Ministry of Sport

APL and Paramount ANZ Extend Media Rights Partnership in Three-Year Renewal

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Paramount Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) have finalised a landmark three-year media rights extension, ensuring Paramount+ remains the exclusive streaming home of domestic professional football.

The renewed agreement takes the total partnership to an eight-year tenure. Emerging from an extensive open-market bidding process, the revised framework encompasses an increased annual rights fee, a collaborative commitment to heightened joint marketing initiatives, and an expanded broadcast footprint targeting commercial venues such as pubs and clubs across the country.

Commenting on the media rights extension, APL chief executive officer, Steve Rosich, said: “The process highlighted that Paramount+ and Network 10 provide us with, not just a commercial growth outcome, but the most free-to-air exposure to the alternate offerings.”

“The extension of this partnership cements our combined ambitions to grow our audiences, and realise the potential of the A-Leagues,” Rosich said.

Sharing his comment, Paramount ANZ director of sport, Adam Cush, added: “The A-Leagues’ future in this country is bright.”

“We are determined to play our part in expanding its reach, growing its audience and giving football the platform it deserves,” Cush said.

Expanded Free-to-Air Distribution Strategy

The broadcast framework guarantees complete digital coverage alongside broader free-to-air exposure for the domestic game.

Under the terms of the extension, every Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s match and every Ninja A-League Women’s match will stream live on Paramount+.

The commercial networks will restructure their broadcast distribution as follows:

Men’s Division: One Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s match per week will air live and free on Network 10, with premium marquee games prioritised for the network’s primary channel.
Women’s Division: Every Ninja A-League Women’s match will stream live and free via 10 Streaming. Additionally, ten selected matches each season, including the Grand Final, will receive free-to-air television coverage on 10 Drama.
Support Content: Network 10’s weekly pre-game show Football Tonight will remain anchored on linear television, while the leagues’ auxiliary programs, Total A-Leagues and DubZone, will transition exclusively into digital assets on 10 Streaming.

The commercial renewal follows a steep upward trajectory in viewership. Digital consumption of the A-Leagues has achieved record figures during the 2025/26 season, marking a 55 per cent increase compared to the 2021/22 cycle. Across aggregate streaming and linear broadcast channels, the ongoing campaign has reached a total audience of four million unique Australian viewers. The upcoming 2026/27 domestic seasons are officially locked in to commence on 16 October 2026.

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Virgin Australia Secures NBL and WNBL Airline Rights in Three-Year Deal

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball League (NBL) and Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) have finalised a major three-year commercial partnership naming Virgin Australia as the Official Airline Partner of both premier competitions.

The multi-league deal will directly subsidise and streamline interstate travel requirements for fans, teams, elite players, officials, and corporate partners across Australia.

Commenting on the partnership, NBL Group CEO, David Stevenson, said: “This partnership with Virgin Australia reflects the momentum behind our leagues and the increasing demand we’re seeing for basketball, with fans travelling across the country to support their teams and be part of major events.”

“This new partnership will help us continue to grow HoopsFest, easing access to Perth and deliver even more amazing experiences to basketball fans,” Stevenson said.

Expressing their enthusiasm about the partnership, Virgin Australia chief marketing and customer operations officer, Libby Minogue, added: “Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, and we’re proud to expand our presence through our partnership with the NBL and the WNBL, while also supporting the local tourism economy.”

“Alongside our partnerships with the AFL, AFLW, Carlton and the Sydney Swans football clubs, we’re building meaningful connections with sports fans across the country,” Minogue added.

HoopsFest Locks in Perth Expansion Until 2028

Concurrently, Virgin Australia has been named the Presenting Partner of HoopsFest, anchoring a renewed two-year commitment by the Western Australian Government. Financed through Tourism Western Australia, the massive multi-league basketball festival has officially secured its future in Perth until 2028.

The premium multi-day activation has evolved into a vital destination-marketing vehicle for the local tourism economy. The upcoming iteration will expand into an extended five-day sports event calendar diary, locked in to run from 13-17 January at Perth’s RAC Arena.

The festival has fast established itself as a lucrative scouting hub, regularly drawing high-profile international scouts, administrators, and NBA franchise executives tracking elite domestic prospects.

The previous edition established significant commercial momentum, generating record-breaking aggregate crowds of over 35,500 physical attendees, marking a steep 25 per cent year-on-year volume increase.

The scheduled fixture blocks for the January showcase include:

The Launch: A WNBL championship rematch between the Perth Lynx and Townsville Fire.
The Prime-Time Showcase: A Friday night double-header featuring the hometown Perth Wildcats against the New Zealand Breakers.
Full-League Convergence: Consecutive regular season fixtures involving all rostered NBL and WNBL squads, supplemented by grassroots community clinics and the free Bounce Nation Fan Zone.

To immediately activate the commercial sponsorship, Virgin Australia deployed a targeted national retail fare reduction campaign, offering promotional one-way interstate flight paths directly into Perth to stimulate tournament tourism volumes.

Aussie Returns to Sport via Landmark Joint-Venture Partnership with Wanderers and Victory

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Courtney

Australia’s largest retail mortgage broker, Aussie, has announced its return to the national sporting landscape after securing a pioneering joint-venture partnership with two of the A-League’s biggest football clubs, the Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory.

The commercial collaboration unifies Aussie’s brand presence across Sydney and Melbourne, positioning the broker as a primary property partner across Australia’s two largest consumer markets.

Rather than operating under two isolated club agreements, this dual-club joint venture establishes a streamlined marketing framework where Aussie secures identical kit branding, broadcast visibility, and digital assets across both clubs simultaneously, while uniquely tapping into each organisation’s independent business and community networks.

The initiative marks the evolution of the brand from a traditional transactional mortgage broker into a full-service property partner. By aligning with the country’s most participated community sport, Aussie aims to directly connect its expanding national network of more than 1,400 brokers with ordinary Australians navigating the property market.

Commenting on the partnership, Western Sydney Wanderers CEO, Scott Hudson, said: “This partnership with Aussie is truly groundbreaking for Australian sport.”

“For the first time, two iconic clubs are coming together in a joint-venture sponsorship that delivers unmatched reach, community impact and business innovation.

“It’s a bold step that sets a new benchmark for football marketing in Australia,” Hudson said.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Melbourne Victory managing director, Caroline Carnegie, added: “The joint venture is a game-changer in how brands and sports teams can collaborate beyond the traditional instruments of a partnership.”

“I want to thank Aussie and Western Sydney Wanderers for their shared alignment and commitment to innovating together,” she said.

The partnership is built on extensive regional scale, directly leveraging:

Participant Networks: Access to a combined grassroots network of more than 200,000 active participants connected directly to both clubs.
Major 2026 Milestones: Immediate brand integration during a massive calendar year for Australian football, coinciding with the run-up to the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup and the high-profile Sydney Super Cup.
Multi-City Database Integration: Cross-promotional fan activations designed to assist highly engaged metropolitan fan bases through the home-buying process.

Genius Sports Study Reveals Live Sports Inflection Points Double Ad Recall

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Courtney

Global real-time sports data provider Genius Sports Limited (NYSE: GENI) and media research firm MediaScience have released a joint biometric study revealing that advertisements broadcast immediately after emotionally heightened moments in live sports deliver double the unaided brand recall of baseline conditions.

The research report, titled The Live Moment Effect, details how a sports fan’s cognitive and emotional state immediately before an advertisement is shown heavily influences memory encoding. The data challenges long-held advertising assumptions regarding linear media value, demonstrating that identical broadcast impressions yield significantly different commercial returns depending entirely on live game context.

The technical insights serve as a strategic framework for sports media networks, betting operators, and global brands looking to justify premium advertising spend. By mapping real-time fan attention, the study aims to transition corporate media planning away from traditional volume-based ad placements toward automated, moment-driven campaign activations.

Commenting on the findings, chief revenue officer at Genius Sports, Josh Linforth, said: “The sports advertising playbook is being rewritten around the moments when fans are most emotionally engaged,”

“When a momentum shift, near score or decisive play changes how fans are feeling and focusing, the message should change with it.”

“In live sports, emotionally heightened moments prime audiences differently, changing their cognitive and emotional state before an ad is even delivered,” added Phillip Lomax, Chief Revenue Officer at MediaScience. “That creates a meaningful opportunity for brands to improve performance through real-time, moment-based activation rather than simply increasing media volume.”

Mapping the 60-Second Peak Engagement Window

The biometric study analysed real-time viewer responses—measuring physical attention, cognitive engagement, and memory retention—across varying levels of emotional intensity during live sports broadcasts. Key technical findings from the joint project include:

The Carryover Effect: High-intensity sporting moments, such as near-scoring plays or crucial momentum shifts, trigger an immediate surge in viewer emotion that carries over directly into subsequent commercial breaks.
The Peak Window: The 60 seconds directly following a high-impact on-field play represent the absolute peak efficiency window for advertising effectiveness.
Context Over Creative: During live broadcasts, the real-time emotional context of the match can have a greater statistical influence on brand recall than the ad creative itself.

To commercialise these findings, the NYSE-listed firm is deploying the Genius Sports Moment Engine. The technology uses official game data feeds and real-time algorithmic signals to automatically identify key game inflection points as they happen, allowing corporate sponsors to dynamically swap and tailor creative messaging across global screens within the high-yield 60-second window.

Greyhound Racing NSW Renews Mark Hughes Foundation Charity Partnership for 2026

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Courtney

Greyhound Racing NSW has announced the renewal of its partnership with the Mark Hughes Foundation for the 2026 calendar year.

The contract extension follows a highly successful inaugural campaign in 2025, which saw Greyhound Racing NSW and the wider state greyhound racing industry generate a total of $120,000 for the charity.

The partnership acts as a key corporate social responsibility asset for the governing body, utilising its extensive state-wide track network and race-day broadcasting infrastructure to deliver direct community impact.

Commenting on the partnership renewal, Foundation Founder, Mark Hughes, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have Greyhound Racing NSW continuing their support of the Mark Hughes Foundation throughout 2026 for a second consecutive year.”

“After the enormous success of last year’s campaign, which raised an incredible $120,000, it means so much to have the industry once again standing beside us in the fight against brain cancer,” Hughes said.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Greyhound Racing NSW acting CEO, Brian Charman, added: “It’s an honour for Greyhound Racing NSW and all in our industry to be able to partner with and support the Mark Hughes Foundation in a small way to help raise awareness and funds to fight this insidious disease.”

“Our objective when entering the partnership with the Mark Hughes Foundation was to in some small way contribute financially but also to help bring the battle against brain cancer to the attention of many more people around NSW,” Charman noted.

Targeted Fundraising Frameworks and Operational Assets

The financial vehicle of the partnership remains the highly successful ‘Red & Blue All November Through’ campaign, which is officially locked in to return for its second iteration in November 2026.

The custom-built operational mechanic incorporates specific racing variables to drive corporate donations:

Rug-Based Injections: For every race won across all NSW tracks by a greyhound wearing the red (number 1) or blue (number 4) racing rugs, Greyhound Racing NSW commits a direct cash donation of $161 to the Mark Hughes Foundation.
Alignment: The designated colours pay direct homage to the traditional jersey tones of the Newcastle Knights, while the $161 figure represents the total number of National Rugby League (NRL) games Mark Hughes played during his first-grade career.
Revenue Streams: In addition to the trackside performance bonuses, the partnership activates secondary industry touchpoints, including specialised Calcutta auctions, dedicated sports luncheons, and targeted distributions from the sale of the foundation’s highly recognisable winter beanies.

The cumulative 2025 financial pool was further supplemented by individual club contributions, participant donations, and a dedicated $10,000 corporate pledge generated via the auction of the winning post at the final Dapto race meeting last September.

Penrith Panthers Secure Ringers Western as Corporate Apparel Partner for 2026 Season

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Courtney

The Penrith Panthers have announced a new partnership with Ringers Western for the 2026 National Rugby League (NRL) season.

For the Panthers, the commercial contract secures an official styling partner to supply premium corporate wear. In addition, the alignment provides Ringers Western with an aggressive marketing platform to capture retail market share within the major Western Sydney economic corridor ahead of the brand’s physical storefront expansion.

Commenting on the partnership, Panthers Rugby League CEO, Matt Cameron, said: “It’s a genuine privilege to stand alongside Ringers Western as a partner. Their brand represents grit, authenticity and a deep connection to community – values we respect and proudly align with,”

“We don’t take their support for granted, we value it, and we’re committed to ensuring this partnership delivers impact, visibility and strength for both sides.

“When two brands built on shared principles stand side by side, it’s not simply sponsorship, it’s a partnership with strength and direction,” Cameron said.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the partnership, Ringers Western co-founder, Matteo Salerno, said: “It was fantastic to see the entire playing group wearing our corporate wear at the club’s 2026 Season Launch – the lads looked sharp.”

“This is a partnership we’re genuinely excited about, and we’re looking forward to ‘Stickin Together’ with the Panthers as they continue what’s shaping up to be another strong season,” Salerno said.

Corporate Integration and Digital Activation with the Ringers Western

Moving forward, Panthers commercial staff, executives, and board members are set to wear the premium range across all official corporate appearances throughout the calendar year.

Panthers members and fans have been granted direct access to a 20 per cent discount for online retail purchases at Ringers Western by utilising the promotional licensing code PANTHERS20. Ringers Western has also secured the naming rights as the official game day partner for the Round 20 marquee clash against the Brisbane Broncos at CommBank Stadium on 16 July.

Originally founded on a remote Kimberley cattle station in Western Australia to manufacture durable work shirts capable of withstanding harsh Australian conditions, the brand has built a commercial reputation for producing tough, versatile clothing that reflects rural communities.

The partnership highlights a deliberate commercial effort by the apparel brand to align its tough, community-focused corporate image with the passionate working-class fan base of the Penrith district.

Former Legends Global Counsel Adam Lister Launches Boutique Infrastructure Law Firm

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Courtney

Prominent sport and entertainment infrastructure lawyer Adam H. Lister has departed his role as group general counsel of Legends Global (Asia Pacific) to launch Adam H Lister Law, a boutique principal-led legal practice.

The new specialised firm formally opened its doors in April 2026, targeting government bodies, stadium operators, and private enterprise across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. The practice is designed to provide clients with direct access to senior legal counsel across the full commercial lifecycle of major public-private partnerships, commercial sponsorships, and large-scale live entertainment venue transactions.

Commenting on his announcement, Adam H Lister Law Principal, Lister, said: “The firm is built on the premise that clients in complex, high-stakes environments deserve direct access to senior expertise and not a revolving door of intermediaries.”

“After nearly a decade at the coalface of some of the region’s most significant venue and infrastructure transactions, I wanted to build something deliberately focused, where the quality of advice and the depth of the client relationship are the defining measures of success,” Lister said.

Dual Expertise: Operational Foundations and Elite Law

What distinguishes Lister’s new practice from traditional commercial law firms is an extensive background in hands-on stadium and venue operations. Before qualifying as a solicitor, Lister spent years working on-site at major international sporting facilities, including Suncorp Stadium and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Queensland, as well as the Beijing Olympic Basketball Arena during the 2008 Olympic Games.

This foundation directly informs his legal strategy, allowing the firm to draft complex commercial agreements with a precise understanding of stadium workflows, crowd dynamics, and event delivery pressures.

Lister’s career trajectory since moving into the legal sector includes:

Legends Global (2017–2026): Serving nearly nine years as Group General Counsel, directing legal strategy for stadiums, arenas, and convention centers across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, India, and the Middle East.
Darling Harbour Live Consortium: Acting as corporate Legal Counsel for ICC Sydney during its landmark $1.5 billion Public-Private Partnership (PPP) infrastructure build.
Clayton Utz: Working as a senior associate within the top-tier firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions and Construction & Major Projects practices.
Federal Court of Australia: Serving as Associate to the Honourable Justice Andrew Greenwood during the landmark competition law ruling ACCC v Cement Australia Pty Ltd.

A Principal-Led Commercial Model

Operating out of Queensland, the independent firm will completely bypass traditional multi-tiered firm hierarchies. Lister will personally direct all client matters, spanning regulatory compliance, naming rights acquisitions, major event supply ticketing contracts, and dispute resolution.

Lister’s standing in the sports business market is well established. A three-time finalist for Sport and Entertainment Lawyer of the Year at the Lawyers Weekly Corporate Counsel Awards, he has also served as a non-executive director and chair of the finance, Audit and Risk Committee for the Venue Management Association (VMA), where he continues to lecture in business law and corporate negotiation.

Olympics Minister Tim Mander Steps Down From Cabinet Amid Federal Police Referral

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Courtney

Queensland’s Sport and Olympics Minister, Tim Mander has stood aside from his cabinet portfolios after being referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) over a potential criminal offence regarding his electoral enrolment.

Tourism Minister Andrew Powell will immediately assume responsibility for Mander’s Sport and Olympics portfolios to ensure operational continuity for the state’s major event delivery pipelines.

Commenting on the allegation against him, outgoing Olympics Minister, Mander, said: “I referred this matter myself and provided information as requested, so it could be proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have followed the right processes.”

“I have total confidence this will be resolved and Labor’s attacks disproved, however, I have no intention of this becoming a distraction to the important work of the government.”

Integrity Crisis Over Enrolment Discrepancy

The AEC confirmed that it handed the matter to the AFP after failing to find convincing evidence that Mander actually resided at his claimed voting address.

The referral follows political revelations that the senior minister had registered to vote at the residential address of an electorate staff member in Brisbane’s northern suburbs last year.

Under Australian electoral law, voters are only eligible for enrolment if they have resided at an address for more than one month, with the criminal code carrying strict penalties for providing false or misleading information. The AEC issued a statement clarifying that while a final determination has not been made, there is currently an “absence of compelling evidence” to support Mander’s enrolment claim.

The sudden portfolio vacancy creates an immediate operational challenge for the government’s Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games preparations.As the principal executive overseeing venue construction and regional community sport infrastructure, Mander’s departure halts his direct involvement in ongoing cabinet approvals for multi-million-dollar Olympic infrastructure projects.

AIA Australia Extends Major Partnership with Collingwood Football Club

Posted on May 21, 2026May 21, 2026 by Courtney

Collingwood Football Club has announced that AIA Australia has extended its tenure as a Major Partner and the Official Club Life and Health Insurance Partner.

The extension ensures the life, health, and wellbeing insurer will continue its support of both the AFL and AFLW programs.

By the conclusion of this new agreement, the partnership will have spanned seven years, solidified by a shared strategic focus on community health and elite performance longevity.

A central pillar of the renewed deal is the integration of the AIA Healthiest Schools Program into the club’s Future Magpies initiative.

This expansion aims to deliver educational resources to primary schools nationwide, leveraging Collingwood’s significant brand reach to improve community wellbeing outcomes.

The announcement coincides with Scott Pendlebury’s record-breaking 433rd game, with AIA Australia set to lead content integration and match-day activations celebrating the achievement.

Collingwood CEO, Craig Kelly highlighted the synergy between Pendlebury’s career longevity and the partner’s core values.

“We are delighted to have AIA Australia’s continued support for another year across both our AFL and AFLW programs.”

“Over the past six years, we’ve been working with Damien and the AIA Australia team to promote healthier, longer, better lives.

“It is timely that we celebrate Scott Pendlebury this week. He is no better example of living a healthy lifestyle and prioritising wellbeing, two key focuses of our partnership with AIA Australia.

“An exciting project we have been working on with AIA is how we bring our fans behind the scenes of Scott’s record-breaking game and provide insight through bespoke content pieces that show how he maintains an elite routine, a key contributor to him reaching 433 games,” Kelly said.

From a corporate perspective, the partnership allows AIA Australia to engage with Collingwood’s massive member base to promote its “Healthier, Longer, Better Lives” brand promise.

AIA Australia CEO, Damien Mu, emphasised the broader societal goals of the collaboration.

“At AIA Australia, we’re proud to protect the lives of more than 3.1 million Australians. Beyond this, we are focused on inspiring a healthier future for all Australians, not just our customers,” Mu said.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the Collingwood Football Club, championing initiatives that empower people to look after their physical and mental wellbeing.”

NRL Unveils Coordinated Aviation Strategy and Ticketing Roadmap for Las Vegas 2027

Posted on May 21, 2026May 21, 2026 by Courtney

The National Rugby League (NRL) has officially launched its ticketing and commercial travel strategy for the highly anticipated 2027 Las Vegas season opener, establishing an exclusive three-week booking window for all-inclusive supporter packages.

The announcement follows the confirmation of the four NRL clubs, the Melbourne Storm, Parramatta Eels, Wests Tigers, and Gold Coast Titans, alongside English Super League sides Bradford Bulls and Leigh Leopards for the multi-hemisphere triple-header at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, 27 February 2027.

By centralising event ticketing within all-inclusive transport and accommodation packages, the league is looking to secure guaranteed stadium occupancy and upfront commercial revenue while building a sustainable tourist infrastructure around its primary American broadcast asset.

Commenting on the ticketing strategy announcement, NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo, said: “Las Vegas has become the much-anticipated NRL Premiership season launch.”

“It’s a true bucket list experience, where the best sport in the world, Rugby League, meets the world’s entertainment capital. In 2027 the event will be even bigger with an expanded week of experiences.

“We’ve worked closely with our partners to ensure fans can access affordable and direct travel packages with family and friends.

“Wests Tigers, Titans, Eels and Storm themed charter flights offer a direct journey to Las Vegas. From player appearances and fan events to business conferences and music performances, it’s an unforgettable week of sport and entertainment,” Abdo noted.

Custom Fleet and Aviation Infrastructure

A central pillar of the commercial strategy is a coordinated aviation play executed in partnership with Qantas and digital travel marketplace TripADeal. The league has commissioned four dedicated club-themed charter flights to operate directly from three Australian states:

Sydney (Two Charters): Individually themed for the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers.
Brisbane (One Charter): Formally assigned to the Gold Coast Titans.
Melbourne (One Charter): Custom-tailored for the Melbourne Storm.

For the first time, traveling supporters have the ability to redeem Qantas Frequent Flyer points to secure their private charter seats, while simultaneously earning standard points and status credits.

Phased Ticketing Distribution and Fan Events

Outside of the comprehensive premium travel packages, the NRL has established a strict secondary distribution timeline for individual tickets. Priority access for formal club members will open on Thursday, 11 June, before general public ticket allocations are released globally on Friday, 12 June.

The 2027 festival will feature an expanded week-long commercial footprint supported by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).

Formula 1 and Hasbro Launch Announce Partnership

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 and toy and games industry leader Hasbro have announced a global licensing partnership to launch a specialised F1-themed edition of the iconic board game, Monopoly.

The Monopoly: Formula 1 Edition became available for worldwide pre-order on 20 May 2026, ahead of its full commercial retail rollout scheduled for 15 July 2026.

The licensing collaboration serves as a mechanical necessity for Formula 1’s overarching fan-engagement strategy, creating year-round touchpoints for the sport outside of live race weekends.

By embedding the 2026 grid, team assets, and real-world racing regulations into a globally recognised tabletop format, the property is looking to capture a broader family and casual gaming demographic.

Commenting on the “Monopoly is one of the most iconic and best-loved board games in the world, so we’re thrilled to bring a Formula 1 twist to such a classic,” said Formula 1 Chief Commercial Officer Emily Prazer. “This edition captures the excitement and competitiveness of the sport in a fun, accessible way, and we’re confident fans of all ages will love going head-to-head with their friends and family when they take to the grid.”

“We’ve reimagined the classic Monopoly experience through the lens of F1: the circuits, the rivalries, the relentless pursuit of the podium to create something that feels authentic to both worlds,” added Billy Lagor, President of Toy & Games at Hasbro. “The collaboration between our teams produced something genuinely special, and I think fans on both sides are going to feel that the moment they open the box.”

Reimagined Mechanics and Grid Authenticity

The special edition departs from traditional property-purchasing rules to replicate the competitive architecture of a real-world racing season. Key modifications built into the new gameplay include:

The F1 Calendar Board: Traditional Atlantic City properties have been replaced by the 24 circuits featured on the official global Formula 1 calendar.
The Monopoly Grand Prix: Instead of collecting standard currency upon passing the traditional “GO” square, players select a 2026 constructor team and race driver helmet tokens around a custom central track to claim a Grand Prix victory.
Championship Points Systems: Players battle for points and race victories rather than raw real estate portfolios. The first player to finish the circuit wins the Drivers’ Championship, while the player with the highest accumulated points wins the Constructors’ Championship.
Premium Zinc Game Pieces: The box set features 11 die-cast zinc tokens modeled after F1 cars alongside 11 molded team helmets, enabling full tactical modification and strategic pit stops.

The consumer activation follows a massive commercial push by Hasbro’s gaming division, coming on the heels of major cross-branded retail campaigns in the Asia-Pacific region to mark Monopoly’s 90th anniversary milestone.

Rugby Foundation of WA Unveils $15,000 Grassroots Grants Injection

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Courtney

The Rugby Foundation of Western Australia has announced the successful recipients of its 2025/26 Grants Program, committing a total of $15,000 to spearhead infrastructure, inclusion, and officiating developments across the state’s community network.

The funding has been evenly allocated across three key grassroots bodies: the West Australian Rugby Union Referees Association (WARURA), Cottesloe Rugby Union Club, and Associates Rugby Union Club. The capital injection is a mechanical necessity for the foundation’s core mandate, which ranks equity, diversity, inclusion, and player welfare as heavily weighted scoring criteria when assessing funding submissions.

The package builds directly upon the foundation’s initial 2024/25 rollout, which provided a combined $7,500 to support the Southern Lions’ All Abilities framework and a dedicated coach education pathway for the Perth Rams.

Commenting on the grants, Rugby Foundation of WA chair, Sean Lee, said: “Our Grants Program is designed to deliver meaningful, long-term impact by investing in initiatives that strengthen inclusion, support player welfare, and drive sustainable growth across the game.”

“These projects reflect our commitment to creating more accessible and welcoming environments, building capability within clubs and officials, and ensuring rugby in Western Australia continues to thrive at every level,” Lee said.

Expressing his enthusiasm, WARURA president, Peter Miller, added: “Improved communication technology will enhance real-time mentoring and feedback, helping build the next generation of quality referees for our game.”

Noting how the grant affects grassroots sports in girls, noted Cottesloe Junior President Tiernane Byrnes. “The grant has allowed Cottesloe to improve the facilities for our ever-increasing number of female members,”

“The grants will support that effort by providing a female-specific and secure space for our SheGulls to change and receive physiotherapy.”

Associates Sponsorship Coordinator Glenda Martinick welcomed the relief, stating, “This support is greatly appreciated at a time when every dollar coming into the club makes a meaningful difference to its success on and off the field.”

Targeted Club and Officiating Allocations

The 2025/26 grants address distinct operational and structural priorities across the metropolitan rugby ecosystem:

WARURA ($5,000): The referees’ association will invest its funds into modernising its real-time match officiating infrastructure. The grant will purchase updated one-way radio communication kits, allowing Referee Match Officials Developers (MODs) to deliver immediate mentoring and technical feedback to active whistleblowers on the field.
Cottesloe Rugby Union Club ($5,000): The “SheGulls” women’s program at the beachfront clubhouse will receive essential facility upgrades. The grant will fund secure, female-specific change spaces and dedicated physiotherapy treatment areas, which will be augmented by internal club funding to upgrade flooring and laundry systems.
Associates Rugby Union Club ($5,000): Affectionately known as “Soaks,” the Swanbourne-based club will deploy its funding to secure professional tournament gazebos. The units will provide shade and weather protection for match officials, players, and supporters on game day, serving the dual purpose of promoting sun safety and improving player welfare.

The governing body has confirmed that the next competitive grant application window will officially open in July 2026.

Team Townsville Launched to Fuel Regional Athletic Pathways to Brisbane 2032

Posted on May 21, 2026May 21, 2026 by Courtney

Townsville City Council Deputy Mayor and three-time Olympian Suzy Batkovic has joined forces with the Aussie Athlete Fund and the North Queensland Sports Foundation to officially launch Team Townsville. The community initiative channels direct financial support to elite local athletes who face substantial out-of-pocket costs on their pathways to international competition.

The program forms part of the Aussie Athlete Fund’s national $1 Million Challenge, an initiative spearheaded by five-time Olympic beach volleyball champion Natalie Cook to support athletes who are largely self-funded. Townsville serves as the founding council model for the project, establishing a framework where local government and businesses directly co-invest in regional sporting talent.

Executive Perspectives

Highlighting that Townsville has a proud history of punching above its weight in elite sport, Townsville Deputy Mayor, Suzy Batkovic, said: “Townsville has always punched above its weight when it comes to producing elite athletes.”

“As a former Olympian representing the green and gold, I appreciate the sacrifices involved, and the determination required on the pathway to becoming an elite athlete.

“We are proud to support our Townsville athletes on their journey to success,” Batkovic said.

Expressing her ambition to see the Townsville blueprint replicated across other regional municipalities nationwide, Aussie Athlete Fund Founder, Cook said: “Team Townsville is the model we hope will be replicated across the country.”

“When councils and businesses back their local athletes, the whole community wins.

“We’re proud to have the Townsville City Council as our founding Team partner,” she said.

Corporate Backing and Financial Structure

The initiative addresses a critical mechanical necessity for regional athletes, who carry a heavy financial burden due to travel, equipment, and training costs outside major metropolitan hubs. Ten inaugural athletes have been selected, with Townsville businesses stepping up to provide funding.

Founding business partners include the North Queensland Sports Foundation, FGH Group, Maidment Group, Magnetic Motors, Meridian Helicopters, Planet Fitness, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, and The Ville. Local businesses can join the program via $5,000 or $10,000 partnership options, directly matching corporations with individual athletes to receive brand association, social media content, and community appearance assets.

The Inaugural Team Townsville Squad

The ten selected athletes span ten distinct sporting disciplines, demonstrating the athletic depth of North Queensland:

Celeste Barr (BMX Racing): A two-time national championship podium finisher.
Bella Canning (Rugby Union): Selected for the Emerging Reds Under-18 squad in 2025.
Zoe Chester (Athletics): A 19-year-old double national long and triple jump champion currently ranked 257th in the world.
Porter Gilbride (Swimming): A national-level competitor and regular Queensland State Championship finalist.
Kayne Kellett (Para-Athletics): A 16-year-old para-long jumper holding multiple Australian records, currently ranked world number one in the Under-17 T37 classification.
Uwezo Lubenda (Athletics): A sprinting talent ranked 624th globally in the 100-metre event with a personal best of 10.35 seconds.
Alyssa Mathieu (Sailing): The first female sailor to win back-to-back Sabot National Championships.
Nathan Mboyo (Volleyball): An 18-year-old national squad member invited to join the Volleyroos 2032 indoor program at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra.
Sienna Monteith (Cycling): A ten-time Australian champion across track and road disciplines, selected to represent Australia at the 2026 Junior World Championships.
Jack Olsen (Trampoline Gymnastics): The 2025 Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) Level 10 National Champion, selected for the Australian national team’s United States tour.

Fanatics Secures Exclusive England Football Association Licensing Deal From 2031

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Courtney

Fanatics and England’s Football Association have announced a landmark, long-term licensing agreement that establishes Fanatics as the exclusive provider of official trading cards, stickers, and trading card games (TCGs) for both the men’s and women’s national teams. The partnership is scheduled to commence in 2031.

Under the terms of the exclusive arrangement, Fanatics-owned Topps will gain the global rights to manufacture collectibles featuring the official names, logos, and crests displayed on England shirts.

The agreement secures exclusive collective player rights to utilise athlete names and images during international competitions. The upcoming product lines will feature high-yield premium items, including sought-after autograph series and authentic match-worn memorabilia cards.

Consolidating Global Football Rights

The acquisition of the England national team license further solidifies Topps’ dominant market share within international football collectibles. The company has methodically constructed an expansive football portfolio, locking in long-term exclusive partnerships with elite properties including:

FIFA: Commencing a global partnership in 2031.
Domestic Leagues: Ongoing exclusive rights for the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, and Major League Soccer (MLS).
Continental Competitions: Full licensing for all UEFA club competitions, including the UEFA Champions League.

The agreement also expands an already extensive relationship between the two entities. Fanatics has served as the governing body’s official retail and e-commerce partner since 2018, managing the official physical retail outfit at Wembley Stadium alongside England’s online merchandise storefront under a renewal finalized in 2024.

Capturing the Global Collectibles Surge

The corporate footprint of Fanatics Collectibles extends beyond football, with Topps holding active licensing rights for North American powerhouses including Major League Baseball (MLB), Formula 1, the UFC, the NBA, and the NFL.

Catapult Sports Ltd Record USD141M Revenue as Operating Profit Surges 67 Per Cent

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Courtney

Global sports technology leader Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX:CAT) has unveiled a record-breaking financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026.

The SaaS provider reported total statutory revenue of US $140.7 million (A$ 200 million), representing a 19 per cent increase in constant currency year-on-year, driven by rapid cross-selling and aggressive software adoption among elite athletic teams.

The strong top-line growth served as a mechanical necessity for the business, translating its high operating leverage into a substantial earnings bounce.

Management EBITDA, Catapult’s primary measure of operating profit, skyrocketed by 67 per cent to hit a new high of USD24.7 million (AUD34.5 million). This expansion lifted the group’s overall operating profit margin from 13 per cent to 18 per cent, surpassing institutional SaaS efficiency benchmarks.

Commenting on the financial record, CEO and managing director of Catapult, Will Lopes, said: “FY26 was a transformational year for Catapult, disciplined cost management, combined with strong top-line growth, drove our Rule of 40 to a record high, clear evidence that our operating model is scaling the way we designed it to.”

“We are only just beginning to realise the potential of our expanded platform.”

Adding his enthusiasm about the financial performance, chief financial officer, Bob Cruickshank, said: “We are now consistently delivering against a well-established strategy whereby we are disciplined on costs while reinvesting in our product suite.”

“This continues to result in reliable top-line growth and repeatable operating leverage.

“Catapult has never been in better financial health as we continue to become the global platform for pro sports teams,” Cruickshank said.

SaaS Metric Acceleration and Acquisition Fuel

The company’s core Annualised Contract Value (ACV) accelerated to USD133.8 million (AUD187.1 million), growing 28 per cent year-on-year. While recent strategic acquisitions of gym monitoring platform Perch and match data provider IMPECT bolstered the totals, organic ACV still expanded by 18 per cent.

A core driver of this financial compounding was a significant shift in corporate sales dynamics. Catapult added 576 new professional sports teams to its global roster in FY26, bringing its multi-solution team count to 1,328—a 62 per cent spike year-on-year.

Concurrently, average ACV per professional team lifted 10 per cent to exceed USD30,000 (AUD41,964) for the first time, while maintaining a strong customer retention rate of over 96 per cent.

Capital Position and Liquidity

The tech firm closed out the fiscal period with USD $53.4 million in cash reserves and zero debt on its balance sheet. Free cash flow came in at US$ 6.5 million (AUUD9 million), safely ahead of previous management guidance despite temporary capital pressure from late-season accounts receivable collection, which has since been resolved.