Ministry of Sport

Hockey Australia Launches ‘Chat With The Chair Series’ to Reconnect with Alumni

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Courtney

Hockey Australia has unveiled a new engagement initiative titled the “Chat With The Chair Series,” designed to foster stronger ties between the governing body and the former international players who shaped the legacy of the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos.

This twice-yearly online forum invites alumni to gain direct visibility into the organisation’s operations, strategic priorities, and long-term vision, which now extends from the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games through to 2035.

The series is intended to be more than a reporting mechanism; it serves as a platform for genuine dialogue regarding the future of Australian hockey. Hockey Australia aims to harness alumni expertise to fuel both short-term performance improvements and sustained podium success.

Commenting on the initiative, Hockey Australia president, also a former Hockeyroo, Sally Carbon, said: “Hockey Australia’s alumni have created the now well-known and admired Kookaburras and Hockeyroos name, therefore the alumni’s experience and insight remain incredibly valuable to our sport.”

“The Board of Hockey Australia would be grateful to hear more and be challenged further by our alumni through this insightful initiative – all in the name of short term improvement and then longer-term success to Brisbane in 2032 on the podium,” she said.

The launch of this series follows the confirmation of ongoing Federal Government support through the “Win Well” and “Play Well” funding programs. These investments are important to Hockey Australia’s ambition of consistently securing a position among the world’s top three hockey nations.

During the inaugural session, alumni will receive briefings on key high-performance pillars, including the expansion of national squads, athlete depth tracking, the Hockey Australia Talent Accelerator 2032, and the transition toward an integrated, Australia-wide Centre of Excellence model.

Each one-hour session is structured to ensure a balance of information sharing and collaborative discussion. The format includes a 15-minute overview of Kookaburras, Hockeyroos, and pathway insights, followed by 15 minutes dedicated to major strategic deliverables. The remaining 20 minutes are reserved for a Q&A segment and perspective sharing, allowing alumni to directly engage with the Board and offer feedback on the sport’s evolution.

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Paris Saint-Germain Formalises Multi-Year Global Automotive Partnership with BYD

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Courtney

Paris Saint-Germain has announced a global partnership with BYD, the world’s largest manufacturer of new energy vehicles, naming the company as the club’s Official Automotive Partner.

This multi-year agreement, which runs through June 2029, represents an alignment between a globally recognised football organisation and a leader in the sustainable mobility sector. The collaboration reflects the broader industry convergence of elite sport, advanced technology, and environmental sustainability.

Under the terms of the three-year deal, BYD will integrate its brand across Paris Saint-Germain’s extensive commercial ecosystem.

This partnership encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including global advertising campaigns, the production of original digital content featuring both the men’s and women’s professional teams, and a series of dedicated fan engagement activations.

Furthermore, the agreement provides for the integration of BYD and its premium brand, DENZA, into the club’s daily logistical operations, where these vehicles will support club activities.

Commenting on the partnership, chief revenue officer at Paris Saint-Germain, Richard Heaselgrave, said: “Bringing our two brands together opens exciting opportunities to engage fans through creativity, innovation and unique experiences around the world.”

Highlighting the shared values driving the partnership, noting the common focus on forward-thinking innovation and global expansion, BYD EVP, Stella Li, added: “This partnership brings together two globally recognised brands united by a forward-looking vision and a passion for creating exceptional experiences,” Li stated.

She further remarked that the collaboration serves as a vital platform for connecting with the club’s millions of supporters worldwide, while simultaneously promoting the advancements of sustainable mobility and technological innovation.

Cricket NSW and Belgravia Apparel Announce Expanded Multi-Year Strategic Partnership

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Courtney

Cricket NSW has announced partnership with global sportswear leader New Balance and its apparel partner, Belgravia Apparel.

This collaboration builds upon an existing relationship established through the parties’ work with Cricket Australia, aiming to standardise apparel quality and branding across the New South Wales cricket ecosystem. Under the new agreement, New Balance and Belgravia Apparel have been named an Official Partner of Cricket NSW and the organisation’s Preferred Apparel Provider.

A primary focus of the initial phase will be supporting Cricket NSW’s comprehensive network of camps and academy programs, as well as providing dedicated support to selected Country Zones.

Furthermore, New Balance will serve as the Exclusive Apparel Partner for both the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder T20 Youth Camps and Academies, ensuring that developmental pathways are supported by high-quality sportswear.

A core objective of the agreement is the establishment of a streamlined, accessible supply chain for local clubs and zones throughout the state. By offering these organisations direct access to high-quality apparel at competitive pricing, the partnership seeks to elevate professional standards at the community level. This alignment ensures that local clubs benefit from the credibility and recognition associated with a globally established brand like New Balance.

Highlighting the long-term vision behind the move, Cricket NSW head of commercial, Ben Hirschfeld, said: “We are thrilled to elevate our partnership with New Balance and Belgravia Apparel.”

“Our long-term ambition is to deliver a consistent and cohesive apparel offering across elite, semi-elite and community cricket.

“By aligning branding and quality standards, this partnership aims to strengthen the connection between grassroots participation and the high-performance environment,” Hirshfeld said.

Reinforcing the focus on community engagement, Belgravia Apparel – Sports CEO, Brian Waldron, added: “Community sport is at the core of what we do. We are delighted to build on the existing relationship we have with Cricket NSW through our Cricket Australia partnership as Official Apparel Partner for the Thunder and Sixers BBL and WBBL, the state pathways and representative programs.”

“We believe seeing community players in the same quality apparel as their state teams helps inspire participation, pride and a stronger connection between grassroots and elite cricket,” Waldron said.

DAZN Secures Long-Term MotoGP Broadcast Rights Across the Iberian Peninsula

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Courtney

DAZN has renewed its broadcast rights for MotoGP in Spain until 2030 and acquiring exclusive rights for Portugal until 2031.

This expansion establishes DAZN as the primary broadcaster across the entire Iberian Peninsula, providing fans in both nations with comprehensive coverage of the MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 championships. The agreement ensures that every practice session, qualifying round, Tissot Sprint, and Grand Prix race remains available to fans both live and on-demand.

Emphasising the strategic importance of the deal, CEO of DAZN Iberia, Óscar Vilda, said: “MotoGP is part of DAZN’s DNA, and we are very proud to extend our relationship with MotoGP to continue bringing the championship to fans in Spain and to expand into Portugal over the coming years.”

“We have already enjoyed a ten-year partnership in Spain, which we are now extending across the entire Iberian Peninsula, reinforcing our commitment to bringing the best sport to fans with the quality, innovation, and experience they expect from DAZN,” Vilda said.

Highlighting the necessity of working with established broadcast partners during a period of growth for the sport, CEO of MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, Carmelo Ezpeleta, added: “We’re delighted to extend our collaboration with DAZN in Spain and expand our partnership into Portugal.”

“We place high value on the continuity of working with proven, high quality partners who deliver an amazing experience for fans, showing off the best of the sport.

“MotoGP coverage on DAZN is both comprehensive and high calibre, serving an already impressive audience, and in this period of growth for MotoGP we’re excited to continue working together to grow the sport even further,” Ezpeleta added.

The renewal builds on a decade-long relationship between DAZN and MotoGP in Spain, where the platform has gained recognition for its high-quality production and expert analysis since 2019. By bringing this same broadcasting model to Portugal, DAZN aims to replicate its success in engaging audiences through innovative digital storytelling and interactive viewing experiences.

Swimming Australia Launches ‘Flickbait’ to Combat AI-Generated Disinformation

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Courtney

Swimming Australia has unveiled “Flickbait,” a dedicated digital resource designed to identify and denounce the proliferation of non-factual and AI-generated social media content targeting its athletes.

As digital disinformation becomes increasingly sophisticated, Swimming Australia has moved to safeguard its community by providing a transparent, fact-checked platform that empowers the public and media to verify the authenticity of social media posts.

The initiative serves as a proactive response to a rising volume of reports from athletes and their families concerning fake accounts and fabricated narratives. These range from malicious anti-transgender misinformation involving Olympic swimmers to falsified quotes attributed to high-performance coaching staff.

While the organisation continues to collaborate with the eSafety Commissioner, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and Meta to remove harmful content, the “Flickbait” portal allows the governing body to publicly address and label verified falsehoods in real-time.

Sharing how the organisation’s decision to adopt a more aggressive stance against fake news, Swimming Australia National Wellbeing and Engagement manager, Linley Frame, said: “We have seen a rise in the number of reports from our athletes and members of the Swimming Australia community of posts which are clearly from fake accounts and many have caused great distress.”

“We will continue to work hard to close down these posts with the relevant bodies but rather than sit back and see these posts liked, shared and commented on, we thought it was our responsibility to be proactive and denounce the content as Flickbait,” Frame said.

Olympic gold medallist and world-record holder, Mollie O’Callaghan, who has personally been the target of fabricated social media claims, has welcomed the initiative as a critical step for athlete safety.

“It’s a scary thing. You don’t want people impersonating you and making statements that aren’t true. I had to remind everyone to check their sources and Flickbait is a great first step for the public – and media – to rule out the fakes.”

“I hope other sports follow suit,” O’Callaghan stated.

The “Flickbait” portal, housed on the official Swimming Australia website, will feature a searchable database of identified fabrications, each clearly marked with a red cross to indicate their status as disinformation.

NBA and WNBA Secure Multi-Year Global Partnership with TikTok

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) have announced a landmark global partnership with TikTok, designed to integrate live-game discovery with high-engagement social content.

This agreement leverages TikTok’s massive sports ecosystem, where nearly half of the platform’s over one billion users engage with basketball content.

Central to the partnership is TikTok GamePlan, a product suite engineered to drive direct tune-in behavior. By utilising in-app anchor links and dedicated hubs, GamePlan allows leagues to provide fans with schedules, official account discovery, and seamless “Tap to Watch” features. The effectiveness of this strategy was evidenced during the 2026 NBA Finals, where the NBA’s integration generated 497 million impressions and drove over 426,000 referrals to live broadcasts.

Emphasising the role of the platform in modern sports consumption, TikTok’s Global head of sport, Rollo Goldstaub, said: “This partnership shows how central TikTok has become to the way fans discover and engage with basketball around the world.”

“As the NBA and WNBA share game highlights, creators and fans can join the conversation around the biggest moments in real time, and TikTok GamePlan carries that same discovery straight through to tune-in, giving fans a direct path from the feed to the broadcast,” Goldstaub said.

Commenting on the partnership, NBA SVP of Social and Digital Content, Bob Carney, said: “TikTok has become one of the most powerful cultural platforms in the world, helping a new generation of fans discover the NBA and WNBA.”

“This partnership gives us an even greater opportunity to meet those fans where they are with compelling content that celebrates the game and provides them with a seamless option to tune-in to the live broadcast,” Carney said.

The collaboration also grants content creators unprecedented access to high-profile league events, including the upcoming WNBA All-Star Weekend. This access is intended to produce authentic, behind-the-scenes narratives that resonate with younger demographics, particularly women, who represent a growing segment of sports content consumers on the platform.

With the global interest in NBA and WNBA content on TikTok up by nearly 30 per cent and 15 per cent respectively in 2026, the leagues are positioning the partnership as a critical component of their long-term digital growth strategy.

Collingwood Football Club Appoints DTMF Group as Official Commercial Cleaning Partner

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Courtney

The Collingwood Football Club has announced a partnership with DTMF Group, naming the firm as the club’s Official Commercial Cleaning Partner.

The agreement highlights the essential role DTMF Group plays in maintaining the high-performance standards expected at the club’s facilities. By ensuring the grounds remain clean, safe, and operational, the firm provides the foundational support necessary for both players and staff to function at their peak every day.

Commenting on the decision to bring DTMF Group into the club’s official commercial family was driven by a long-standing record of reliability, Collingwood CEO, Craig Kelly, said: “We’ve worked with Stephanie, Dennis and the entire DTMF Group for many years and they’re always incredibly professional and consistently deliver at the highest of standards – qualities we value across every part of our football club.”

“As a Club we take great pride in our home and DTMF Group play a role in ensuring it’s a clean and safe environment.

“We’re pleased to continue building on an already strong relationship and are thrilled to officially welcome DTMF to the Collingwood family,” Kelly said.

For DTMF Group, the partnership represents a strategic alignment of organisational culture, moving beyond a standard service contract to a broader commitment of shared excellence.

Describing the relationship as one rooted in mutual performance goal, DTMF Group CEO, Stephanie Deligiorgis, said: “Partnering with the Collingwood Football Club is more than a sponsorship – it’s a partnership built on shared values of excellence, teamwork and community.”

“Every day our team works behind the scenes to create a clean, safe and high-performing environment that enables people to perform at their best.

“We look forward to building on our long-standing relationship with Collingwood and creating lasting value for the club, its players and supporters both on and off the fields,” Deligiorgis said.

The partnership underscores Collingwood’s focus on maintaining world-class standards across its internal operations, ensuring that the infrastructure supporting its football programs remains optimal.

New Zealand Team Expands Commercial Whānau with Several Premium Partnerships

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Courtney

The New Zealand Team has announced a robust group of “Premium Partners” to support athletes on the global stage. Under the “For the Fern” initiative, the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has formalised partnerships with ASB, Kathmandu, and One NZ.

This collective, described as a “commercial whānau,” is designed to provide the necessary fiscal and operational backing for the New Zealand Team’s campaigns leading into the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the LA28 Olympic Games, and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

The “For the Fern” brand platform aims to capture the emotional resonance and cultural identity of the New Zealand Team, emphasising a narrative of humility, ambition, and national unity. By aligning with partners that mirror these values, the NZOC seeks to foster a sustainable high-performance environment that extends beyond the athletes themselves to include coaches, support staff, and community networks.

Key components of the new partnerships include:

ASB, serving as the Official Bank to the New Zealand Team, has committed to supporting the team’s journey across upcoming international Games. Beyond elite-level support, the partnership is integrated into the NZOC Education Programme, which leverages the platform to educate young New Zealanders on Olympic values—Excellence, Friendship, and Respect—while teaching practical life skills such as goal setting and perseverance.

Kathmandu, the official apparel partner, will be responsible for the end-to-end kit requirements of the team, ranging from training gear and village wear to the official uniforms for the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. This partnership aligns a homegrown outdoor performance brand with the national team, focusing on innovation and the proud representation of Aotearoa New Zealand.

One NZ, the Official Telco to the New Zealand Team, is tasked with bridging the physical distance between New Zealanders and the athletes competing overseas. The partnership aims to amplify athlete storytelling and performance updates, ensuring that the connection between the public and those competing “for the fern” remains high throughout the tournament cycles.

While these Premium Partners take on a primary role in the team’s commercial roadmap, the NZOC has reiterated its appreciation for its existing Official Partners, suppliers, and the global contributors of the IOC’s The Olympic Partner (TOP) Programme.

Premier Padel and Fanatics Announce Landmark Multi-Year Global Licensing Partnership

Posted on July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 by Courtney

Premier Padel, the world’s leading professional padel tour, has entered into a significant long-term partnership with Fanatics, the global digital sports platform.

This multi-year agreement designates Fanatics as the Master Licensee for the tour, granting the platform authority over e-commerce operations, in-venue retail, wholesale distribution, and the creation of official products and memorabilia.

The partnership is a strategic move to leverage Fanatics’ vast distribution ecosystem—which serves major international properties like the NFL, NBA, and Formula 1—to scale the commercial presence of padel on a global stage.

As part of the collaboration, a dedicated official online store, store.premierpadel.com, has launched, providing fans worldwide with centralised access to tour-branded merchandise.

The initial product range is tailored to reflect padel’s “court-to-culture” identity, blending performance gear with lifestyle apparel. This includes performance equipment from Bullpadel and Wilson, alongside lifestyle collaborations with Homies Marbella and Fanatics Branded, covering both men’s and women’s ranges.

Emphasising the necessity of the partnership for the tour’s ongoing international expansion, Premier Padel CEO, David Sugden, said: “At Premier Padel we pride ourselves on partnering with the very best companies in the world of sports and entertainment – and Fanatics is a pioneer and innovator in its field.”

“Fanatics gives us the global platform and expertise to create a stronger retail experience online and at our events, while offering products that reflect how people play, watch and live padel today,” Sugden said.

Highlighting the commercial potential of the sport as a primary driver for the deal, International President at Fanatics, Stephen Dowling, said: “Padel is one of the most exciting growth stories in global sport, and Premier Padel is the clear leader in that story.”

“We’re bringing our full commerce capabilities to the sport for the first time, from the official store through to in-venue retail at events like the Finals in Barcelona and we’re excited about some of the great product that is going to be available to Padel players and fans across the world,” Dowling added.

Beyond digital commerce, Fanatics will assume control of in-venue retail operations at major tour events. This rollout is scheduled to commence at the season-ending Premier Padel Finals in Barcelona this December.

To build early momentum, a pop-up retail experience will open in central London this August at the PSG store, coinciding with the Premier Padel P1 event, allowing fans to engage with the brand in an in-person environment ahead of the wider in-venue retail rollout.

New Zealand Government Commits Funding to ‘100 Years of Unity through Sport’ Program

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Courtney

The New Zealand Government has announced an investment from the Events Boost Fund to support the “100 Years of Unity through Sport” program, a cultural and sporting campaign marking a century of bilateral relations between India and New Zealand.

This initiative is designed to commemorate the enduring connections between the two nations by hosting a series of major international sporting fixtures throughout 2026. The program underscores the role of athletics in fostering mutual respect and diplomatic ties, with celebrations culminating in a landmark month of events across New Zealand this November.

Emphasising the broader significance of the milestone, Sport and Recreation Minister, Mark Mitchell, said: “Marking 100 years of sporting ties is a significant milestone in the relationship between India and New Zealand.”

“It speaks to the power of sport to unite nations, foster mutual respect, and create lasting friendships,” Minister Mitchell said.

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Louise Upston, highlighted the economic and cultural dimensions of the government’s commitment.

“India and New Zealand share a special relationship, and I’m proud the Government is investing in this cultural and sporting campaign.”

“We look forward to welcoming the teams and fans who will experience the best our country has to offer.

“Events like this give our economy a real boost and continue to strengthen the ties between our countries,” Minister Upston said.

The sporting schedule features a diverse range of international talent, including the Indian Men’s Football team and national teams for Individual and Mixed Pairs Bowls. These fixtures will join the previously announced Indian cricket tour, which serves as a foundation for the wider program.

The investment from the Events Boost Fund is intended to ensure the high-quality delivery of the program, supporting logistical requirements and enhancing the fan experience for both local and international spectators.

Basketball Australia Enters Four-Year Strategic Partnership with Chinese Basketball Association

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Courtney

Basketball Australia has signed a landmark four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chinese Basketball Association.

This agreement, formalised following a successful two-game series between the Australian Opals and China in Melbourne, establishes a framework designed to enhance high-performance outcomes for both nations. The partnership aims to accelerate the development of elite players, coaches, referees, and performance staff through the sharing of best practices and technical expertise.

A Partnership that aligns Two Big Basketball Programs Globally

Commenting on the agreement, Basketball Australia CEO, Matt Scriven, said: “This is a significant partnership for Australian basketball and the first of its kind between Basketball Australia and the Chinese Basketball Association.”

“It creates a clear pathway for regular high-performance exchanges across our men’s and women’s programs, while also opening up meaningful opportunities for player development, coaching, officiating and junior national teams,” Scriven said.

Scriven noted that this holistic approach is essential for long-term growth.

“China is an important and successful basketball nation and this agreement gives both countries the opportunity to share expertise, build stronger relationships and create new experiences for athletes and staff at every level of the game.”

Beyond the scope of high-performance development, the MOU serves as a multifaceted commercial and diplomatic instrument. The agreement provides a dedicated platform to explore joint ventures in broadcast initiatives and commercial partnerships, effectively broadening the reach of basketball within Australia, China, and across the wider international market.

This MOU marks a new chapter in cross-border sporting relations, leveraging the established popularity of basketball in both regions to drive professional standards and audience engagement.

Louis Vuitton Named Official Supplier and Branded Licensee for FIFA World Cup 2026™

Posted on July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 by Courtney

Louis Vuitton has solidified its long-standing partnership with FIFA, being officially appointed as the Official Supplier and Branded Licensee for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

As part of this collaboration, the luxury fashion house will design and present a bespoke trophy trunk, which will serve as the centrepiece during the tournament’s final. The trunk, handcrafted by artisans at the historic Asnières-sur-Seine workshops near Paris, continues a tradition established in 2010 of providing a prestigious, secure vessel for the world’s most coveted sporting prize.

The 2026 trophy trunk reflects Louis Vuitton’s signature craftsmanship, featuring the iconic monogram canvas, gold-plated brass hardware, and hand-painted golden “V” detailing, which symbolises both “victory” and “Vuitton.” The interior is lined with light beige leather, incorporating a commemorative FIFA and Louis Vuitton partnership logo.

Sharing the importance of the tradition, FIFA chief business officer, Romy Gai, said: “Louis Vuitton brings a unique blend of heritage, craftsmanship and prestige to the FIFA World Cup.

“The Official Trophy is the most coveted prize in world football and it is only fitting that it is carried in a Louis Vuitton trunk,” Gai said.

Highlighting the enduring nature of the collaboration, Louis Vuitton CEO & chairman, Pietro Beccari, noted: “For over a decade, Louis Vuitton and FIFA have shared an unwavering commitment to excellence, bound by a shared belief in sport’s power to inspire and bring people together.”

“We are thrilled to continue this partnership for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“At its heart stands the world’s most coveted trophy – a symbol of dedication, collective ambition and the ultimate celebration of victory,” Beccari said.

In addition to the presentation trunk, Louis Vuitton is leveraging its status as an Official Branded Licensee to release a limited-edition collection of trunks inspired by the official design. This collection includes the Coffret 8 Montres, the Cotteville 16 Montres, and the Malle Courrier Lozine 110, each featuring the monogram canvas, a hand-painted FIFA World Cup logo, and the signature golden “V”.

This agreement reinforces the “Victory travels in Louis Vuitton” philosophy that has defined the brand’s association with elite global sport since 2010.

Melbourne Storm Targets $160 Million Capital Injection from Global Investors

Posted on July 16, 2026July 15, 2026 by Courtney

The Melbourne Storm has entered advanced negotiations with international parties regarding a substantial equity stake in the NRL powerhouse, a move that could value the club at $200 million.

As the organisation looks to capitalise on the NRL’s recently announced $5.3 billion broadcast rights deal, chairman Matt Tripp has confirmed that the club is seeking a strategic partner to drive future growth. While interest has been expressed by three potential investors, including a Hong Kong-based hedge fund, Tripp emphasised that the current ownership group has no intention of exiting the club entirely.

The proposed deal could see a new investor secure a significant interest in the club, with one consortium reportedly targeting a majority 80 per cent stake. Should a transaction of this magnitude proceed, it would elevate the Storm to a valuation comparable with the Brisbane Broncos and Collingwood, solidifying their position as one of the most commercially potent brands in Australian sport.

The Storm’s current ownership structure comprises five co-owners, including Tripp, Bart Campbell, Tom Carroll, Gerry Ryan, and Brett Ralph, who have held the club’s fortunes for several years.

“We are in negotiations with a number of parties in acquiring a stake in the Storm.”

“There is no world in which we would sell out of the Storm completely.

“We have maintained for some time we have been looking for the right strategic partner to help us drive the club forward.

“There are several parties left we’re speaking to.

“They are all really well credentialled and would all add enormous value.

“We will either choose to partner with one of them or we will continue on with our current shareholder structure,” Tripp stated.

Tripp underscored his personal commitment to the Storm, confirming his intention to remain as chairman for at least another five years, regardless of changes to the shareholding model. He noted that the renewed interest from overseas corporations is a direct result of the league’s burgeoning international appeal and financial stability.

“With the new TV rights deal, there is a view the NRL clubs should get stronger, so there is a bit for us to think about.”

“We’re now in a bomb-proof competition compared to others around the world off the back of the brilliant broadcast deal done by Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo,” Tripp added.

The negotiation process is expected to span up to four months as the club evaluates its options for a partner capable of accelerating its commercial objectives. By integrating new capital, the Storm aim to leverage the league’s broadcast bonanza to strengthen their position as rugby league’s most consistent performer over the past two decades.

Essendon Football Club Appoints Business Leader Sally Curtain to Board of Directors

Posted on July 16, 2026July 15, 2026 by Courtney

The Essendon Football Club has appointmented Sally Curtain to its Board of Directors. Curtain, a lifelong supporter of the club, brings an extensive professional background spanning business advocacy, education, local government, and public sector management to the boardroom.

Currently serving as the CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Curtain’s appointment is seen as a key step in guiding the club through a pivotal period of growth and organisational change.

Essendon president, Andrew Welsh, lauded the appointment, noting that Curtain’s professional trajectory aligns precisely with the club’s long-term vision.

“Sally is a proven transformational leader with a track record all Boards would love to have in the room.”

“Her experience across government, education and industry gives the Club a genuine depth of governance expertise and a clear understanding of how to lead large, complex organisations through change.

“These skills will be invaluable for us as we continue our work at Windy Hill including funding requirements, growing our education platforms across the Club as well as attracting and retaining corporate partners,” Welsh said.

Curtain’s resume includes significant executive leadership roles, notably as the CEO of the Bendigo Kangan Institute, and senior positions within the Department of Justice, the City of Casey, and VicRoads. According to Welsh, her ability to turn strategic ambition into tangible outcomes, ranging from infrastructure delivery to the modernisation of community-focused organisations, was the deciding factor for the Board.

Reflecting on her appointment, Curtain expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the club’s strategic trajectory.

“I’ve had a chance to meet almost all of the Directors now and I feel really privileged to be joining them, in all honesty.”

“They’re a very united group and I feel I can make a really good contribution. I’ve had a very diverse career as a regulator, a director in many organisations across disability and education services, economic development, major community infrastructure, sporting fields, you name it,” Curtain said.

Curtain also addressed the club’s external environment, noting her confidence in the board’s internal stability and focus.

“What stood out to me most during my decision making process was that whilst there has been intense commentary about the Club externally, internally I was impressed with how the Club has been handling that to remain strong and prioritise long term, strategic decision making.”

“That’s the right mindset for members and supporters.” Curtain will fill a casual vacancy on the Board and will stand for re-election ahead of the Annual General Meeting in December,” she added.

Jennie Sager appointed to Baseball NSW Board

Posted on July 16, 2026July 15, 2026 by Courtney

Baseball NSW has officially announced the appointment of Jennie Sager to its Board of Directors, bringing over two decades of global leadership experience in sport, media, technology, and entertainment to the organisation.

Sager, who has held high-profile roles including CEO of the Women’s National Basketball League and director of Content Partnerships for Japan and Asia Pacific at Twitter, is expected to play a critical role in executing the “Play Ball NSW” strategic plan for 2026–2029.

Her portfolio of experience also encompasses senior brand and consumer marketing leadership at Nextdoor and an extensive background in executive production for networks such as Nine Entertainment, MTV, and National Geographic.

The appointment comes as Baseball NSW seeks to aggressively scale its commercial partnerships, improve audience engagement, and broaden participation pathways. Sager’s expertise in global brand strategy and content creation is viewed as a vital asset for the organisation’s stated goal of increasing the visibility of the sport through professionalised storytelling. She currently serves on the boards of the City Recital Hall Sydney and the Australian Women in Music Awards, bringing a broad cross-sector governance perspective to the baseball boardroom.

Welcoming the appointment, Baseball NSW chair, Sue Cunningham, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jennie to the Baseball NSW Board.”

“Jennie brings an exceptional combination of strategic leadership, commercial expertise and global marketing experience.

“Her experience will be invaluable as we deliver our Play Ball NSW strategy and create more opportunities for people to discover and enjoy baseball,” Cunningham said.

Sager, who was selected following a competitive, multi-stage recruitment process, highlighted the latent growth potential she sees within the New South Wales baseball community.

“Sport has an incredible ability to bring people together, build confidence and strengthen communities, and baseball has enormous potential to grow even further across New South Wales.”

“I’m excited to join the Baseball NSW Board at such an important time for the sport. There is a passionate baseball community, a clear vision for the future and a real opportunity to introduce more people to the game,” Sager stated.

This appointment marks the first time Baseball NSW has utilised the Nomination Committee provisions integrated into its Constitution in 2023, a move designed to professionalise the board selection process and attract high-calibre candidates from outside the traditional baseball ecosystem.

The search process was facilitated by independent panel members, including Sports NSW CEO Stuart Hodge, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to rigorous governance standards as it prepares for the next phase of its growth.