, FIFA president, Infantino, said: “Our next stage of growth needs a structure built for it, one where the commercial side of the game operates as a focused, dedicated business, with its value shared more and better all around the world.”

“Every FIFA Member Association should have an opportunity to seek a fair share of the available funding to shape its own future, deciding for itself rather than relying on others.

“This is about the democratisation of football worldwide,” he said.

While FIFA requires support from a majority of its 211 member associations, the credible threat of a European boycott introduces high-stakes uncertainty for the world’s premier tournament.

Real Madrid Reports Record Revenue, Hits EURO1.2 Billion in Annual Operating Revenue

Posted on July 29, 2026 by Courtney

Real Madrid has cemented its status as a powerhouse by becoming the first sports organisation in history to generate more than UERO1.2 billion in annual operating revenue, delivering record financial results for the 2025/26 season.

Approved by the club’s board of directors, the annual accounts reveal that operating revenue excluding player transfers reached EURO1.22 billion, marking a 3.1 per cent increase compared with the previous financial year and setting a new global benchmark for professional sports earnings.

Real Madrid: Best Operating Profitability of All Time

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation surged 18 per cent to EURO287.400 million, while earnings before asset disposals reached two hundred and EURO42.900 million.

Net profit after tax totalled EURO26.3 million, representing an 8 per cent year-on-year increase and extending Real Madrid’s remarkable run of profitable financial years to twenty-six consecutive seasons dating back to 2000.

The ongoing transformation of the redeveloped Santiago Bernabéu remains a primary driver of the club’s financial expansion. Stadium revenue increased 11 per cent during the 2025/26 campaign to EURO363 million, more than double the EURO1.75 million generated during the final season before redevelopment commenced in 2018/19.

Simultaneously, marketing revenue expanded 6 per cent to EURO539 million, underpinned by newly secured global sponsorship agreements. Since the 2018/19 financial year, total operating revenue has surged 61 per cent, with the organisation noting that 93 per cent of that cumulative growth stems directly from operations managed internally, including stadium events and commercial activities.

Reinvestment Into High-Performance Assets Remains A Priority

During the 2025/26 financial period, Real Madrid allocated EURO161 million toward new player acquisitions alongside one hundred and ninety-two million euros directed into sporting infrastructure, advanced technology, and squad development.

Cumulative capital expenditure on the Santiago Bernabéu redevelopment has reached EURO1.48 million, though outstanding project borrowings have decreased to EURO 1.18 billion. Excluding the stadium project, the club closed the financial year maintaining EURO624 million in equity, EURO82.8 million in cash, minimal net debt of EURO8.7 million, a pristine 0.0x net debt-to-EBITDA ratio, and EURO475 million in undrawn credit facilities, while contributing three hundred and fifty-four million eight hundred thousand euros in taxes and social security payments.

Sydney FC Secures Partnership with Digital Gifting Platform Prezzee

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

A-Leagues team, Sydney FC, has announced a one-year partnership with leading digital gifting and payments platform Prezzee, which includes an option for a two-season extension.

The Australian-founded brand officially joins the club as an Official Partner for the 2026-27 season, launching its high-profile presence with front-of-shorts branding during next Wednesday’s blockbuster international friendly against English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur at Allianz Stadium.

Following the high-profile fixture, the Prezzee logo will transition to the back of the shorts for both the club’s A-League Men and A-League Women teams across the entire domestic campaign.

The collaboration is designed to deliver a series of bespoke fan-focused initiatives during major gift-giving periods, leveraging Prezzee’s borderless technology that connects users with more than 1,500 global brands.

Commenting on the partnership, Sydney FC executive vice-chairman, Sebastian Gray, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Prezzee as a Sydney FC partner and to be working alongside a company that has transformed the gifting experience through innovation and technology.”

“Prezzee has established itself as a leader in the digital gifting market by making gift giving more personal, flexible and convenient.

“It’s a forward-thinking approach which aligns strongly with our own ambitions as a football club.

“Together we’re looking forward to engaging our Members and fans with exciting campaigns throughout the season during some of the biggest gift-giving moments of the year,” Gray stated.

For Prezzee, the partnership provides a powerful platform to connect directly with one of Australian football’s most passionate and loyal supporter bases, reinforcing its domestic footprint nearly a decade after its founding.

Underscoring the shared vision of building community connections through meaningful gifting experiences, Group CEO, Craig Smith, added: “Sydney FC has built an incredibly loyal community and we’re pleased to partner with one of Australia’s leading football clubs.”

“Whether you’re celebrating a significant occasion or simply want to turn an everyday moment into a lasting memory, Prezzee makes it easy to send a thoughtful gift in seconds.

“We believe that with every gift exchanged, we create a world a little more connected, a little more generous, and a little more human.

“We are looking forward to bringing that experience to Sydney FC Members and supporters throughout the season and co-creating a range of bespoke initiatives that speak to the Sky Blue family,” Smith remarked.

Federal, NSW and Local Governments Announce $40 Million Redevelopment for Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval

Posted on July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 by Courtney

The Federal Government, New South Wales Government, and Inner West Council have officially confirmed a $40 million funding package for the comprehensive redevelopment of Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval.

Delivered by the Inner West Council, the infrastructure project will transform the ageing suburban venue into a modern community sporting precinct while preserving its status as the long-standing home of the National Rugby League’s Wests Tigers.

Funding for the initiative is jointly distributed across the three levels of government, with the Federal Government committing $20 million, the New South Wales Government contributing $10 million, and the Inner West Council providing the remaining $10 million.

Construction work at the venue is scheduled to commence immediately following the conclusion of the 2026 NRL season.

Highlighting the broader social and commercial value of the project, Australian Prime Minister, Hon. Anthony Albanese said: “this is exactly the kind of investment that keeps community sport strong.”

“Leichhardt Oval has been part of the fabric of Sydney’s Inner West for generations and this funding means it stays that way for generations to come,” Albanese said.

Echoing these sentiments, New South Wales Minister for Sport, Hon Steve Kamper, added: “we’re backing Leichhardt Oval so it can continue to be one of Australia’s great suburban sporting grounds.”

“From packed hill crowds to unforgettable moments, Leichhardt Oval has earned its place in the hearts of fans, but it’s also a thriving community asset and a venue where women’s and grassroot sport continue to flourish,” Kamper noted.

The strategic upgrade encompasses a new northern grandstand, replacement of the lower seating bowl, essential renovations to the heritage western grandstand, advanced hospitality and media facilities, and four National Rugby League-compliant female-friendly change rooms. In addition, the modernised precinct will serve as a premier venue for women’s National Rugby League and A-League fixtures, supporting grassroots pathways and regional talent development.

The investment forms part of a wider infrastructure rollout for the club, which also includes $50 million secured for the redevelopment of Campbelltown Stadium, bringing total venue funding to over $90 million to support communities across Inner West and South West Sydney.

Meanwhile, the National Rugby League, which recently secured a $5.3 billion media rights agreement, is not contributing financially to the construction costs.

Red Energy Renews Naming Rights Partnership with Bendigo Stadium Limited in Four-Year Extension

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

Red Energy has announced a four-year extension of its naming rights partnership with Bendigo Stadium Limited.

The renewed commercial agreement secures the continued operation of the Red Energy Arena moniker, cementing a high-visibility sponsorship relationship that originally established the prominent branding rights and now extends the overall tenure to a total of eight years.

The announcement arrives at a pivotal operational juncture for the multi-purpose facility, which boasts an extensive upcoming calendar of major national sports and entertainment events, highlighted by the forthcoming NBL Blitz alongside elite basketball, netball, and diverse community programs designed to drive significant regional economic activity.

Commenting on the extension, chief customer officer at Red Energy, Martin Exelby, said: “We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Bendigo Stadium Limited and the Bendigo community for another four years.”

“As a 100% Australian-owned energy retailer, supporting regional communities is part of who we are. Bendigo has been an important community for Red Energy for many years, and we’re excited to continue backing a venue that brings people together through sport, entertainment and community events.”

Echoing these sentiments, and emphasising the collaborative alignment between the two entities. CEO of Bendigo Stadium Limited, David Elliott, added: “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Red Energy, a company that genuinely shares our commitment to supporting the Bendigo community.”

“Red Energy has been more than a naming rights partner; they’ve been an active supporter of our vision to create a venue that delivers outstanding experiences for our community while attracting major events to the region.”

As the venue prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for high-profile fixtures such as the upcoming NBL Blitz, the extended partnership ensures that Red Energy Arena will remain a premier cornerstone of regional sporting infrastructure, driving commercial growth, tourism, and community engagement across central Victoria for years to come.

Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena to Host 2026 CODE Sports NBL Blitz Ahead of NBL27 Season

Posted on July 28, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball League has confirmed that Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena will host the 2026 CODE Sports NBL Blitz from September 2 to 6, bringing all ten league teams together for a high-stakes five-day pre-season tournament.

Acting as the final competitive hit-out before the official Hungry Jack’s NBL27 campaign tips off, the tournament features each team playing two matches across the five-day schedule, providing clubs with a vital commercial and strategic platform to finalise rotations and integrate high-profile recruits.

A Window for Team Tuning Under High-Performance Competition

Speaking to the Bendigo Times, 2018 NBL champion, Pete Hooley, highlighted the growing anticipation surrounding new player movements and strategic team approaches heading into the tournament.

“I’m really excited to see some of the new faces that are coming down.”

“The Brisbane Bullets just signed a guy out of the G League, Nate Hinton, seeing Joe Ingles running around in a jersey for the first time at Melbourne United is something everyone will want to see,” Hooley said.

Hooley further emphasised the shift in how clubs approach the pre-season fixture as an in-season dress rehearsal.

“With every year, teams are starting to change a little bit on how they go about approaching the Blitz.”

“In years gone by, the timing of it hasn’t been great as it’s right before the season now, whereas if it’s too early, you don’t always see teams roll out the best roster.

“Now we are at a point where they only play a couple of games, and these are the last hit-outs before it’s real.

“Now, teams are thinking, let’s get our rotations right, let’s get our starting five out there, albeit if everyone is healthy, and let’s make a couple of these games as in-season as possible, so when round one hits, we’re already flying, and we don’t have to catch up to anybody else,” Hooley added.

The tournament action opens on Wednesday, September 2, with the Cairns Taipans facing the Perth Wildcats, followed by a matchup between the Sydney Kings and the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Over the span of four days, all ten franchises, including defending champions the New Zealand Breakers, the Tasmania JackJumpers, the Brisbane Bullets, the Illawarra Hawks, and the Adelaide 36ers, will feature across the comprehensive fixture list culminating on Sunday, September 6, with Melbourne United clashing with the Illawarra Hawks and the Tasmania JackJumpers meeting the New Zealand Breakers.

Como 1907 Elevates Revolut to Front-of-Shirt Partner Ahead of Historic Champions League Campaign

Posted on July 28, 2026 by Courtney

Italian Serie A club Como 1907 has announced global fintech company Revolut to become its new front-of-shirt partner for the upcoming 2026/27 season.

Officially unveiled alongside the launch of the club’s striking new adidas home shirt, the agreement marks an evolution from an initial partnership established in 2025, during which Revolut served as the official banking and foreign exchange partner supporting the organisation’s core financial operations, supplier transactions, and player transfer payments.

The upgraded front-of-shirt positioning places Revolut at the very centre of Como’s global brand presentation during a milestone year that will see the club compete in the prestigious UEFA Champions League for the first time in its history.

Beyond branding, the agreement integrates Revolut Pay seamlessly across the club’s ticketing and merchandise platforms, while providing eligible account holders with priority access to home match tickets.

Commenting on the landmark agreement, Como 1907 chief business officer, Ryan Shelton, described the expanded arrangement as the next phase of a relationship that had developed well beyond a conventional sponsorship.

Shelton detailed that both organisations shared ambitious visions extending across sport, technology, culture, travel, and lifestyle, adding that the overarching objective had always been to build a partnership capable of creating sustainable, long-term value for both the organisation and its passionate global supporters.

When the two progressive organisations first joined forces last year, the comprehensive agreement extended well beyond conventional sports sponsorship by modernising the club’s back-office financial infrastructure.

Como adopted Revolut Business to streamline multi-currency payments and treasury management, proving that modern football administration relies heavily on agile financial technology partners to scale operations globally.

ITV Secures Exclusive UK Broadcast Rights for Expanded Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027

Posted on July 28, 2026 by Courtney

World Rugby and commercial broadcaster ITV have finalised a landmark agreement making ITV the exclusive United Kingdom broadcast partner for the Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027.

Under the deal, all fifty-two matches of the expanded tournament will be broadcast live across ITV, ITVX, and the ITV Sport YouTube channel, alongside extensive highlights and digital content throughout the competition window from October 1 to November 13, 2027.

The tournament marks a transformative era for global rugby, featuring twenty-four elite teams competing across seven Australian host cities with a new round of sixteen stage. Celebrating its fortieth anniversary in 2027, the event extends a broadcasting partnership with ITV dating back to 1991, keeping world-class rugby accessible across the United Kingdom.

Welcoming the milestone, ITV director of sport, Niall Sloane, said: “This is a monumental deal for audiences across the UK delivering coverage on ITV of the biggest rugby tournament.”

“We’ve enjoyed a long standing partnership with World Rugby and this will continue to thrive.

“This partnership further secures ITV as the home of rugby adding to our extensive portfolio and commitment of rugby coverage across ITV1, ITVX and ITV Sport YouTube,” Sloane said..

Highligting the vision of the deal, World Rugby CEO, Alan Gilpin, added: “This is much more than a new agreement with a trusted partner, it is a statement of intent to ensure that everyone in the UK can experience and be inspired by one of the world’s iconic sporting events, its action, drama and personalities.”

“ITV’s passion for rugby, commitment to innovation and ability to tell the stories that define Rugby World Cup have been central to the tournament’s success in the UK for more than 30 years, and will again be a major feature of Australia 2027, with every minute of every match available for UK fans.

“Australia 2027 will be a landmark moment for rugby, with 24 teams, more matches, more stories and more opportunities for emerging nations to shine on the world stage, the tournament will power a new era for the game.

“Together with ITV, we look forward to bringing every unforgettable moment to everyone across the UK as we invite the world to go all out for Rugby World Cup 2027,” Gilpin added.

All revenues generated will be reinvested into global rugby development across member unions.

Adelaide Lightning Secures Partnership with Bulman Advisory

Posted on July 28, 2026 by Courtney

The Adelaide Lightning team has announced a partnership with prominent accessibility and inclusion specialists Bulman Advisory.

The collaboration is centered on a shared commitment to fostering a more inclusive sporting environment, ensuring that accessibility, representation, and opportunity remain at the forefront both on and off the court as the club strengthens its presence within the national competition and expands its regional footprint.

As recognised leaders in accessibility and inclusion, Bulman Advisory will work collaboratively alongside the Adelaide Lightning to implement comprehensive strategic initiatives designed to break down long-standing barriers, enhance venue accessibility, and make basketball widely accessible to all participants, volunteers, and supporters across the wider community.

Executive leadership from both organisations expressed immense enthusiasm for the collaboration’s capacity to drive meaningful social and structural change across the sporting landscape. The partnership formally acknowledges the instrumental support of Paul Bulman and Angela Goudge, whose shared vision, dedication, and ongoing commitment were pivotal in bringing the landmark agreement to fruition.

Through their expert guidance, Bulman Advisory will help shape the club’s inclusive community outreach programs, ensuring that the Lightning family continues to champion equitable participation, diversity, and mutual respect across all levels of the sport.

The partnership significantly strengthens Adelaide Lightning’s broader commercial objectives ahead of the upcoming WNBL season, seamlessly combining elite athletic performance with targeted social responsibility.