Ministry of Sport

Bank South Pacific Secures Record-Breaking Principal Partnership with PNG Chiefs Ahead of 2028 NRL Entry

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

The PNG Chiefs have secured the largest club sponsorship in National Rugby League history, announcing a landmark agreement with Bank South Pacific to serve as the Principal Foundation Partner through to the end of the 2030 season.

Unveiled at Santos Stadium in Port Moresby, the historic deal kicks off immediately during the pre-NRL foundation period, positioning the financial institution across the club’s front-of-jersey apparel and membership programs before the team commences its inaugural campaign in 2028.

Commenting on the landmark partnership, PNG Chiefs CEO, Lorna McPherson, said: “This is a landmark partnership for the PNG Chiefs and Papua New Guinea and, as a club, we couldn’t be prouder to welcome BSP on board.”

“BSP is an organisation that is part of the fabric of our country and community and recognises the scale of opportunity that exists with the PNG Chiefs.

“To have this level of commitment to our club – including this period leading into our first game in 2028 – shows BSP’s belief in what we are building, and the way we will create opportunities for Papua New Guineans for generations to come,” McPherson said.

Emphasisng the alignment of a locally headquartered enterprise backing the nation’s expansion team, BSP chairman, Robert Bradshaw, added: “BSP is incredibly proud to play a leadership role in supporting the PNG Chiefs through this historic partnership.”

“It is highly symbolic that BSP, a PNG-headquartered and majority PNG-owned company, is backing the nation’s NRL team.

“Rugby league unites Papua New Guinea like nothing else.

“We want to be an active part of the PNG Chiefs’ nation-building project in PNG and in raising the visibility of rugby league across the South Pacific,” Bradshaw said.

Echoing hi sentiments, BSP Group CEO, Mark Robinson, concluded: “Our aim is to be more than a sponsor for the PNG Chiefs.”

“This is a partnership with purpose.

“This agreement sees BSP become a partner on match day, a partner in engaging the new army of Chiefs fans and an active partner in the community.

“This includes working with the Chiefs to lift financial literacy throughout PNG,” Robinson noted.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

Formula 1 Partners with Pompeii for Madrid Grand Prix Capsule Collection

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 has partnered with Madrid-based design powerhouse Pompeii to launch an exclusive capsule collection celebrating the return of the Spanish Grand Prix to the capital’s new Madring circuit.

Comprising nine unisex streetwear items—anchored by a pit crew jacket, mechanic shirt, and glove tee—the collection translates classic motorsport motifs into refined everyday apparel rather than technical performance wear.

These experiences include a launch event at Melia Palacio de los Duques featuring a liveried show car, a Paddock Club morning collaboration with The Coffee Party at Acid Bakehouse, and a complete flagship store transformation into a curated Formula 1 exhibition from September 10 to 13.

Commenting on the partnership, chief commercial officer at Formula 1, Emily Prazer, said: “This debut collection with Pompeii is about bringing Formula 1 to a whole new generation of fans and celebrating the incredible energy around the sport’s return to Madrid.”

“Formula 1 and Pompeii are two brands with a shared sense of culture, creativity and attitude, so this collaboration really felt like a natural fit.

“We’re excited to see the collection launched to the world through a series of immersive activations during race week– giving fans more ways to experience the world of Formula 1 with Pompeii,” Prazer said.

Highlighting the local and cultural connection embedded in the partnership, co-founder at Pompeii, Cosme Bergareche, added: “Sport has always been a huge part of Pompeii.”

“We’re constantly inspired by the culture that surrounds it, not only what happens on the field, the court or the track, but everything around it.

“Our approach has always been to bring that world into fashion through a more refined, considered lens, and Formula 1 felt like a perfect expression of that.

“There’s a unique sense of style, heritage and emotion around the sport that goes far beyond racing.

“And for us, being a brand born in Madrid, there was something particularly special about welcoming Formula 1 back to our city.

“We wanted to celebrate that moment in our own way, creating a collection that feels true to Formula 1, true to Madrid, and true to Pompeii,” Bergareche stated.

Turkish Airlines to Replace Standard Chartered as Liverpool FC Main Partner in Landmark 2027 Deal

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

Liverpool Football Club has announced a transition, naming Turkish Airlines as its new main club partner from June 1, 2027.

The agreement will see the airline’s branding feature prominently on the front of the men’s, women’s, and Academy match shirts starting from the 2027-28 season, marking the club’s first front-of-shirt partner change in 17 years. Standard Chartered, which has held the position since 2010, will complete the 2026-27 season before transitioning into a global partner role.

Highlighting the milestone, chief commercial officer at LFC, Ben Latty, said: “This is a milestone announcement for us and we are delighted to welcome Turkish Airlines as our main club partner from June 2027.”

“The front of the Liverpool shirt holds a special place in the history of our club.

“Turkish Airlines is a globally recognised organisation with an extensive international network, and we look forward to beginning our partnership and building a strong relationship together, with already strong foundations built from those special memories back in 2005.

“This announcement also provides an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contribution Standard Chartered has made to Liverpool FC over the past 17 years.

“They have been an important part of our journey through an exceptional period in the club’s history, and we are delighted that Standard Chartered will remain part of the Liverpool FC family as a global partner from June 2027,” Latty said.

Emphasising the objectives underpinning the alliance, Turkish Airlines CEO, Ahmet Olmustur, added: “Liverpool Football Club is one of the world’s most recognised and respected football clubs, with an exceptional heritage and a truly global community of supporters.”

“We are very pleased that Turkish Airlines will become the club’s main club partner and that our name will take its place on one of the most iconic shirts in world sport.

“As the airline that flies to more countries than any other, connecting people, cultures and continents is at the heart of who we are.

“This partnership brings together two global brands united by their international reach, commitment to excellence and ability to inspire millions of people around the world.

“The agreement also marks an important new chapter in Turkish Airlines’ long-standing support for global sport.

“We believe in the unique power of sport to transcend borders and bring communities together. As we begin this new chapter, we look forward to moving forward together with Liverpool FC and its supporters around the world,” Olmustur stated.

Formula 1 and DAZN Extend Long-Term Broadcast Partnership Across Spain, Andorra and Portugal Through 2030

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 has secured a multi-year broadcast extension with DAZN, ensuring the digital sports platform remains the official home of the championship across Spain, Andorra, and Portugal until the end of the 2030 season.

The renewed commercial agreement guarantees live and on-demand coverage of every practice, qualifying session, Sprint, and Grand Prix, alongside major support categories including Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 Academy, and the Porsche Supercup.

Chief media rights and content creation officer at Formula 1, Ian Holmes, emphasised the vital role of the digital broadcaster in scaling audience acquisition and younger demographic engagement.

“We’re delighted to extend our partnership with DAZN and ensure fans across Spain, Andorra, and Portugal can continue to enjoy comprehensive Formula 1 coverage through 2030.

“DAZN has played an important role in the growth of Formula 1 across these markets, particularly among younger and more diverse audiences, combining excellent live coverage with compelling storytelling that brings fans closer to our sport.

“Over the coming years, we’re excited to build on what we have achieved together so far,” Holmes said.

Chief executive officer of DAZN Iberia, Óscar Vilda, highlighted the value of the championship within the company’s broader media and entertainment portfolio.

“Formula 1 is one of the cornerstones of our sports offering, and we are incredibly proud to continue bringing the Championship to fans in Spain, Andorra and Portugal until 2030.

“This renewal allows us to keep delivering first-class coverage, combining the excitement of live racing with expert analysis, innovation and an experience that brings fans closer to everything happening on and off the track.

“We want to continue evolving the way we tell the story of Formula 1 and build on the huge interest in the Championship across both countries,” Óscar Vilda stated.

The extension arrives as Formula 1 experiences substantial commercial momentum across the Iberian region, bolstered by a combined regional fan base and upcoming calendar expansions, including Madrid hosting the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring alongside Portimão’s scheduled return in 2027.

Andrew N. Liveris AO as Headline Speaker for Women in Sport Summit 2026 Copy

Posted on September 9, 2026September 9, 2026 by Courtney

Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee President Andrew N. Liveris AO has been confirmed as the headline speaker for the Performance Forum at the Women in Sport Summit 2026.

Taking place in Adelaide from October 19 to 22, 2026, the premier commercial platform will gather elite athletes, executives, and industry leaders to examine growth and leadership within women’s sport.

With an extensive career spanning international governance and industrial leadership, Liveris previously served as Chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company and received an appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014.

The inclusion of Mr Liveris on the Performance Forum agenda highlights the meetup between major global event legacy planning and the commercial expansion of women’s athletics ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games.

Mr Liveris will address key delegates on how major sporting organisations can harness the momentum of the Green and Gold Decade to foster equitable high-performance pathways and drive enduring commercial returns.

Featuring specialised programming tailored for coaches, sports scientists, clubland administrators, and corporate partners, the summit pairs high-level executive keynotes with practical performance forums.

Participants attending the four-day program can expect explorations of sponsorship revenue strategies, fan engagement models, and systemic institutional reform designed to cement Australia’s status as a world-class sporting destination.

View full event detals here.

Cricket Australia Partners with Komo Technologies to Drive Fan Engagement and Data Strategy

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

Cricket Australia has partnered with Australian-developed audience engagement and data platform Komo Technologies.

The agreement spans international Test matches, One Day Internationals, Twenty20 fixtures, and the Big Bash leagues, deploying interactive tools that enable fans to participate through live predicting, voting, and game-day activations across in-venue screens, broadcasts, and digital ecosystems like CricketPlus.

The collaboration follows closely on the heels of Komo securing a similar partnership with the NBL Group, underlining the platform’s expanding footprint across elite Australian sport. By replacing static forms and surveys with active gamification, the technology is designed to capture consented, declared consumer data that enhances fan personalisation while delivering quantifiable commercial value and return on investment for corporate sponsors.

Cricket Australia’s senior manager of Martech and Capability, Annie Clare, emphasised the operational advantages of consolidating digital engagement into a single platform.

“Komo gives us one platform that works in venue, on broadcast and across our digital offerings such as CricketPlus so that we can offer fans experiences worth taking part in, understand more about what they respond to, and give our commercial partners real engagement to point to.”

Komo co-founder and CEO, Joel Steel noted that unlocking deep audience insights requires moving beyond passive reach to active participation.

“The audience is there, the reach is enormous.”

“What every major sport is now working out is how much it actually knows about its audience because knowing a fan makes it possible to drive greater personalised experiences as well as measurable ROI for the sponsors.

“Participation is the most reliable way to gather those insights and that’s the job we’re taking on with Cricket Australia.

“Give people something genuinely worth taking part in and they’ll tell you who they are, willingly.

“Fans take part, the sport gets to know them, and that turns into commercial value CA can grow,” Steel said.

Beyond software infrastructure, Komo’s specialist team will collaborate directly with Cricket Australia’s commercial group to design bespoke campaign strategies, streamline sponsor activations, and unlock new digital inventory for the open market.

Collingwood FC and Seattle Seahawks Announce World-First Strategic Partnership Ahead of Historic MCG NFL Game

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

Collingwood Football Club has formalised a partnership with the National Football League franchise the Seattle Seahawks, uniting two iconic sporting organisations with exceptionally passionate supporter bases ahead of Melbourne’s first-ever NFL fixture at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The alliance represents a world-first collaboration designed to foster international knowledge exchange, operational innovation, and fan engagement across both codes, kicked off by a joint flag football clinic at the KGM Centre.

By pairing Collingwood’s famed Magpie Army with the Seahawks’ famously loud and dedicated 12s fan base, the partnership creates unique cross-promotional pathways and collaborative opportunities in high performance and business operations.

The alignment serves as a commercial vehicle for both clubs, enabling the Seahawks to expand their brand footprint across Australia and New Zealand while giving Collingwood access to world-class organisational benchmarks from American sport.

Emphasising the long-term strategic value of the collaboration for the club’s personnel and supporters, Collingwood CEO, Officer Craig Kelly, said: “The Seahawks are a world-class sporting organisation that continues to set the benchmark in high performance, fan engagement and innovation.”

“This partnership will create valuable opportunities for our Club and our people to learn, collaborate and share ideas as we continue to challenge ourselves and evolve the way we work,” Kelly said.

Kelly further highlighted the international dimensions of the alliance.

“Partnering with an internationally recognised and highly respected organisation like the Seattle Seahawks strengthens both clubs’ ability to connect with fans around the world and exchange knowledge that drives continued growth.”

“In what is a historic week for Melbourne, we look forward to exploring future initiatives together and creating meaningful opportunities to bring the 12s and the Magpie Army closer together.”

Echoing these sentiments, Seattle Seahawks managing director of global markets, Isabelle Van Coevorden, said: “The Seahawks are thrilled to partner with Collingwood FC, one of Australia’s most iconic and successful sporting organizations.”

“This collaboration brings together two clubs that share a deep commitment to their fans, innovation, and community impact.

“As we continue to grow the Seahawks brand across Australia and New Zealand, aligning with a club like Collingwood creates exciting opportunities to connect and grow our passionate fan bases,” Coevorden said.

LIV Golf Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and Restructures Into Player-Owned ‘LIV 2.0’ Model

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

LIV Golf has commenced a formal Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring process in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of New Jersey, supported by BC Partners’ credit business, following the withdrawal of financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

The court-supervised restructuring aims to transition the circuit into ‘LIV 2.0’, a newly structured league featuring a player-majority ownership stake, global expansion across five continents, expanded 75-player fields, cuts, and Monday qualifiers.

The financial fallout from the PIF’s exit left the organisation unable to meet financial obligations to vendors and marquee players, with prominent major champions including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Dustin Johnson holding unsecured claims exceeding $5 million.

Addressing the pivot in a communication to stakeholders, and framing the restructuring alongside corporate precedents, LIV Golf CEO, Scott O’Neil, saiid: “Plenty of well-known companies have taken this path before us, including Marvel Entertainment, Delta Airlines, and Caesars Entertainment, along with sports franchises like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Leeds United F.C.”

“We are entering this process with a clear plan and the support of BC Partners, well-capitalized investors with deep experience in sports and entertainment,” O’Neil stated.

The financial collapse of the original circuit structure has thrown player contracts into uncertainty. While multi-year agreements concluded under the previous iteration of LIV Golf will terminate through the court proceedings, reports indicate that athletes are under no legal obligation to sign on to LIV 2.0.

Addressing his immediate playing future while competing on the DP World Tour, Jon Rahm, told BBC Sport: “There’s just a lot of things in place, right? There’s a lot of things that could happen, and it’s one of those things where time’s gonna tell.”

“I still have a contract with LIV 1.0 that I’m more than willing to fulfill. So, like I said, time will tell,” O’Neil stated.

Cricket Australia’s BBL Privatisation Plans Face Standoff Over Player Revenue Share

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

Cricket Australia’s ambitious push to privatise the Big Bash Leagues has hit a roadblock, with the Australian Cricketers’ Association warning that the multi-million-dollar corporate restructuring cannot proceed without formal player agreement.

While Cricket Australia has officially advanced to the next stage of the franchise sale process, the move has triggered a high-stakes revenue-sharing dispute centered on the current Memorandum of Understanding, which governs financial distributions until the end of 2028. the core disagreement is whether proceeds generated from private equity and team sales fall under the definition of Australian Cricket Revenue, a pool currently shared with players at a baseline rate of 27.5 per cent, which the players’ association wants elevated to 33 per cent.

The Australian Cricketers’ Association, led by CEO Paul Marsh, has formally proposed an independent legal resolution process to neutralise the dispute by appointing a neutral arbiter to determine how private investment capital interacts with existing Memorandum of Understanding definitions.

Marsh has maintained that despite Cricket Australia’s public announcement, foundational negotiations remain unresolved.

Addressing the impasse, Marsh, stated: “We note today’s announcement from CA about proceeding to the next stage of the proposed privatisation of the Big Bash Leagues.”

“From the ACA’s perspective, today’s announcement doesn’t change the work that’s required to be done for privatisation of the Big Bash Leagues to proceed.

“A new MoU needs to be negotiated between ACA and CA and currently we are a long way apart on a possible new deal.

“Despite today’s announcement, Australian cricket cannot proceed with the sale of any teams without the ACA’s agreement. A key issue to be resolved relates to whether or not the proceeds from private investment are captured under the definition of Australian Cricket Revenue.

“On this matter the ACA wrote to CA last week to propose a process for independently determining whether or not these proceeds are captured under the MoU.

“This process will form a critical part of the next steps in this project.

“The ACA remains committed to exploring the privatisation of the Big Bash Leagues but will do so on the basis of any deal being good for the game and the players.”

Cricket Australia CEO, Todd Greenberg, acknowledged the negotiation gap but expressed confidence that a mutually beneficial commercial framework can be reached ahead of upcoming seasons.

“Paul Marsh and I have had good dialogue, yes, we’re a fair way apart in what the negotiation looks like.”

“We’ve got an MOU that runs through till the end of 2028, so we think we’ve got time. I mean, it’s ironic that what we’re trying to do in this particular model is put more money into the hands of the players.

“We think that’s a fundamental part of this project. So we will find a way through that. I have no doubt about that.

“I understand Paul’s got a challenge because he’s got a big cohort of players, so that negotiation will unfold. I’m sure we can find a deal together.”

HIF and P&N Bank Celebrate 15-Year Commercial Partnership Milestone with Perth Wildcats

Posted on September 8, 2026 by Courtney

Long-standing partners HIF and P&N Bank are officially celebrating fifteen years of continuous association with the Perth Wildcats.Representing two of the longest-running corporate alliances in Australian professional basketball, the milestone underscores the strategic value of regional partnerships built upon shared community values.

Highlighting the milestone, HIF CEO, Greg Morris, reflected on the deep alignment between the organisations.

“Fifteen years is an extraordinary milestone and one we are incredibly proud to celebrate with the Perth Wildcats.”

“As a WA-founded health fund, we’re passionate about supporting organisations that make a genuine difference in the lives of Western Australians.

“The Wildcats have done exactly that for decades, bringing communities together and creating a sense of pride and belonging across our State.

“I congratulate P&N Bank on their 15 year milestone alongside ours.

“The longevity of this partnership is worth celebrating. We are all member-focused organisations that care deeply about the communities we serve, and that’s what has made this relationship so enduring,” Morris said.

P&N Group managing director and CEO, Andrew Hadley, emphasised the shared commitment to the local community.

“P&N was founded in Western Australia to support Western Australians, and that commitment remains at the heart of everything we do.”

“The Wildcats share that same connection to WA families and communities, which is one of the reasons this partnership has thrived for so long.

“Over the past 15 years we’ve shared some incredible moments, both on and off the court, and we’re proud to have played a small role in supporting one of WA’s most iconic sporting organisations and the grassroots communities behind it.

“We are delighted to celebrate this milestone with both the Wildcats and HIF and look forward to continuing our shared journey built on shared values, strong community connections and a commitment to Western Australians,” Hadley added.

Perth Wildcats owner and CEO, Mark Arena, praised the unwavering loyalty of both corporate partners.

“Fifteen years is a long time for any partnership in sport, and it says a lot about HIF and P&N Bank that they’ve stayed with us through every high and low of that stretch.”

“Both organisations were founded in WA to serve Western Australians, and that’s exactly the audience we play for every home game.

“On behalf of the club, thank you to HIF and P&N Bank for the trust they’ve put in the Wildcats for a decade and a half.

“We’re looking forward to continuing this with them for years to come,” Mr Arena concluded.

Adelaide 36ers Extend Partnership with Sterling Homes for NBL27 Season

Posted on September 8, 2026 by Courtney

The Adelaide 36ers have extended their partnership with leading South Australian home builder Sterling Homes for the NBL27 season.

Under the renewed agreement, Sterling Homes will maintain a prominent brand presence at all home fixtures throughout the competition, highlighted by its ongoing support of the club’s marquee Born to Build Construction Industry Round when the 36ers host Melbourne United at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on October 7.

Welcoming the extension, and emphasising the shared corporate values underpinning the collaboration, Adelaide 36ers CEO, Nic Barbato, said: “Sterling Homes is an organisation that shares our commitment to excellence, community and building for the future, so we’re thrilled to continue our partnership into a second season.”

“We’re proud to partner with a South Australian business that has earned the trust of so many people over a long period of time, and we’re excited to continue creating meaningful experiences for our members, fans and corporate partners together.

“The Born to Build Construction Industry Round is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the people and businesses that help shape our state, and we’re pleased to have Sterling Homes playing such an important role in that event.”

Sterling Homes business development manager, Tom White, noted that renewing the alliance following a successful inaugural year was a straightforward commercial decision.

“After a strong first year together, renewing this partnership was an easy decision.”

“The Adelaide 36ers are a club built on passion, performance and genuine community connection, and those are exactly the qualities we value at Sterling Homes.

“There’s a real alignment between what the 36ers bring to the court and what we bring to the homes we build – quality, consistency and a commitment to doing things properly.

“We’re looking forward to another strong season alongside the club and its supporters.

“With 65 industry awards and a range that spans everything from first homes, investment properties, affordable family homes right through to fully custom builds, we’re committed to delivering homes that reflect the diverse needs of South Australians and partnering with the 36ers is a great way to keep investing in the community we’re proud to be part of,” White said.

Founded in 1975, Sterling Homes boasts a 51-year operational history, having constructed over 15,000 properties across South Australia while collecting 65 Housing Industry Association and Master Builders Association awards. The partnership aligns two established local entities committed to regional growth, community engagement, and high-performance standards.

Perth Forms Major Events Legacy Alliance to Synchronise Three International Sporting Showpieces

Posted on September 8, 2026 by Courtney

Perth has cemented its position as a premier events destination by establishing the Perth Major Events Legacy Alliance, uniting three major international multi-sport competitions scheduled across a back-to-back four-year window.

The framework brings together the organising committees for the World Police and Fire Games in 2027, the World Masters Games in 2029, and the Gay Games in 2030, ensuring state infrastructure, volunteer models, and venue strategies are shared ahead of the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.

The alliance aims to maximise economic returns and tourism growth for Western Australia.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Minister for Tourism, Trade and Investment, Hon. Samantha Rowe MLC, noted the government’s strong backing for the initiative.

“Perth becoming one of the few cities in the world to host three major international multi-sport events back-to-back is not only a tremendous achievement, but demonstrates our status as world-class events destination.

“We look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of competitors, spectators, officials and volunteers over the coming years, delivering significant social and economic benefits for the state.”

“That’s why the Cook Labor Government supports major events – they are a key part of our vision to diversify WA’s economy by growing out-of-state visitation, boosting the tourism sector, stimulating vibrancy in our communities, and creating local jobs,” Hon Rowe added.

Whiile the alliance creates a continuous knowledge-transfer model, games executive director for the 2027 World Police and Fire Games, Jeremy Petersen, emphasised the standard-setting opportunit.

“Every competitor at the World Police and Fire Games has spent their career keeping other people safe; this is where they get to compete for themselves.”

“Running the first of three major Games in as many years means we get one shot to set the standard.

“This Alliance means what we build in 2027, our volunteer model, our venue plans, our approach to inclusion and sustainability, doesn’t disappear when our Games end.

“It becomes the starting point for the World Masters Games in 2029 and the Gay Games in 2030 when we hand the baton over,” He said.

Subsequent events will scale participation across broad demographics, welcoming athletes ranging from thirty to one hundred years of age.

Highlighting the efficiency of these events, CEO of World Masters Games Perth 2029, Nathan Bennett, said: “World Masters Games Perth 2029 will bring 30,000 athletes to this city, the biggest event of its kind in the world, built on the simple idea that competitive sport doesn’t come with an age limit.”

“What excites me about this Alliance is that we don’t have to build that on our own. By the time our Games arrive in 2029, we’ll already be building on what the World Police & Fire Games learn in 2027, and we’ll hand all of that on again to the Gay Games in 2030.

“That’s Perth building on itself each time, a bigger legacy than any one Games could leave alone.”

Chair of the Perth 2030 Gay Games, Peter Foster, concluded: “The Gay Games has always been proof that sport belongs to everyone.”

“When Perth/Boorloo hosts our Games in 2030, we inherit two years of hard-won lessons from the World Masters Games and the World Police & Fire Games before us.

Hyundai Motor Announce Partnership with UEFA Champions League as Official Automotive Partner

Posted on September 8, 2026 by Courtney

Hyundai Motor Company has announced a multi-year partnership with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), securing its position as the Official Automotive Partner of the UEFA Champions League from the 2026/27 season through to the end of the 2030/31 campaign.

The collaboration builds on a nearly thirty-year history of global football investment, aligning the brand with the world’s most-watched annual club competition. Hyundai aims to connect with millions of passionate fans across the continent while unveiling its new all-electric IONIQ 3 model.

Highlighting the significance of the agreement following the brand’s summer World Cup engagement, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, José Muñoz, said: “Football has been part of Hyundai for almost 30 years. It brings people together like almost nothing else, across languages and borders and generations.”

“The UEFA Champions League is the best club football in the world, played every week in front of the most passionate fans in Europe.

“Following Hyundai’s engagement at the World Cup this summer, the UEFA Champions League is an ideal platform to show our beautifully designed vehicles with features fans love.

“I am from Madrid, so I have watched this competition my whole life.

“I’m personally excited about engaging with fans across Europe. It’s a great time to celebrate the beautiful game with Hyundai,” Muñoz stated.

Emphasising the alignment between athletic performance and corporate innovation, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, Xavier Martinet, added: “The UEFA Champions League and Hyundai are both driven by progress, performance, and the ambition to bring people together.”

“We are entering this partnership with our strongest line-up yet. IONIQ 3 is the first of five new models we are launching in Europe this season, designed and developed for our customers here in the region, and it is the car that leads our lineup for the future,” Martinet said.

Hydro Flask Secures Partnership with New Zealand Rugby League for 2026 Season

Posted on September 8, 2026 by Courtney

Global drinkware brand Hydro Flask has announced a commercial partnership with New Zealand Rugby League, formalising an official supplier agreement to support the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and Wheel Kiwis throughout the 2026 competitive calendar.

The multi-team partnership leverages Hydro Flask’s extensive range of durable, insulated drinkware, integrating premium hydration solutions directly into the daily training, travel, and recovery routines of elite national athletes across all senior high-performance pathways.

The collaboration highlights the increasing commercial appeal of rugby league properties as lifestyle and consumer brands seek authentic alignments with active, health-conscious demographics.

New Zealand Rugby League GM of Football and High Performance, Motu Tony, welcomed the partnership, highlighting its direct operational value for national squads.

“Hydro Flask’s focus on durability and creating products built to support active lifestyles makes them a great fit for rugby league and we’re excited to partner with them this year.”

“From training and preparation through to performance and recovery, Hydro Flask will support our Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and Wheel Kiwis athletes as they compete on the world stage this year,” Tony said.

Co-chief executive officer of Compendium Group, the official Australasian distributor of Hydro Flask, Jonathan Lopes Da Silva, echoed these sentiments, noting the broader brand and community objectives underpinning the sponsorship.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with New Zealand Rugby League and support the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Wheel Kiwis in 2026.”

“For us, this partnership is about more than hydration.

“It’s about supporting incredible athletes as they train, travel and compete, and being a small part of their journey as they represent New Zealand on the world stage.

“We can’t wait to see Hydro Flask alongside the teams throughout what is set to be a huge year for New Zealand rugby league,” Da Silva noted.

The alliance underscores the ongoing professionalisation of rugby league operations in New Zealand, where corporate partnerships increasingly provide essential commercial backing to sustain high-performance standards. As both organisations look ahead to a packed international schedule, the partnership ensures athletes are fully equipped while providing Hydro Flask with an influential platform to deepen its market presence across Australasia’s competitive sports landscape.

Little Athletics Queensland Partners with SportsLink Travel to Streamline Logistics and Drive Grassroots Reinvestment

Posted on September 8, 2026 by Courtney

Little Athletics Queensland has secured a travel partnership with SportsLink Travel, naming the sports-exclusive travel management company as its official travel supplier to streamline logistics and drive grassroots reinvestment.

Building upon previous national arrangements under Little Athletics Australia, the newly formalised direct agreement establishes a dedicated sports travel team to manage complex itineraries for regional carnivals and national championships, while simultaneously putting a give-back mechanism that redirects a percentage of all member travel bookings straight back into Queensland athletics programs, coaching pathways, and community initiatives.

Commenting on the alliance, chief executive officer of Little Athletics Queensland, Christopher Davis, said: “We are excited to build upon our past arrangements with SportsLink Travel.”

“Over the past couple of years they have helped our team immensely to reduce the stress and workload required to move people across our state, and beyond.

“And now, we are excited to have these benefits flow onto our members too,” Davis said.

Highlighting the broader community and developmental significance of supporting youth sport, commercial manager for SportsLink Travel, Shane Tonkin, added: “Little Athletics is where so many Australian sporting stories begin.”

“SportsLink are thrilled to partner directly with Little Athletics Queensland and make travel easier and more affordable for the families behind every young athlete.

“The best part is that every trip booked through the partnership puts something back into Little Athletics in Queensland,” Tonkin shared.

The arrangement is designed to reduce administrative burdens for families and clubs while creating a sustainable revenue stream for the state governing body, ensuring that travel expenditure directly bolsters grassroots development.

SportsLink Travel brings extensive industry expertise to the collaboration, having been founded in 2002 and currently servicing more than fifty state and national sporting organisations across Australasia, alongside being named Agency of the Year within Flight Centre’s Envoyage network.