Ministry of Sport

Bridgestone Appointed Official Tyre Supplier and Title Sponsor for Formula E GEN4 Era

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Courtney

Formula E has secured a partnership with Bridgestone Corporation, appointing the global manufacturing enterprise as the official sole tyre supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship starting from the 2026/27 season.

Announced following a joint launch event in Rome, the agreement coincides with the debut of Formula E’s next-generation GEN4 race car, which features 600kW of peak power and permanent active all-wheel drive.

Welcoming the new commercial partner, Formula E CEO, Jeff Dodds, said: “We are delighted to welcome Bridgestone to Formula E as our sole tyre supplier for the 2026/27 Season and beyond.”

“Combining rich motorsport heritage with cutting-edge sustainable innovation, Bridgestone is a fitting partner as we embark on this exciting new era.

“The GEN4 car represents the pinnacle of sustainable motorsport design, and we look forward to working with Bridgestone as we continue to redefine electric racing and lead the race for progress both on and off the track,” Dodds said.

Global CEO and representative executive officer at Bridgestone Corporation, Yasuhiro Morita, emphasised the brand’s strategic return to the premier international electric racing series.

“Our return to the FIA World Championship is a major challenge that embodies Bridgestone’s history of passion and innovation.”

“Under our Mission ‘Serving Society with Superior Quality,’ we have continued to push the limits with an insatiable quest for performance and a sense of responsibility for a better future through motorsports activities.

“On the supreme stage of Formula E, we will further evolve the balance of performance and sustainability and pioneer a new future for mobility.

“Together with organisers, teams, drivers, partners, and fans, we look forward to creating a new future,” he said.

Addressing the technical and regulatory framework, senior circuit sport director at the FIA, Marek Nawarecki, noted the engineering role the new tyre specifications will play.

“Bridgestone’s appointment as the sole tyre supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship marks an exciting new chapter as we enter the GEN4 era.

“The tyres will play a key role in delivering the performance and efficiency expected from this new generation of Formula E cars.

“Building on the collaboration already established during the development of the GEN4 tyres, we look forward to continuing this work with Bridgestone, Formula E and the teams to deliver tyres that meet the demanding requirements of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and contribute to close, competitive racing for drivers and fans,” he shared

Detailing the advanced capabilities of the new product range, including the heavy-wet specification Typhoon Tyre, executive officer and chief procurement officer of Global Motorsports at Bridgestone, Hiroshi Imai, concluded: “We are truly delighted to showcase Bridgestone’s technology and passion to the world on the new stage of Formula E,”

“In developing POTENZA GEN4, we pushed the limits of our technology to fully unlock the overwhelming performance of GEN4.

“In particular, the newly introduced POTENZA GEN4 for TYPHOON TYRE represents a symbolic evolution for the GEN4 era, enabling drivers to confidently take on even wet conditions.

“By supporting the dramatically evolved GEN4 from the ground up, we are also advancing initiatives toward carbon neutrality and resource circulation, striving to realise sustainable motorsports,” he concluded

Alongside supplying bespoke POTENZA GEN4 tyres incorporating 65 percent recycled and renewable materials, Bridgestone will serve as the official race title sponsor for four marquee race weekends across Mexico City, Berlin, Shanghai, and Tokyo.

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One New Zealand Warriors Expand Retail Footprint with Flagship Store at Sylvia Park Shopping Centre

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Courtney

One New Zealand Warriors are significantly expanding their commercial and retail footprint by opening an official team store at Sylvia Park Shopping Centre in Auckland under an initial six-month lease.

Set to launch on November 5, the retail expansion places the club alongside major consumer brands within New Zealand’s largest shopping destination, which houses more than two hundred stores and attracts an estimated fifteen million annual visitors.

The move comes on the back of exponential merchandise demand across recent seasons and will result in the closure of the club’s existing retail operation at Go Media Stadium, reflecting a broader corporate pivot to diversify revenue streams and engage fans beyond traditional match-day environments.

Highlighting the commercial drivers behind the expansion, One New Zealand Warriors CEO, Cameron George, pointed to record-breaking sales across major fixtures and regional pop-up activations.

“We’ve seen exponential growth in demand for our merchandise over the last four seasons, no more so than this year with incredible sales through our main store at our game days and at pop-up stores we launched around Magic Round in Brisbane and for the NRL matches we played in Christchurch and Wellington.”

“It gave us confidence to take the next step into the retail environment.

“We’ve formed a terrific relationship with Sylvia Park’s owners, have leased store space and will now work towards opening our own store on November 5.

“This is all part of our strategy to continue unlocking the power of our brand and expand our opportunity to reach more fans outside the traditional gameday environment,” George said.

The Sylvia Park retail initiative forms part of a wider commercial diversification strategy by the organisation, which has increasingly acquired industrial, residential, and retail assets, including the Full Time Sports Bar and Eatery in Kingsland opened in 2024.

Alongside pop-up merchandise hubs, the Warriors have pioneered innovative cross-promotional partnerships, such as renaming Australia’s largest theme park ‘Wahsworld’ during away fixtures against the Gold Coast Titans.

NIKE Reports Fiscal 2027 First Quarter Results Amid Global Transformations

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Courtney

NIKE, Inc. has reported its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2027, ending August 31, 2026, highlighting ongoing adjustments under its newly introduced operational transformation.

Total revenues for the quarter reached USD11.2 billion (AUD16.1 billion), reflecting a four per cent decline on a reported basis and a five percent drop on a currency-neutral basis. Despite lower top-line figures, the organisation achieved a 60 basis point expansion in gross margin to reach 42.8 percent, bolstered by reduced warehousing and logistics costs alongside disciplined cost management.

Selling and administrative expenses decreased by three per cent to USD3.9 billion (AUD5.6 billion), while diluted earnings per share stood at USD0.48 (AUD0.69).

Chief Executive Officer of Nike, Elliott Hill, emphasised the changes underway to drive long-term momentum across the enterprise.

“The Sport Offense is driving measurable progress across our performance business, and we introduced Pace to help us accelerate and scale that momentum across NIKE.”

“We have more work to do in NIKE Sportswear, Jordan Brand and Greater China, and we’re taking deliberate actions to strengthen those businesses the right way for the long-term,” Hill said.

EVP and chief financial officer, Dave Denton, pointed to operational consistency and capital allocation discipline during the period.

“We delivered first quarter results consistent with our expectations, supported by improved gross margin and disciplined cost management.”

“As we move forward, we remain focused on strengthening the health of our product portfolio, improving productivity across the enterprise and allocating resources with discipline to support long-term shareholder value,” Denton said.

Geographic and brand-level performance revealed mixed results, with NIKE Brand revenues recording USD11.0 billion (AUD 15.9 billion), driven down by declines in Greater China and EMEA that were partially offset by growth in North America.

Wholesale revenues contracted slightly to USD6.8 billion (AUD9.8 billion), while digital and direct-to-consumer channels experienced deeper reductions. Meanwhile, subsidiary brand Converse posted revenues of USD263 million (AUD380 milliom), marking a 28 per cent decrease across all territories.

At the core of NIKE’s future outlook is the Pace program, an operating model transformation designed to modernise the global supply chain, streamline organisational structures, and reduce operational overhead.

The initiative is projected to deliver approximately USD2.5 billion (AUD3.6 billion) in cumulative savings through fiscal 2031, though it entails an estimated USD1.0 billion in pre-tax restructuring and employee-related charges.

Looking ahead, management expects full-year fiscal 2027 revenues to decline by high-single digits, reflecting a cautious and deliberate approach as the organisation positions itself for sustainable, long-term commercial growth.

Australian Sports Nutrition Brand Fixx Nutrition Scales International Markets Ahead of Tenth Anniversary

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Courtney

Gold Coast-based sports nutrition enterprise Fixx Nutrition is scaling its international footprint across fifteen nations as the family-founded organisation prepares to celebrate its upcoming tenth anniversary milestone.

Established in 2017 with a core focus on resolving acute physiological challenges for endurance athletes, the company has successfully expanded its commercial reach through major retail networks and elite sporting partnerships without outsourcing its sovereign production capabilities.

By maintaining one hundred percent of its manufacturing operations within its dedicated facility in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, the business ensures stringent regulatory compliance under HACCP and Informed Sport accreditations while capitalising on Australia’s strong global reputation for clean, compliant food manufacturing.

The brand’s trajectory has been heavily focused by event partnerships, including serving as the official sports nutrition partner for major high-endurance fixtures such as the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, where its product ecosystem fuels over forty-two thousand runners annually along the course.

The product portfolio features rapid-action muscle cramp relief products under the flagship CrampFix banner, alongside endurance drink mixes including Fuel X, energy gels through Gel X Pro, and portable coffee solutions like Cold Brew. These specialised offerings have been widely adopted across elite professional sporting codes, with products utilised by high-performance national teams including the Wallabies, the Springboks, and various UK cricket and football organisations.

Reflecting on the strategy that has driven the company’s rapid domestic growth and international export success, Fixx Nutrition co-founder, Michelle Buchegger, emphasised the importance of retaining local manufacturing control.

“When we launched in 2017, the goal was simple: solve a genuine physiological problem for endurance athletes with clean, scientifically backed ingredients.”

“As we approach our ten-year anniversary, retaining complete control of our manufacturing right here in Burleigh Heads remains our primary competitive advantage.

“It allows us to innovate quickly, maintain unyielding quality standards, and export Australian-made products globally with total confidence,” Buchegger said.

As the business enters its second decade of operation, continued investments in product innovation, domestic retail distribution, and global export channels position Fixx Nutrition to capture further market share within the competitive sports nutrition sector.

Zoo Fit Secures Foundation Partnership with Perth Bears

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Courtney

Health and fitness group Viva Leisure’s expanding brand Zoo Fit has secured a partnership with the Perth Bears, becoming an Official Foundation Partner and the Official Commercial Gym and Fitness Club Operator ahead of the club’s inaugural National Rugby League season in 2027.

The agreement, extending through to 2028, integrates the fitness operator into the franchise’s commercial ecosystem through home game activations at HBF Park and fan engagement initiatives, including gym membership giveaways at every fixture.

The collaboration bridges an ASX-listed health enterprise with a major upcoming sporting asset, highlighting robust corporate confidence in Western Australia’s expanding professional sports landscape.

Commenting on the partnership, Viva Leisure CEO and managing director, Harry Konstantinou, said: “Zoo Fit and the Perth Bears are building something new in Western Australia, focused on supporting locals through sport, health and wellbeing.”

“Partnering with the Bears ahead of their inaugural season is a huge honour.

“We’re proud to support the growth of rugby league in Western Australia and look forward to creating lasting value for Zoo Fit members and Bears fans,” Konstantinou said.

Highligting the broader community and commercial impact of securing a prominent regional fitness partner, Perth Bears CEO, Anthony De Ceglie, shared: “Securing a dynamic WA brand like Zoo Fit as a Foundation Partner is a massive milestone for the Perth Bears as we build toward 2027.”

“We aren’t just building a football team; we are building a community.

“Viva Leisure and Zoo Fit share our vision of investment in Western Australia, and this partnership lays a strong foundation that will directly benefit our fans, local families, and the grassroots sport landscape across the state,” De Ceglie said.

Meawhile, noting that the partnership reinforces the high-performance culture required for elite competition, Perth Bears head coach, Mal Meninga, said: “To be successful on the field, you need the right culture and support network off it.”

“Zoo Fit’s commitment to health, wellbeing and making fitness accessible perfectly aligns with what we want the Bears to stand for,” Meninga said.

The alliance supports Zoo Fit’s aggressive state-wide expansion following its launch in Western Australia, establishing commercial operations across multiple metropolitan and regional hubs while offering accessible community fitness options.

DAZN Media Plus Unveils Four Major Initiatives in Commercial Strategy Push

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Courtney

DAZN Media Plus has detailed its strategy following a major corporate rebranding, unveiling four core announcements designed to create an end-to-end sports advertising ecosystem.

Formerly operating as Foxtel Media prior to DAZN’s global integration, the commercial arm is expanding beyond traditional streaming inventory following the appointment of Mark Fain to an expanded leadership role.

The shift is centered on four major announcements made at the company’s upfront event: entering stadium signage, launching content creator platform Club KO, deploying an AI-powered automated sales agent, and introducing a comprehensive Sports Audience Graph.

Addressing the rationale behind the four-part initiative, Fain noted the necessity of offering an integrated solution for media buyers.

“Yeah, I think the the big push to um to Zone Media Plus was about how do we provide um almost a all in one place solution from a sports perspective.”

“And that really took us down the the Stadium signage avenue and then secondly into Club KO from a content creator perspective.

“On the technological and measurement side, the business is introducing automated trading alongside detailed attribution tools.

“In terms of using AI to create our sales agent, and how do we remove the transactional burden that all all media companies are kind of facing between buyer and seller?

“And then probably the the final I suppose I’d say big announcement was around the sports audience graph and clearly they all link up to the the assets that we’ve spoken about.

“But just help helping advertisers and agencies understand both the impact and return on investment the entire sports campaign is having,” Fain explained.

To support the transition, DAZN Media Plus has established specialised commercial units to manage stadium advertising and creator partnerships before integrating them into broader account teams. The integration with DAZN’s global infrastructure is also expected to accelerate product development for Australian streaming platforms Kayo Sports and Binge.

Fain pointed to commercial growth, innovation, and cultural evolution as key performance benchmarks over the next year.

“The numbers don’t lie.”

“I think like in any commercial business, hit the numbers um and uh c kind of continue on the growth trajectory that the streaming and advertising business has been on, but um also continually disrupt uh a and look at probably more lateral growth initiatives,” Fain said.

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New Zealand Cricket Relaunches Youth Fast Bowling Challenge in Partnership with Lockie Ferguson and Yorker App

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand Cricket has officially announced the revival of the Youth Fast Bowling Challenge, partnering with international fast bowler Lockie Ferguson and his proprietary fast bowling technology platform, the Yorker app.

The boys’ final is scheduled during the first Test match between New Zealand and India in November, while the girls’ final takes place during the opening One Day International against Bangladesh in December. New Zealand Cricket aims to boost fan engagement while addressing the critical physical demands placed on young fast bowlers.

Lockie Ferguson emphasised the personal significance of the initiative and the educational value embedded within the technology platform.

“Fast bowling is dear to my heart and I’m seriously fizzed to be re-launching this competition in partnership with NZC,”

“I remember that day at the Basin Reserve in 2008 so vividly.

“It was amazing to be bowling in the middle of the Basin in front of a huge crowd and with our speeds on the big screen.

“To think Jimmy and Ben were there that day, and players like Corey and Trent also featured in the previous year – just shows the potential.”

“Sharing that knowledge around strength and conditioning, and in particular managing bowling loads, was a key reason I started the Yorker app.

“To be able to pass on what I’ve learned over my career and help the next generation of Kiwi quick bowlers is really fulfilling and I can’t wait to see some of the talent we’re going to discover,” Ferguson said.

NZC chief community cricket officer, Kent Stead, highlighted the alignment between modern sports technology, athlete longevity, and elite talent identification.

“Fast bowling can win games and fills grandstands, but it can also take a serious toll on players’bodies if not managed well.”

“We want to teach young bowlers to manage their bowling loads and build resilience from day one, not after they’ve already picked up an injury.

“Lockie’s lived both sides of that story and is an ideal person to be front this campaign.

“Alongside the education and awareness element of the competition, the fact that we may uncover the next Lockie Ferguson or Lea Tahuhu, is also really exciting from a talent identification point of view,” Stead stated.

Originally established in 2008 as a national talent search that helped unearth future international stars like Trent Boult, Corey Anderson, and Tim Southee, the revamped competition opens registrations in October 2026.

Designed for aspiring male and female athletes aged 15 to 18, the initiative leverages mobile sports technology to democratise talent identification while embedding vital education around workload management and injury prevention into grassroots sports development.

Participants qualify by recording deliveries through the Yorker app during designated window periods, with the top contenders earning a berth at the live national finals hosted at the Cello Basin Reserve.

Softball Australia Launches New Digital Learning Centre to Streamline Member Education

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Courtney

Softball Australia has officially launched the new Softball Australia Learning Centre, establishing a dedicated online educational platform designed to streamline training and professional development opportunities for members nationwide.

Rolled out through a carefully structured phased approach, the digital ecosystem introduces seamless single sign-on integration, enabling members to access existing educational courses directly through their established membership accounts without requiring separate login credentials.

The initiative aims to modernise administrative infrastructure, reduce operational barriers to participation, and provide a centralised digital hub for coaches, technical officials, club administrators, and dedicated volunteers across the country.

The initial deployment focuses entirely on simplifying user access, allowing active members to log in via the official web portal and instantly navigate the available curriculum. By leveraging existing database records, the national sporting organisation is laying a robust technical foundation for comprehensive future expansions that will progressively transition all specialised coach, umpire, and scorer education into the unified platform.

National participation manager, Kate Penney, highlighted the significance of the digital rollout in enhancing stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency, and professional governance standards.

“The launch of the Softball Australia Learning Centre marks a significant step in streamlining and improving the learning and development experience for our members and stakeholders.”

“It is an important first step, giving members a simple way to access existing courses using the login details they already use, while creating a strong foundation for us to continue expanding learning and development opportunities across the sport,” Penney stated.

Looking ahead, Softball Australia will continue refining the digital platform to incorporate comprehensive development courses, updated training modules, and national accreditation pathways.

NBL Secures Major Trading Card Partnership with Market Leader Select Cards

Posted on October 2, 2026October 1, 2026 by Courtney

The Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) has announced a partnership with Select Cards, naming the industry leader as the Official Trading Card of the League.

The agreement elevates the NBL alongside major Australian sporting codes such as the Australian Football League (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL) within the premium collectibles market, leveraging the competition’s surging domestic and international momentum to expand commercial engagement and merchandise revenue.

Under the new arrangement, the year features a diverse slate of releases tailored for fans and serious collectors, headlined by a commemorative Championship Set celebrating the Sydney Kings’ NBL26 title.

Commenting on the partnership, NBL Group chief partnerships officer, Shenae Beus, said: “We are delighted to partner with Select.”

“Select has built a reputation on premium, limited-edition products that collectors trust, and that’s exactly the standard we want for our fans,” Beus said.

For Select Cards, the partnership represents a major portfolio expansion that taps into basketball’s growing demographic appeal and high-growth commercial landscape across Australia and beyond.

Emphasising the cultural and athletic synergy of the agreement, Select Cards CEO, Kate Jarvis, said: “The NBL’s momentum is impossible to ignore, and we’re thrilled to welcome the NBL to the Select family.”

“Adding the NBL is a proud moment for our business.

“The calibre of the League’s players and the passion of its fans make it a perfect fit for the premium, collector-first products Select is known for, and we can’t wait to put these cards in fans’ hands this season,” Jarvis stated.

All club team sets are scheduled for retail release ahead of Christmas, incorporating high-value incentives with one in every ten sets containing an exclusive team signature card.

The collection showcases elite talent across the competition, featuring prominent stars including six-time MVP Bryce Cotton, Championship Series MVP Kendric Davis, former NBA player Joe Ingles, Taran Armstrong, Nathan Sobey, and Tyler Harvey.

Sports Entertainment Group Completes Landmark NZD$130 Million Acquisition of MediaWorks

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Courtney

Sports Entertainment Group Limited has officially completed its acquisition of 100 percent of MediaWorks, New Zealand’s premier audio business, for an enterprise value of NZD $130 million, equivalent to approximately AUD$ 107.4 million on a cash and debt-free basis.

The transaction combines SEG’s extensive Australian sports media network with MediaWorks’ market-leading music and entertainment brands, establishing a scaled trans-Tasman media group that reaches over five million listeners across Australia and New Zealand.

The acquisition provides an operational platform to expand SEG’s comprehensive sports, events, and entertainment offerings into the New Zealand market by leveraging established audience networks, advertiser relationships, and technical infrastructure.

Reflecting on the significance of the corporate milestone, SEG CEO, Craig Hutchison detailed the commercial objectives driving the transaction.

“Today marks a landmark moment for Sports Entertainment Group.”

Completing the acquisition of MediaWorks which is New Zealand’s #1 audio business transforms SEG into a truly scaled, trans-Tasman media group reaching more than 5 million listeners across Australia and New Zealand.

“This is exactly the kind of strategically important and value driving transaction we have been building toward,” Hutchison said.

He further noted that both entities are performing strongly into the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, highlighting immediate benefits in advertiser synergies and digital platform integration planning alongside MediaWorks CEO Wendy Palmer and her leadership team.

The combined business network encompasses popular audio brands such as The Rock, More FM, The Sound, George FM, Mai FM, The Breeze, The Edge, Channel X, Breeze Classic, and Humm FM, alongside the rova digital platform for live radio, podcasts, and on-demand content, which collectively attract 2.4 million listeners each week.

Integration planning between rova and SEG’s digital SEN platform is set to accelerate digital audio expansion across both territories, creating enhanced multi-channel inventory for corporate advertisers spanning sport, music, and lifestyle verticals.

Cricket Victoria and Manhari Metals Announce Two-Year Partnership Renewal for Women’s and Regional Cricket

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Courtney

Cricket Victoria and Victorian-owned metal recycling business Manhari Metals have announced a two-year partnership renewal, extending their commercial alliance through to the 2027/2028 season.

Under the renewed agreement, Manhari will continue as the Major Partner of the Victorian Women’s Cricket Team, maintaining its prominent branding across all playing and training uniforms for players and support staff. Furthermore, the partnership reinforces regional community engagement through ongoing support for the Country Cup, expanding grassroots and regional cricket pathways across Victoria.

Emphasising the community impact of the ongoing collaboration, Cricket Victoria’s general manager – government relations and strategic partnerships, Dylan Prescott, said: “Manhari has been an incredible partner to the Victorian Women’s Cricket Team, and this renewal is a reflection of the shared values that continue to underpin our relationship.”

“Their ongoing commitment, both to our elite women’s program and to community cricket through the Country Cup, continues to make a genuine impact on the growth of the women’s game in Victoria,” Prescott said.

Founded in 2007, Manhari Metals has evolved into a premier Australian provider for commodity recycling and circular economy solutions, managing diverse operations spanning metals, tyres, e-waste, solar panels, and lithium batteries.

The partnership extension was celebrated locally with community activations in Horsham and Ararat, where youth clinics were hosted to inspire junior participants aiming for future representation in the Manhari Country Cup.

Highlighting the regional and grassroots focus of the partnership, Manhari Metals founder and CEO, Maddy Gupta, said: “Manhari is a proud partner of Cricket Victoria and relishes the opportunity to continue the relationship into the future.”

“We wish the Victorian Women’s Cricket Team all the best for the coming season.

“Today, we are joining Cricket Victoria in Horsham and Ararat for a kids clinic, with these juniors aiming for spots in the Manhari Country Cup in the future,” Gupta said.

Manhari first aligned with Cricket Victoria in 2021 before transitioning its major support to the elite women’s program in 2022.

The latest extension highlights a shared strategic vision between the two organisations, leveraging commercial alignment to drive the growth of women’s sport while supporting Manhari’s broader business expansion across the state.

Brisbane Heat Secure Partnership with Outdoor Equipment Brand Cub Cadet

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Courtney

The Brisbane Heat have strengthened their portfolio ahead of the upcoming summer of cricket by announcing a new partnership with premium outdoor power equipment brand Cub Cadet.

The agreement spans both the Weber Women’s Big Bash League and the KFC Big Bash League seasons, aligning two brands centered around Queensland’s shared passion for summer, outdoor living, and cricket.

Highlighting the alignment between regional lifestyle elements and sports entertainment, Brisbane Heat general manager for commercial, marketing and corporate affairs, Pete Lock, said: “The Heat are delighted to welcome Cub Cadet to the club, and to the Big Bash environment.”

“For many Queenslanders, the summer months have meant Big Bash on the television, cricket games in the backyard, weekends outdoors and plenty of time spent looking after the lawn.

“This partnership will celebrate those distinctly Queensland summer experiences while introducing Cub Cadet to the Heat’s passionate fanbase,” he said.

The collaboration will leverage digital content integration and match-day activations to engage consumers and support Cub Cadet’s extensive dealer network across Australia.

Cub Cadet brand manager, David Kennedy, emphasised the natural synergy between turf management and cricket culture.

“Nothing says Australian summer like cricket and a freshly cut lawn.

“Cub Cadet is where those two things meet.

“We’re thrilled to be partnered with Brisbane Heat and putting our machines to work on the biggest stage in the game.

“Our dealers are the reason this partnership makes sense.

“They’re the ones in local communities, delivering excellence and backing our values.

“This gives them a stage they’ve well and truly earned,” Kennedy said.

As part of the commercial arrangement, Cub Cadet branding will feature prominently on the Heat’s Weber WBBL playing pants, alongside static match-day signage at major venues including Allan Border Field and the Gabba, where signage will be positioned beneath the Eastern Scoreboard on the Vulture Street side.

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.

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 Rio de Janeiro Broadcast

Posted on October 1, 2026October 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.