Ministry of Sport

DAZN Media+ Unveils Major 2027 Strategy Featuring Brand Rebrand, Stadium Assets and AI-Powered Trading

Posted on September 3, 2026September 3, 2026 by Courtney

Formerly operating as Foxtel Media, DAZN Media+ has officially unveiled its new brand identity at its 2027 Upfronts event at The Cutaway in Barangaroo, marking an era following DAZN’s 2025 acquisition of the Foxtel Group.

Backed by a parent organisation reaching 300 million global viewers and contributing over $1 billion annually to Australian sports rights and production, the rebranded advertising arm introduced a sweeping suite of innovations designed to connect brands deeper into the sporting ecosystem.

Commenting on the multiple announcement, CEO – DAZN Media+, Mark Frain, said: “DAZN Media+ isn’t just a new name – it’s a declaration of what we can now offer brands across Australia.”

“We are closer to the action than ever before: from where we point the cameras, to the stadiums where the action unfolds, to the creators who extend the conversation beyond the final whistle,” Frain said.

Among the major announcements is a partnership with sporting screen technology provider SureVision, making DAZN Media+ the principal partner for in-stadium assets in 2027 across prominent venues such as the Gabba and 4 Pines Park.

Expressing his enthusiasm, CEO – SureVision, Nicholas Ebbeck, noted: “Our stadium network puts brands in front of highly engaged fans in some of Australia’s most recognisable and frequented sporting venues.

“We’re delighted to partner with DAZN Media+ to unlock the power of our best-in-class stadium display networks and bring more brands to the table to support our Australian sports teams and codes, making it simpler to build a truly connected sports presence,” Ebbeck said.

Additionally, the business launched Club Kayo, an always-on creator-powered ecosystem across AFL, NRL, Cricket, and Motorsport, alongside the Sports Audience Graph, a database built from six million first-party sports fans designed to drive precision targeting.

To streamline operations further, DAZN Media+ announced a collaboration with AudienceProject to deliver independent cross-media measurement across Kayo SPORTS, BINGE, Foxtel Go, and linear TV from 2027.

Furthermore, the company is introducing an AI-powered Sales Agent to simplify media trading workflows.

simultaneously, chief sales officer at DAZN Media+, Nev Hasan, added: “The way media is bought is evolving, and we want to make sure DAZN Media+ remains easy to discover, easy to access and easy to transact with as our clients’ technology and workflows develop.”

“This is not about replacing the relationships and expertise that sit behind great media buying.

“It is about harnessing AI to give buyers and our sales teams better, faster access to the information they need, streamlining buying workflows and creating a more seamless way to transact,” Hasan noted.

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Darius Boyd Appointed Queensland Maroons Head Coach in Two-Year Strategic Deal

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Courtney

The Queensland Rugby League has officially confirmed the appointment of former representative star Darius Boyd as the Queensland Maroons head coach on a two-year contract.

The appointment marks a transition in elite leadership for one of rugby league’s most successful representative brands, following Boyd’s proven pathway success in guiding the state’s Under 19 representative programs to consecutive victories over New South Wales.

Boasting a decorated professional career spanning 337 National Rugby League matches across the Brisbane Broncos, St George Illawarra Dragons, and Newcastle Knights, alongside 28 State of Origin appearances and 23 Test matches for Australia, Boyd brings extensive elite-level experience to the position.

Reflecting on his new leadership role within the elite representative setup, Darius Boyd said he was “extremely honoured” to be entrusted with coaching Queensland’s State of Origin team.

“It’s a privileged position and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”

“I understand the responsibility that comes with the role as well.

“My job is to build on the legacy created by the many great Queensland players and coaches who have come before us,” Boyd said.

Queensland Rugby League chair, Brian Canavan, emphasised that the appointment reflects a deliberate strategy to invest in home-grown leadership talent who possess an intimate understanding of the team’s cultural ethos and high-performance standards.

“Darius has lived and breathed what it means to represent Queensland.”

“His playing achievements speak for themselves, but what has impressed us just as much is the work he has done since retirement to develop as a coach and leader.

“He has built strong relationships throughout our pathways system, earned the respect of players and staff, and demonstrated a genuine commitment to helping young people reach their potential.

“Darius understands the responsibility that comes with the Maroons jersey.

“He knows our culture, our history and the standards required to succeed at the highest level,” Canavan said.

Since retiring from playing in 2020, he has focused heavily on coaching, leadership development, and player wellbeing, integrating deeply within the state organisation’s junior pathways and talent development systems.

The two-year commercial and coaching agreement provides long-term stability for the Maroons as they plan upcoming State of Origin series, ensuring continuity of culture and elite technical guidance across the high-performance pathway.

Patties Food Group Enters Japanese Market Through Partnership with J1 League FC Tokyo

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Courtney

Patties Food Group has announced a commercial expansion into the Japanese market, entering a partnership with J1 League football club FC Tokyo led by its flagship meat pie brand, Four’N Twenty.

The partnership marks the company’s first major sports-driven marketing venture in Japan, aligning its iconic Australian food heritage with an established professional football club.

Four’N Twenty products are already available across select retail channels in Japan, including AEON and Costco, with the new alliance designed to accelerate brand awareness, expand distribution, and enhance consumer engagement through in-stadium branding, food van activations, and product sampling initiatives.

Welcoming the landmark international partnership at a joint press conference, president and representative director of FC Tokyo, Eisuke Shirai, said: “We are extremely pleased and honoured to welcome Patties Food Group, one of Australia’s leading food companies, as a new premium partner of FC Tokyo.”

“Their flagship brand, Four’N Twenty, has long been a cornerstone of Australia’s sports spectator culture.

“Patties Food Group’s core philosophy of ‘great food and sports have the power to bring people together’ resonates deeply with the vision of our club.

“As we introduce new and exciting matchday experiences from Tokyo, we are fully committed as a club to walking hand-in-hand with Patties Food Group to support their long-term growth and success in the Japanese market,” Shirai stated.

Underscoring the rationale behind leveraging football to build brand affinity in a new demographic, chief marketing & growth officer of Patties Food Group, Anand Surujpal, added: “We are delighted to partner with FC Tokyo, a club that boasts some of the most passionate supporters in Japan.”

“We believe great food and sport have the power to bring people together, and this partnership is an exciting opportunity to introduce our meat pie to a whole new audience.

“It gives us a unique platform to connect with fans, build familiarity with the brand and support our long-term growth in Japan,” Surujpal said.

The collaboration builds upon Patties Food Group’s extensive history of sports marketing partnerships across Australia and internationally, spanning major associations with the Australian Olympic Committee, UFC, the Australian Baseball Team, and elite athletes such as Jonathan Brown and Tayla Harris. The organisation aims to embed its iconic offerings within international sporting culture.

GWM Extends Official Automotive Partnership with One New Zealand Warriors

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Courtney

Leading automotive group GWM has signed a three-year partnership extension as the official automotive partner of the One New Zealand Warriors.

Commencing its sponsorship in 2024 as its first major sporting investment in New Zealand, GWM will continue providing a corporate fleet while retaining jersey branding across all six club teams in the NRL, NRLW, New South Wales Cup, Jersey Flegg Cup, SG Ball Cup, and Harold Matthews Cup competitions.

The commercial renewal supports GWM’s local growth strategy, utilising grassroots integration, nationwide dealer networks, and creative fan engagement campaigns.

The collaboration has generated strong market traction, driven by marketing initiatives like “Wahs Selling Cars,” aligning the brand’s portfolio of SUVs, utes, hybrids, and electric vehicles with supporters.

Welcoming the extension, and highlighting the partnership’s strong commercial momentum, One New Zealand Warriors CEO, Cameron George, said: “GWM’s impact as a partner has been exceptional from the outset, adding energy and passion to our valued relationship.”

“Their innovation and creativity in bringing our brands together to create special fan experiences is a key reason they’re capturing the hearts and minds of Kiwi car buyers.

“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership for a further three years,” George stated.

Emphasising the alignment between the brand’s local expansion and the rugby league club’s reach, GWM New Zealan country manager, Cameron Thomas, added: “The One New Zealand Warriors’ partnership has become a very important part of GWM’s journey in New Zealand and being part of a partnership that supports the full club, including the women’s team, is something we are genuinely proud of.”

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen the partnership evolve from a traditional sponsorship into something much more meaningful – a platform that allows us to connect with Kiwis in an authentic, entertaining and distinctly local way.

“The success of Wahs Selling Cars has shown us what’s possible when we bring the One NZ Warriors, our people and our vehicles together.

“We’re not just using the partnership to build awareness; we’re using it to demonstrate our products, bring our brand to life and create genuine connections with Wahs fans across the country.

“We’re incredibly proud to extend our partnership and continue building on what’s started.

“The One New Zealand Warriors have a passionate and loyal fanbase, and together we see a huge opportunity to do even more, putting our vehicles at the heart of the partnership and showing Kiwis what GWM is all about,” Thomas said.

With a 20-dealer network, the extended partnership cements GWM’s footprint across New Zealand’s sporting landscape.

AXS Secures Partnership and Ticketing Rights with Melbourne Vixens for 2027 Season

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Courtney

Global ticketing and live event technology platform AXS has entered into a partnership with the Melbourne Vixens, signing on as a Major Partner and the club’s official ticketing partner starting from the 2027 Suncorp Super Netball season.

Under the agreement, AXS branding will feature prominently across the Vixens’ playing dress for home, away, and finals matches, alongside placement on media polos, travel jackets, and replica merchandise.

The partnership coincides with a formidable on-court foundation, following a 2026 campaign where the Vixens emerged as the competition’s most-watched team, drew the highest cumulative attendance, and advanced to a third consecutive Super Netball Grand Final.

Commenting on the partnership, Netball Victoria CEO, Andrea Pearman, said: “We’re delighted to welcome AXS as a Major Partner of the Melbourne Vixens and our new Official Ticketing Partner.

“The Vixens continue to be one of the strongest properties in Australian women’s sport.

“We were the most-watched team in Super Netball in 2026, attracted the highest total attendance across the season and our playing dress remains the number one commercial asset in netball.

“That provides an incredibly strong platform for our partners, but just as importantly, we want to work with organisations that can add something meaningful to the experience of our members and fans.

“AXS brings both of those elements to this partnership. They’ll have a significant presence across the Vixens brand, while their technology and match-day activations will help us continue to improve the experience we provide our supporters.”

For AXS, the alliance represents an expansion within the Melbourne Park precinct, where the platform serves as the official ticketing partner and operates the newly established AXS Fan Hub. The Vixens join a growing portfolio of seven major Melbourne professional sporting entities partnering with AXS across netball, basketball, soccer, and rugby league.

AXS Australia New Zealand CEO, Andrew Travis, detailed the company’s localised, fan-focused approach to the partnership.

“Melbourne sports fans set a high bar. They know what a great live experience looks like, and they expect their ticketing experience to live up to it.”

“What I love about this partnership is that every club has its own personality. We don’t want to turn up with the same playbook everywhere.

“We want to add something to the experiences fans already love, from making it easier to get and manage their tickets to surprising fans with upgrades to some of the best seats in the house,” Travis said.

The collaboration rolls out as the Vixens assemble a high-caliber squad for 2027, blending established Australian Diamonds stars with international talent as the club targets its next championship campaign.

Beyond apparel branding, the collaboration introduces fan-centric match-day activations, including the “AXS Seat Upgrade” program designed to elevate the live spectator experience.

NBL and Bunnings Launch Charity Fundraising Initiative for Bendigo CFA at Pre-Season Blitz

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian National Basketball League has partnered with hardware retailer Bunnings to launch a community fundraising initiative during the 2026 CODE Sports NBL Bendigo Blitz.

The five-day pre-season tournament will see a forty-dollar donation triggered for every successful three-point shot scored, directly supporting local Country Fire Authority brigades and families affected by the catastrophic bushfires that impacted Greater Bendigo and regional Victoria in January 2026.

Building on last year’s tally of 283 three-pointers, the campaign aims to raise upwards of ten thousand dollars, while the NBL provides complimentary match tickets for CFA volunteers and their families.

Emphasising the league’s commitment to leveraging its platform for social impact, NBL chief product officer, Alex Hamilton, said: “The CFA volunteers who responded in January put everything on the line for their community.”

“This is one small way we can turn what happens on the court into something that matters off it.

“I want to personally thank Bunnings for supporting this initiative and for everything they do as part of our long-standing partnership,” Hamilton said.

Bunnings head of community, partnerships and events, Michelle Walter highlighted the critical importance of ongoing recovery efforts following the summer disaster.

“The bushfires that impacted Greater Bendigo and communities across regional Victoria earlier this year were devastating, and our teams saw firsthand how CFA volunteers worked tirelessly to protect lives, homes and communities.”

“Bunnings is proud to join the NBL in recognising the CFA’s extraordinary efforts and provide further support to local brigades and affected families.

“We hope every three-pointer scored during the Blitz helps make a meaningful difference to the Bendigo community as it continues to recover,” Walter said.

Sports Group Melbourne Enlists SEN as Official Media Partner in Major Junior Football Alliance

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Courtney

Sports Group Melbourne (SGM) has officially announced a new commercial partnership with Sports Entertainment Network (SEN), designating the leading media organisation as the Official Media Partner across its premier suite of junior football competitions.

The alliance encompasses major youth sports properties, including the Junior Champions League, Youth Super Cup, Junior Academy League, and the Shepparton Cup, bringing heightened media visibility and professional broadcast amplification to grassroots athletic development.

The partnership bridges SGM’s expanding national footprint in youth football with SEN’s extensive multimedia network, providing vital exposure for emerging talent and supporting the broader commercial and developmental ecosystem of Australian football. By leveraging SEN’s broadcast and digital platforms, the collaboration aims to enhance the overall participant experience while offering increased commercial value to corporate partners invested in grassroots sports.

Emphasising the importance of grassroots investment in nurturing future sporting generations, Daniel McGuire, Chief Commercial Officer at Sports Entertainment Network, chief commercial officer at Sports Entertainment Network, Daniel McGuire, said: “Sports Entertainment Network is proud to partner with SGM and support its junior events.”

“Grassroots sport is incredibly important in building the next generation of athletes and creating a lifelong passion for the game.

“We’re excited to use SEN’s platforms to amplify these events and help give young footballers great opportunities to play, develop and enjoy the sport they love,” Mr McGuire said.

Welcoming the collaboration as a milestone for the organisation and the young athletes it serves, managing director of SGM, Rolando Navas, added: “Partnering with SEN gives us access to a media platform that truly understands the value of sport at every level.”

“Across the Junior Champions League, Youth Super Cup, Junior Academy League and the Shepparton Cup, this partnership means greater exposure for our young athletes and their achievements, and it strengthens our ability to deliver world-class events year-round.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with the SEN team across our full events calendar,” Navas said.

NBA Imposes Landmark $30 Million Fine and Draft Sanctions on Los Angeles Clippers for Salary Cap Circumvention

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has handed down sanctions against the Los Angeles Clippers, owner Steve Ballmer, and star player Kawhi Leonard following an exhaustive investigation into salary cap circumvention.

The league penalised the franchise with a USD30 million (AUD41 million) fine and the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks starting in 2029, alongside a one-year ban for Ballmer.

The investigation, conducted by legal firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, concluded that the organisation improperly channelled millions of dollars in off-the-books endorsement payments to Leonard through third-party corporate partners, including Aspiration Partners, Boingo Wireless, Daktronics, and Lockton Insurance.

In addition to Ballmer’s suspension, executive leadership faced severe disciplinary measures, including a one-year ban for president of business operations Gillian Zucker and a six-month suspension for president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank.

Kawhi Leonard received a USD700,000 (AUD976,710 ) fine, while his uncle, Dennis Robertson, was hit with a five-year league ban. The commercial and roster fallout has been immediate, with Leonard subsequently traded to the Toronto Raptors following months of speculation.

Condemning the institutional failures, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, emphasised the importance of financial compliance within the competition.

“The NBA’s collectively bargained system for determining player compensation is a fundamental component of the basketball competition that the league oversees for the benefit of the teams and players and ultimately the fans.”

“I am deeply disappointed by the flagrant violations of our rules and by the Clippers’ institutional and leadership failures that led to this misconduct.

“The severity of the penalties reflects the seriousness of the violations,” he said.

Despite the comprehensive 35-page findings report detailing complex financial transactions, the Clippers vehemently rejected the conclusions, accusing investigators of a biased process and vowing to challenge the penalties through every available legal avenue.

Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard distanced himself from the administrative arrangement, pointing to “lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle.” He maintained he had no knowledge of any illicit payment scheme as he prepares to embark on a fresh chapter with Toronto.

South Melbourne FC Appoints Executive Advisor Chris Karagounis to Board to Drive A-League Ambitions

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Courtney

South Melbourne Football Club has significantly boosted its governance and organisational capability by appointing Chris Karagounis, Managing Partner of executive search and leadership advisory firm ALEX KAAR, to its board of directors.

The board addition arrives as the historic Victorian club aggressively pursues its long-held commercial and sporting ambitions to secure admission into the national A-League competition, while building deeper bridges within Melbourne’s corporate and multicultural communities.

As one of the most storied institutions in Australian football, South Melbourne continues to professionalise its administrative structure to meet the stringent governance and commercial criteria required for top-flight expansion.

The appointment of an experienced corporate advisor with deep expertise in executive search, leadership development, and board effectiveness provides the club with critical strategic oversight as it scales its operations for future elite competition.

Welcoming the appointment, co-president, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, underscored the vital leadership capabilities Karagounis brings to the board table during a pivotal phase of institutional growth.

“Chris brings deep experience in leadership, building high-performance teams, and uniting people behind a common purpose.”

“That experience will be invaluable as we strengthen the Club and build for an ambitious future,” Papastergiadis stated.

Chris Karagounis reflected on the profound personal and cultural significance of joining the organisation, noting the enduring heritage linking his family to the club’s rich history, while doubling down on the board’s unwavering commitment to elite national expansion.

“South Melbourne is one of the great clubs of Australian football, built on a proud history and a deep connection to the Greek community.”

“For me, that connection is personal. Football connects my youngest son Evan and me to our heritage, and joining the Board is a genuine privilege.

“Our ambition is equally clear: South Melbourne belongs at the highest level of Australian football. We want to compete in the A-League – and we won’t stop pushing until we get there,” Karagounis declared.

The board renewal reflects a concerted effort by South Melbourne’s leadership to align its commercial foundation with its on-field heritage.

Melbourne Victory Announces Four-Year Partnership with Elite Eleven

Posted on September 2, 2026 by Courtney

Melbourne Victory has secured a four-year technical kit and apparel partnership with prominent homegrown activewear brand Elite Eleven, commencing ahead of the 2026/27 A-Leagues season.

Under the multi-year commercial agreement, the celebrated ‘EE’ logo will feature across the club’s A-League Men and Women squads, AFC Champions League Two fixtures, remaining Hahn Australia Cup matches, and the club’s academy sides following the conclusion of the 2026 National Premier Leagues Victoria season.

The partnership marks Elite Eleven’s debut in elite technical sports apparel supply, building upon a previous successful collaboration that produced a sell-out 20th-anniversary capsule collection in March 2025.

Melbourne Victory managing director, Caroline Carnegie, highlighted the alignment and rationale behind the long-term collaboration.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Elite Eleven to the Melbourne Victory family on a long-term basis, following a successful collaboration in March 2025,”

“During a comprehensive tender process, it became apparent that Elite Eleven would not only best serve the requirements of our elite athletes, but also our community of Members and fans, many of whom are well-versed with their existing collections.

“It is apt that the club for all Victorians will be dressed by a global brand founded in Melbourne, Victoria,” Carnegie stated.

Elite Eleven founder, Benn Martiniello, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the profound personal and corporate significance of securing the brand’s maiden elite football partnership in its home city.

“We’re incredibly excited to embark on Elite Eleven’s first-ever technical kit and apparel partnership with Melbourne Victory.”

“As a Melbourne-based brand, this partnership holds special significance for us, with many of the EE team having supported the club throughout its rich history.

“We are looking forward to working closely with the club to bring innovation and excitement to players, staff and fans for the next four seasons through Elite Eleven product and experiences,” he said.

Founded in Melbourne in 2014, Elite Eleven has expanded into an internationally recognised activewear brand with twenty-one retail locations across Australia, including nine within Victoria. Following a rigorous tender process, club executives selected the local brand to manage both elite athlete performance requirements and extensive merchandise retail demands for members and fans.

New training apparel is scheduled to hit retail shelves immediately, while the club’s home and away playing kits will debut in early October prior to the commencement of the new domestic professional season. This partnership positions both organisations to capitalise on surging engagement and commercial growth across Australian football.

Fremantle Football Club Extends D’Orsogna Partnership Through 2027 AFL Season

Posted on September 2, 2026 by Courtney

The Fremantle Football Club has announced that the iconic West Australian smallgoods business D’Orsogna has extended its partnership through to the end of the 2027 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

Entering its third consecutive year as a Fremantle partner after initially joining the club in 2025 as a silver partner, the family-owned brand has embedded itself deeply within the club’s commercial organisation.

The renewed agreement ensures that D’Orsogna will continue to support a comprehensive suite of matchday operations, staff initiatives, and high-visibility marketing campaigns, featuring upcoming player integrations with prominent squad members Brennan Cox and Hayden Young.

Commenting on the partnership extension, Fremantle executive general manager of commercial, Carissa Pearce emphasised that the extension validates the deep mutual value established over the past two seasons.

“Since joining us in 2025, D’Orsogna have embraced everything it means to be part of the Fremantle family from providing match day experiences to supporting staff initiatives and creating authentic advertising campaigns that resonate with our fans.”

“Extending this partnership through to the end of 2027 reflects the strength of what we’ve built together, and we’re excited to keep bringing D’Orsogna closer to our members and fans in fresh ways,” Pearce noted.

Echoing this sentiment, D’Orsogna managing director, Jason Craig underscored the alignment between the regional family enterprise and one of Western Australia’s leading sporting organisations.

“Fremantle Football Club is one of Western Australia’s most recognised and respected sporting organisations, and we’re proud to extend our partnership through the 2027 season.”

“As a family business, supporting organisations that make a positive contribution to our community is incredibly important to us.

“Since joining the Fremantle family in 2025, we’ve built a strong relationship with the Club and have enjoyed connecting with members and supporters through a range of initiatives.

“We’re excited to continue working together and building on that success in the years ahead,” Craig stated.

Brisbane Bullets Announce Partnership with LSKD

Posted on September 2, 2026 by Courtney

The Brisbane Bullets have announced a major partnership with homegrown activewear brand LSKD, which also assumes the inaugural role of foundation partner for the Brisbane Bullets Academy.

The alliance unites two prominent Australian sports brands centred around a shared cultural ethos of continuous improvement, encapsulated by LSKD’s core corporate mission to inspire individuals to be one percent better every day.

By integrating this philosophy across all levels of the organisation, the partnership is designed to support athletes and young people in their holistic development, spanning local grassroots initiatives and the dedicated Academy program through to elite high-performance competition.

Commenting on the partnership, Brisbane Bullets CEO, Mal Watts, said: “The 1% Better mission resonates with what we’re building at the Bullets.”

“Expanding on the long-term vision for player development and club culture, we want to create a culture where our players and young people are encouraged to challenge themselves, move with intent and continually improve.

“Having LSKD alongside us as we develop that culture from grassroots through to high performance is incredibly exciting,” Watts said.

For LSKD, the partnership represents a powerful vehicle to deepen community engagement and brand presence within professional basketball.

LSKD founder and CEO, Jason Daniel, underscored the mutual value of the alliance for both consumer bases.

“There’s a really natural alignment between our two brands and the communities we’re building.”

“We’re looking forward to supporting the Academy and inspiring the next generation to keep challenging themselves and be 1% better every day,” Daniel stated.

Through this collaboration, the Brisbane Bullets and LSKD will combine commercial resources to foster a sustainable development pipeline, ensuring that aspiring athletes across Queensland and beyond receive the structural backing necessary to excel on and off the court.

Australian Government Unveils $15.6 Million Funding to Boost Pacific Athletes Toward Brisbane 2032

Posted on September 2, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian Government has announced a $15.6 million financial commitment spanning four years to support athletes and officials from thirteen Pacific nations on their high-performance journey toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Delivered in direct partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, Commonwealth Games Australia, and key regional sports organisations, the investment is designed to enhance training and qualification access for upcoming international showcases, including the Tahiti 2027 Pacific Games, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Rarotonga 2029 Pacific Mini Games.

Emphasised the immense athletic potential residing across neighbouring island nations and the value of the collaborative program, Prime Minister, Hon. Anthony Albanese, said: “The Pacific is home to incredible sporting talent.”

“This new partnership will contribute to producing the next generation of successful athletes.

“As we move forward in planning for Brisbane 2032 Australia looks forward to welcoming the best of the best sporting talent from the Pacific and supporting them to go for gold,” Albanese said.

Further highlighting the social and developmental dividends yielded through international sports administration and diplomacy, Minister for the Pacific, Pat Conroy, said: “Sport has a unique power to bring people together, and support healthy lives, gender equity and youth leadership.”

“This is an investment in the development of athletes across the Pacific.

“I look forward to seeing many successful Pacific athletes at the upcoming Paralympics, Commonwealth and Olympic Games,” Minister Conroy noted.

The funding complements other major federal commitments across the Pacific sports landscape, such as substantial financial allocations toward rugby league development in Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji. By strengthening high-performance pathways and commercial ties throughout Oceania, the federal government aims to foster regional collaboration while ensuring visiting athletes are fully prepared for the 2032 home Games.

Newcastle Jets Renews Partnership with East Coast Car Rentals for Third Season

Posted on September 2, 2026 by Courtney

The Newcastle Jets have formally announced the extension of their partnership with East Coast Car Rentals, securing the prominent independent car hire provider for a third consecutive season.

As part of the renewed agreement, Newcastle Jets members retain exclusive commercial benefits, including a twenty percent discount on the daily base rate when pre-paying online across the provider’s extensive national network.

East Coast Car Rentals sales director, Roberto Mignanelli, emphasised the alignment driving the partnership’s longevity within the domestic market, noting the importance of community integration.

“As an Australian-owned company, we feel it’s important to operate in communities in which we exist, and this is our third year supporting the Newcastle Jets and their fans with car rental no matter where they travel within Australia.”

“Their values align with ours and therefore we think we are a really good match for each other, and we are happy with the partnership,” Mignanelli stated.

The partnership renewal arrives as the Jets prepare for a demanding schedule of fixtures, maintaining a robust commercial roster that includes ongoing agreements with prominent organisations such as oOh!Media.

Operating fourteen city and airport locations across the country, East Coast Car Rentals continues to cement its footprint within elite Australian professional sport through strategic club alignments that drive member value, brand visibility, and commercial engagement.

SBS Secures Broadcasting Rights for FIFA World Cup 2030

Posted on September 2, 2026September 2, 2026 by Courtney

SBS has announced that it has secured an exclusive Australian television, video, and radio rights to the FIFA World Cup 2030. The sports rights agreement ensures that all 104 matches of the centenary tournament, hosted across Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with opening fixtures in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, will be broadcast live and free across SBS, SBS2, SBS On Demand, and SBS Audio.

This multi-year pact extends a collaboration between FIFA and SBS that spans 44 years from 1986 to 2030, reinforcing the public broadcaster’s long-standing commercial and cultural strategy.

Reflecting on the significance of the agreement, SBS managing director, Jane Palfreyman, said: “SBS is without question the home of ‘the World Game’ in Australia and we are so pleased to retain the exclusive rights for 2030.”

“The FIFA World Cup™ is one of the few sporting events that truly brings Australians together across all cultures, languages and communities.

“In 2030 audiences will once again be able to experience every match live and free on SBS. Securing the FIFA World Cup 2030™ continues the important partnership between SBS and FIFA that spans more than four decades and reflects our long-standing commitment to making the world’s biggest sporting moments accessible to all Australians,” Palfreyman said.

Praising the broadcaster’s proven capability to deliver world-class coverage, FIFA director of media partnerships and FIFA+, Jean-Christophe Petit, added: “We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with SBS.”

“SBS’s innovative programming, in-depth coverage, nationwide exposure and commitment to showcasing the rich cultural celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ set new benchmarks for the tournament in Australia this year.

“With this new agreement, we look forward to working together with SBS to bring Australian fans an exceptional viewing experience for the FIFA World Cup 2030™, a landmark edition of the tournament as we celebrate its centenary,” Petit said.

The announcement follows a record-breaking broadcast performance during the FIFA World Cup 2026, which reached more than 18 million Australians and generated over 209 million hours of consumption.