Ministry of Sport

Racing NSW and Pony Club NSW Partner to Build Industry Pathways and Equine Welfare Programs

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Courtney

Racing NSW and Pony Club NSW have officially announced a partnership agreement designed to establish robust career pathways into the New South Wales thoroughbred racing industry for young riders across more than 220 clubs.

Announced at Bart’s Farm, one of Racing NSW’s owned and operated equine welfare properties where staff successfully retrain and rehome retired racehorses, the alliance connects 10,000 Pony Club members with professional racing while simultaneously driving commercial demand and welfare outcomes for equine athletes.

The initiative positions Pony Club NSW as the foundational starting point for young equestrians, with Racing NSW’s Team Thoroughbred Academy acting as the direct gateway to formal employment, practical industry experience, professional shadowing, and accredited educational qualifications.

Highlighting the importance of nurturing grassroots talent and long-term equine welfare, Racing NSW Acting CEO, Graeme Hinton, said: “This partnership formalises the industry’s long-standing relationship with Pony Club and opens up new opportunities for exciting careers in racing.”

“So many of our leading participants have come through the Pony Club system which is a testament to the vital foundation of skills they are taught.

“Importantly, this partnership will also see more young riders introduced to retired thoroughbred racehorses and provided with the education and experience necessary to support them,” Hinton said.

Echoing these sentiments from an administrative perspective, president of Pony Club NSW, Claire Martin, added: “We’re incredibly pleased to partner with Racing NSW, it brings together two organisations with a shared commitment to education, horse welfare and the future of young people in the equine industry.”

“This partnership will create exciting new opportunities for our members through career pathways, more education, and competition, both in and beyond the saddle,” Martin added.

As a component of the collaboration, a Future Equimillion seminar will be delivered for Pony Club members during Racing NSW’s Equimillion event on Monday 5th October 2026. Equimillion is a premier equestrian event for retired thoroughbred racehorses conducted over the October long weekend each year with unprecedented prizemoney of over $1 million on offer. Pony Club NSW will feature as an official partner of Equimillion 2026, complete with dedicated spaces, showcase events, and exclusive prizemoney categories for participating riders.

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Cricket Australia and Kookaburra Extend Long-Standing Partnership Through to 2030

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Courtney

Cricket Australia and iconic sports equipment manufacturer Kookaburra have officially announced a four-year extension of their long-standing partnership, securing Kookaburra’s position as Cricket Australia’s official supplier of cricket balls and equipment through to 2030.

Spanning more than eight decades of collaboration, the renewed commercial agreement reinforces a shared strategic commitment to supporting the game’s structural growth, stretching seamlessly from grassroots community programs up to elite international fixtures involving Australian representative teams.

Commenting on the extended relationship, Cricket Australia head of commercial sales and partnerships, Vanessa Foo, said: “We are delighted to extend our long-standing partnership with Kookaburra through to 2030.”

“Kookaburra has been a trusted partner of Cricket Australia for decades, supporting the game at every level, from grassroots through to the elite international stage.

“Many cricketers use Kookaburra’s equipment, and we are proud to continue working with them to create lasting summer memories for cricketers around the country,” Foo said.

Echoing these sentiments from a manufacturing and commercial perspective, chief sales and marketing officer of Kookaburra Sport, Leigh Watts, added: “Our partnership with Cricket Australia is built on a shared value of supporting all levels of our great game.”

“We’re incredibly proud to continue supporting the players, coaches, and countless volunteers across the country who contribute so much to the game.

“Our commitment extends beyond providing the number one ball in cricket and world class equipment – we’re committed to nurturing the game from grassroots to the elite level,” Watts said.

The long-term alliance ensures continued supply chains for world-class equipment, supporting player performance, grassroots development, and the overall commercial sustainability of cricket nationwide as participation rates continue to thrive.

Andrew Bogut-Backed Athoz Expands to Australia with Major NRL, NBL, and AFL Partnerships

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Courtney

Advanced athlete intelligence platform Athoz has officially announced its expansion into the Australian sports market, securing an agreements across the National Rugby League, National Basketball League, and Australian Football League.

This international market entry is bolstered by a substantial financial investment from Australian NBA champion Andrew Bogut, who has officially joined the enterprise as a major investor and regional partner.

Emphasising the commercial value of the Australian market launch, CEO of Athoz, Robert de Wolff, said: “Athoz is dedicated to giving teams the intelligence they need to build winning rosters, and expanding into Australia is a major milestone for our platform.”

“Having an NBA Champion and elite athlete like Andrew Bogut recognize that value and be instrumental in introducing our technology to these top-tier leagues is incredibly validating,” Wolff said.

For elite sports operations navigating rigorous national competition schedules, access to granular, personalised data represents an invaluable competitive advantage.

Highlighting his motivation for backing the enterprise, former Golden State player, Bogut, noted: “When I first heard about Athoz, I knew right away it would be a must have for all Australian sports teams and leagues.”

“Teams in the NRL NBL, AFL and so on already operate at an incredibly high level but giving them access to this caliber of personalized team-level intelligence is a game-changer.

“It will directly raise their performance standards, fast, and help them maximize every athlete’s potential and build even more dominant rosters.”

By functioning as a centralised digital data hub that translates complex athletic metrics into clear, actionable insights, the platform streamlines talent evaluation and player readiness tracking, empowering elite coaching staff to optimise roster management and accelerate player development across domestic professional franchises.

The expansion directly follows Athoz’s recent acquisition of Optimum Scouting, further accelerating its overarching commercial mission to provide professional sports organisations with advanced analytical tools necessary to move first and move smart in highly competitive player markets.

Y Series Launches Limited-Edition NFL Collection to Capitalise on Historic Melbourne Regular-Season Game

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Courtney

Hill-Smith Family Estates wine brand Y Series, serving as the Official Wine Sponsor of the NFL in Australia and New Zealand, has unveiled a limited-edition Y Series x NFL collection to coincide with the league’s first-ever regular-season game in Australia.

Scheduled for 11 September 2026 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the fixture features the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers, prompting a massive commercial alignment across national retail channels.

The bespoke range features NFL-inspired packaging across seven popular varietals, including Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Lighter Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz. Priced at a recommended retail price of $15, the collection will be available nationally from September through major stockists including Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Liquorland, and independent retailers.

The partnership leverages Y Series’ brand philosophy of bringing people together, positioning the portfolio to capture heightened consumer spending during a major cultural and sporting moment.

Emphasising the opportunity presented by the landmark event, CEO of Hill-Smith Family Estates, Karl Martin, said: “The NFL Melbourne Game coming to Australia is a huge moment for sports fans, and we’re proud that Y Series will be part of how people celebrate it.”

“Whether it’s gathering friends for a watch party, heading to Melbourne for the game or simply enjoying the atmosphere surrounding the event, this partnership is about creating memorable moments and giving fans another way to connect with the excitement.

“That’s exactly the sort of occasion Y Series was made for,” Martin said.

Commenting on the value of local brand collaborations in expanding audience engagement, NFL GM – Australia and New Zealand, Charlotte Offord, added: “The NFL’s presence in Australia continues to grow, and partnerships like Y Series play an important role in helping us create meaningful local experiences for our fans.”

“Together, we’re giving Australians more ways to connect with the game and be part of the excitement surrounding the NFL Melbourne Game and beyond,” Offord noted.

Through targeted retail placement, experiential festival presence, and high-value promotional incentives, Y Series has positioned itself at the commercial heart of Australian sport’s most anticipated international fixture.

Beyond retail distribution, the brand is scaling its experiential marketing through activation at the three-day NFL Kickoff Festival at Melbourne Park from 10 to 12 September, offering fans limited-edition cans, interactive photo experiences, and promotional games.

Furthermore, a major consumer sweepstakes running from 1 August through 31 December 2026 offers shoppers purchasing Y Series wines through Dan Murphy’s or BWS the chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles, supported by one hundred instant-win NFL Shop Australia vouchers.

LIV Golf Cuts Season and Cancels Michigan Finale to Fast-Track Transition

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Courtney

LIV Golf has announced it will curtail its 2026 calendar by concluding its season one week earlier than scheduled, cancelling the upcoming team championship event in Michigan and instead crowning its team champion at LIV Golf Indianapolis.

The decision marks the conclusion of the league’s shortest schedule since its launch in 2022, featuring only twelve events following the previous postponement in New Orleans. With the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia concluding its foundational financial backing at the termination of the year, the organisation has pivoted toward an agreement with a lead investor to establish a restructured commercial model for 2027.

The plan aims to conserve operational bandwidth as leadership prepares for a player-equity ownership structure known internally as LIV 2.0.

Explaining the rationale behind the sudden calendar adjustment, LIV CEO, Scott O’Neil, said: “By concluding the season now, we can put our full resources behind what comes next and maintain the operational rigor this transition demands.”

“We are reimagining LIV Golf as a fundamentally new league owned by the players and anchored in a sustainable business model, with an evolved fan experience built for the markets where the game is growing fastest across the globe and the support of world-class partners,” O’Neil said.

The cancellation of the Michigan tournament followed persistent reports of stalled infrastructure preparations, with ticket holders promised full refunds.

In addition, the organisation implemented cost-cutting measures by scrapping live entertainment performances from artists Thomas Rhett and Disco Lines at the Indianapolis fixture, reflecting tighter budgetary controls as guaranteed individual prize purses face downward pressure.

While Jon Rahm secured his third consecutive individual points title, albeit with a reduced payout of six million dollars compared to previous years, upcoming events will determine final standings and a four million dollar top-tier prize payout.

Looking ahead, O’Neil emphasised continuity amidst strategic realignment.

“As we concentrate on finishing the season strong and building the next chapter of LIV Golf, we’ll carry the energy and enthusiasm our fans have shown us into what comes next,” he said.

Formula 1® Returns to Racing with Five Lights, A New Cinematic Campaign Voiced by Colin Farrell

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 has officially launched “Five Lights,” a new cinematic campaign narrated by passionate fan and acclaimed actor Colin Farrell.

Set to the music track Reign by UNKLE featuring Ian Brown, the film explores the pre-race countdown, capturing the focus, anticipation, and composure required to compete at the ultimate limit of human and technical performance.

The campaign aims to deepen consumer connection and drive further commercial returns across global markets.

Commenting on the intent behind the creative rollout, Formula 1 chief commercial officer, Emily Prazer, said: “Five Lights captures one of the most powerful moments in Formula 1, when anticipation, excitement and pressure all come together just before the race begins.”

“As we return for the second half of what has already been an incredible season, we wanted to create something that reflects the emotion of our sport and the connection our fans feel with the teams and drivers every race weekend,” she said.

The launch coincides with a record-breaking commercial period for the organisation, which now boasts more than 830 million fans worldwide. Driven by rising television audiences, growing digital engagement, and a diverse roster of commercial partners, the 2026 season has already delivered eleven consecutive sell-out Grands Prix and six new circuit attendance records.

The FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN DUTCH GRAND PRIX 2026 marks the beginning of the second half of the campaign, with Mercedes currently leading both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships.

Against this backdrop of intense on-track competition, “Five Lights” has been deployed to sustain fan momentum and maximise global broadcast viewership as the championship battles intensify.

Padel Invitational Brings International Stars and Community Players to Sydney Opera House

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Courtney

The Northern Broadwalk of the Sydney Opera House has been transformed into an sporting arena for the inaugural Padel Invitational, presented by UBS, highlighting the commercial uplift of one of the world’s fastest-growing racquet sports.

Bringing together high-profile celebrities, international padel stars, and community players, the exhibition successfully integrated elite sport, corporate sponsorship, and iconic Australian tourism assets to capture mainstream media attention.

The event featured a custom-built glass court that hosted a star-studded lineup, including Australian tennis legends Ash Barty and Pat Rafter, Gold Logie nominee Todd Woodbridge, Olympic gold medallist Cooper Woods, and prominent entertainment figures, driving significant brand exposure and fan engagement for the sport’s burgeoning Australian footprint.

The weekend-long activation combined high-energy entertainment with grassroots participation, kicking off with the Celebrity 1 Point Padel on Saturday where matches were decided by a single high-pressure point. Sunday shifted focus to community development, with regional players participating in exclusive warm-up drills led by Rafter and Casey Dellacqua after earning their places through local club competitions and nominations.

Among the participants were regional competitors Rhianna Coleiro and Jarryd Pearce, who reflected on the unique national exposure.

“We’re really lucky to live regionally and have access to Sol Padel, which is a small padel club in Thurgoona.

“We’ll never get another opportunity like this again to play at such an iconic venue.

“It’s really easy to get better at and no two games are ever the same, there’s always something to learn.

“We fell in love with it straight away and we think everyone else we’ve got into it just absolutely loves the sport.”

According to International Padel Federation data, padel is currently played by more than thirty-five million people across over one hundred and seventy countries, with global participation projected to exceed one hundred and five million by 2030.

Western Bulldogs and CoinSpot Extend Partnership

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Courtney

The Western Bulldogs have officially announced a two-year partnership extension with CoinSpot, securing the brand’s position as a principal partner of the AFL team and co-major partner of the AFLW team.

Unveiled during three-quarter time of the club’s Round 23 clash against Carlton amidst the popular ‘Race the Rocket’ fan activation, the renewed agreement ensures the CoinSpot brand will continue to feature prominently on the back of both the senior men’s and women’s playing guernseys, while also extending across the VFL and VFLW team uniforms.

The ongoing alignment builds upon a successful six-year relationship that originally commenced in 2021, highlighting the expanding role of digital asset enterprises within professional sports sponsorships and club operations.

Commenting on the partnership extension, CoinSpot chief marketing officer, Ray Osthmuller, said: “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with the Western Bulldogs and continue our association with one of Australia’s most passionate and community-focused sporting clubs.”

“Since joining forces in 2021, we’ve seen the partnership continue to grow and we’re excited to build on that momentum over the coming years,” Osthmuller said.

Western Bulldogs Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, Kon Karavias, echoed these sentiments, pointing to the comprehensive nature of CoinSpot’s multi-tiered program support across all four of the club’s elite and developmental tiers.

“CoinSpot continues to be a valued and much-loved partner of the Western Bulldogs and we’re delighted to extend our relationship for a further two years.”

“The partnership has continued to evolve over the past six years and CoinSpot’s commitment to our AFL, AFLW, VFL and VFLW programs reflects the strength of the relationship we have built together.

“We look forward to delivering more great experiences for our members and supporters alongside the CoinSpot team,” Karavias said.

Founded in 2013 and recognised as Australia’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by tradeable assets, CoinSpot continues to leverage high-visibility sporting sponsorships to drive mainstream brand engagement and consumer acquisition.

To celebrate the milestone extension, the enterprise is offering supporters the chance to win $2,028 worth of prizes, further integrating fan interaction into the match-day experience.

Adelaide 36ers Extend Partnership with Good Drinks Australia

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Courtney

The Adelaide 36ers have announced a two-season extension of their partnership with Good Drinks Australia, a successful collaboration designed to elevate the fan and corporate hospitality experience at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Under the renewed agreement, Good Drinks Australia will retain its naming rights to the popular Coors Cold Club while expanding its footprint to become the official naming rights partner of the club’s premium pre- and post-match function space, which will now be known as the Matso’s Legends Room.

The partnership builds upon a three-year foundational relationship, cementing Good Drinks Australia as the club’s Official Beer Partner and expanding product availability across selected corporate boxes, communal hubs like The Orb, and all official club functions.

The collaboration aligns premium beverage brands with elite basketball entertainment, offering commercial partners enhanced visibility and engagement opportunities across the National Basketball League season.

Commenting on the partnership, Adelaide 36ers CEO, Nic Barbato, said: “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Good Drinks Australia for a further two seasons,”

“They have become an important part of our gameday offering, with the Coors Cold Club proving incredibly popular with our members, corporate partners and fans.

“The addition of the Matso’s Legends Room is another exciting step in the evolution of our hospitality experience.

“Good Drinks Australia has a fantastic portfolio of brands, and together we’re continuing to create premium experiences that make attending Adelaide 36ers games something special,” Barbato said.

For Good Drinks Australia, the ongoing alliance provides a targeted platform to connect with sports consumers across South Australia.

Good Drinks Australia national sponsorship manager, Kate Weekes, added: “Good Drinks is proud to continue our partnership with the Adelaide 36ers, a natural fit for a world-class brand like Coors.”

“The 36ers bring the kind of energy and passion that Coors is all about, and this season we’re excited to get even closer to their fans and to basketball supporters right across South Australia,” Weekes said.

The Coors Cold Club provides a casual, laid-back viewing environment featuring cocktail food and beverage packages alongside special promotional offers.

Meanwhile, the newly branded Matso’s Legends Room delivers a hospitality experience incorporating a gourmet grazing menu, a 4.5-hour beverage package, and exclusive insights from players, coaches, and special guests, showcasing one of Australia’s premier craft beer brands to an engaged audience of members and corporate stakeholders.

Adrenalen Group Launches Advertising Platform to Target Live Sport Audiences in Australian Venues

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Courtney

Sports, media and venue technology business Adrenalen Group has launched a new advertising platform designed to enable brands to reach audiences watching live sport in pubs, clubs, and hospitality venues across Australia.

The initiative expands Adrenalen’s growing market presence, leveraging its established sports broadcast distribution and large-format LED and vision technology to connect commercial partners with consumers in shared social environments.

The offering capitalises on the commercial dynamics of communal sports viewing, positioning venue screens as active engagement tools rather than passive broadcast displays.

Adrenalen Group CEO, Mark Sturdy, highlighted the unique value proposition for brands looking to move beyond conventional digital and television advertising channels.

“live sport in venues creates something digital advertising can’t replicate – a captive, emotionally engaged audience sharing the moment together.”

“For brands, that creates an opportunity to be part of the experience rather than simply interrupting it,” Sturdy said.

Addressing the challenges faced by technology developers entering the hospitality sector, Sturdy, added: “start-ups spend years navigating procurement processes, building credibility, and chasing scale – often running out of runway before achieving meaningful market penetration.”

“At the same time, venue operators are inundated with pitches but lack the time, resources, and technical expertise to assess what will genuinely deliver impact.

“Adrenalen Edge has been built to bridge that divide,” he noted.

SportEdge also enables seamless coordination between live sports information and promotional marketing across multiple screens.

“the platform removes the guesswork and manual effort involved in deciding what to show, when to show it, and how to align it with promotions.

“By combining live sports data, venue-specific insights, and seamless screen control, SportEdge ensures every screen is working harder – driving engagement, increasing dwell time, and maximising revenue,” Sturdy further shared.

The launch coincides with Adrenalen’s ongoing expansion of its technology and content offerings for hospitality operators, driven by its broader venue strategy.

Earlier this year, the organisation introduced Adrenalen Edge, a commercialisation platform created to link emerging sport, media, and venue technologies with operators capable of deploying them in real-world environments. Its flagship product, SportEdge, delivers automated sports content scheduling, centralised screen management, live scores, news, venue promotions, and integrated tipping competitions.

Alongside its screen and software solutions, Adrenalen has significantly strengthened its live content portfolio, securing venue broadcast rights and partnerships with major properties including Paramount+, DAZN, Stan Sport, BKFC, and Power Slap, positioning hospitality venues as premier destinations for collective sports fandom.

World Gym Expands into Australian Capital Territory with Belconnen Club Opening

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Courtney

Global fitness brand World Gym is officially opening its first Australian Capital Territory club in Belconnen later this month.

Located at 5 Chan Street, the new facility introduces the brand’s signature strength-focused training and premium recovery amenities to Canberra for the first time, a milestone in the continued expansion of the franchise across Australia through its backing by listed fitness operator Viva Leisure.

Spanning a comprehensive training environment, the Belconnen club features more than 150 pieces of equipment from leading global brands including Panatta, Gym80, Booty Builder, Life Fitness, and Hammer Strength, alongside dedicated spaces such as a posing room, Barbell Café, and Pro Shop.

A commercial feature of the facility is its purpose-built wellness and recovery zone, complete with a fifteen-person traditional sauna, two ice baths, and two ice showers operating on extended daily hours without requiring bookings.

Reflecting on the significance of launching on Viva Leisure’s home turf, World Gym Australia founders, Mike Nysten and Jonathan Davie, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring World Gym to the ACT for the very first time.”

“Belconnen is the ideal location for our inaugural Canberra club, and we’re looking forward to welcoming a community that’s passionate about health, performance and achieving their fitness goals.

“We’ve created a destination where members can train with some of the best equipment available, recover using premium wellness facilities and become part of a supportive fitness community,” They said.

Emphasising the corporate strategy underpinning the rollout, chief operating officer of World Gym backer Viva Leisure, Sean Hodges, said: “bringing World Gym to the ACT for the first time is a significant milestone for both Viva Leisure and the World Gym Australia network.”

“Since our investment in World Gym Australia, we’ve been focused on growing one of the world’s most recognised fitness brands into new communities, and Belconnen is a fantastic location for that next chapter.

“World Gym has built a global reputation for delivering an uncompromising strength and performance experience, and this new club reflects exactly what members have come to expect from the brand.

We’re excited to introduce Canberrans to a premium training environment that combines world-class equipment, recovery facilities and a strong community culture,” Hodges said.

Founded in California in 1976, World Gym now operates more than 230 locations across six continents, with its Australian network expanding to 60 clubs.

FC Bayern Munich Reaches 15 Billion Video Views in Record Digital Season

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Courtney

German football powerhouse FC Bayern Munich has reported a milestone 2025/26 campaign, generating more than 15 billion video views and 1.1 billion social media interactions as its global digital community expanded by approximately ten percent to exceed 220 million followers.

The record-breaking figures underscore the club’s aggressive commercial strategy to scale its direct-to-consumer digital channels and subscription offerings on an international scale. Alongside social media expansion across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, the organisation recorded a seventeen percent year-on-year increase in traffic across its official website and application, while subscriptions for its premium video streaming platform, FC Bayern TV PLUS, surged by thirty-nine percent.

The digital acceleration coincided with strong sporting success on the pitch, with both the men’s and women’s teams securing domestic doubles. High-stakes European fixtures, particularly a dramatic four-three home victory against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg, served as the primary commercial and engagement catalysts.

That fixture drove the club’s biggest traffic day on social media, while the club’s website and application generated over one million visits in a single day alongside fifty thousand live audio streams. The engagement helped elevate the club from eighth to fifth in international social media benchmarks, placing it ahead of prominent continental rivals including Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.

Reflecting on the importance of the digital expansion, director media, Media Rights & Communications at FC Bayern, Stefan Mennerich, said: “Our digital channels have long since become a second stadium for FC Bayern – for millions of fans worldwide.”

Echoing this sentiment, head of club media & content at FC Bayern, Nikolai Kube, added: “Sporting success and globally polarising matches such as those against Real Madrid or PSG are naturally the drivers of our strong performance development.1”

SA1NT Compression Announce 1 Year Partnership with Tasmania JackJumpers and Jewels

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Courtney

SA1NT Compression has officially announced one-year partnership to serve as the official compression partner for both the Tasmania JackJumpers and the Tasmania Jewels.

The agreement will see both elite rosters in SA1NT’s advanced compression gear across all operational stages of competition, spanning intense training sessions, match days, extensive interstate travel, and post-match recovery programs. Designed specifically to enhance blood circulation and reduce muscle fatigue, the cutting-edge gear aims to provide Tasmania’s premier basketballers with a vital competitive edge during their demanding national campaigns.

The partnership arrives at a landmark juncture for Tasmanian basketball, highlighted by the Tasmania Jewels preparing to make their highly anticipated WNBL debut this coming October.

Emphasising the commercial value of the collaboration, Tasmania JackJumpers and Jewels CEO, Trent Jacobs, said: “We are thrilled to partner with SA1NT Compression across both our JackJumpers and Jewels programs.”

“Navigating gruelling seasons and extensive interstate travel means physical preparation is everything. SA1NT’s compression gear provides our athletes with elite support on court, during travel, and throughout recovery, ensuring both teams perform at their peak,” Jacobs said.

Echoing these sentiments from an operational leadership perspective, Founder and CEO of SA1NT Layers, Aidan Clarke, added: “Tasmanian basketball is defined by relentless grit and high-level execution, aligning perfectly with SA1NT’s ethos.”

“We are proud to support the JackJumpers and Jewels over the next year, equipping these world-class athletes for every training, game, flight, and recovery session,” Clarke added.

Building upon the on the commercial blueprint established by the JackJumpers, which has consistently driven sellout crowds at MyState Bank Arena since 2021 and redefined local commercial backing within the National Basketball League, this dual-team alignment reinforces a shared organisation commitment to elite performance standards as both high-profile programs compete prominently on the national stage.

Furthermore, the alliance seamlessly integrates into SA1NT Compression’s rapidly expanding portfolio of elite sporting partnerships across Australia, sitting alongside notable collaborations with the North Melbourne Football Club, along with National Basketball League counterparts the South East Melbourne Phoenix and the Brisbane Bullets.

New Zealand Cricket Unveils 2026–27 Domestic Schedules

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand Cricket has officially released the schedules for the upcoming Ford Trophy and Hallyburton Johnstone Shield competitions for the 2026–27 summer.

Spanning from Whangarei’s Cobham Oval to Invercargill’s Queen’s Park, the national one-day tournaments are designed to maximise fan engagement, expand broadcast footprints, and drive commercial value across the country. Both competitions will culminate in a blockbuster Finals Weekend hosted at Wellington’s Cello Basin Reserve from February 19 to 21, 2027.

The layout of the fixtures places a heavy emphasis on regional market penetration, showcasing unique venues such as New Plymouth’s Pukekura Park, Nelson’s Saxton Oval, and Queenstown’s Sir John Davies Oval. Furthermore, Auckland’s Colin Maiden Park is set to return to the domestic rotation following extensive redevelopment, boosting local infrastructure capabilities.

Defending men’s champions the Central Stags will commence their Ford Trophy campaign against Northern Districts Men at Saxton Oval on October 28, while reigning women’s titleholders Northern Districts Women begin their Hallyburton Johnstone Shield defence against the Central Hinds at Fitzherbert Park on November 14.

Emphasising the rationale behind the nationwide footprint, NZC chief cricket operations Officer Catherine Campbell noted the immense value of bringing elite sport directly to regional communities.

“No matter where you live in Aotearoa, there’s a good chance a Ford Trophy or Hallyburton Johnstone Shield match is coming to a ground near you this summer.”

“This year’s schedule once again gives fans the chance to watch our best domestic talent up close at some fantastic regional venues.

“The combined Finals Weekend concept continues to be a success and it’s exciting to be bringing it back to the Cello Basin Reserve this summer.

“This schedule also dovetails nicely with our international summer, meaning there’s top-class cricket on offer right through the peak summer cricket months,” said Campbell.

Matches live-scored on nzc.nz and broadcast via YouTube.

Ticketmaster Australia Extends Long-Standing Partnership with Australian Grand Prix Corporation

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Courtney

Ticketmaster Australia and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) have announced the renewal of their partnership agreement.

Building on a shared relationship spanning more than 13 years, the renewed arrangement ensures Ticketmaster will continue providing advanced ticketing technology, distribution systems, and dedicated fan support services for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.

Under the expanded agreement, both organisations will focus on scaling ticketing infrastructure to manage record-breaking attendance figures and deliver secure transactions for hundreds of thousands of racegoers.

Commenting on the extension of the partnership, Ticketmaster Australia managing director, Gavin Taylor, said: “the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix is one of the most iconic events on the Australian sporting calendar, and we’re proud to extend our partnership with Australian Grand Prix Corporation.”

“Demand for the event continues to grow year-on-year, and we’re focused on ensuring fans have access to a seamless, secure and trusted ticket-buying experience.

“We look forward to continuing to drive innovation and top-tier experiences for fans, partnering closely with the AGPC team to support the ongoing success of this world-class event,” Taylor said.

Echoing the sentiment, Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief commercial officer, Emma Pinwill, added:“Ticketmaster has been a valued partner of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation for many years, and we are pleased to extend this relationship as the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix continues to grow in scale and popularity.”

“We look forward to working together to build on this momentum and deliver world-class experiences for fans in the years ahead,” Pinwill noted.