Ministry of Sport

Stacey West to Step Down as Netball Australia CEO; Mark Falvo Appointed Interim

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Courtney

Netball Australia has announced that chief executive officer, Stacey West, will step down from her role as the organisation transitions into a new strategic phase.

West, who has been with the governing body for 16 years and served as CEO since December 2023, leaves the sport in a position of significant commercial strength following a series of landmark achievements.

Mark Falvo, the current CEO of the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027, has been appointed to serve as interim CEO for Netball Australia, effective Monday, 27 April 2026. Falvo will manage the leadership of both entities during the transition, leveraging his extensive commercial expertise within the Australian and global sporting landscapes.

Reflecting on her tenure, West described the role as a “labour of love.”

“I hand over the reins at the dawn of a new era with the sport poised for continued success.”

“I’m particularly proud of the work we’ve done to grow the game at every level, from supporting the establishment of the First Nations Black Swans to refreshing Woolworths NetSetGo and strengthening our connections across the Pacific,” West said.

Praising West’s dedication and the positive momentum she fostered during her 16-year career with the organisation, Netball Australia chair, Liz Ellis AO, noted: “Stacey has supported the game in both its highs and challenges, and provided constant positive energy and focus to ensure netball thrives into the future.”

Regarding the appointment of Falvo, Ellis noted that his dual-role leadership would provide essential market knowledge as the sport pursues its transformation agenda.

“Stacey and Mark already work very closely to discharge their duties and responsibilities, and a positive and collaborative transition plan is already being executed,” Ellis added.

The announcement follows a highly successful period for the code, including the recent signing of a five-year broadcast partnership with Nine, record-breaking attendance figures for Suncorp Super Netball, and a 13% surge in broadcast viewership this season.

West was also instrumental in the November 2025 launch of Made in Netball, a 10-year strategic plan designed to govern the sport’s direction through to 2035.

Under West’s leadership, the Australian Diamonds have maintained their international dominance, while the domestic league has continued to defy market trends in audience growth.

The governing body will now move toward a formal search for a permanent successor to lead the sport toward the home World Cup in 2027.

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Rugby Australia Announces Record $70.6 Million Surplus Following Lions Tour

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Courtney

Rugby Australia has delivered a landmark financial result at its Annual General Meeting in Sydney today, announcing a record operating surplus of $70.6 million for the 2025 financial year.

The result marks a dramatic turnaround following the organisational reset of 2024, underpinned by the commercial windfall of the 2025 British & Irish Lions series and a surge in domestic matchday revenue.

The governing body reported total revenue of $262.2 million, with matchday earnings accounting for $146.8 million. This performance has allowed Rugby Australia to exit its credit facility ahead of schedule and hold cash reserves of $31.4 million.

Strategically, the surplus will be used to establish a long-term investment fund, intended to safeguard the sport’s future ahead of hosting the 2027 Men’s and 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cups.

Strategic and Community Gains

Beyond the professional tier, the ‘Get Into Rugby’ program drove a 24% year-on-year increase in junior registrations (ages 4-7). Community participation in senior XVs has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels, supported by a 17% rise in accredited coaches and a 24% increase in match officials.

Commenting how the financial recovery allows the code to operate with renewed clarity, Rugby Australia CEO, Phil Waugh, said: “We are delivering on our promise to reset the game’s finances, restore pride and set a new strategic course for Australian Rugby.”

“A period of resilience has transitioned to an era of opportunity,” Waugh said.

Echoing this sentiment, and noting the importance of unity across Member Unions, Rugby Australia chair, Daniel Herbert, added: “Australian Rugby now has an excellent platform as we prepare for the generational opportunities presented by the home Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups.”

Rugby Australi’s Record-Breaking Engagement

The 2025 season saw unprecedented public interest in the Wallabies, with 373,168 fans attending seven domestic Tests, an average of 53,308 per match.

This represents an all-time Australian record for a non-World Cup year. Key highlights included:

MCG Record: 90,307 fans attended the second Lions Test in Melbourne.
Sell-out Success: Tests in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth reached maximum capacity.
Broadcast Growth: Super Rugby Pacific ratings grew by 27% on Stan Sport and 13% on Nine.

Governance and Leadership

The AGM also confirmed the unanimous re-election of Kristy Giteau as president for a second term. Additionally, members approved constitutional updates to align with the Australian Sports Commission’s mandatory recognition criteria ahead of the July 2026 deadline.

Click here to view Rugby Australia’s 2025 Official Annual Report.

Rhodri Jones Appointed Interim RFL Chief Executive

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Courtney

The Rugby Football League (RFL) has today announced that Rhodri Jones, the managing director of RL Commercial, will serve as interim chief executive while the search for a permanent leader is finalised.

The appointment provides the governing body with leadership continuity as it navigates a critical period in the 2026 season and ongoing strategic developments within the sport.

Emphasising that the appointment is designed to provide institutional stability, RFL chair, Nigel Wood OBE, said: “Rhodri’s appointment gives the organisation continuity and stability,”

“Whilst we complete the search process for the new permanent CEO of the RFL which we expect to conclude over the next couple of months.

“Rhodri is well-regarded within the internal and external stakeholder group, and I am pleased he has accepted this interim role,” Wood said.

The RFL is currently managing several high-priority initiatives, including the ongoing implementation of the IMG strategic partnership and domestic competition reforms.

Jones noted that the strong start to the current campaign remains the priority for the executive team.

“It’s a privilege to step into this role at such an important moment for the sport. The 2026 season has started strongly and that momentum must continue.”

“I’m focused on providing stability, supporting our stakeholders and teams, and ensuring we continue to deliver for our fans, partners and wider community, whilst the search process for the new permanent CEO concludes,” Jones said.

Jones has led RL Commercial since its inception in January 2023 and brings extensive executive experience to the interim position, having previously served as chief commercial officer for Super League (Europe).

His elevation to the interim role ensures that the commercial and administrative arms of the game remain tightly aligned during the recruitment phase.

The governing body expects to announce a permanent appointment within the next quarter, following a comprehensive search process to lead the sport through its next phase of growth.

Collingwood Extends Major Partnership with Access Covers Australia

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Courtney

The Collingwood Football Club has officially announced a two-year extension of its partnership with Access Covers Australia.

The new agreement sees Access Covers Australia elevate its status to a Major Partner of the Magpies, further strengthening a relationship that now enters its seventh consecutive year.

As part of the expanded deal, Access Covers Australia branding will receive increased match-day visibility, specifically appearing on the bibs worn by Collingwood’s medical staff and physiotherapists.

The partnership, which began in 2020, has evolved from a standard sponsorship into a strategic alliance focused on community engagement and corporate networking.

Commenting on the partnership, Collingwood CEO, Craig Kelly, said: “Continuing our relationship with Access Covers and reaching a seventh consecutive year together is a milestone we’re pleased to celebrate.”

“It speaks to the trust we’ve built together and the shared values that underpin this partnership, particularly in our focus on supporting people and strengthening communities,” Kelly said.

Noting the brand alignment with the AFL powerhouse, managing director of Access Covers Australia, Jim Sharpe, said: “As we continue our expansion throughout Australia, the partnership we share with Australia’s largest sporting club perfectly aligns with our vision and common values.”

“We continue to strive for excellence together and look forward to building strong relationships with the wider corporate network,” Sharpe said.

Access Covers Australia , an Australian family-owned company with nearly 35 years of experience in manufacturing concrete and steel products, views the partnership as a primary vehicle for its national expansion.

Both organisations are heavily involved in grassroots initiatives, including the sponsorship of local football teams and various fundraising efforts.

PGA TOUR and Front Office Sports Announce Multi-Year Content Partnership

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Courtney

The PGA TOUR and Front Office Sports have officially announced a multi-year content agreement aimed at delivering business-focused storytelling to golf fans.

The partnership, confirmed on 21 April 2026, will provide Front Office Sports with behind-the-scenes access to the TOUR’s marquee moments, focusing on the deals, strategy, and commercial momentum driving the sport.

As the leading media outlet covering the business of sports, Front Office Sports will collaborate with the PGA TOUR to develop original content around tentpole events, including THE PLAYERS Championship, the Signature Events series, and the FedExCup Playoffs. The initiative is part of the TOUR’s broader strategy to diversify its audience by highlighting the off-course dynamics and professional evolution of its athletes.

Noting that the collaboration will help bridge the gap between traditional sports coverage and business insights, vice president of marketing operations at the PGA TOUR, Sean Halbmaier, said: “Through this partnership, we’ll amplify the stories of our world-class athletes, elevate our tournaments, and showcase the continued momentum behind the PGA TOUR.”

Emphasising the synergy between the two brands, CEO of Front Office Sports, Adam White, added: “The business of golf is a major cornerstone of our coverage.”

“As golf continues to grow and audience interest increases, Front Office Sports’s partnership with the PGA TOUR will allow us to expand how we bring to life major moments in the sport,” White said.

Strategic Expansion for Front Office Sports

The agreement marks the latest addition to Front Office Sports’s growing portfolio of direct league partnerships.

The PGA TOUR joins a roster of elite organisations that have struck similar content deals with Front Office Sports over the past year, including:

NFL: Focused on league-wide business narratives (August 2025).
NWSL: Highlighting the commercial growth of women’s soccer (March 2026).
WWE: Documenting the business of sports entertainment and international expansion (March 2026).

Commercial Context

Earlier in the 2026 season, the TOUR announced the debut of the Good Good Championship in Austin, Texas, a title-sponsored event by YouTube-based Good Good Golf, signalling a shift toward digital-native partnerships.

By aligning with Front Office Sports, the TOUR aims to capitalise on the high engagement levels of the business-savvy sports consumer, who increasingly follows the “off-the-field” decisions and financial structures of professional leagues.

Front Office Sports currently reaches an audience delivering more than 200 million social impressions and 35 million newsletter opens monthly, providing the PGA TOUR with a powerful platform to engage “casual, cultured fans” interested in the intersection of sports, finance, and technology.

Peter Hutton Appointed PTO Chairman as Organisation Eyes 2027 World Tour

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Courtney

The Professional Triathletes Organisation has announced that Peter Hutton will move into the role of chairman, effective immediately, as Chris Kermode steps down from the position.

Hutton, a long-serving Professional Triathletes Organisation board member and former head of Sport at Meta, takes the helm on an interim basis as the organisation enters a high-growth phase ahead of the 2027 launch of the Triathlon World Tour.

Noting that Hutton’s expertise is central to the league’s valuation, CEO of the Professional Triathletes Organisation, Sam Renouf, said: “Much of the Professional Triathletes Organisation’s commercial appeal to partners and investors stems from pioneering a new model for professional sport, one that leverages emerging media.”

“Peter’s leadership in these areas makes him an invaluable guide,” Renouf said.

Hutton, who has been on the board since December 2020, praised Kermode’s tenure, which began in 2022. Under Kermode’s leadership, the Professional Triathletes Organisation established its professional credibility and laid the groundwork for the 2027 tour.

“I look forward to helping our growing team and our partners, World Triathlon, to take the sport mainstream.”

“Beyond the 80+ events, we want to grow the triathlon community worldwide, feeding them with a year-round calendar of enhanced live, linear and digital content,” Hutton stated.

The departing Kermode leaves the organisation during a period of record-breaking commercial momentum.

“I believe this is the right moment to step aside and allow the next phase of leadership to take shape.”

“I am confident the organisation will continue to go from strength to strength as it builds towards 2027,” Kermode said.

The transition marks a strategic pivot for the Professional Triathletes Organisation following its landmark acquisition of Challenge Family earlier this year.

By appointing Hutton, the former CEO of Eurosport, the Professional Triathletes Organisation is doubling down on its “digital-first” commercial model. Hutton’s background in global broadcast and social media is expected to be a mechanical necessity for the Professional Triathletes Organisation as it evolves its partnership with World Triathlon and expands its portfolio to over 80 events worldwide.

NBL and Nine Network Strike Transformative Two-Year Free-to-Air Deal

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Courtney

The Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) and Nine have today announced a two-year broadcast agreement that establishes the 9Network as the free-to-air home of Australian basketball.

The partnership, which officially commences for the 2026-27 (NBL27) season, places the league on Australia’s currently top-ranked network as it enters a critical growth phase leading into the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Under the new arrangement, two marquee NBL games will be broadcast live every week across the 9Network and 9Now. This includes dedicated Saturday night fixtures and comprehensive coverage of the NBL Finals Series.

Describing the partnership as a pivotal moment for the sport’s visibility, NBL Group CEO, David Stevenson, said: “This partnership with Nine is about building on that momentum and making our game more accessible than ever before.”

“Having two games broadcasted live every week is a major win for fans and a powerful platform to continue growing the game,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson also extended gratitude to Network 10 for their role in driving the league’s recent record-breaking attendance and digital engagement.

Noting that the NBL’s high-energy broadcast style fits perfectly with the network’s sports portfolio, Nine’s director of sport, Brent Williams, noted: “The standard of the game has never been higher, passion from the fans has never been stronger… this is a perfect addition to Nine’s suite of sport assets.”

Key Broadcast Pillars for NBL27:

Weekly Exposure: Two marquee games per week, headlined by a Saturday night live broadcast.
Finals Access: Live coverage of the NBL Finals Series on free-to-air television.
Programming: A weekly “NBL Overtime” analysis show and a dedicated 9Now hub.
Network Synergy: Alignment with the WNBL and Nine’s broader “Runway to LA28” Olympic coverage.

Invictus Australia and Sydney Roosters Form Strategic Partnership for Veteran Support

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Courtney

Invictus Australia and the Sydney Roosters have today announced a formal partnership aimed at strengthening support for the veteran community through sport and professional knowledge sharing.

The collaboration formalises a long-standing relationship between the national charity and the NRL foundation club, focusing on resilience, rehabilitation, and community connection.

Commenting on the partnership, CEO of Invictus Australia, Michael Hartung OAM, said: “The Roosters have a proud and genuine history of honouring those who have served.”

“Formalising this partnership allows us to build on that shared foundation and create even greater opportunities for connection, contribution and wellbeing,” Hartung said.

Emphasising that the partnership is an extension of the club’s values, Sydney Roosters CEO, Joe Kelly, added: “Our connection with the defence community runs deep… Through our partnership with Invictus Australia, we are proud to honour that legacy and strengthen our ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and their families.”

“This collaboration creates meaningful opportunities for veterans and their families to engage with our Club [and] feel part of the Roosters family,” Kelly said.

The partnership arrives with deep historical significance, as the Roosters record at least 93 former players who served during the two World Wars. This legacy is integrated into the club’s identity through the Wall of Honour at their headquarters and the annual Anzac Day Cup clash against St George Illawarra. Both organisations intend to create new pathways for veterans and their families to engage with the “Roosters family” through matchday initiatives and community programs.

A key commercial and strategic pillar of the agreement is knowledge sharing between the defence and elite sporting sectors.

Both organisations will collaborate on high-performance insights, specifically in areas such as:

Injury Rehabilitation: Applying elite sports medicine practices to veteran recovery.
Transition and Induction: Sharing frameworks for moving from high-pressure service environments into civilian or professional roles.
Professional Development: Utilising the lived experience of veterans to enhance leadership within the club.

The partnership will also be visualised through the club’s Bondi Blue commemorative jerseys and coordinated storytelling campaigns designed to highlight the impact of sport on mental and physical wellbeing.

HITIQ Appoints AFLW Star Ebony Marinoff as PROTEQT™ Brand Ambassador

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Courtney

HITIQ Limited (ASX: HIQ) has announced the appointment of Adelaide Crows co-captain and AFLW icon Ebony Marinoff as an official brand ambassador for its PROTEQT™ instrumented mouthguard platform.

The partnership marks a significant commercial step for the health-tech firm, aligning its head-impact sensing technology with one of the most decorated and durable athletes in Australian rules football history.

Marinoff’s appointment is built on authentic product advocacy; the midfielder already utilises the PROTEQT™ platform at the elite level to monitor head impact exposure. As an ambassador, she will lead campaigns to increase awareness of player welfare tools across both professional and grassroots sporting communities, emphasising the accessibility of evidence-based data for all levels of contact sport.

Marinoff highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between professional and community sports technology.

“I wear PROTEQT™ at the elite level, so it’s great to see the technology becoming available to players at all levels of the game.”

“Giving grassroots athletes access to the same tools used in the professional environment is a really positive step for the sport,” Marinoff said.

Noting that Marinoff’s leadership and professionalism make her an ideal representative for the company’s expansion, HITIQ Executive chair and CEO, Earl Eddings, added: “Ebony is one of the most respected players in AFLW history.”

“Her genuine use of PROTEQT™ and commitment to growing the game make her an ideal ambassador as we continue expanding adoption across both elite and community sport,” Eddings said.

The 2024 AFLW Best and Fairest winner holds a storied resume, including three premierships and seven All-Australian selections.

In 2025, Marinoff became one of the first two players in league history to reach the 100-game milestone, underscoring her reputation for consistency. She currently holds the AFLW career records for both disposals and tackles, averaging 30.5 disposals and 12.4 tackles per match during the 2024 season.

Melbourne Victory Appoints P3 Recovery as Official Recovery Partner

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Courtney

Melbourne Victory has announced a new partnership with P3 Recovery, naming the health and wellness franchise as the club’s Official Recovery Partner.

The collaboration aims to provide a competitive edge to the club’s A-League Men’s and Women’s programs by integrating advanced recovery therapies into their elite high-performance routines.

P3 Recovery is currently one of the fastest-growing wellbeing communities in Australia, operating multiple state-of-the-art centres, including four locations across Victoria.

As part of the agreement, Melbourne Victory players will utilise the facilities at P3 Richmond for team-based recovery sessions and specialised injury rehabilitation, ensuring access to cutting-edge tools designed to enhance both physical and mental performance.

Highlighting the importance of sports science in the club’s pursuit of excellence, Melbourne Victory managing director, Caroline Carnegie, said: “As industry leaders, serving to inspire through the world’s game, every edge matters, and partnering with P3 Recovery provides a new dynamic to the support afforded to our players.”

“Melbourne Victory looks forward to seeing a positive uplift in recovery through this partnership,” Carnegie said.

Expressing that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to peak performance, P3 Franchisee, Naum Sekulovski, added: “Partnering with Melbourne Victory is a natural fit for P3 Recovery.”

“We’re passionate about helping people take control of their health through expert-led therapies, everyday performance tools and a welcoming space designed to help you feel better, move better, and live better.

“Whether you’re managing injury, chasing a goal or just need to reset, P3 is where recovery becomes a lifestyle,” Sekulovski said.

The deal also extends benefits to the club’s broader community. Melbourne Victory Members will receive exclusive discounts on P3 products and services, which will be integrated into the club’s “Partner Perks” platform. This move aligns with the club’s strategy to provide tangible value to its membership base while promoting a culture of health and wellness.

PUMA Appoints Laurent Fricker as Vice President of Sportstyle Business Unit

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Courtney

Global sports company PUMA has announced the appointment of Laurent Fricker as the new vice president of its Sportstyle Business Unit, effective 1 June 2026.

Reporting directly to Chief Brand Officer (CBO) Maria Valdes, Fricker will be responsible for overseeing one of PUMA’s most commercially significant divisions, which leverages the brand’s 78-year archive to drive modern lifestyle trends.

Highlighting Fricker’s expertise in consumer culture as a key factor in the appointment, PUMA CBO, Maria Valdes, said: “Laurent is a focused leader with a clear track record of connecting sport authenticity with on-trend credibility and strong cross-functional execution.”

“With his deep understanding of consumer culture, product storytelling, and go-to-market expertise, I am confident that he will further strengthen the Sportstyle Business Unit and accelerate its contribution to PUMA’s growth,” Valdes said.

Fricker expressed his enthusiasm for tapping into PUMA’s extensive historical catalog to create cultural impact.

“With PUMA’s 78 years of history and many product icons that can inspire our designers, heading the Sportstyle unit is a fantastic opportunity.”

“We have the clear potential to further sharpen our product offering and create products that become culturally relevant to our consumers,” Fricker said.

Fricker joins PUMA following a distinguished two-decade career in leadership roles across product marketing and sales at adidas and Reebok. Most recently, he served as vice president of Originals, Basketball, and Partnerships for Europe at adidas, where he was credited with the successful expansion of several high-profile product franchises.

The Sportstyle unit is a cornerstone of PUMA’s global growth strategy, blending “sport authenticity” with “on-trend credibility.” The division manages iconic silhouettes such as the Suede and the Speedcat, the latter of which has seen a significant resurgence in 2025 and 2026 due to the global rise of motorsport-inspired fashion.

Strategically, the appointment comes as PUMA continues to aggressively compete in the “terrace” and “retro-runner” categories. By bringing in a veteran with extensive experience in the “Originals” space, PUMA is positioning itself to better monetize its heritage assets and maintain its momentum as a leader in the intersection of performance sport and streetwear.

Queensland Rugby Union Partners with Gallipoli Medical Research for Anzac Appeal

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Courtney

The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has officially announced a new partnership with Gallipoli Medical Research, aimed at bolstering support for Australian Defence Force veterans and their families.

The announcement, made ahead of Saturday’s Anzac Day commemorations, aligns the state’s rugby body with one of the nation’s leading not-for-profit research institutes focused on the long-term health impacts of military service.

Welcoming the collaboration, chief executive of Gallipoli Medical Research, Miriam Kent, said: “Gallipoli Medical Research is delighted to partner with the Queensland Reds this Anzac Day to honour all who’ve served our country, including Queensland Reds players.”

“These funds will directly benefit Australian veterans and their families through our pioneering research,” Kent said.

Emphasising the deep historical ties between the sport and the military, QRU CEO, David Hanham, said: “Queensland rugby has links across more than a century with the men and women who have served Australia.”

“Our Anzac Day match against the Blues is played on a significant day to Australians and it is fitting we can proudly announce our partnership with Gallipoli Medical Research this week,” Hanham said.

Based at Greenslopes Private Hospital, Gallipoli Medical Researchis globally recognised for its pioneering biopsychosocial research. This work investigates the complex physical, mental, and social transitions of veterans reintegrating into civilian life.

The partnership comes as the Queensland Reds prepare to travel to Christchurch for the “Super Round,” where they will face the Blues in their traditional Anzac Day fixture on Saturday, 25 April 2026. The match serves as a memorial for the more than 60 Queensland Reds players who have served in wartime, including twelve who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Central to the partnership is the Reds’ Anzac jersey, designed by Canterbury, which features 12 poppies on the front to acknowledge the fallen. Funds will be raised for Gallipoli Medical Research through a “Match Worn Shirt” auction following the Saturday clash.

Additionally, Gallipoli Medical Research has been named the charity partner for the 50-50 raffle at the Reds’ next home game against the ACT Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium on May 2.

The legacy of the Reds’ service history includes figures like Llewellyn Evans, Tom Richards MC, and Alex Dingwall MM MID, all of whom landed at Gallipoli on the original Anzac Day. By aligning with Gallipoli Medical Research, the QRU is ensuring that the commercial and cultural platform of Super Rugby contributes directly to the clinical advancement of veteran wellbeing.

Supercars Records Historic Attendance at Inaugural Christchurch Super 440

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Courtney

Supercars has announced a record-breaking attendance of 65,806 for the inaugural ITM Christchurch Super 440, marking the largest event ever held at Ruapuna Raceway.

The three-day carnival, which concluded on 19 April 2026, represented a triumphant debut for the Repco Supercars Championship on New Zealand’s South Island, following a multi-year effort to bring the category to the region.

The weekend saw a total sell-out for both Saturday and Sunday, while Friday’s attendance exceeded expectations due to a revised schedule.

Following the unprecedented cancellation of the Sunday session at the ITM Taupō Super 440 due to the impact of Cyclone Vaianu, Supercars officials relocated Race 10 to the Friday in Christchurch. This adjustment created the first-ever “triple-threat” race weekend in the South Island, contributing to a combined ITM NZ Double Header attendance of 95,368.

Expressing satisfaction with the local reception, Supercars chair and interim chief executive, Barclay Nettlefold, said: “The passion, devotion and knowledge of the fans here at Ruapuna has blown us away.”

“A South Island race has been a long time coming and we thank everyone who came here over these special three days for bringing it to life.

“We’re working closely with our hosts, the Canterbury Car Club, to make this experience even bigger and better next year,” Nettlefold said.

Highlighting the event’s significant contribution to the local economy and motorsport culture, Christchurch Mayor, Phil Mauger, added: “This weekend has been amazing for our city and local motorsport community.”

“We are thrilled to give Supercars a home here in Christchurch and include this world-class event in our calendar,” Mauger said.

On-Track Highlights and Commercial Success

The racing mirrored the intensity of the crowd, with local and international stars sharing the podium:

Friday (Race 10): Kai Allen (Grove Racing) secured his first-ever Supercars victory, expertly managing a rescheduled 37-lap sprint.
Saturday (Race 11): Brodie Kostecki (Dick Johnson Racing) claimed a dominant victory, further solidifying his position in the championship standings.
Sunday (Race 12): Kiwi star Matt Payne (Penrite Racing) sent the home crowd into a frenzy with a dominant win, finishing over 11 seconds ahead of the field.

The prestigious Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, awarded to the driver who accumulated the most points across both the Taupō and Christchurch rounds, was claimed by Broc Feeney (Triple Eight Race Engineering). Feeney’s consistency across the New Zealand fortnight secured him the points lead as the championship returns to Australia.

The Repco Supercars Championship will now return to Australia for the Tyrepower Tasmania Super 440, scheduled for 22–24 May 2026.

Seven Network Expands VFLW Coverage with Tasmania Devils Broadcast Deal

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Courtney

The AFL has announced an expansion of the VFLW broadcast landscape for the 2026 season, securing a deal with the Seven Network and Sports Entertainment Group (SEG) to televise the Tasmania Devils’ first six home matches.

The agreement ensures the inaugural VFLW side receives dedicated coverage on Seven Tasmania and 7plus Sport nationally, mirroring the broadcast structure already in place for the club’s men’s VFL program.

The 2026 VFLW season, which features 13 clubs over 16 rounds, officially commences on Saturday, 16 May. The Devils’ debut match against the Casey Demons at North Hobart Oval will headline the new broadcast schedule, serving as part of a double-header with the men’s VFL side. All VFLW matches not featured on Seven will continue to be streamed live and free via AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.

Hailing the deal as a milestone for the competition’s visibility, AFL executive general manager of Finance, Broadcast and Infrastructure, Matthew Chun, said: “The AFL is delighted to partner with the Seven Network and SEN to showcase the VFLW to a broader audience in 2026.”

“It’s not just a great result for the Tasmania Football Club, but also supporters of Victorian-based teams who can watch their VFLW team in action when travelling to take on the Devils,” Chun said.

Emphasising that the partnership is foundational to the club’s identity as it builds toward AFL and AFLW entry in 2028, Tasmania Football Club CEO, Brendon Gale, added: “This is more than just a broadcast partnership; it is about laying the right foundations.”

“When we talk about building Tasmania’s football club, we mean for everyone. These young women deserve to be seen, and every Tasmanian deserves the chance to watch them play,” Gale said.

The move follows strong ratings for the Devils’ men’s VFL home games earlier this year.

Noting that the expansion was a natural progression, Seven Network head of AFL and Sport Innovation, Gary O’Keeffe, noted: “Passionate Devils fans in Tasmania won’t be the only ones to watch their women’s side’s home matches… We cannot wait to see this team make history.”

Seven Network VFLW Broadcast Schedule (First 6 Home Games):

Round 1: Tasmania vs Casey Demons – North Hobart Oval, Sat 16 May, 2:35 pm
Round 4: Tasmania vs North Melbourne – North Hobart Oval, Sat 6 June, 1:35 pm
Round 5: Tasmania vs Darebin – UTAS Stadium, Sat 13 June, 3:35 pm
Round 8: Tasmania vs Box Hill Hawks – (Scheduling TBC)
Round 9: Tasmania vs Geelong Cats – (Scheduling TBC)
Round 13: Tasmania vs Carlton – (Scheduling TBC)

In a related scheduling update, the AFL advised of time changes for two upcoming Smithy’s VFL matches on Seven Tasmania: the Round 8 clash against Southport on 16 May will now start at 11:05 am, and the Round 11 match against North Melbourne on 6 June will commence at 10:05 am.

Allegiant Stadium Named Pollstar’s 2026 Stadium of the Year Following $1.1 Billion Economic Impact

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Courtney

Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas has been crowned “Stadium of the Year” (U.S. only) at the 37th Annual Pollstar Awards, held last week in Los Angeles.

The peer-voted honour, considered the benchmark for excellence in the live entertainment industry, recognises the venue’s superior programming, production values, and commercial performance during a record-breaking reporting period.

Highlighting the vision of owner Mark Davis in establishing the venue as a global leader, president of the Las Vegas Raiders, Sandra Douglass Morgan, said: “This award is a testament to the dedication of our team and partners, and to the fans and guests who make this venue so special.”

“Mark Davis built Allegiant Stadium with a vision to deliver world-class experiences at every touchpoint,

“We’re proud to continue raising the bar and showcasing what Las Vegas can and has been delivering on a global stage,” Morgan said.

Crediting the industry’s trust for the venue’s success, general manager of Allegiant Stadium for Legends Global, Andy Gorchov, said: “Legends Global is proud to partner with the Raiders and the Las Vegas community to deliver world-class experiences that set the standard for our industry.”

“We’re grateful to the agents, promoters, artists, and athletes who trust us with their biggest events,” Gorchov said.

The home of the Las Vegas Raiders outperformed a competitive field of iconic American venues, including SoFi Stadium, MetLife Stadium, and Fenway Park.

The recognition follows a landmark 2025 calendar year in which live music and entertainment events at the stadium generated more than $281 million in gross revenue.

Commercial Powerhouse and Tourism Driver

According to the Las Vegas Raiders Impact Report for 2025, released in January 2026, the stadium has become a primary driver for the Nevada tourism economy:

Targeted Visitation: 62% of visitors travelled to Las Vegas specifically for an event at Allegiant Stadium.
Economic Impact: The venue generated an estimated $1.1 billion in total economic impact for the city in 2025.
Marquee Events: The reporting period included WrestleMania 41, the most successful in WWE history, and the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford championship bout, which set new records for attendance and live-event revenue.

2026 Programming and Future Outlook

The stadium’s 2026 schedule remains densely packed with elite international talent, including BTS, Ed Sheeran, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, and the dual-headline R&B tour featuring Usher and Chris Brown.

Looking ahead, the venue has secured a pipeline of “crown jewel” sporting events, including the 2027 College Football Playoff National Championship, the 2028 NCAA Men’s Final Four, and Super Bowl LXIII in 2029.

Fully enclosed and powered by 100% renewable energy, the LEED Gold-certified facility continues to redefine the commercial potential of multi-purpose stadiums on the global stage.