Ministry of Sport

Adelaide Lightning Appoints Tess Madgen as General Manager of Basketball

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Courtney

The Adelaide Lightning has announced the appointment of South Australian basketball icon and two-time Olympian, Tess Madgen, as the club’s inaugural General Manager of Basketball.

The former Opals captain, who joined the organisation in 2025 as a special advisor, moves into this newly created leadership role effective immediately, ahead of the WNBL27 free agency period.

Two-time World Cup medallist, Madgen, returns to her roots with a clear mandate to restore the Lightning to its championship-winning era.

“I’m proud that we have the opportunity for us to go back to our roots, set our vision and do the work to win a championship; that’s what we’re here to do,” Madgen said.

Her focus will centre on community outreach, inspiring female athletes, and the retention of homegrown South Australian talent.

Adelaide Lightning CEO, Melanie MacGillivray, highlighted that Madgen’s transition from the court to the front office reflects the club’s growing momentum.

“Tess is a deeply respected athlete, coach, and leader, and we’re incredibly proud she is joining us in this capacity.”

“She has a strong track record for success both on and off the court,” MacGillivray said.

Strategic Leadership and High-Performance Focus

The appointment follows the recent two-year contract extension of head coach Aja Parham-Ammar, signalling a period of structural stability for the Adelaide franchise. Madgen and Parham-Ammar are reportedly already collaborating on recruitment strategies to strengthen the roster before the upcoming season.

Key strategic priorities for the new General Manager include:

Pathway Development: Creating a sustainable pipeline for young South Australian talent to transition into the professional ranks.
Cultural Transformation: Building a high-performance environment focused on skill development and athlete confidence.
Commercial and Community Engagement: Leveraging Madgen’s profile to deepen the club’s connection with its grassroots fan base.

The move is a significant play for the Lightning, as Madgen’s reputation within the global basketball community provides the club with a powerful voice in player negotiations and corporate partnerships.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

SportWest and We Make A Difference Launch Two-Year Partnership

Posted on March 27, 2026March 27, 2026 by Courtney

SportWest has announced a strategic two-year partnership with We Make A Difference, an organisation specialising in cost-of-living reduction through exclusive member benefits.

Set to launch in April 2026, the collaboration aims to provide tangible financial relief to the thousands of volunteers, administrators, coaches, and staff who underpin the Western Australian sporting sector.

Emphasising that the initiative is a direct response to the economic pressures currently facing households, SportWest CEO, Troy Kirkham, said: “People are at the heart of sport in Western Australia.”

“This partnership provides tangible support to the volunteers and staff whose commitment keeps our clubs and associations running.

“At a time when rising costs affect every household, We Make A Difference offers real savings that recognise and reward their contribution,” Kirkham said.

Founder and CEO of We Make A Difference, Rick Warren, echoed these sentiments, noting that the collaboration is designed to build “stronger, more resilient communities” by supporting those who dedicate significant time to the state’s sporting landscape.

The partnership focuses on a digital savings platform that will be accessible to SportWest member organisations and their participating clubs. Users will be able to access discounts on essential everyday expenses, including:

Groceries and Fuel
Utilities and Travel
Entertainment and Retail

Strategic Alignment and Sector Impact

The agreement reinforces SportWest’s Leadership pillar. By integrating a practical, high-value service into its membership suite, SportWest is enhancing its value proposition to state sporting associations and grassroots clubs.

By reducing the personal financial burden on volunteers, SportWest aims to ensure the long-term capacity of local clubs to operate effectively.

India’s T20 World Cup Triumph Powered by Record-Breaking #T20CreatorClub

Posted on March 27, 2026March 27, 2026 by Courtney

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that the #T20CreatorClub initiative during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 became the most engaging content creator campaign in sporting history. Generating over 2.5 billion video views, the programme coincided with India securing their third T20 World Cup title.

Supported by JioStar and a suite of global partners, the initiative integrated more than 350 creators from diverse sectors including tech, lifestyle, and entertainment into the tournament ecosystem across India and Sri Lanka.

The campaign’s commercial impact was driven by over 1,100 organic posts, resulting in 1.66 billion views from creator channels alone. Standout performances included gaming creator Payal Dhare, whose content amassed 180 million views, and tech influencer Shlok Srivastava (Tech Burner), who provided fans with unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to broadcast production.

Strategic collaborations with rights holders like Sky Sports in the UK and Myco in Pakistan further extended the tournament’s reach to non-traditional cricket audiences.

ICC head of Digitalm, Finn Bradshaw, credited the programme with making the 2026 World Cup the most accessible event in the organisation’s history.

“The #T20CreatorClub demonstrates the role creators can play in connecting the game with new and younger audiences.”

“We presented the game in ways that resonate across different platforms and communities,” Bradshaw said.

Key Engagement and Partnership Metrics

The #T20CreatorClub functioned as a primary bridge between elite competition and youth culture:

Individual Viral Success: 21 individual creator posts surpassed 15 million views each, with Payal Dhare’s interaction with Player of the Match Ishan Kishan hitting 89 million views.
Regional Dominance: In the MENA region, influencer Parikshit Balochi drove 105 million views through Fan Park activations in Dubai via Starzplay.
Commercial Integration: Over 100 creator appearances were featured across campaigns for major sponsors including Hyundai, Marriott Bonvoy, ThumsUp, Budweiser, and Google.
Digital Insiders: ICC’s internal digital team, including Sanjana Ganesan and Nikhil Uttamchandani, generated hundreds of millions of views, with Ganesan’s social trend integration alone reaching 34 million views.

IOC Announces New Sex-Based Eligibility Policy for LA28 Olympics

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Courtney

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially introduced a landmark Policy on the Protection of the Female (Women’s) Category in Olympic Sport, set to take effect for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Approved by the IOC Executive Board on 26 March 2026, the policy restricts eligibility for the female category across all Olympic disciplines—both individual and team sports—to biological females only.

Under the new framework, eligibility will be verified via a one-time SRY gene screening (Sex-determining region Y). The IOC has identified this as the most accurate and least intrusive method to determine if an athlete has experienced male sex development. The test, which can be conducted via saliva, cheek swab, or blood sample, will generally be a “once-in-a-lifetime” requirement for athletes.

Stating that the policy is rooted in scientific consensus regarding male performance advantages in strength, power, and endurance, the first female to lead the organisation, IOC President Kirsty Coventry, said: “At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat.”

“It is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports, it would simply not be safe,” Coventry said.

Key Policy Provisions and Exceptions

The policy represents a significant departure from previous guidelines that allowed international federations to set their own testosterone-based or gender-identity rules:

SRY-Negative Athletes: Those who screen negative permanently satisfy the eligibility criteria for the female category.
SRY-Positive Athletes: Athletes with an SRY-positive screen, including XY transgender women and androgen-sensitive XY-DSD athletes, are ineligible for the female category.
Inclusion Categories: SRY-positive athletes remain eligible for all other classifications, including male categories, designated male slots in mixed events, or “open” categories.
Medical Exceptions: Rare exceptions apply to athletes with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) or other DSDs that preclude the anabolic or performance-enhancing effects of testosterone.

Development and Strategic Context

The policy is the result of a comprehensive review conducted between September 2024 and March 2026. This process included a scientific working group, legal consultations, and an online survey of over 1,100 athletes. The review found a “strong consensus” among female athletes in favour of biological sex-based eligibility to protect fairness and safety.

While the IOC maintains this was an internal priority, the timing aligns with broader geopolitical shifts, including recent executive orders in the United States regarding women’s sports.

Formula 1 and Allwyn Secure Long-Term Partnership Extension

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 and Allwyn League , a leading lottery-led entertainment provider, have announced a multi-year extension of their Official Partnership.

The renewal follows a highly successful inaugural season in 2025, a year that saw F1 reach a global audience of 827 million fans and a cumulative TV viewership of 1.8 billion. The expanded agreement focuses on deeper fan engagement through interactive digital platforms and high-visibility branding during the sport’s most tense pre-race moments.

A central feature of the new deal is Allwyn’s headline sponsorship of the Formation Lap at selected Grands Prix. This placement aligns with the company’s “Winning Awaits” brand positioning, capturing global attention in the final minutes before “lights out.”

Noting that the collaboration is a testament to a shared commitment to innovation, chief commercial officer of Formula 1, Emily Prazer, said: “Allwyn is a strong and valued partner to F1, both in growing the sport and in benefitting the people it reaches around the world.”

Allwyn’s chief officer of Global Partnerships, Pavel Turek, added that the move marks the company’s “most significant long-term commitment to the sport to date,” ensuring the excitement of the track translates into a rewarding experience for fans and a lasting impact for communities.

To further drive fan avidity, Allwyn will launch the Allwyn League within the F1 Predict platform. This interactive experience allows fans to predict race outcomes for a chance to win premium prizes, including grandstand tickets, Paddock Club access, and unique memorabilia.

Commercial Strategy and Community Impact

The partnership is built on three key commercial and social pillars:

Broadcast Integration: Enhanced brand assets during the formation lap to leverage peak pre-race viewership.
Digital Gamification: The Allwyn League serves as a primary tool for data capture and year-round fan engagement.
Social Responsibility: The “F1 Allwyn Global Community Awards” will double in scale for 2026, donating EURO100,000 (AUD167,200) each to eight local charities across the race calendar.

Scott Dickinson Appointed Head of Performance Services at Cricket Tasmania

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Courtney

Cricket Tasmania has secured a major high-performance coup, announcing the appointment of Scott Dickinson as the new Head of Performance Services.

Dickinson, most recently the High Performance Manager at the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS), brings over 25 years of experience across the AFL, NRL, and Olympic systems to the Apple Isle. He is scheduled to commence his role full-time on 27 April 2026.

In his new capacity, Dickinson will oversee Cricket Tasmania’s Sports Science and Sports Medicine teams.

highlighting the importance of the hire, Cricket Tasmania High Performance general manager, Salliann Beams, said: “Scott will be an asset to the Cricket Tasmania team and will play a key role as we continue to create world-leading cricket systems to support the development of our players and wider staff.”

“We believe Scott is exceptionally well suited to lead our Performance Services function and will play a key role in the evolution of our recent success so that we remain dominant in all formats,” Beams said.

Dickinson expressed his enthusiasm for joining a “proud and successful organisation,” noting his intent to apply his diverse cross-sport background to the unique demands of professional cricket.

His mandate is to integrate world-leading high-performance systems to enhance the organisation’s wider cricket programs, ensuring Tasmania remains a dominant force across all domestic formats. His previous senior leadership credits include stints with Swimming Australia, the Netherlands Olympic Committee, and various programs within elite Australian football and rugby sevens.

Australian Open 2027 Dates Confirmed Following Record-Breaking 2026

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Courtney

Tennis Australia has locked in the dates for the Australian Open 2027, with the season’s first Grand Slam scheduled for 11–31 January at Melbourne Park.

The tournament will once again span three weeks, beginning with Opening Week (11–16 January) before the main draw action commences on Sunday, 17 January. The finals are set for 30 and 31 January.

The 2027 announcement follows a historic 2026 edition that saw more than 1.3 million fans attend the precinct, cementing the AO’s status as the world’s largest annual sport and entertainment event in January.

Opening Week 2026 alone drew 217,999 attendees, nearly doubling the 2025 figure, driven by the popularity of open practice sessions, the inaugural Opening Ceremony, and the AO 1 Point Slam Driven by Kia.

Commercial and Fan Experience Highlights

With the 2027 event less than ten months away, several commercial avenues are already open for fans and partners:

Travel & Experience Packages: Currently on sale, these allow fans to secure curated itineraries for either the opening week or the final stages.
AO Extras: A digital membership program providing first access to ticket releases, event announcements, and merchandise drops.
AO LIVE Concert Series: Building on the 2026 expansion to five nights at John Cain Arena—which featured headliners like The Kid LAROI, Peggy Gou, and Spacey Jane—the 2027 series will continue to serve as a major entertainment draw.

2026 Tournament Retrospective

The 2027 tournament will see Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina arrive as defending singles champions. In 2026, Alcaraz made history as the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam by defeating Novak Djokovic in a four-set final.

Rybakina secured her maiden Australian Open title by overcoming Aryna Sabalenka, while the AO 1 Point Slam saw a fairytale finish as amateur player Jordan Smith defeated professional stars to claim a $1 million prize.

Savannah Bananas and Creator Sports Network Ink Standalone Creator Rights Deal

Posted on March 27, 2026March 27, 2026 by Courtney

The Savannah Bananas have formalised a partnership with Creator Sports Network (CSN), establishing a new “third tier” in the sports media rights stack. In a departure from traditional supplemental digital content, CSN has secured exclusive creator-led streaming rights for four live Banana Ball Championship League games in 2026.

These games will be distributed as a standalone rights package, deliberately carved out from the Bananas’ existing linear and streaming windows.

This deal marks a shift from viewing creator distribution as a marketing tactic to treating it as core media infrastructure. The live games will be broadcast through a curated network of digital creators, streaming simultaneously across YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook.

Highlighting the synergy in innovation, Savannah Bananas Founder, Jesse Cole, said: “Banana Ball was built by putting the fans first to deliver a sports experience unlike any other.”

“Creator Sports Network shares the same innovative spirit to bring sports to fans through the unique lens of creators,” Cole said.

A New Rights Architecture

The partnership introduces a distinct commercial logic that separates creator-led windows from the traditional linear-to-streaming transition:

Standalone Inventory: Unlike typical social media “amplification,” these are full live games assigned specifically to creators, rather than highlights or supplemental clips.
Parallel Distribution: The creator-led streams will run alongside the Bananas’ own in-house YouTube broadcasts and their expanded 25-game exclusive package with ESPN and Disney+.
Commercial Evolution: Brands are invited to buy into “contextual engagement” within creator communities—where fans actively participate via live chat and real-time sharing—rather than passive ad slots.

Strategic Implications for Sports Media

CSN, founded by Barrick Prince, is rapidly scaling this model across a diverse portfolio that already includes the Bundesliga (Canada), Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (North America), and Mountain West Conference college sports.

Hawthorn Announce JAGGAD AFLW Apparel Partnership

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Courtney

Hawthorn has officially unveiled premium activewear brand JAGGAD as its new AFLW apparel partner.

In a move that distinguishes the Hawks within the league, Hawthorn becomes the first and only club in the AFL to secure specific, separate apparel partners for its AFL and AFLW programs. The multi-year deal will see JAGGAD provide the club’s on-field match kits and an extensive off-field lifestyle range.

JAGGAD is co-owned by former AFL star Chris Judd and Steven Greene, a former Hawthorn player and the son of Hawks Hall of Famer Russell Greene.

Commenting on the partnership, JAGGAD CEO, Steve Greene, said: “Hawthorn has always been a huge part of my life, so partnering with the AFLW program feels incredibly meaningful.”

“What makes this partnership special is that it goes beyond traditional sponsorship — it’s about genuinely supporting the players,” Greene said.

Hawthorn chief commercial officer, Jo Gilbert, highlighted the “upside” of launching a custom apparel range specifically tailored for the AFLW program.

“We are proud to be the first Club in the AFL to launch a custom apparel range for its AFLW program,” Gilbert said.”

Beyond the physical garments, JAGGAD will be integrated across the club’s digital marketing platforms and premium hospitality offerings, ensuring high visibility throughout the 2026 NAB AFLW season,” Gilbert said.

The collaboration includes a unique “JAGGAD x HFC” lifestyle range, designed to bridge the gap between high-performance athletic wear and everyday fan fashion.

With the first drop of supporter wear already available at HawksNest and JAGGAD’s digital storefront, the club has confirmed that the next phase of off-field apparel will be released in May.

This phased rollout is designed to build momentum ahead of the 2026 season, positioning Hawthorn at the forefront of the intersection between professional women’s sport and lifestyle branding.

Moreton Bay to Host Foot Locker Under-18 and Junior Wheelchair National Championships

Posted on March 26, 2026March 26, 2026 by Courtney

The City of Moreton Bay is set to host the Foot Locker Under-18 and Junior Wheelchair National Championships this April, continuing its streak as a premier destination for major Australian sporting events.

Supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, the tournament remains one of the most prestigious fixtures on the basketball calendar, serving as a critical proving ground for the nation’s elite pathway talent.

Highlighting the regional pride in hosting the next generation of talent, City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery, said: “These championships are a milestone in the national pathway, and it’s inspiring to see young athletes and junior wheelchair athletes take the court here in City of Moreton Bay with such determination and passion.”

The region’s growing reputation for delivering high-quality sporting infrastructure makes it a natural fit for the event, particularly following Brisbane’s successful track record with national tournaments.

The Under-18 Championships boast a storied history dating back to 1954, acting as a foundational stepping stone for Australia’s most recognisable basketball exports.

NBA and WNBA stars including Josh Giddey, Alanna Smith, Ben Simmons, and Ezi Magbegor all progressed through this system. The current “next wave” is led by former participants such as Rocco Zikarsky, now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Sitaya Fagan at the University of Southern California, underscoring the tournament’s role in linking junior programs with global professional opportunities.

A central component of the week is the National Junior Wheelchair Championships.

Originally launched in 2008 as the Kevin Coombs Cup, the event has evolved into a dedicated national title that honours the legacy of the five-time Paralympian and sporting pioneer.

Melbourne Vixens and HCF Extend Premier Partnership

Posted on March 26, 2026March 26, 2026 by Courtney

The Melbourne Vixens have announced a three-year extension of their partnership with HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund.

Remaining as a Premier Partner, HCF will continue its longstanding support of both the Vixens and Netball Victoria, focusing on strengthening the wellbeing of Victorian netballers from the grassroots level to high-performance athletes.

The renewal reinforces HCF’s position as a dominant commercial force in Australian netball, where it also serves as the official health insurance partner of Netball Australia.

Highlighting the importance of the sport’s demographic reach, HCF CEO, Lorraine Thomas, said: “Netball occupies a unique position in Australian sport. It’s the number one participation sport for girls in this country, and that reach gives this partnership genuine purpose.”

“Investing in women’s sport is one of the most direct and meaningful ways we can improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians,” Thomas said.

Netball Victoria CEO, Andrea Pearman, added that the collaboration has already delivered significant brand recognition and sustained growth in awareness among the netball community.

Strategic Objectives and Community Impact

The extended agreement is built around three core pillars designed to drive both health outcomes and brand salience:

Women’s Health Advocacy: Collaborating on campaigns to normalise discussions around health topics that significantly impact women and girls.
HCF Team Health Score: Continuing to grow this distinctive, branded initiative as a key engagement tool for fans and participants.
Community Wellbeing: Empowering Victorian women to take proactive charge of their health through integrated club and community activations.

Revo Fitness Extends Commitment to WA Junior Football Through 2028 Copy

Posted on March 26, 2026March 26, 2026 by Courtney

Revo Fitness has announced a two-year extension of its partnership with WA Football, solidifying its role as a major benefactor of grassroots Australian rules football.

The renewed agreement will see the iconic Western Australian fitness brand supply an additional 8,000 match-quality footballs over the next two junior seasons. This initiative is specifically designed to equip metropolitan junior clubs, ensuring that thousands of young athletes have access to professional-standard gear on match days.

Interim WA Football CEO, Peter Bell, welcomed the continued support, noting the immediate operational benefits for local competitions.

“We’re delighted to once again have the backing of Revo Fitness after a successful start to their junior football partnership last season which saw them provide brand new match footballs for our Metro Junior competitions,” Bell said.

He emphasised that having an iconic local brand like Revo Fitness reinvest in the state’s junior system ensures clubs are well-equipped heading into the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Revo Fitness founder and managing director, Andrew Holder, highlighted the partnership’s alignment with long-term health and community outcomes.

“Junior footy is where it all begins, it’s where confidence is built, friendships are formed and a lifelong connection to health and fitness often starts.”

“We’re proud to continue backing WA Football and to play a small role in helping thousands of kids get out on the field each week with the right equipment in hand,” Holder said.

The partnership reinforces Revo Fitness’s position as a community-centric brand within its home state.

By physically placing branded, high-quality equipment in the hands of young players and their families, the company maintains high visibility across the metropolitan junior landscape. This “boots-on-the-ground” approach to sponsorship effectively bridges the gap between a commercial fitness entity and the heart of Western Australian sporting culture.

Netball WA Unveils “THINK 2030” Strategic Roadmap

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Courtney

Netball WA has officially launched its THINK 2030 Strategic Plan, a bold five-year roadmap designed to accelerate the sport’s growth and commercial impact across Western Australia.

The plan, which covers the period through to the end of 2030, aims to unify the netball ecosystem from grassroots community clubs to the elite level represented by the West Coast Fever.

Describing the strategy as a milestone for the organisation’s leadership in the Australian sporting landscape, Netball WA Group CEO, Simone Hansen, said: “THINK 2030 is about imagining what’s possible for netball in Western Australia and putting the structures in place to make that vision a reality.”

“This plan reflects our commitment to ensuring netball is a sport for all—accessible, inclusive and connected to every corner of our state,” Hansen said.

Hansen also emphasised that a key objective is to build deeper, more meaningful engagement with the sport’s diverse stakeholder base. By investing in digital innovation and physical infrastructure, Netball WA seeks to provide a world-class experience that attracts new participants and retains current talent within the state’s high-performance pathways.

The Three Strategic Pillars

The “THINK 2030” framework is built upon three core pillars intended to drive operational and commercial excellence:

Strengthen Our Future: Focuses on long-term sustainability through robust governance, investment in people, and the development of modern facilities.
Elevate the Experience: Aims to enhance the journey for members, players, and fans, ensuring netball remains the “sport of choice” in Western Australia by simplifying participation pathways.
Lead with Intent: Positions Netball WA as a primary advocate for women and girls, leveraging the sport’s influence to empower communities and inspire future generations.

View Full Strategic Plan here.

Sprite Announce Global Partnership with EuroLeague Basketball

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Courtney

Euroleague Basketball and The Coca-Cola Company have announced a landmark global partnership, naming Sprite as an Official Partner of the EuroLeague.

The agreement officially commences with the 2026-27 season, though the brand will make its high-profile debut during the upcoming 2026 EuroLeague Final Four in Athens this May. This partnership marks Sprite’s first foray into Europe’s premier basketball competition, aligning one of the world’s most recognisable beverage brands with the continent’s rapidly growing basketball landscape.

Commenting on the partnership, VP of marketing – Sparkling Flavors Europe at The Coca-Cola Company, Michael Willeke, said: “Sprite has always stood for fresh perspectives, and we see basketball as a space where culture isn’t just consumed, it’s cocreated.”

“Through our partnership with Euroleague Basketball, we will celebrate the voices, creators and communities that unlock fresh energy,” Willeke said.

Noting that the deal aligns with the league’s broader strategy to partner with top-tier global brands, Euroleague Basketball chief commercial officer, Gawain Davies, added: “Partnering with one of the world’s most iconic brands reinforces the global appeal of the EuroLeague and reflects our commitment to collaborating with partners that share our ambition to continue growing the competition.”

Key Commercial and Fan Engagement Initiatives

The partnership focuses on delivering “premium, access-driven” experiences designed to bring fans closer to the hardwood. Planned activations include:

Behind-the-Scenes Access: Opportunities for fans to engage with current and former players and enter restricted team environments.
Trophy Tours: Public engagements featuring the prestigious EuroLeague trophy across key European markets.
Digital Integration: Leveraging EuroLeague’s expansive digital ecosystem for high-impact visibility and fan engagement.
In-Venue Presence: Comprehensive on-court branding and in-arena advertising across all EuroLeague territories.

Formula 1 Joins Circular Bioeconomy Alliance Established by Majesty King Charles III

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 has announced its new status as an affiliate member of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance, an organisation established by His Majesty King Charles III.

This partnership aims to integrate advanced nature protection and restoration into the sport’s global delivery framework. By joining the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance , Formula 1 will collaborate with a diverse network of scientists, policymakers, and industry experts to accelerate innovative, nature-based solutions across its international race calendar.

The move follows significant progress in the sport’s “Net Zero 2030” commitment. According to the 2025 Sustainability Report, Formula 1 achieved a 26% reduction in carbon emissions in 2024 against a 2018 baseline.

Noting that joining the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance is the next logical step in this journey, presidento and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, said: “I would like to thank His Majesty King Charles III for his vision and leadership in being such a passionate champion of this important initiative.”

“I look forward to working with CEO of the CBA, Marc Palahí, and his team as we look to use Formula 1 to drive positive and meaningful change,” Domenicali said.

Emphasising that the partnership allows for critical cross-sector collaboration, head of ESG at Formula 1, Ellen Jones, added: “By working with fellow Circular Bioeconomy Alliance members to integrate and elevate nature-based solutions within the sport, we look forward to continuing to drive innovative solutions that build a more sustainable Formula 1.”

Circular Bioeconomy Alliance CEO, Marc Palahí, welcomed the addition, stating that transforming value chains to become nature-positive requires the exact kind of high-level corporate ambition demonstrated by the sport.

Biodiversity has become a central pillar of F1’s Event Sustainability Management system, which holds ISO 20121:2012 accreditation. Current 2025 initiatives include:

Mexico City: The “Butterfly Effect” campaign focused on the endangered Monarch Butterfly.
Spain: A six-year forest programme at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya supporting youth training.
Belgium: The “Circuitsp’Adventure” nature walk at Spa-Francorchamps.
China: A ceremonial planting of a native Osmanthus tree in the Championship Garden, supported by BWT Alpine driver Pierre Gasly.

This partnership ensures that race promoters and organisers are not only reducing their carbon footprint but are actively contributing to the restoration of local ecosystems.