Ministry of Sport

Sydney FC and Official Apparel Partner Under Armour Unveil First A-League Kit Dedicated to Active Supporters

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Courtney

Sydney FC and official apparel partner Under Armour have launched the club’s third kit for the 2026–27 A-Leagues season, marking the first jersey in competition dedicated exclusively to a club’s active supporter group, The Cove in Bay 23.

Designed to honour the long-standing bond between the organisation and its core fanbase, the black and charcoal third kit incorporates visual representations of supporter culture directly into the fabric.

The front of the shirt features charcoal grey silhouettes depicting members of The Cove in full voice with scarves, merchandise, and signage, alongside iconic Sydney landmarks like the Harbour Bridge, while a dedicated Bay 23 emblem is positioned below the collar on the top left shoulder.

The design is rounded out by an iconic blue deconstructed Sydney FC crest and a ‘We Are Sydney’ bottom embellishment.

Sydney FC Men’s captain, Rhyan Grant, emphasised the role active supporters play in generating home-ground advantage and driving team performance.

“Win or lose, The Cove supporters are always showing up, and have never wavered in their support of us, bringing the noise that makes the atmosphere of every game we play,” Grant said.

Sydney FC Women’s captain, Natalie Tobin, echoed those sentiments, highlighting the unified culture spanning both senior elite teams.

“Without The Cove and Bay 23 supporting us, and continuing to show up for all of our games, we wouldn’t be the club that we are today.”

“At Sydney FC we really value the pride and the support that the fans have for us, so being able to capture and share that club pride with the supporters through this kit is amazing,” Tobin said.

Sydney FC executive vice-chairman, Sebastian Gray, added the commercial milestone for the A-Leagues club.

“The Cove has been part of the fabric of Sydney FC since the very beginning.”

“As the first A-League club to dedicate a kit to its active support, we’re recognising everything our supporters have given this Club: their voice, their loyalty and their passion. It’s a kit made for the fans, inspired by the fans, and we couldn’t be prouder to see it worn on the pitch and in the stands,” Gray said.

Both the Sydney FC Men’s and Women’s First Team squads will debut the new third kit on pitch this weekend during their respective away fixtures against Melbourne City and the Brisbane Roar. The commercial release also includes full retail availability across the club’s official e-commerce channels, providing active supporters and the broader fanbase with dedicated apparel that reflects their match-day contribution to stadium atmosphere at home and away.

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Golf Australia Appoints Former Matildas Executive Sarah Walsh

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Courtney

Golf Australia has announced the appointment of former Matildas international and seasoned sports executive Sarah Walsh as General Manager, Golfer Growth and Engagement, tasked with leading participation expansion and improving retention strategies across the sport.

Walsh joins the governing body following more than ten years at Football Australia, where she spearheaded national game development initiatives, directed the whole-of-sport Legacy ’23 strategy for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, and served as Chief Executive Officer of the Local Organising Committee for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

Golf Australia CEO, James Sutherland, commended Walsh’s commercial track record in aligning sporting stakeholders and building sustainable participation pathways.

“Sarah has a strong track record of growing participation and creating inclusive environments that encourage people to want to stay involved in sport.”

“Golf is in a strong position, with well over four million people playing in Australia in some form last year.

“Our job now is to make sure the people coming through the door stay and bring others with them.

“Sarah has done that in football, bringing clubs, government and partners together behind a plan, and her experience will be valuable as we work with the industry on the next stage of growth,” Sutherland said.

Incoming GM, Walsh, highlighted the immense growth potential across the Australian sporting landscape.

“I’m excited by the challenge of joining a new sport. As a truly global sport, golf is already on an impressive growth trajectory, with so much more potential through creating better experiences for all communities.”

“Golf is uniquely a game for life, and there’s a real opportunity to welcome more people in. I’ve seen what a sport can achieve when it unites around a clear ambition – golf is ready for that, and our aim will be to make sure that everyone who tries it has a reason to stay.

“I’m looking forward to working with the already well-established Golf Australia team, and with all the stakeholders who bring the game to life on the ground.” Walsh said.

Commencing in her executive role on Wednesday 4 November, Walsh will oversee the operational execution of the Belong pillar within Golf Australia’s national strategy. Her department, rebranded from Golf Participation to Golfer Growth and Engagement, manages primary entry-level participant pathways including MyGolf, Get Into Golf, Tee Mates, and targeted Women & Girls Engagement initiatives in close collaboration with State Associations, facility operators, delivery partners, and the PGA of Australia.

The division currently manages programs that reached over 190,000 participants across more than 560 venues nationwide in the past year, doubling participation numbers over a five-year period and generating direct revenue streams for local delivery clubs and PGA Professionals. With over four million Australians playing golf in various forms last year, Walsh’s core strategic objective will focus on converting casual participants into permanent club members and long-term participants.

Wellington Phoenix Renews Commercial Partnership with Family-Owned Dealership Group Gazley

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand A-Leagues club Wellington Phoenix has confirmed a commercial partnership renewal with local family-owned automotive group Gazley, extending the relationship into its sixth consecutive year.

The agreement encompasses commercial support across both the club’s A-League Men and A-League Women outfits for the 2026–27 season.

Under the renewed terms, Gazley will supply the club’s administrative and operational vehicle fleet, leveraging British automotive manufacturer MG as the official vehicle provider for the team’s transport logistics.

Gazley, which has operated across Wellington and the Kapiti Coast for over two decades, will also retain elevated corporate hospitality assets and venue signage rights at Sky Stadium.

Welcoming the continued commercial backing from the Wellington business institution, Wellington Phoenix GM, David Dome, said: “Gazley’s commitment to this Club and this city is really special, and seeing the partnership continue to develop is fantastic for everyone at the Phoenix.”

“Myles is a passionate Wellingtonian, and the support he provides for both our men’s and women’s sides is amazing.

“We look forward to welcoming Myles, his team and their guests to the stadium this season,” Dome said.

Gazley Owner, Myles Gazley, expressed pride in backing both elite football teams across the regional market.

“I’m so proud to be involved with the Phoenix in 26-27, and as a father of two sporty girls I’m thrilled we are now a sponsor of the amazing women’s team too.

“I have a feeling this will be the Phoenix’s year, and we will be there all the way,” Gazley said.

USTA and IBM Announce Five-Year Extension to Securing AI and Cloud Partnership Through 2031

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Courtney

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and technology giant IBM have agreed to a five-year extension of their long-standing commercial and technical partnership, ensuring IBM remains the Official Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Partner of the US Open Grand Slam tournament through 2031.

The multi-year renewal extends a 35-year operational relationship that began with the launch of USOpen.org in 1995 and the tournament’s first mobile app in 2009, continuing the deployment of hybrid cloud and generative artificial intelligence architectures across the national governing body’s digital ecosystem.

The commercial extension follows a record-breaking 2026 US Open that generated significant global fan engagement across both physical and digital channels. Platforms powered by IBM logged more than 270 million total fan interactions across USOpen.org and the official US Open mobile application combined.

The 2026 tournament introduced new fan-facing generative AI tools, including Live Updates, momentum-tracking Key Moments, and a data-heavy Serve Quality metric that processes tracking data from ball, racquet, and player motion.

On-site attendance reached a record 1.2 million fans over the three-week event, including 300,000 attendees during Fan Week.

Across owned social media channels, the USTA recorded 3.9 billion interactions, a 26 per cent increase compared to 2025, while broadcast partner ESPN delivered its highest viewership since 2022, with the men’s and women’s singles finals averaging 3 million viewers.

Global broadcast coverage accumulated a record 374 million viewer hours throughout the tournament.

VP of Sports and Entertainment Partnerships at IBM, Kameryn Stanhouse, highlighted the role of data processing in driving digital value for sports properties.

“For 35 years, IBM and the USTA have worked together to redefine how technology can bring fans closer to the game.

“This renewal builds on that legacy, bringing IBM technology to the next generation of the US Open fan experience.

“It’s also a powerful example of what’s possible when organisations turn complex data into meaningful experiences that create more value for their audiences,” Stanhouse said.

Senior director of digital strategy at the USTA, Brian Ryerson, noted that technological innovation remains central to the tournament’s global engagement strategy.

“Our partnership with IBM has produced decades of groundbreaking innovation for the US Open and for our fans.”

“Every year we utilise cutting-edge technology to not only push the boundaries of digital engagement but to provide our fans the most useful and interesting ways to connect with our sport.

“We’re grateful for everything our partnership with IBM has produced and I’m very excited to see where our work goes over the next five years,” Ryerson said.

Queensland Country Bank Extends Principal Partnership with Brisbane Heat Through 2027–28 Season

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Courtney

Queensland Country Bank and Big Bash League franchise the Brisbane Heat have announced a major extension of their Principal Partnership, securing their commercial arrangement through to the end of the 2027–28 season.

The extension arrives on the eve of the 2026 Weber Women’s Big Bash League season opener, where the Heat face the Sydney Sixers at Allan Border Field.

Under the extended agreement, Queensland Country Bank retains front-of-jersey branding across the Brisbane Heat’s official playing and training apparel across both the WBBL and KFC BBL competitions.

Commenting on the partnership, Queensland Cricket CEO, Terry Svenson, said: “Queensland Country Bank has become an invaluable part of the Brisbane Heat family and we’re thrilled to extend our partnership through to the 2027-28 season.”

“Since joining us as Principal Partner, Queensland Country Bank has embraced every opportunity to engage with our members, fans and communities, while helping us grow the game and deliver memorable experiences on and off the field.

“The partnership is built on shared values, a commitment to Queensland communities, and a desire to make a positive impact.

“We’re excited to continue building on that success together over the coming years,” Svenson said.

Queensland Country Bank CEO, Aaron Newman, highlighted how the sports sponsorship supports corporate growth and brand awareness across the state.

“Queensland Country Bank and the Brisbane Heat have a lot in common.”

“We’re both proudly Queensland, we’re passionate about our communities, and we understand the importance of bringing people together.

“Cricket has an extraordinary ability to connect Queenslanders, whether it’s families watching the Heat, young players dreaming of pulling on the teal jersey, or communities coming together around their local clubs.

“We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Heat through to the end of the 2027-28 season.

“It enables us to grow our brand, connect meaningfully with current and future Members, and support communities across the state,” Newman said.

The deal includes stadium signage, integrated digital marketing campaigns, and exclusive match-day fan engagement activations across Queensland Cricket’s venue footprint.

A centerpiece of the commercial relationship remains the popular $50K Your Way promotion, which offers fans a chance to win a $50,000 cash prize while driving brand engagement for the member-owned financial institution across regional and urban communities.

World Triathlon and Hyrox Form Landmark Strategic Partnership to Globalise Hybrid Racing and Pursue Olympic Inclusion

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Courtney

World Triathlon and global fitness race operator Hyrox have entered into a partnership to formally establish hybrid racing as a recognised discipline within the international multisport governing body’s official framework.

The agreement provides the governance, anti-doping, and administrative scaffolding required to pursue the ultimate ambition of securing future inclusion in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Under the terms of the deal, hybrid racing—which combines running legs with functional fitness workout stations—will be sanctioned and governed by World Triathlon across three distinct competition formats: Ultimate, Fast, and Ultra. Hyrox will act as the exclusive commercial operator for elite World, Continental, and National Championships in the flagship Ultimate format, which mirrors its current race layout.

Concurrently, World Triathlon’s network of 177 national federations will gain the rights to organise local competitions and national age-group championships across all three formats, creating a structured pathway from grassroots participation to elite performance.

Highlighting the commercial and participation opportunities for member nations, president of World Triathlon, Antonio Arimany,

“This partnership will not only accelerate the growth of World Triathlon on the global stage, it will open genuine new opportunities for every one of our national federations to grow participation, engage new audiences, and strengthen our sport at every level.”

“This is exactly the kind of forward-looking collaboration our members deserve,” Arimany said.

Emphasising the structural transition from a commercial fitness brand to a globally recognised sport, Co-Founder and CEO of Hyrox, Christian Toetzke, said: “From the very beginning, our goal was to build a global sport that could earn a place on the world’s biggest athletic stage.”

“Partnering with World Triathlon is a monumental step toward that vision.

“Hybrid racing is no longer just a global fitness movement, it is officially on the road to the Olympics,” Toetzke said.

The move aligns Hyrox with an established International Olympic Committee (IOC)-recognised federation, satisfying key Olympic Charter criteria regarding anti-doping compliance, global governance, and ethical competition standards necessary for consideration on the Olympic program.

However, the announcement has drawn immediate backlash from elite triathletes. Great Britain’s Olympic champion Alex Yee published a social media poll showing 82 per cent of respondents opposed the integration, while international triathletes Max Stapley and Roksana Slupek publicly questioned the operational compatibility and shared value between the two distinct sports.

Cricket Victoria and Melbourne Stars Appoint Mountain Culture as Official Beer Partner

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Courtney

Cricket Victoria and Big Bash League franchise the Melbourne Stars have secured a two-year commercial deal with independent craft brewery Mountain Culture Beer Co., appointing the brand as the official beer partner for both state governing body and elite club operations.

Under the agreement, the award-winning Australian brewery becomes the exclusive pouring rights provider at the Junction Oval, while also supplying its product portfolio across official Cricket Victoria corporate functions, administrative events, and match-day hospitality.

Founded in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales in 2019, Mountain Culture produces Status Quo Pale Ale, which achieved four consecutive first-place finishes in the GABS Hottest 100 Craft Beer poll from 2022 to 2025.

The multi-faceted arrangement incorporates extensive commercial rights aimed at converting elite stadium engagement into direct member value and grassroots community integration.

Melbourne Stars members will receive a 15 per cent discount on purchases at Mountain Culture’s Richmond Brewery venue, which has been designated as an official away-game hub for supporters during the Big Bash League season.

Furthermore, the partnership extends commercial offers and promotions directly to Victorian community cricket clubs to deepen local engagement across the state.

Cricket Victoria GM – government relations and strategic partnerships, Dylan Prescott, highlighted the benefits for both elite and grassroots ecosystems, stating that Mountain Culture is a fantastic addition to the Cricket Victoria and Melbourne Stars family and expressing excitement to welcome such an innovative and highly regarded Australian brewery as the Official Beer Partner.

Prescott added that the partnership extends beyond match day to deliver exclusive benefits for Stars members and cricket clubs across Victoria, creating opportunities to bring communities together to celebrate great cricket and memorable experiences.

Mountain Culture Co-Founder and CEO, DJ McCready, noted the strong alignment with Victorian summer sport, stating that summer in Melbourne means cricket is on and the team is stoked to be partnering with Cricket Victoria and the Melbourne Stars.

McCready emphasised the company’s humble origins in the Blue Mountains and stated that local clubs keeping cricket going across Victoria run on that same spirit.

He invited Stars fans to treat the Richmond Brewery as their home base this summer to watch away matches and enjoy a beer together.

FIFA Reportedly Generates $5 Billion in 2026 World Cup Ticketing Revenue Amid Fan Backlash and Governance Scrutiny

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Courtney

FIFA generated an estimated USD5 billion (AUD7.1 billion) from ticket sales and hospitality packages for the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, outperforming initial budgetary projections by USD1.7 billion (AUD2.4 billion) and quintupling the USD929 million (AUD1.32 billion) generated at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Driven by an expanded 48-team format featuring 104 matches, an aggressive dynamic pricing strategy across North American venues, and substantial secondary market resale commissions, the figures highlight the immense commercial returns extracted from the global tournament.

However, the pricing model has sparked widespread criticism from international fan advocacy groups and consumer regulators, who argue that exorbitant price floors, with Category 1 final tickets reaching USD10,990 (AUD15.633), priced out core supporters and compromised stadium atmospheres.

Internal friction and regulatory scrutiny have intensified around the commercial strategy. Reports indicate that internal recommendations from FIFA’s Miami operational staff favoring affordable general admission tiers were overruled by executive leadership seeking to maximise revenue in the lucrative North American market.

Externally, organisations such as Football Supporters Europe filed formal complaints with the European Commission alleging deceptive availability and excessive secondary fees, while state attorneys general in New York and New Jersey issued subpoenas to investigate dynamic price surges.

The financial windfall arrives alongside governance debate surrounding FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who recently pivoted to propose the USD6.35 billion (AUD9.03 billion) Surplus Solidarity Programme to double development allocations for member associations through 2030 following pushback against a proposed commercial rights sell-off.

FIFA stated that final audited revenue figures will be published in its upcoming annual report.

Netball Celebrates Record Growth at Parliamentary Friends Event

Posted on October 29, 2026 by Courtney

Netball Queensland has reported record participation figures at the annual Queensland Parliamentary Friends of Netball (QPFN) event at Parliament House, surpassing its full-year 2026 membership targets ahead of schedule.

As of October 28, Netball Queensland recorded 66,877 unique playing members, outperforming its annual benchmark of 65,302. The total marks a 5.7 per cent year-on-year increase (an additional 3,477 playing members) compared to 2025, with growth distributed across 55 of the state’s 99 regional and metropolitan associations. Western Districts Netball Association delivered the largest individual increase, adding 586 new members.

Noting that overcoming infrastructure and operational bottlenecks remains central to sustaining the sport’s growth trajectory, CEO of Netball Queensland, Kate Davies, said: “These results show the ongoing strength and popularity of netball in Queensland, as well as the commitment of the people who create welcoming opportunities to play in communities across our state.”

“In 2027, we will continue addressing barriers to growth, including access to coaches, facilities and organisational capability.

“We will also evolve programs to broaden netball’s market and explore the feasibility of establishing associations, programs and competitions in identified growth areas.

“The Queensland Parliamentary Friends of Netball is important because it connects parliamentarians directly with netball stakeholders and the communities they represent. Those relationships will help us sustain and enhance this growth into the future,” Davies said.

Member for Cooper and QPFN Joint Chair, Hon. Jonty Bush MP, highlighted the alignment between parliamentary support and community sport.

“I’m thrilled but not surprised that Netball Queensland has surpassed its membership growth target.”

“Netball is an incredibly popular sport, and with the newly launched ‘Go for Growth’ Strategic Plan Netball Queensland has solidified the sport’s position as the state’s leading team sport for women and girls,” Bush said.

Member for Glasshouse and QPFN Joint Chair, Hon. Andrew Powell MP, commended the grassroots volunteer network across the state.

“Queensland’s netball community continues to go from strength to strength.”

“Reaching this milestone ahead of schedule is a fantastic achievement and reflects the hard work of local associations, clubs, coaches, officials and volunteers.

“As Joint Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Netball, I look forward to seeing that growth continue and ensuring the voices of netball communities are heard in Parliament,” Powell said.

Diversity Metrics, Strategic Infrastructure, and Major Events

Participation figures across First Nations demographics outpaced general population ratios, with Indigenous players representing 5.6 per cent of total state membership across 98 associations in 64 Local Government Areas (compared to 4.6 per cent of Queensland’s broader population).

The membership growth coincides with the implementation of Netball Queensland’s Go for Growth Strategic Plan, designed to address systemic operational constraints, expand facility capacity, and strengthen coaching and governance pathways in key regional corridors.

On the commercial and marquee events front, Netball Queensland confirmed the continuation of the Suncorp Super Netball derby between the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning for the 2027 Queensland Day Mega Round.

The fixture will take place at UniSC Arena on June 6, 2027, with the two franchises contesting the Queensland Cup.

Capital.com Australian Open Elevates Ares and Renews AWS and Fortinet Partnerships for 2026 Tournament

Posted on October 29, 2026 by Courtney

The Capital.com Australian Open has announced a series of commercial sponsorship agreements ahead of its 2026 event, elevating alternative investment manager Ares Management to Major Partner status and securing one-year partnership renewals with technology leaders Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Fortinet.

The commercial deals strengthen the tournament’s tier-one sponsor portfolio as momentum builds for the 2026 championship, scheduled for December 3–6 at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne.

The event—co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and DP World Tour—will feature a marquee international field headlined by back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy.

Highlighting how integration with global tech brands enhances both fan and tournament infrastructure, chief commercial officer at Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia, Ben Sellenger, said: “The calibre and number of businesses that want to be part of the Capital.com Australian Open continues to grow, and these three partnerships are a great example of that.”

“We are delighted to welcome back Ares, AWS and Fortinet.

“All are global leaders in their respective fields and have a significant presence in international sports, including golf.

“With AWS helping us deliver our inaugural tournament app and Fortinet bringing its global cybersecurity expertise to the championship, these partnerships also demonstrate how our commercial partners can play a genuine role in enhancing the tournament experience.

“The Capital.com Australian Open is becoming an increasingly attractive platform for global brands, and we are proud to have Ares, AWS and Fortinet continuing to sponsor the championship,” Sellenger said.

Key Operational & Technology Activations

Ares Management: Upgrades its commercial inventory to Major Partner status, expanding its investment across Australian golf following its initial championship partnership in 2025.
Amazon Web Services (AWS): Returns as the Official Cloud Computing Services Partner. AWS will power the inaugural Capital.com Australian Open tournament app, integrating real-time scoring data, fan engagement features, and digital venue services using its established sports cloud infrastructure.
Fortinet: Renews as the Official Cybersecurity Partner, maintaining its digital protection role across tournament scoring infrastructure, player data networks, and venue digital operations. Fortinet’s involvement extends its wider global golf presence, which includes serving as Official Cybersecurity Partner for the DP World Tour through 2028.
Institutional Support: The 2026 men’s tournament continues to receive backing from the Victorian Government via Visit Victoria.

Tabcorp Unveils TAB Social Marquee in Flemington Birdcage for 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival

Posted on October 29, 2026 by Courtney

Tabcorp has officially unveiled its two-level TAB Social marquee in the Flemington Birdcage, transforming the exclusive enclosure into a reimagined Australian local pub to activate its “Long Live the Local” brand campaign throughout the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The activation was launched by host Ally Mosley alongside Tabcorp Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan, 2025 Melbourne Cup-winning trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy, 2023 winning jockey Mark Zahra, and 2020 champion racehorse Twilight Payment.

Designed to mirror Tabcorp’s ongoing retail network modernisation across more than 3,300 venue partners, the TAB Social marquee integrates traditional pub hospitality with digital wagering infrastructure and trackside views.

Emphasising the alignment between the Birdcage activation and Tabcorp’s core retail hospitality network, Tabcorp CEO, Gillon McLachlan, said: “We have been transforming our retail venues to create a genuine omnichannel racing and sports entertainment experience, that brings more punters to pubs and clubs.”

“Now, we’ve created the ultimate pub in the Birdcage,”

“The local pub has always been part of the DNA of Australian communities, where mates come together, stories are shared and sporting moments are celebrated.

“TAB Social brings that spirit to one of racing’s biggest stages, combining the character of a traditional pub with contemporary entertainment and wagering experiences.

“Beyond the Birdcage, from TAB Takeovers to the TAB Stayers Lounge, TAB Clubhouse and TAB Saintly Place Sports Bar, we’re creating more ways for racegoers to come together, enjoy the atmosphere and experience everything the Carnival has to offer,” McLachlan said.

TAB Social Venue Ecosystem and Operations

The physical layout combines bespoke hospitality, high-performance entertainment, and wagering technology across multiple key zones:

Flemington Track Bar: A racecourse-shaped central bar delivering pub classics including steak and chips, roast of the day, and traditional seafood cocktails.
The TAB Trophy Room: A hidden speakeasy serving elevated cocktails and hosting major silverware across the carnival, including the three Lions Premiership Cups on Melbourne Cup Day, the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup, and the TAB Champions Stakes Day Trophy.
ONE POOL Activation: A physical pool table installation referencing TAB’s unified national tote pool platform.
Broadcasting & Entertainment Hub: Wraparound balcony views, a state-of-the-art jumbotron, and a rotating entertainment lineup led by resident DJ Emma Storey, host Brihony Dawson, Karina Chavez, Jazzy B, Jordan Frew, and Sammy.
Hospitality Scale: The marquee is set to serve more than 3,000 pub-inspired canapés and 1,300 custom cocktails across the four-day carnival.

Course-Wide Activation Footprint

Beyond the Birdcage, TAB is executing a course-wide visual and operational takeover across Flemington Racecourse:

TAB Takeovers: Multi-tiered customer activations and green pyrotechnics scheduled for Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, and TAB Champions Stakes Day, featuring price promotions and full-screen broadcast takeovers.
Aerial Trophy Delivery: On TAB Champions Stakes Day, a TAB-branded helicopter will fly down the Flemington straight to deliver the official trophy, accompanied by the reveal of the TAB Quaddie Megapot.
Infield & Lawn Precincts: The return of the TAB Clubhouse on the Flemington infield featuring the TAB Cap Cart and Perfect Pass activations, alongside the TAB Stayers Lounge on the front lawn.
Digital & Retail Integration: Guests at the TAB Saintly Place Sports Bar can access $10 bonus bets via Venue Mode on the TAB App, alongside dynamic price specials.
Consumer Merchandise Distribution: Over 20,000 TAB caps will be distributed trackside, alongside 2,000 bucket hats and 1,000 green sunglasses allocated to the ELM Stage precinct for Australian producer FISHER’s performance on Champions Stakes Day.

Formula 1 Publishes Inaugural Sport-Wide Social Impact Report and Renews £2.4M Engineering Scholarship

Posted on October 29, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 has released its first sport-wide Social Impact Report, detailing that over 500,000 young people across 71 countries accessed educational, STEM, and outreach initiatives in 2025.

Simultaneously, the sport confirmed a EURO2.4 million (AUD3.4 million) funding renewal for its flagship Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship Programme, extending the initiative for three additional academic years through the 2028/29 season.

The report consolidates data across Formula 1, the FIA, all 10 F1 teams, and 24 race promoters. It serves as a benchmark following recommendations from The Hamilton Commission—launched by Sir Lewis Hamilton and the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2021—and builds upon the sport’s Diversity and Inclusion Charter signed in 2024.

Emphasising the transition from corporate commitments to structural access, president and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, said: “Formula 1 has an extraordinary power to inspire, and we want everyone to believe there is a place for them in our sport.”

“We are turning our commitments into action, working across motorsport to break down barriers and widen access for future generations.

“We are proud of the progress made and grateful for the collective efforts of Lewis Hamilton, the Hamilton Commission, the FIA, our teams, race promoters, partners and the many organisations helping to create lasting change.

“By renewing the Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship for a further three academic years and investing in young people and communities, we will open more doors, nurture talent and inspire the next generation to believe that a future in Formula 1 is within their reach,” Domenicali said.

Noting the role of sport-wide collaboration, President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, added: “Motorsport has the power to transform lives and we have a responsibility to ensure its benefits reach beyond the racetrack.”

“This report demonstrates the strength of collaboration across our community in reaching more than 500,000 young people worldwide.

“Together, we are breaking down barriers, developing future talent and creating new pathways into our sport.

“I welcome the continued investment in education and scholarships as we work to make motorsport more accessible and deliver a lasting legacy,” Ben Sulayem said.

Highligting the broader social strategy of the report, Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1, said: “This report provides, for the first time, a collective view of the impact programmes being delivered across the sport and the difference they are making in communities globally.

“The renewal of the Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship builds on the progress captured in this report, offering sustained support that can remove financial barriers and help more students from underrepresented backgrounds take their first steps towards engineering careers,” Jones said.

commended the private sector alignment with high-demand STEM sectors.

“Engineering is one of the industries most critical to our economic future, and we need more young people, from all backgrounds, to see it as a career for them,”

“Programmes like the Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship show what’s possible when industry invests directly in talent, giving young people the experience and connections they need to succeed in their future careers,” Smith said.

Engineering Scholarship Framework and Partner Institutions

The renewed EURO2.4 million (AUD3.4 million) investment covers 100% of higher education tuition fees and living expenses for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Since its inception in 2021, the program has supported 48 scholars, including 10 students in 2025.

The extension guarantees 10 new scholarships per year from the 2026/27 to 2028/29 academic years. Selected scholars will enroll across five partner higher education institutions:

United Kingdom: Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and University of Strathclyde.
Italy: Motorvehicle University of Emilia-Romagna (MUNER).

Scholars receive direct operational integration, including work placements within F1 teams, technical site visits to the Formula 1 Media and Technology Centre, and paddock access during Grand Prix weekends.

Key Performance Indicators (2025 Impact Metrics)

Impact Area	Operational Benchmark
Global Youth Outreach	500,000+ young people reached across 71 countries.
STEM Education Reach	29,000+ schools competing annually in global STEM Racing.
Institutional Coverage	700+ schools across the UK, South Africa, India, and Brazil participating in British Council’s Learning Sectors.
Industry Pathways	1,000+ professional skills and talent development opportunities created.
Charter Signatories	100% of Diversity and Inclusion Charter signatories delivered active social impact programs.
Community Grant Funding	€100,000 awarded across four organizations via the F1 Allwyn Global Community Award.

View full report here: http://corp.formula1.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Formula-1-Social-Impact-Report-2026-1.pdf

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World Surf League Appoints CSP International as Commercial Agency for Australia, New Zealand, and APAC Regions

Posted on October 29, 2026 by Courtney

The World Surf League (WSL) has appointed Gold Coast-based commercial agency CSP International P/L as its official Sales and Sponsorship Agency across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

The agency agreement focuses on expanding sponsorship sales, securing multi-tiered brand partnerships, and accelerating commercial growth across the WSL’s regional event portfolio ahead of the 2027 season.

Operating out of the Gold Coast, alongside the WSL Australasia headquarters, CSP International will integrate directly with the WSL commercial unit led by Andrew Stark, Scott Hargreaves, Tom Ford, and Jett North. Managing Director Ryan Sanderson, will lead the account team alongside senior executives Jack Fox and Mark Galbraith.

Highligting the alignment and shared passion for action sports between the two organisations, managing director at CSP International, Ryan Sanderson, said: “We are very proud and excited to be working with the WSL and to have the opportunity to support the growth of its commercial business across Australia, NZ and the APAC region.”

“There is such a natural fit between CSP and the WSL.

“We have spent a large part of our careers working with brands across Australia in sports sponsorship and sales, including action sports and building bespoke partnerships that drive fantastic outcomes for partners.

“The WSL has an incredible global platform, world-class athletes and a hugely passionate audience.

“Our role is to support bringing new brands into that ecosystem and build partnerships that genuinely deliver growth and positive outcomes, for both the partner and WSL.

“We are looking forward to working closely with the WSL team ahead of 2027, which is shaping up to be one of the most exciting World Surf League Championship Tour seasons yet,” Sanderson said.

Emphasising the role of values-aligned partnerships in driving regional growth, SVP of commercial at the World Surf League, Scott Hargreaves, added: “The WSL APAC team is excited to collaborate with CSP International to unlock new commercial opportunities ahead of the 2027 season.”

“Global, regional and event-specific partnerships are fundamental to the continued growth and success of the WSL.

“We place a strong emphasis on shared values, with our most successful partnerships built alongside brands that are genuinely passionate about surfing, enhancing the surfing lifestyle and creating memorable experiences for fans.

“We look forward to working closely with CSP to identify like-minded brands, develop meaningful, long-lasting partnerships and create exciting new opportunities for the WSL and our partners,” Hargreaves said.

Commercial Strategy and Event Calendar

The partnership focuses on connecting regional, national, and multinational brands with the WSL’s global competitive structure, which spans the elite Championship Tour (CT), the Challenger Series (CS), and regional Qualifying Series (QS) events.

Key operational focus areas include:

Partnership Architecture: Structuring bespoke commercial packages spanning global, regional, and event-specific sponsorship inventory across linear television, digital streaming, and on-site event activations.
Demographic Reach: Targeting corporate categories looking to align with surfing’s lifestyle appeal and active participant base, which includes an estimated six million recreational surfers across Australia.
Season Launch Roadmap: The commercial push precedes the official unveiling of the 2027 World Surf League Championship Tour and Challenger Series event calendar, scheduled for publication in early November 2026.

Ed Cowan Appointed to Cricket Australia Board as New South Wales Nominated Director

Posted on October 29, 2026 by Courtney

Former Australian Test opening batsman Ed Cowan has been elected to the Cricket Australia (CA) Board at the governing body’s Annual General Meeting. Cowan joins the national board as the official Cricket New South Wales (CNSW) nominee director.

In accordance with Australian Cricket’s corporate governance rules regarding cross-directorships, Cowan has formally stepped down from his position on the Cricket NSW Board, concluding a seven-year tenure as a Non-Executive Director that began in 2019 following his retirement from professional cricket in 2018.

Commending Cowan’s contribution to state administration and noting his strategic value to the national board, chairman of Cricket NSW, John Knox, said: “On behalf of our state’s cricket community, I congratulate Ed on his election to the Cricket Australia Board as the Cricket NSW-nominated Director.”

“Ed has been an outstanding Director for CNSW, providing strong and thoughtful leadership for our game on behalf of our Members.

“His deep intellect and understanding of cricket, from grassroots to elite performance and the game’s strategic future, will make him an asset to the CA Board for the benefit of all in Australian cricket,” Knox said.

Executive Background and Dual Governance Experience

Cowan brings a unique combination of high-performance elite athletic experience and commercial finance expertise to the national governing body:

Elite Playing Career: Represented Australia in 18 Test matches and concluded a 15-year First-Class cricket career spanning New South Wales and Tasmania.
Commercial & Financial Governance: Holds a Master of Applied Finance and works professionally within the investment sector at growth equity firm TDM Growth Partners. During his seven years on the Cricket NSW Board, he focused heavily on financial risk, high-performance pathway structuring, and long-term strategic planning.
Board Vacancy Transition: Cricket NSW will initiate a formal board search to fill the non-executive vacancy created by Cowan’s elevation to the national board.

Brisbane Secures 2027 World Wheelchair Rugby Cup at Nissan Arena

Posted on October 29, 2026 by Courtney

Brisbane has been selected to host the 2027 World Wheelchair Rugby Cup, bringing eight of the world’s top national teams to Nissan Arena from 25 to 29 October 2027 for five days of elite international competition.

The hosting rights were secured through a multi-agency partnership involving the Queensland Government, Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS), World Rugby, Rugby Australia, Paralympics Australia, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), and Wheelchair Rugby Australia.

The event will run concurrently with the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, taking place between the tournament’s Round of 16 and quarterfinal fixtures to maximise global audience cross-over and fan engagement.

Emphasising the collaborative effort required to bring the event to Queensland, CEO of Wheelchair Rugby Australia, Chris Nay, said: “The support of World Rugby, Rugby Australia, Paralympics Australia, the Australian Sports Commission and the Queensland Academy of Sport has played an influential role in securing this event.”

“We are grateful to be working with such strong, values-aligned organisations and look forward to delivering a record result for them in 2027,” Nay said.

Highligting the significance of competing on home soil, Multi-time paralympian and QAS-supported Australian Steelers athlete, Ryley Batt, added: “More than half of our current high-performance athletes are based in Queensland, so playing a World Cup at Nissan Arena in front of friends and family would mean everything.”

“We want Queenslanders and fans across Australia beside us, making noise and helping create the biggest dedicated wheelchair rugby crowd the sport has seen outside the Paralympic Games,” Batt said.

Legacy Framework and Event Operations

The 2027 tournament follows the operational template established by the inaugural 2023 International Wheelchair Rugby Cup in Paris, where Australia’s national team, the Australian Steelers, defeated Canada 53–48 in the final.

Key commercial and operational highlights include:

Attendance Ambition: Event organizers are targeting the largest attendance for a standalone wheelchair rugby tournament outside the Paralympic Games.
High-Performance Base: Queensland hosts more than 50% of Australia’s elite national wheelchair rugby program athletes, providing a home-court advantage for the defending champions.
Brisbane 2032 Alignment: Serves as a major international test event for Queensland’s sports infrastructure ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Ticketing Roadmap: Official public ticket sales will open in early 2027 via wheelchairrugby.com.au/world-cup.