Ministry of Sport

Melbourne Demons Part Ways with CEO Paul Guerra in Mid-Season Bombshell

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Courtney

The Melbourne Football Club has sent shockwaves through the AFL community today by parting ways with CEO Paul Guerra after just seven months in the role.

The decision, confirmed on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, comes despite a revitalised Demons side sitting fourth on the ladder with a 5-2 record under first-year coach Steven King.

Guerra, the former head of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was appointed exactly one year ago today but officially commenced his tenure in September 2025. His departure continues a period of significant administrative volatility for the club; President Steven Smith is currently the fourth person to lead the board in the last six years.

Veteran administrator Brian Cook is set to step in as interim CEO. Cook, a highly respected figure who recently served as CEO of Carlton and previously led Geelong and West Coast, returns to the club where he played four VFL games to provide much-needed stability.

Potential Successors and Market Speculation

The vacancy has immediately sparked speculation regarding high-calibre sport executives capable of navigating the complex cultural and commercial landscape at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Names currently circulating in the industry include:

Nick Ryan: Current Chief Operating Officer at Essendon. Ryan’s background as a former Supercars team principal gives him a unique blend of high-performance technical knowledge and football operations expertise.
Marcus King: Geelong’s Commercial Boss, highly regarded for his ability to drive blue-chip partnerships—a critical skill as the Demons continue to negotiate their permanent training base at Caulfield Racecourse.
Justin Rodski: The Melbourne Storm CEO remains a “gold standard” candidate, though he is reportedly locked into a long-term deal with Chairman Matthew Tripp.
Kelly Ryan: The former CEO of Netball Australia and AFL executive remains a respected figure, though she is not currently active in a front-office sporting role.

Leadership and Governance

The decision to move on from Guerra was ratified by the Melbourne Board of Directors, which underwent its own transition in December when Steven Smith took over the presidency from Brad Green. The board now faces the mechanical necessity of appointing a leader who can maintain the momentum of the season while repairing the internal culture.

Melbourne Football Club Board of Directors:

Steven Smith – President
Geoff Porz – Vice President
Sally Freeman – Vice President
Brad Green
Angela Williams
Sarah Robinson
Chris Barlow
Dan Taylor

The Demons are expected to provide further clarity on the reasons for the sacking later today as they prepare for a massive top-four clash against Sydney at the SCG this Sunday.

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Powerbay Confirmed as Major Partner of Melbourne Mavericks Reserves

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Courtney

To coincide with the commencement of the 2026 Super Netball Reserves season, Powerbay has been confirmed as the Major Partner of the Melbourne Mavericks Reserves.

The Australian energy and power solutions provider officially launched the partnership alongside the team’s opening-round 59–56 victory over the Firebirds Futures at Nissan Arena in Brisbane.

For the Melbourne Mavericks, the Reserves program is a mechanical necessity for their high-performance pathway, providing a structured environment to identify and develop emerging talent for the senior squad.

Commenting on the partnership, general manager of the Mavericks, Shae Bolton-Brown, noted that the collaboration is fundamental to the club’s overarching strategy.

“The Mavs Reserves program is fundamental to building sustainable success for the Melbourne Mavericks.”

“Powerbay’s support… is an investment in the future of the club,” Bolton-Brown said.

Echoing this sentiment, general manager at Powerbay, Stephen Clarke, emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting the next generation of elite athletes.

“The Super Netball Reserves competition is vital to the future of the game, and Powerbay is excited to be part of the Mavericks’ journey,” Clarke stated.

The Mavericks Reserves program has already demonstrated significant strategic value following its 2025 debut, where the team reached the Grand Final in its inaugural season. The effectiveness of this pathway was recently highlighted by inaugural captain Sacha McDonald, who successfully transitioned to a full SSN contract for the 2026 season.

The 2026 squad maintains a heavy focus on local development, featuring 18 athletes from the Victorian netball pathway. Under the leadership of head coach Tracey Brereton and captain Charli Hoey, the program offers these athletes direct exposure to elite coaching and professional match-play environments.

The Mavericks Reserves will look to build on their Round 1 momentum as they return to Melbourne for their Round 2 clash against the QBE Swifts Academy.

The match is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, at John Cain Arena, following the senior SSN fixture between the Mavericks and the Swifts.

Women’s Tennis Association CEO Portia Archer Resigns

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Courtney

Portia Archer has stepped down from her role as Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Tennis Association, less than two years after taking the helm.

The resignation, effective 20 April 2026, marks a sudden leadership transition for the governing body as it navigates a period of significant commercial expansion and international scrutiny.

The decision was communicated via a memo from Women’s Tennis Association Chair Valerie Camillo to staff and stakeholders. While a specific reason for Archer’s departure was not disclosed, the organisation has confirmed that a transition plan is underway, with a more detailed leadership update expected by mid-May.

A Brief and Complex Tenure

Archer joined the Women’s Tennis Association in July 2024, succeeding long-time executive Steve Simon. During her short tenure, she was tasked with overseeing the day-to-day operations and executing the organisation’s commercial strategy, which included a heavy focus on expansion into new global markets.

One of the defining challenges of her leadership was managing the fallout and ongoing criticism surrounding the decision to host the Women’s Tennis Association Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Although the hosting agreement was initiated under her predecessor, Archer was responsible for the strategic execution and public defense of the move.

Strategic and Commercial Context

Archer’s departure comes at a critical juncture for the Women’s Tennis Association as it continues to pursue a closer commercial alignment with the ATP and private equity partners like CVC Capital Partners.

The leadership void leaves the organisation temporarily unsettled as it seeks to:

Navigate Global Positioning: Managing the delicate balance between commercial expansion in the Middle East and maintaining its core values.
Drive Commercial Growth: Stabilising sponsorship and media rights revenue in an increasingly competitive women’s sports landscape.
Execute Long-Term Strategy: Finalising a permanent successor who can maintain momentum ahead of the 2027 season.

Gold Coast SUNS Partner with SOLO Energy

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Courtney

The Gold Coast SUNS have officially announced a partnership with SOLO Energy, designating the brand as the club’s Official Energy Drink Partner.

The agreement represents an extension of the existing commercial relationship between the SUNS and the Asahi Beverages family, further integrating the club into the global beverage giant’s portfolio.

The partnership focuses on “bringing the energy” to the matchday experience at People First Stadium. Launched in June 2025 as the SOLO brand’s inaugural entry into the energy market, SOLO Energy combines the traditional tangy lemon flavour with guarana and caffeine, targeting the high-energy, on-the-go lifestyle of the AFL fanbase.

Commenting on the partnership, Gold Coast SUNS general manager of commercial and consumer, Andrew Thomas, said: “The iconic SOLO taste plays a nostalgic role for many Australians.”

“Now SOLO Energy will play a role in bringing the energy to everyday moments within our club,” Thomas noted.

Expressing their enthusiasm, head of marketing for Asahi Owned Non-Alc Brands, Jarrod Dooley, added: “Partnering with the SUNS during what will be an epic season for the team was a natural fit.”

Commercial Activations and Fan Engagement

As part of the 2026 rollout, SOLO Energy will be prominently featured across the SUNS’ matchday ecosystem.

Key activations include:

Matchday Availability: The product will be available for purchase at all SUNS home games.
Consumer Incentives: Fans will have the opportunity to win 10 SUNDeck season memberships, driving digital engagement and membership value.
Elite and Supporter Alignment: The brand will be positioned to support both high-performance athlete recovery and the stamina of the club’s dedicated supporters.

New Zealand Cricket Appoints Geoff Allott as Chief Executive Officer

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand Cricket has announced the appointment of businessman, administrator, and former international pace bowler Geoff Allott as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective from 1 July 2026.

Allott succeeds Scott Weenink, who resigned in December, becoming the sixth person to hold the permanent position at the helm of the national governing body.

Allott, who represented New Zealand in 10 Tests and 31 ODIs between 1996 and 2000, brings nearly two decades of high-level cricket governance and commercial experience to the role. His appointment is a mechanical necessity for New Zealand Cricket as it navigates a complex global landscape defined by the rise of franchise leagues and the critical importance of the Indian and South Asian markets.

Deep Institutional Knowledge and Expertise

Noting that this combination of attributes was pivotal in the selection processm, New Zealand Cricket chair, Diana Puketapu-Lyndon, said: “Geoff brings a rare and highly-relevant combination of attributes.”

“Deep cricket expertise, invaluable institutional knowledge, and strong commercial leadership.

“We’re confident he’ll be a strong, collaborative leader,” she said.

Commenting on his appointment, Allot, said: “By strengthening relationships through all levels of the game here, we can ensure New Zealand cricket remains competitive, sustainable, and thriving at every level.”

“I look forward to working collaboratively… to deliver outstanding results both on and off the field,” Allott stated.

Allott is uniquely credentialled for the position, having transitioned from a playing career into significant administrative and governance roles:

Management Experience: Served as New Zealand Cricket’s General Manager of Cricket from 2008 to 2010.
Governance Record: Served as a Director on the New Zealand Cricket Board for eight years (2013–2021) and was a founding board member of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association in 2002.
Commercial Leadership: Currently serves as Executive Director of QualityNZ, a company with significant operations and relationships in India.

Strategic Priorities and Advocacy

During his tenure as an New Zealand Cricket director, he played a key support role in Sarah Beaman’s 2016 Women and Cricket Report, and he remains a vocal advocate for the growth of the women’s and girls’ game.

Adelaide 36ers and BHP Expand Partnership to Deliver Regional Social Value

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Courtney

The Adelaide 36ers have announced an extension of their partnership with BHP, a move that will broaden the club’s community outreach across South Australia’s north and far north regions.

Building on the success of initial programs in Roxby Downs and Coober Pedy, the expanded initiative will now include tailored delivery in Whyalla and Port Augusta.

Noting that the partnership’s longevity is a testament to the shared values of both organisations, Adelaide 36ers CEO Nic Barbato said that by providing merchandise, giveaways, and structured role-modelling, the initiative aims to foster a sense of belonging and aspiration among South Australian youth.

The partnership is a mechanical necessity for the club’s Shooting Hoops Foundation, providing the financial and logistical support required to connect with approximately 5,000 young people.

The program focuses on creating measurable social value by aligning the club’s basketball-centric engagement with BHP’s broader social investment priorities: wellbeing, leadership, and inclusion.

Strategic Regional Engagement

The 2026/27 rollout marks a major scale-up from previous seasons. Each regional visit will feature:

Elite Presence: Direct involvement from 36ers players and High Performance staff, including High Performance Schools Manager Corey McLean.
Tailored Clinics: Basketball and educational sessions designed to address specific regional needs such as physical health and leadership development.
Foundation Integration: Utilising the Shooting Hoops Foundation’s suite of health, cultural inclusion, and development pathway programs.

BHP has been a primary partner of the 36ers since 2024, previously engaging over 500 community members through school clinics and family events.

Collaborative Commercial Ecosystem

In a strategic move to create a more cohesive community network, the 36ers will also integrate BHP’s other major partners, the Clontarf Foundation and the Shooting Stars Foundation.

This collaboration will culminate in a dedicated engagement event during the NBL 26/27 season, where regional participants will be hosted at an Adelaide 36ers home game at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Table Tennis Australia Strengthens Governance with New Board and Committee Appointments

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Courtney

Table Tennis Australia (TTA) has officially announced a series of appointments to its Board and key committees, aimed at reinforcing its leadership structure and aligning with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) governance standards.

The changes, ratified by the TTA Board on 16 April 2026, come following a transitional period for the organisation’s executive leadership.

Clare Grech Joins TTA Board

Clare Grech has been appointed as a director on the TTA Board, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Maggie Roberts in late 2025. Grech’s appointment was the result of a mechanical necessity for a robust recruitment process, which included public advertising and formal interviews overseen by the TTA Nominations and Remuneration Committee.

Her induction is expected to bring fresh executive perspective to the Board as TTA continues to scale its national participation programs and high-performance pathways.

Independent Committee Leadership

In a move to ensure strict adherence to ASC governance principles—which mandate independent leadership for critical oversight bodies—TTA has confirmed new Chairs for its primary committees:

Nominations and Remuneration Committee: Former Board Director Maggie Roberts has been appointed as Chair. Having recently joined the committee, Roberts’ elevation to Chair ensures the organisation maintains an independent lead for director selection and executive remuneration processes.
Finance, Risk and Audit Committee: Kamalesh Tharmasuthan has been promoted to Chair. Tharmasuthan, an existing member of the committee, assumes the leadership role to provide independent oversight of the organisation’s financial health and risk management frameworks.

Strategic Alignment

These appointments are part of a broader focus on strengthening TTA’s internal governance to support the continued growth of the sport.

The timing of these appointments is critical as TTA prepares for the next cycle of its strategic plan, which focuses on increasing the commercial value of its national events and improving digital engagement with the Australian table tennis community.

Perth Bears Launch Inaugural Merchandise Range Ahead of 2027 NRL Debut

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Courtney

The Perth Bears have officially unveiled their first-ever merchandise collection, developed in collaboration with apparel partner New Balance, the range includes the club’s inaugural training gear and a comprehensive selection of lifestyle products.

The collection features a technical training range, including hoodies, polos, and running shorts, alongside fan essentials such as bar mats, flags, and the “all-important” stubby coolers.

Supporters have been granted an exclusive first-access opportunity at the NRL Double Header at Optus Stadium this weekend. This event marks the first time official red-and-black gear has been available for public purchase, predating the broader retail and online release.

Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie highlighted the commercial demand for the brand.

“The range represents the bridge between our rich history in North Sydney and our bright future in the West.”

“The commercial and fan appetite has been unprecedented,” De Ceglie said.

Building the “Bear Country” Identity

The launch is part of a broader “Coast-to-Coast” strategy designed to unite the heritage of the North Sydney Bears with the new Western Australian identity.

Emphasising the cultural significance of the colours, head coach and NRL Immortal, Mal Meninga, noted: “This launch is a chance for the fans to connect with us from day one.”

“It’s a statement that we’re here, we’re building something special, and we are officially in Bear Country,” Meninga said.

Noting that the focus remained on premium quality through the New Balance partnership, commercial general manager, Katie Roberts, said: “We want to ensure that the first piece of Bears kit a fan buys is something they’ll keep for a lifetime.”

Road to 2027: Key Milestones

The merchandise rollout is the first in a series of high-visibility events planned for the 2026 calendar year:

August 8, 2026: Official unveiling of the inaugural Perth Bears Jersey at HBF Park during the Melbourne Storm home game.
Coming Soon: Formal launch of the club’s membership programs.
Squad Building: Ongoing recruitment led by Meninga to establish the foundation of the 2027 playing roster.

Merchandise is available from the Perth Bears official online store.

Adelaide 36ers Celebrate Record-Breaking NBL26 Campaign

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Courtney

The Adelaide 36ers’ NBL26 campaign has concluded as one of the most significant seasons in the club’s modern era, defined by a historic finals run, unprecedented fan engagement, and robust commercial growth.

While the season ended in a dramatic overtime heartbreak in Game 5 of the Championship Series against the Sydney Kings, the 36ers have solidified their position as a powerhouse of the National Basketball League (NBL).

The Championship Series itself became a landmark event for Australian basketball, setting a total attendance record of 70,269. The deciding game in Sydney was played before a record NBL crowd of 18,589 and became the most-watched game in league history across ESPN and Channel 10.

On-Court Excellence and Individual Honours

The 36ers’ deep postseason run, their first Championship Series appearance in eight years, was supported by elite individual performances.

The club’s leadership and talent were officially recognised at the league’s end-of-season awards:

Most Valuable Player: Bryce Cotton secured a historic sixth MVP award and an All-NBL First Team selection.
Most Improved Player: Flynn Cameron was honoured for his breakout season.
All-NBL Second Team: Zylan Cheatham was recognised for his dominant frontcourt presence.
Executive of the Year: CEO Nic Barbato was named the league’s top executive, reflecting the club’s off-court stability and growth.

A Commercial and Community Powerhouse

The “Sixers” established a new benchmark for domestic sporting loyalty in South Australia.

The club achieved 41 consecutive home sell-outs, filling the Adelaide Entertainment Centre for all 20 home fixtures. This demand translated into record-breaking metrics:

Membership: Reached an all-time high of 8,619, representing a 23% year-on-year increase.
Attendance: Total home attendance reached 199,705, averaging nearly 10,000 fans per game.
Broadcast Reach: Audience numbers surged by 82% on ESPN and 145% on Channel 10, driven by a new media agreement that saw 16 games aired on free-to-air television.

Commercially, the club’s Sixers in Business program grew by 25%, providing strong ROI for a corporate network that continues to expand alongside the club’s national profile.

Impact Beyond the Court

The 36ers’ influence extended into the community through the Shooting Hoops Foundation, which launched four new programs focused on health, leadership, and cultural inclusion.

In total, the club engaged with more than 28,000 participants across 66 schools, with players contributing over 800 hours of direct community involvement.

ONE Championship Partners with CAA Brand Management for Asia-Wide Licensing

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Courtney

ONE Championship™ (ONE) has officially appointed CAA Brand Management as its exclusive licensing agent across Asia.

As the official agent, CAA Brand Management, a division of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), will oversee the development and execution of an impactful licensing program.

The initiative will span ONE’s diverse content pillars, including MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling, with a strategic focus on lifestyle categories such as wellness, self-improvement, and community-building apparel.

Strategic Growth and Market Reach

The timing of the deal coincides with a record-breaking year for ONE, which is scheduled to host 72 events in 2026. This high-frequency content slate, featuring ONE Friday Fights and the ONE Fight Night series, provides a constant media “always-on” environment for brand integration.

Commenting on the partnership, co-founder and group president of ONE Championship, Hua Fung Teh, said: “Partnering with a global leader like CAA Brand Management allows us to deepen our connection with these martial arts fans beyond our live broadcasts.”

“We will leverage their incredible expertise to create new, innovative brand experiences that resonate with our multi-generational audience,” Teh said.

Leveraging Regional Expertise

CAA Brand Management will utilise its extensive APAC infrastructure, led by Elaine Chiu, to integrate the ONE brand into the daily lives of fans in key “home” markets. “At this pivotal moment of exponential growth for ONE, establishing its licensed consumer products in these key home markets is very exciting,” Chiu noted.

Key elements of the licensing roadmap include:

Lifestyle & Wellness: Products focused on the “martial arts way of life,” including training gear and fitness supplements.
Multi-Generational Appeal: Developing merchandise that caters to a fanbase ranging from Gen Z digital consumers to long-time martial arts traditionalists.
Regional Specificity: Tailoring product launches to resonate with local cultures across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Greater China.

AFL and Colgate Extend Partnership with New “Colgate Red Carpet” Naming Rights

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Courtney

The AFL has announced a multi-year extension of its partnership with Colgate, reinforcing the brand’s status as the Official Smile of the AFL. The renewal expands Colgate’s presence within the league’s high-visibility assets, most notably securing the naming rights to the Brownlow Medal Red Carpet.

The event, now officially known as the Colgate Red Carpet, will serve as a premier commercial platform during the AFL’s most prestigious individual awards night.

The partnership will also see the return of the Colgate Sparklebot, integrating the brand’s digital and physical identity into the broadcast.

Strategic Pillar: Confidence and Resilience

The partnership is built on the “Smile Strong” campaign, which emphasises the connection between oral health, personal confidence, and athletic performance.

As part of the announcement, Colgate launched a new hero film featuring Carlton FC Captain Patrick Cripps. The content traces Cripps’ trajectory from rural Western Australia to elite professional sport, highlighting the resilience required to succeed at the highest level.

AFL executive general manager of customer, commercial, and technology, Bec Haagsma, noted that the extension is a mechanical necessity for the league’s lifestyle and wellness portfolio.

“Continuing to bring confidence and encouraging everyone to smile strong will be a fitting connection on the AFL’s biggest night,” Haagsma said.

Senior director of marketing South Pacific at Colgate-Palmolive, Anand Taparia, highlighted the shared values of the two organisations.

“At Colgate, we believe a healthy smile unlocks confidence and helps people perform at their best, both in footy and in life.”

“Extending our partnership… allows us to champion oral health while celebrating the confidence and ‘Smile Strong’ spirit that defines the league.”

Commercial and Final Series Activations

Beyond the Brownlow Medal, Colgate’s 2026 commercial footprint includes:

Finals Series Integration: Extensive LED signage and in-game activations during the 2026 Toyota AFL Finals Series.
Minor Finals Presence: Dedicated brand moments during all minor finals to maintain engagement throughout the post-season.
Community Advocacy: Continued support for oral health initiatives across both elite and grassroots levels of the game.

Market Context

The renewal follows a string of successful consumer-facing partnerships for the AFL in 2026, including the Bunnings “Legend of the Tongs” and the Cadillac Formula 1® commercial alignment.

Cadillac Formula 1® Team Appoints Excel Sports Management as Global Commercial Agency

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Courtney

The Cadillac Formula 1® Team has officially appointed Excel Sports Management as its exclusive Agency of Record for commercial sales and strategy.

The announcement positions Excel to lead the global partnership development and revenue growth for the team as it prepares for its highly anticipated 2026 Formula 1® debut.

Commenting on the partnership, global head of commercial strategy for the Cadillac Formula 1® Team, Tyler Epp, said: “As we establish the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as America’s Team on the global stage, we are proud to partner with an organisation that shares our roots and our ambition.”

“Together we are building a collaborative ecosystem that will offer our partners unparalleled access to the world’s most prestigious racing series,” Epp said.

Highlighting the cultural significance of the project, EVP of commercial revenue at Excel, Jason Miller, added: “The Cadillac Formula 1 Team has entered the sport with a clear vision to build something truly distinctive.”

“Leveraging our global footprint… our focus will be on shaping a long-term commercial strategy for the modern era,” Miller said.

Excel Sports Management brings a formidable track record to the partnership, having been consistently ranked by Forbes as one of the world’s most valuable agencies.

Excel, a perennial leader in talent and property representation, will be tasked with building a “best-in-class” commercial ecosystem. The strategy will focus on Cadillac’s unique identity as the only American team vertically integrated with a major automotive manufacturer (General Motors) and TWG Motorsports, offering brands a distinct entry point into the world’s fastest-growing sport.

Strategic Commercial Roadmap

Under the new agreement, Excel will manage Cadillac’s partnership portfolio end-to-end, leveraging its global network across offices in New York, London, and Geneva. Key focus areas include:

Global Sales Strategy: Developing multi-regional partnership structures that capitalise on F1’s expanding footprint in North America and beyond.
Innovative Brand Integration: Creating high-impact opportunities that align with the team’s “American Team” positioning.
Revenue Amplification: Scaling the team’s commercial platform to support its ambitious technical and performance objectives.

Operations and Entry

The Cadillac Formula 1® Team is currently building its infrastructure from the ground up, with dual-continent operations in Indianapolis (USA), Charlotte (USA), and Silverstone (UK).

Harbinger Sports Partners Secures $450 Million Initial Closing for Debut Fund

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Courtney

Harbinger Sports Partners has announced the successful initial closing of its Fund I Strategy, securing over $450 million in assets under management.

The Atlanta-based private equity firm, founded by a high-profile consortium of sports operators, is positioned to capitalise on the “institutionalisation” of minority ownership within North America’s premier professional sports leagues.

The initial closing was anchored by major private wealth platforms, family offices, and institutional investors. Harbinger intends to welcome further capital from endowments, pensions, and sovereign wealth funds in subsequent closes as it targets minority stakes in mature, profitable franchises within the “Big Three” leagues (NFL, NBA, and MLB).

Stating that the capital markets are increasingly recognising the durability of American sports franchises as an asset class, founder, Rashaun L. Williams, said: “This first close validates both our strategy and our belief that minority ownership in elite American sports franchises represents a distinct and rapidly institutionalising asset class.”

“Our goal is to become the partner of choice for owners across the ‘Big Three’ leagues who value continuity, credibility, and long-term alignment,” Williams said.

Operator-Led Investment Strategy

Harbinger distinguishes itself from multi-asset sports platforms through a singular focus on “blue-chip” franchises. The firm’s executive committee brings significant firsthand experience to the table, with a leadership team that includes:

Rashaun L. Williams: Founder and Chief Investment Officer.
Steve Cannon: Former CEO of AMB Sports & Entertainment (Atlanta Falcons).
Mark Cuban: Former majority owner and current minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks.
Jonathan Mariner: Former CFO of Major League Baseball.

This operator-led approach is designed to provide league-specific fluency and professional rigour, allowing the firm to identify value inflection points that may be inaccessible to traditional financial sponsors.

Coastal Property Agents Secures Naming Rights for Gold Coast Pro Trials

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Courtney

The World Surf League (WSL) has announced an expanded partnership with Coastal Property Agents ahead of the 2026 Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro.

As the Official Real Estate Partner of the event, the Gold Coast’s leading independent real estate firm has secured naming rights for the Coastal Real Estate Gold Coast Pro Trials, which took place this past weekend at the iconic Snapper Rocks.

The partnership represents a commercial commitment to the third stop of the 2026 WSL Championship Tour (CT). In addition to the naming rights for the trials, the agreement includes on-site signage and the continuation of the “Coastal Water Cam” broadcast integration, a high-visibility asset that embeds the brand into the live global transmission of the event.

Highlighting the importance of local commercial support in delivering world-class events, WSL APAC president, Andrew Starkk, said: “Coastal is a strong Gold Coast brand… so WSL is thrilled to see them continue their partnership with the league in 2026.”

“Their passion and commitment to surfing is reflected in their support of not only the Championship Tour event, but of the Trials and of Gold Coast competitor, Liam O’Brien,” Stark said.

Emphasising that the investment transcends traditional real estate marketing, founder and managing director of Coastal Property Agents, Dane Atherton, noted: “Global events like the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro are genuinely transformative for this community.”

“When the world’s best surfers arrive at Snapper Rocks, the eyes of the world are on the Gold Coast, and that visibility matters enormously… for every local who calls this place home,” Atherton remarked.

The Trials event featured a field of 16 men and 16 women, exclusively comprised of Gold Coast and Queensland surfers. The winners of the men’s and women’s divisions were each awarded a high-value wildcard spot in the main Championship Tour event, providing local talent with a direct pathway to compete against the world’s elite.

SportWest and Camerahouse Leederville Renew WA Sport Awards Partnership

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Courtney

SportWest has officially announced a two-year extension of its partnership with Camerahouse Leederville.

The renewal ensures that one of the most visually significant components of the WA Sport Awards will remain a focal point of the state’s premier sporting celebration through 2028.

The “Image of the Year” category is designed to recognise photographers who capture the emotional and high-impact moments of Western Australian sport, spanning the spectrum from grassroots community clubs to elite professional performance.

Commenting on the partnership extension, SportWest CEO, Troy Kirkham, said: “Sport is defined by powerful moments, and this award honours the images that capture the passion, achievement and community connection of sport in Western Australia.”

Emphasising the unique nature of sports photography,director of Camerahouse Leederville, Giovanna Thomas-Fiore, added: “Photography has the unique ability to tell powerful stories, and sport provides some of the most compelling moments to capture.”

“We’re proud to continue as naming rights partner… and to celebrate the talented photographers and sporting moments across WA,” Thomas-Fiore said.

Commercial and Community Alignment

Camerahouse Leederville, a prominent local business within the WA photography sector, leverages the partnership to connect with a broad demographic of professional and amateur photographers.

The collaboration provides the brand with a high-visibility platform to showcase the “art of photography” within the context of the state’s most compelling sporting narratives.

The WA Sport Awards Context

The WA Sport Awards serve as the definitive recognition program for the Western Australian sporting ecosystem.

Beyond athletes and coaches, the awards honor the critical contributions of volunteers, officials, and administrators.