Ministry of Sport

PGA Tour Appoints Ryan Holcomb as SVP and Head of Original Content

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Courtney

The PGA Tour has appointed former Box to Box Films executive Ryan Holcomb as its new SVP and head of original content, marking a strategic push into sports entertainment and digital media storytelling.

Reporting directly to Luis Goicouria, executive vice president and general manager of PGA Tour Studios, Holcomb will spearhead the organisation’s multi-platform content strategy beyond live tournament broadcasts.

The appointment forms a core pillar of CEO Brian Rolapp’s broader structural overhaul aimed at expanding global fan engagement, modernising media rights architecture, and leveraging premium non-live programming, such as acclaimed co-productions like Full Swing, Chasing Sunday, and Truth or Putt, to build deeper commercial connections and brand equity across key international markets.

Emphasising the commercial and narrative potential of the new leadership role, Ryan Holcomb, noted the unique positioning of golf within the modern sports entertainment ecosystem.

In a formal statement regarding his appointment, Holcomb said: “The PGA Tour provides an unmatched opportunity to tell stories that deepen the connection between fans and players, while highlighting the incredible competition that defines this sport.”

“I’m excited to help build on that foundation by developing original content that showcases the personalities, competition and culture of golf in new and compelling ways, reaching audiences wherever they engage with sports and entertainment,” he said.

Holcomb brings extensive industry expertise to the role, having most recently served as head of development at Box to Box Films, the acclaimed production studio behind major sports docuseries including Formula 1: Drive to Survive and Faceoff: Inside the NHL. His professional background also encompasses senior content leadership positions with the World Surf League, Excel Sports Management, STX Entertainment, and Lionsgate.

Operating within the Tour’s enterprise operations division under president Andy Weitz, Holcomb will direct PGA Tour Studios’ creative output to capture wider demographic cohorts, enhance sponsor visibility, and optimise commercial returns ahead of future media rights cycles.

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Netball Australia Extends Long-Standing Partnership with ASICS

Posted on October 1, 2026October 1, 2026 by Courtney

Netball Australia has announced a renewal of its long-standing partnership with sports performance brand ASICS, transitioning a relationship spanning more than two decades into a comprehensive head-to-toe apparel agreement.

Commencing ahead of the upcoming Constellation Cup, the multi-year extension covers the Australian Diamonds’ high-performance match dress, training range, and commercial replica merchandise across major international test series, leading up to the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027.

Developed in close collaboration with players including ASICS ambassador Jamie-Lee Price, the newly engineered match dress features advanced mesh racer-back panels, curved underarm cuts, and modern v-neck tailoring designed to optimise mobility and breathability under elite competition conditions.

Reflecting on the collaborative development process, Australian Diamonds athlete, Jamie-Lee Price, said: “Being involved in the dress design is a dream come true. As an elite athlete, performance starts from the moment you put on your uniform and tie up your laces.”

“Being able to provide feedback throughout the design process, then see this brought to life is a reflection of true partnership and collaboration. One which I’m proud to have been a part of,” she said.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the partnership, Netball Australia CEO, Mark Falvo, said: “This partnership extension is a real celebration of everything ASICS and Netball Australia have built together over more than two decades.”

“ASICS shares our belief that the game should be supported at every level, from the grassroots courts where future generations of Diamonds are discovering their love of netball, right through to the elite level where our national team competes on the world’s biggest stages,” Falvo stated.

Echoing these commercial priorities, managing director of ASICS Oceania, Mark Brunton, highlighted the brand’s long-term commitment to community engagement and athletic excellence.

“As a long-standing partner of Netball Australia, we are incredibly proud of the legacy of this relationship, one that has seen us work closely together to celebrate and champion the role sport plays in the lives of Australians of all ages, uniting communities through a shared love of movement that uplifts both body and mind,” Brunton noted.

The uniform proudly incorporates the “Ganurra” artwork by Yorta Yorta woman Alkina Edwards, symbolising fire, unity, and the cultural heritage of the land.

CBS Sports Records Highest-Ever Audience for NFL International Fixture with Historic Rio de Janeiro Broadcast

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Courtney

CBS Sports has delivered a milestone for international sports broadcasting, drawing an average audience of 24.9 million viewers for its coverage of the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys fixture from Rio de Janeiro.

The broadcast officially established a new benchmark as the most-watched NFL international game in records dating back to the late 1980s, while also securing the network’s highest-rated Week 3 audience since 2014.

This commercial performance highlights the accelerating global expansion of American football and boosts the advantages of aligning international fixtures with domestic prime viewing habits.

The record-breaking viewership was engineered through deliberate scheduling decisions that diverged from conventional international broadcast windows. Rather than positioning the fixture in early-morning or primetime slots typical of European or Australian series, the league placed the Rio de Janeiro matchup into the national late-Sunday afternoon window, historically the most-watched segment of the weekly calendar.

Because Rio de Janeiro sits just one hour ahead of the United States Eastern time zone, the broadcast achieved unprecedented schedule flexibility.

External environmental and sporting factors also amplified audience engagement, including a severe nor’easter sweeping across the heavily populated United States Northeast corridor, alongside the fixture concluding just as Major League Baseball finalised its regular-season schedule and postseason playoff field.

A Broader Upswing Across Domestic Media Partners During the Season

Amazon Prime Video recorded 16.8 million viewers for its Thursday Night Football coverage between the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers, representing a two percent increase compared to the corresponding 2025 fixture and marking the streaming giant’s strongest start since acquiring exclusive rights in 2022.

Simultaneously, Fox Sports captured 17.9 million viewers for its early Sunday afternoon window, added by a matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills, which marked an eleven percent year-on-year surge.

Across the opening three weeks, CBS consolidated its market position by averaging 19 million viewers, representing a six percent growth over the previous year’s record-setting metrics.

Meanwhile, NBC Sports maintained robust engagement despite a minor dip, averaging 20.8 million viewers for its Sunday Night Football broadcast between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams, ensuring the network surpassed the twenty-million threshold for every opening game for the third consecutive season.

MSG Sports Board Approves Corporate Spin-Off to Split Knicks and Rangers into Separate Public Entities

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Courtney

Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation (MSG Sports)has announced that its board of directors has formally approved the corporate spin-off of its New York Rangers operations from its New York Knicks business, establishing two independent publicly traded entities.

The structured transaction, which is scheduled for completion on October 26, 2026, will see the parent organisation renamed MSG Knickerbockers Corporation to house the New York Knicks and the Westchester Knicks.

Meanwhile, the newly formed entity, MSG Rangers Corporation, will encompass the New York Rangers, the Hartford Wolf Pack, and the professional sports performance facility known as the MSG Training Center. James L. Dolan will retain his leadership footprint across both newly structured organisations, serving as executive chairman and chief executive officer of MSG Rangers while remaining in his current roles at MSG Knicks.

Explaining the rationale behind the structural division, CEO of MSG Rangers, Dolan, emphasised the long-term shareholder value and distinct market positioning the separation affords each premier sporting franchise.

“With our board’s approval we are now one step closer to our goal of separating our Knicks and Rangers businesses into two distinct public companies.”

“Both teams have storied histories and large and passionate fan bases, and we believe each company will be well-positioned to generate long-term value for shareholders,” Dolan said.

Under the terms of the transaction, which is intended to qualify as a tax-free distribution for United States federal income tax purposes, registered stockholders will receive one share of MSG Rangers Class A or Class B common stock for every two corresponding shares of MSG Sports held as of the record date on October 20, 2026.

Market trading will transition through a complex schedule beginning on October 21, 2026, with when-issued and ex-distribution markets establishing distinct trading paths ahead of regular-way trading commencing on October 27, 2026, under the new ticker symbols MSGK and MSGR on the New York Stock Exchange.

Financial advisory services for the corporate restructuring are being led by J.P. Morgan, with Sullivan & Cromwell LLP providing legal counsel.

The completion of the corporate spin-off remains subject to final regulatory conditions, including the effectiveness of the Form 10 registration statement, final league approvals, and receipt of formal tax opinions.

Backroads Gravel Secures 2027 AusCycling National Championships for Western Australia

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Courtney

AusCycling has awarded the 2027 National Gravel Championships to Backroads Gravel, bringing the national event to Nabawa and the Chapman Valley in Western Australia’s Mid West.

Scheduled for Saturday, 7 August 2027, the championships relocate following a two-year tenure in South Australia, marking a milestone for regional sports tourism and economic boost. The event will challenge Australia’s leading elite and age-group riders across a demanding course designed to showcase the region’s fast, flowing gravel roads.

AusCycling executive general manager for major events, Steve Peterson, emphasised the value of the relocation.

“Awarding the 2027 AusCycling Gravel National Championships to Backroads Gravel is an exciting step forward for the discipline and reflects both the quality of the event and the strength of the cycling community in Western Australia.”

“Backroads Gravel has established a strong reputation for delivering outstanding participant experiences in a uniquely Australian setting, and we are confident the team will provide a fitting stage for our national champions to be crowned.

“The Championships also present a significant opportunity to further grow gravel cycling across Australia, showcase the Mid West region to riders and visitors from around the country, and strengthen pathway opportunities for athletes transitioning from other endurance disciplines,” Peterson said.

Western Australian Premier and Tourism, Trade and Investment Minister, Hon. Roger Cook, underscored the commercial and visitor economy benefits.

“Securing the 2027 AusCycling Gravel National Championships is a fantastic result for the state, and in particular the Mid West, as it further strengthens Western Australia’s reputation as a leading cycling and events destination.”

“The championships will attract competitors and supporters from across the country, generating valuable visitor expenditure while showcasing the spectacular landscapes and tourism experiences on offer throughout the region.

“Mass participation sporting events like this form an important part of the WA Government’s economic diversification agenda, helping to grow tourism, support local jobs and businesses, and deliver lasting benefits to regional communities,” Cook stated.

Reflecting on the event’s evolution since 2022, Backroads Gravel event director, Dave Budge, shared: “Five years ago, we were simply trying to establish a great gravel event in the Mid West. Now we’re preparing to welcome Australia’s best gravel cyclists to Nabawa to race for a national championship.”

“That’s a pretty exciting progression.

“This is a huge vote of confidence in Backroads Gravel, but also in the Chapman Valley and the Midwest as a cycling destination.

“The growth of the event has been extraordinary, and that comes down to the hard work of our Local Organising Committee, volunteers, partners, sponsors and the local community,” Budge noted.

SEN Secures Broadcast Schedule for 2026 NRL and NRLW Grand Finals

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Courtney

Sports Entertainment Network has announced a multi-platform broadcast schedule for the 2026 National Rugby League and National Rugby League Women’s Grand Finals, delivering over eleven hours of live programming direct from Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

The broadcast operation will capture rugby league’s marquee showcase, featuring the Sydney Roosters against the Brisbane Broncos in the NRLW premiership decider, followed by the Newcastle Knights meeting the Sydney Roosters in the men’s premiership finale.

Distributed across SEN’s expansive domestic radio network, digital applications, and international syndication channels including New Zealand’s Sport Nation, the Super Radio Network, and Resonate outlets, the multi-channel coverage aims to maximise audience reach, listener engagement, and sponsor visibility across key demographic corridors.

Beginning at midday, broadcast operations open with NRL Crunch Time hosted by Jimmy Smith, Chad Townsend, and Tim Mannah, providing comprehensive pre-match analysis, roster updates, and industry insights.

The broadcast transitions into live calling for the NRLW Grand Final led by James Preston, Brett Kimmorley, and Mary Konstantopoulos, before SEN League’s flagship call of the men’s premiership decider commences at six o’clock featuring Jimmy Smith, Justin Horo, and Chad Townsend.

Emphasising the significance of the broadcasting milestone, SEN CEO, Craig Hutchison, highlighted the network’s dedication to delivering premium sports content to audiences across multiple syndication formats.

“The NRL Grand Final is one of the biggest days in Australian sport and we’re proud to be bringing fans more than 11 hours of live coverage direct from Accor Stadium.”

“From the opening discussion on NRL Crunch Time through to the final siren of both the NRLW and NRL Grand Finals, SEN will have listeners covered with expert commentary, analysis and insight from some of the most respected voices in rugby league.

“Whether you’re at the ground, at home or on the move, the SEN App and SEN League will ensure fans don’t miss a moment of Grand Final Day,” Hutchison said.

Athlete Development Shifts Beyond Performance to Build Long-Term Resilience

Posted on September 30, 2026 by Courtney

The development of female athletes must extend beyond physical performance, with awareness, ownership and resilience emerging as essential priorities for coaches, parents and sporting organisations.

That was the central message of the interview with, Accredited Sports Scientist – Athlete Preparation Specialist and Athlete Wellbeing Expert, Sacha Fulton, which examined how athletes can be better prepared to manage pressure, recovery and performance across their careers.

The discussion highlighted a growing need for athlete development programs to measure more than speed, strength or match statistics. While physical outputs remain important, athletes also need to understand how and why they perform.

“We shouldn’t just be developing female athletes who can perform.”

“We should be developing athletes who understand how and why they perform,” Sacha said.

That approach has significant implications for sporting organisations. Programs that develop self-awareness can help athletes identify fatigue, stress, poor recovery and confidence issues earlier, potentially reducing injury risk and improving consistency. It also gives athletes a more active role in decisions about training, preparation and wellbeing.

The interview framed resilience as a practical capability rather than an innate personality trait.

“Resilience isn’t the absence of struggle, it’s the capacity to respond effectively to the struggle,” Sacha added.

For organisations investing in athlete pathways, that means creating environments where athletes are encouraged to reflect, seek assistance and adjust their preparation before problems escalate. Examples include regular physiotherapy assessments, recovery monitoring and reset routines after mistakes.

The commercial value is clear. Athletes who can manage setbacks and perform more consistently are more likely to progress through development pathways, remain engaged with their sport and deliver sustained value to clubs, teams and sponsors. A stronger support framework can also enhance an organisation’s reputation for athlete welfare and development.

The interview’s broader message is that sporting programs should focus not only on raising peak performance, but also on raising the baseline. Building reliable habits, decision-making skills and emotional control can produce athletes who are better prepared for high-pressure moments.

For female sport, this represents an opportunity to invest in more complete development models — ones that support performance while strengthening athlete independence and long-term participation.

The Women in Sport Summit runs from 19–22 October 2026 at Adelaide Oval, with the Leadership Summit taking place on Wednesday 21 October. Secure a ticket here now!!!

Racing NSW and Equestrian Australia Sign Five-Year Partnership to Enhance Thoroughbred Welfare and Traceability

Posted on September 30, 2026 by Courtney

Racing NSW and Equestrian Australia have formalised a five-year partnership focused on the post-racing welfare of Thoroughbreds, establishing enhanced pathways into equestrian sport and supporting owners, trainers, and riders.

The agreement bridges the state racing authority and the national governing body for equestrian sport, recognising the vital role the equestrian community plays in providing retired racehorses with successful second careers.

At the core of the collaboration is a shared commitment to improving horse traceability, establishing a world-class registration platform, and developing a digital educational hub for riders and owners.

Racing NSW acting CEO, Graeme Hinton, emphasised the commercial and welfare imperatives driving the five-year agreement.

“Our commitment to the welfare of Thoroughbreds doesn’t stop when a horse finishes its racing career.”

“It is important that we continue to support horses as they transition into the next stage of their lives and ensure that they all find a suitable new home.”

“A strong demand for retired racehorses and more people understanding how to successfully retrain and manage them are important parts of that process.

“By working more closely with Equestrian Australia, we can provide greater support and education to the people taking these horses on.

“That also creates an opportunity to build stronger connections between the racing and equestrian industries and promote the many career pathways that exist across the Thoroughbred industry,” Hinton said.

Equestrian Australia board chair, Nick Ballard, highlighted the necessity of accessible information and structured support networks.

“Thoroughbreds have an important and growing place in Australian equestrian sport, and we want to see more horses successfully transition from racing into rewarding second careers.”

“For that to happen, the people taking on these horses need access to the right information and support, and the horses need to be given every opportunity to adapt successfully to their new role.

“This partnership is about building that connection between racing and equestrian sport and creating better outcomes for Thoroughbreds throughout their lives,” Ballard stated.

The partnership will provide ongoing promotional and operational support for Equimillion, which will continue to operate under Equestrian Australia rules.

Furthermore, Equestrian Australia CEO, Ben Houston, pointed to the practical benefits of the collaboration.

“There is a natural connection between the racing and equestrian communities, with many Thoroughbreds going on to successful careers in Eventing, Dressage, Showjumping and other equine disciplines.”

“Our focus is on making that transition as well supported as possible.

“That means giving people the information, education and resources they need to understand Thoroughbreds and make informed decisions when buying, selling, owning and training these horses,” Houston said.

Hockey Queensland Appoints Mitchell Murphy as Chief Executive Officer to Lead Brisbane 2032 Strategy

Posted on September 30, 2026 by Courtney

Hockey Queensland has officially announced the appointment of Mitchell Murphy as its new CEO following an extensive and highly competitive national recruitment process.

Murphy steps into the role with a robust background in executive leadership and commercial operations across the sports, tourism, and corporate sectors.

Most recently serving as chief operating officer of Hamilton Island Enterprises, where he oversaw an extensive operation employing approximately 1,500 personnel, Murphy brings proven commercial acumen to the state sporting organisation.

The appointment arrives at an important part for hockey in Queensland as administrators target enhanced financial sustainability, expanded grassroots participation, and vital infrastructure development aligned with the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Hockey Queensland president, Claire Henkey, emphasised the alignment between Murphy’s commercial expertise and the organisation’s long-term objectives.

“Mitchell brings extensive leadership experience, a strong commercial mindset and, importantly, an understanding of the opportunities and challenges that come with leading a sporting organisation.”

“As we look towards Brisbane 2032, Hockey Queensland has a significant opportunity to grow participation, strengthen our financial sustainability and advocate for infrastructure that will leave a lasting legacy for our sport.

“The Board is excited to welcome Mitchell and work with him, our staff, associations, clubs, volunteers and partners on the next chapter for hockey in Queensland,” Henkey said.

Murphy will officially commence his tenure as CEO on 6 October 2026, taking over the executive reins from Interim CEO Rob Moore, whom the board acknowledged for his steady leadership during the transition period.

Emphasising his vision for the sport’s commercial and community expansion, Murphy, noted the unique international profile of the game.

“I’m grateful to the Hockey Queensland Board for the opportunity to lead an organisation representing a truly global sport.”

“There is enormous opportunity for hockey in Queensland, particularly as we build towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“I’m looking forward to meeting our clubs, associations, athletes, volunteers and partners and getting to work,” Murphy said.

His notable sports administration credentials include former leadership stints as chief executive officer of Football Federation Victoria and CEO of the Brisbane Bullets, guiding the franchise during its successful return to the National Basketball League in the 2016–17 season.

Holding a Master of Business Administration from RMIT University alongside a Public Leadership Credential from the Harvard Kennedy School, Murphy is well-equipped to drive strategic growth as the organisation prepares for upcoming major sporting milestones.

Cricket Victoria Expands Technology Partnership with Sharp EIT Solutions

Posted on September 30, 2026 by Courtney

Cricket Victoria and the Melbourne Stars have announced renewal and expanded partnership with Sharp EIT Solutions.

Under renewed agreement, the technology provider will continue to serve as the official technology partner for both sporting bodies, significantly broadening its operational footprint to encompass the entire Victorian cricket program, including the elite Victorian Men’s Team.

Cricket Victoria GM of business services, Michael Bullock, underscored the value of deepening the operational relationship with their technology provider.

“Sharp EIT has been an outstanding partner to our organisation, and this expansion into state cricket is a natural next step in a relationship built on trust and reliability.”

“Extending their role across the Victorian Men’s Team allows us to build on the operational strength and expertise they’ve already brought to Cricket Victoria, while ensuring our technology capabilities continue to support our people and teams across all levels of the game,” Bullock said.

The commercial alignment reflects a shared commitment to long-term digital evolution, with Sharp EIT Solutions leveraging its expertise in modern workplace technology and systems integration to support administrative efficiency.

Echoing these sentiments, Sharp EIT Solutions GM for technology and strategic growth, Aaditya Mehta, highlighted the broader community and commercial impact of the renewed collaboration.

“Our work with Cricket Victoria and the Melbourne Stars supports both the organisation and the broader game of cricket.”

“While our team provides the technology support that helps the organisation operate effectively, our wider commitment is to the growth and development of cricket at every level.

“This renewal reflects the confidence both organisations have developed in one another.

“We are looking forward to building on that foundation and supporting Cricket Victoria and the Melbourne Stars through their next phase of development,” Mehta said.

The alliance will see Sharp EIT Solutions deliver advanced managed IT services, comprehensive cybersecurity reviews, service desk assistance, and ongoing technology governance for more than one hundred users across the administrative and high-performance sectors.

By integrating robust digital infrastructure into grassroots initiatives, player development pathways, and elite competition operations, the partnership ensures both organisations maintain secure and reliable technological foundations to drive future commercial and sporting growth.

Hungry Jack’s NBL Opens Season with Record Audiences and Surging Commercial Growth

Posted on September 30, 2026September 30, 2026 by Courtney

The Hungry Jack’s NBL has reaffirmed its status as Australia’s fastest-growing sports league, delivering record-breaking metrics in the opening week of the 2026 season.

Driven by a 96 per cent surge in free-to-air audiences and a 14 per cent increase in live gate attendance reaching 104,229 fans, the competition is capitalising on heightened engagement and broadcast reach.

The standout fixture of lasers and entertainment saw the Sydney Kings host their championship banner-raising ceremony against Cairns at Afterpay Arena, drawing a massive crowd of 13,632 spectators and setting a robust commercial benchmark for the domestic season.

Reflecting on the trajectory and audience expansion, NBL Group CEO, David Stevenson, highlighted the collaborative efforts driving the league’s momentum.

“To see our free-to-air audience grow so profoundly on the back of three straight seasons of strong growth says everything about the direction we’re heading.”

“We’ve never had this much excitement, energy and enthusiasm at the start of a season and it’s clearly being felt in lounge rooms, inside arenas and on all the various digital platforms as we see unprecedented levels of online engagement and activity.

“None of this happens without our clubs, players and our broadcast and commercial partners putting on a great show.

“A special thank you to Channel Nine, who have been outstanding partners in bringing our game to more fans than ever.

“And of course, the superb start doesn’t happen without the fans who keep coming back in bigger numbers each year,” Stevenson said.

The opening week’s commercial momentum is further bolstered by an elite talent roster across member clubs, featuring marquee international and domestic stars including Bryce Cotton, Kendric Davis, Cole Anthony, Nathan Sobey, Taran Armstrong, Brandon Knight, Jack McVeigh, Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Arnas Velička, and Tyler Harvey.

Discussing the competitive landscape, Stevenson, added: “When you consider the superstars who are demanding the spotlight this year and the drama that’s unfolding, it’s easy to see why so many people are diving into the NBL.”

Attention now shifts to the in-season tournament, with the Ignite Cup presented by 7-Eleven offering an expanded prize pool of $550,000, up from $400,000.

Highlighting the stakes for competing franchises, Stevenson, concluded: “There’s never been more motivation for our teams to compete hard in the Ignite Cup with prize money increasing from $400,000 to $550,000 – the most we’ve ever offered.”

Slumberzone Secures Title Sponsorship for India Centenary Hockey Test Series in New Zealand

Posted on September 30, 2026 by Courtney

Slumberzone New Zealand has officially secured the title sponsorship for the landmark India Centenary Hockey Test Series, partnering with Hockey New Zealand to celebrate a century of bilateral sporting ties between the two nations.

Commemorating the pioneering 1926 tour that attracted over 120,000 spectators to packed venues across Wellington and Auckland, the upcoming three-test series will take place in Auckland from 19 to 22 November.

The partnership provides a financial backing and high visibility for the international showcase, featuring the Vantage Black Sticks Men against one of world hockey’s most successful national teams, with all matches broadcast live on TVNZ+.

Slumberzone chief operating officer, Jimmy Sikka, underscored the importance of the collaboration in fostering international community relations and commercial brand equity.

“Slumberzone New Zealand is proud to be the Title Sponsor of the New Zealand vs India Hockey Test Championship.”

“As we celebrate 100 years of unity through sport, this partnership represents more than a game.

“It celebrates the friendship, passion and shared spirit that bring our communities together. We are honoured to support hockey and be part of this special milestone, where sporting excellence meets a century of connection and inspires generations,” Sikka said.

Hockey New Zealand CEO, Michelle Hollands, expressed enthusiasm for the commercial partnership, noting the operational momentum surrounding the event as ticket waitlists open and pricing tiers are established.

Single-match tickets will be accessible from twelve dollars, while weekend passes covering Saturday and Sunday fixtures will start at nineteen dollars, ensuring broad accessibility alongside premium corporate hospitality opportunities.

The collaboration reinforces Hockey New Zealand’s revenue streams while delivering heightened brand exposure for Slumberzone across domestic and international markets.

The fixture schedule commences with a New Zealand Defence Force men’s curtain raiser ahead of the opening test on Thursday 19 November, followed by comprehensive weekend fixtures featuring both men’s and women’s curtain raisers.

LA28 Announces Olympic Torch Relay Spanning All Fifty United States Starting in Atlanta

Posted on September 30, 2026 by Courtney

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games organising committee has announced a nationwide torch relay traversing all fifty United States, commencing in Atlanta to honour the city’s 1996 Olympic legacy and a century of support from The Coca-Cola Company.

Backed by premier commercial partners including Coca-Cola, JPMorganChase, Allstate, and Xfinity, the relay represents a major corporate investment designed to engage communities nationwide ahead of the 2028 opening ceremony.

Emphasising the significance of the initiative, LA28 chairperson and president, Casey Wasserman, stated: “Every Olympic Games begins with a single flame, and carrying that flame to Los Angeles is an honor and privilege that we’ll share with every corner of the country, as Americans in all 50 states carry the flame on its path to our Opening Ceremony.”

“Starting this journey in Atlanta is a tribute to a city with deep Olympic roots and to partners like Coca-Cola, whose support has helped carry this Movement for a century.

“Coca-Cola, JPMorganChase, Allstate and Xfinity, along with participating cities, are making these Relays possible, and in the months ahead, we look forward to welcoming even more cities and partners to this historic moment for our country,” Wasserman said.

Highlighting the municipal and economic impact, Atlanta Mayor, Hon. Andre Dickens, noted: “Thirty years ago, Atlanta welcomed the world. The 1996 Centennial Olympic Games changed this city.”

“They introduced a modern Atlanta to billions of people across the globe and proved we could compete on the biggest international stage.

“Thirty years later, Atlanta looks a little different.

“We are bigger. We are more connected to the world. So, when the flame returns to the U.S., Atlanta will be ready. Ready to welcome it from Greece. Ready to celebrate the spirit of the Games together as a community. And ready to send it forward toward Los Angeles and the next chapter of America’s Olympic story.

“Atlanta was proud to carry that flame in 1996. We will be proud to welcome it back,” Hon. Dickens noted.

The Olympic flame will be lit in Olympia, Greece, before arriving in the United States in the spring of 2028, with the full route to be unveiled next year. Following the Olympic Games in August 2028, the Paralympic Torch Relay will originate in Stoke Mandeville, United Kingdom.

Veritone Secures Content Licensing Partnership with ATP Media to Unlock Tennis Archives

Posted on September 30, 2026 by Courtney

Enterprise artificial intelligence and data solutions provider Veritone has entered into a content licensing agreement with ATP Media, the broadcast production and distribution arm of the ATP Tour.

The partnership opens ATP Media’s extensive historical archive of men’s professional tennis to broadcasters, brands, production companies, and content creators across North America, unlocking new commercial revenue streams from decades of iconic sporting moments.

Under the terms of the multi-year accord, Veritone will manage content archiving, cloud hosting, advanced artificial intelligence processing, and distribution services.

Highlighting the value of the collaboration, head of business development at ATP Media, Alan Bruno, emphasised the expanding reach of the sport’s historical library.

“Every season adds new chapters to the ATP Tour’s story, but the moments that define the sport continue to resonate long after the final point.”

“By partnering with Veritone, we’re expanding opportunities for brands, editorial outlets, content creators and all video licensees in North America to access our world-class archive, helping bring those stories to new audiences,” Bruno said.

Echoing these sentiments, VP of sports media and commercial partnerships at Veritone, Craig Caruso, underscored the opportunity within the entertainment and editorial sectors.

“Some of the most memorable moments in sports deserve a life far beyond the live broadcast.”

“We’re excited to work with ATP Media to connect its extraordinary archive while the sport is experiencing significant growth in the commercial, entertainment and editorial spaces,” Caruso stated.

Leveraging its Digital Media Hub platform, Veritone will provide advanced metadata tagging, sophisticated search functionality, and turnkey e-commerce capabilities.

This integrated structure allows licensing buyers to seamlessly search, request, and transact official match highlights, player features, and historical tournament footage with built-in rights management embedded throughout the workflow.

The commercial agreement arrives as demand for authentic archival sports content surges across streaming platforms, digital media, and branded entertainment campaigns.

Intuit Expands Small Business Accelerator Program Nationwide Ahead of LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Posted on September 30, 2026 by Courtney

Financial technology platform Intuit Inc. has announced a nationwide expansion of its Intuit IDEAS small business accelerator program, introducing a dedicated Los Angeles cohort to prepare regional enterprises for major procurement opportunities connected to the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Open to local small businesses operating in construction, sports and entertainment event services, and creative, marketing, and media sectors, the initiative is designed to help participants navigate complex procurement structures as LA28 aims to allocate 75% of addressable spend locally and 25% specifically to small businesses.

Building on the documented success of previous cohorts, which achieved an average revenue increase of 23% alongside monthly time savings of 16.5 hours, the expanded 2026-27 program will support over 150 small businesses across metropolitan hubs including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, New York City, Philadelphia, and San Diego, alongside a rural cohort in West Virginia and a national virtual group for military veterans and military-spouse entrepreneurs.

Emphasising the commercial impact of the rollout, SVP of Customer Success at Intuit, David Graham, said: “Since its launch, Intuit IDEAS has helped small business owners strengthen their companies, support their families, and invest back into their communities.”

“This initiative combines Intuit’s platform with hands-on guidance from Intuit experts, giving small business owners the tools, coaching, and support they need to grow, while reinforcing Intuit’s enduring commitment to investing directly in the local communities where we operate.

“The IDEAS program embodies our mission: powering prosperity for small businesses. When entrepreneurs have the right products, the right people, and the right support behind them, they don’t just thrive.

“They shape their community for years to come,” Graham said.

Highlighting the broader economic legacy of the collaboration for Southern California enterprises, LA28 CEO, Reynold Hoover, added: “The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games represent a historic economic catalyst for Southern California, but delivering on that requires equipping our local business community with the resources to succeed.”

“We are proud to collaborate with Intuit, a Founding Partner, to launch this targeted cohort for LA-based businesses.

“By pairing critical resources with education on direct pathways to the Games, we are building capacity that will empower our local economy well beyond 2028,” Hoover noted.

Throughout the 12-month program, participating enterprises receive complimentary access to Intuit’s financial technology stack, personalised expert guidance, executive coaching from Zella Life, hardware technology grants, and a USD5,000 (AUD7,156) completion cash grant.