Ministry of Sport

Olympics Minister Tim Mander Steps Down From Cabinet Amid Federal Police Referral

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Courtney

Queensland’s Sport and Olympics Minister, Tim Mander has stood aside from his cabinet portfolios after being referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) over a potential criminal offence regarding his electoral enrolment.

Tourism Minister Andrew Powell will immediately assume responsibility for Mander’s Sport and Olympics portfolios to ensure operational continuity for the state’s major event delivery pipelines.

Commenting on the allegation against him, outgoing Olympics Minister, Mander, said: “I referred this matter myself and provided information as requested, so it could be proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have followed the right processes.”

“I have total confidence this will be resolved and Labor’s attacks disproved, however, I have no intention of this becoming a distraction to the important work of the government.”

Integrity Crisis Over Enrolment Discrepancy

The AEC confirmed that it handed the matter to the AFP after failing to find convincing evidence that Mander actually resided at his claimed voting address.

The referral follows political revelations that the senior minister had registered to vote at the residential address of an electorate staff member in Brisbane’s northern suburbs last year.

Under Australian electoral law, voters are only eligible for enrolment if they have resided at an address for more than one month, with the criminal code carrying strict penalties for providing false or misleading information. The AEC issued a statement clarifying that while a final determination has not been made, there is currently an “absence of compelling evidence” to support Mander’s enrolment claim.

The sudden portfolio vacancy creates an immediate operational challenge for the government’s Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games preparations.As the principal executive overseeing venue construction and regional community sport infrastructure, Mander’s departure halts his direct involvement in ongoing cabinet approvals for multi-million-dollar Olympic infrastructure projects.

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AIA Australia Extends Major Partnership with Collingwood Football Club

Posted on May 21, 2026May 21, 2026 by Courtney

Collingwood Football Club has announced that AIA Australia has extended its tenure as a Major Partner and the Official Club Life and Health Insurance Partner.

The extension ensures the life, health, and wellbeing insurer will continue its support of both the AFL and AFLW programs.

By the conclusion of this new agreement, the partnership will have spanned seven years, solidified by a shared strategic focus on community health and elite performance longevity.

A central pillar of the renewed deal is the integration of the AIA Healthiest Schools Program into the club’s Future Magpies initiative.

This expansion aims to deliver educational resources to primary schools nationwide, leveraging Collingwood’s significant brand reach to improve community wellbeing outcomes.

The announcement coincides with Scott Pendlebury’s record-breaking 433rd game, with AIA Australia set to lead content integration and match-day activations celebrating the achievement.

Collingwood CEO, Craig Kelly highlighted the synergy between Pendlebury’s career longevity and the partner’s core values.

“We are delighted to have AIA Australia’s continued support for another year across both our AFL and AFLW programs.”

“Over the past six years, we’ve been working with Damien and the AIA Australia team to promote healthier, longer, better lives.

“It is timely that we celebrate Scott Pendlebury this week. He is no better example of living a healthy lifestyle and prioritising wellbeing, two key focuses of our partnership with AIA Australia.

“An exciting project we have been working on with AIA is how we bring our fans behind the scenes of Scott’s record-breaking game and provide insight through bespoke content pieces that show how he maintains an elite routine, a key contributor to him reaching 433 games,” Kelly said.

From a corporate perspective, the partnership allows AIA Australia to engage with Collingwood’s massive member base to promote its “Healthier, Longer, Better Lives” brand promise.

AIA Australia CEO, Damien Mu, emphasised the broader societal goals of the collaboration.

“At AIA Australia, we’re proud to protect the lives of more than 3.1 million Australians. Beyond this, we are focused on inspiring a healthier future for all Australians, not just our customers,” Mu said.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the Collingwood Football Club, championing initiatives that empower people to look after their physical and mental wellbeing.”

NRL Unveils Coordinated Aviation Strategy and Ticketing Roadmap for Las Vegas 2027

Posted on May 21, 2026May 21, 2026 by Courtney

The National Rugby League (NRL) has officially launched its ticketing and commercial travel strategy for the highly anticipated 2027 Las Vegas season opener, establishing an exclusive three-week booking window for all-inclusive supporter packages.

The announcement follows the confirmation of the four NRL clubs, the Melbourne Storm, Parramatta Eels, Wests Tigers, and Gold Coast Titans, alongside English Super League sides Bradford Bulls and Leigh Leopards for the multi-hemisphere triple-header at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, 27 February 2027.

By centralising event ticketing within all-inclusive transport and accommodation packages, the league is looking to secure guaranteed stadium occupancy and upfront commercial revenue while building a sustainable tourist infrastructure around its primary American broadcast asset.

Commenting on the ticketing strategy announcement, NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo, said: “Las Vegas has become the much-anticipated NRL Premiership season launch.”

“It’s a true bucket list experience, where the best sport in the world, Rugby League, meets the world’s entertainment capital. In 2027 the event will be even bigger with an expanded week of experiences.

“We’ve worked closely with our partners to ensure fans can access affordable and direct travel packages with family and friends.

“Wests Tigers, Titans, Eels and Storm themed charter flights offer a direct journey to Las Vegas. From player appearances and fan events to business conferences and music performances, it’s an unforgettable week of sport and entertainment,” Abdo noted.

Custom Fleet and Aviation Infrastructure

A central pillar of the commercial strategy is a coordinated aviation play executed in partnership with Qantas and digital travel marketplace TripADeal. The league has commissioned four dedicated club-themed charter flights to operate directly from three Australian states:

Sydney (Two Charters): Individually themed for the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers.
Brisbane (One Charter): Formally assigned to the Gold Coast Titans.
Melbourne (One Charter): Custom-tailored for the Melbourne Storm.

For the first time, traveling supporters have the ability to redeem Qantas Frequent Flyer points to secure their private charter seats, while simultaneously earning standard points and status credits.

Phased Ticketing Distribution and Fan Events

Outside of the comprehensive premium travel packages, the NRL has established a strict secondary distribution timeline for individual tickets. Priority access for formal club members will open on Thursday, 11 June, before general public ticket allocations are released globally on Friday, 12 June.

The 2027 festival will feature an expanded week-long commercial footprint supported by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).

Formula 1 and Hasbro Launch Announce Partnership

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 and toy and games industry leader Hasbro have announced a global licensing partnership to launch a specialised F1-themed edition of the iconic board game, Monopoly.

The Monopoly: Formula 1 Edition became available for worldwide pre-order on 20 May 2026, ahead of its full commercial retail rollout scheduled for 15 July 2026.

The licensing collaboration serves as a mechanical necessity for Formula 1’s overarching fan-engagement strategy, creating year-round touchpoints for the sport outside of live race weekends.

By embedding the 2026 grid, team assets, and real-world racing regulations into a globally recognised tabletop format, the property is looking to capture a broader family and casual gaming demographic.

Commenting on the “Monopoly is one of the most iconic and best-loved board games in the world, so we’re thrilled to bring a Formula 1 twist to such a classic,” said Formula 1 Chief Commercial Officer Emily Prazer. “This edition captures the excitement and competitiveness of the sport in a fun, accessible way, and we’re confident fans of all ages will love going head-to-head with their friends and family when they take to the grid.”

“We’ve reimagined the classic Monopoly experience through the lens of F1: the circuits, the rivalries, the relentless pursuit of the podium to create something that feels authentic to both worlds,” added Billy Lagor, President of Toy & Games at Hasbro. “The collaboration between our teams produced something genuinely special, and I think fans on both sides are going to feel that the moment they open the box.”

Reimagined Mechanics and Grid Authenticity

The special edition departs from traditional property-purchasing rules to replicate the competitive architecture of a real-world racing season. Key modifications built into the new gameplay include:

The F1 Calendar Board: Traditional Atlantic City properties have been replaced by the 24 circuits featured on the official global Formula 1 calendar.
The Monopoly Grand Prix: Instead of collecting standard currency upon passing the traditional “GO” square, players select a 2026 constructor team and race driver helmet tokens around a custom central track to claim a Grand Prix victory.
Championship Points Systems: Players battle for points and race victories rather than raw real estate portfolios. The first player to finish the circuit wins the Drivers’ Championship, while the player with the highest accumulated points wins the Constructors’ Championship.
Premium Zinc Game Pieces: The box set features 11 die-cast zinc tokens modeled after F1 cars alongside 11 molded team helmets, enabling full tactical modification and strategic pit stops.

The consumer activation follows a massive commercial push by Hasbro’s gaming division, coming on the heels of major cross-branded retail campaigns in the Asia-Pacific region to mark Monopoly’s 90th anniversary milestone.

Rugby Foundation of WA Unveils $15,000 Grassroots Grants Injection

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Courtney

The Rugby Foundation of Western Australia has announced the successful recipients of its 2025/26 Grants Program, committing a total of $15,000 to spearhead infrastructure, inclusion, and officiating developments across the state’s community network.

The funding has been evenly allocated across three key grassroots bodies: the West Australian Rugby Union Referees Association (WARURA), Cottesloe Rugby Union Club, and Associates Rugby Union Club. The capital injection is a mechanical necessity for the foundation’s core mandate, which ranks equity, diversity, inclusion, and player welfare as heavily weighted scoring criteria when assessing funding submissions.

The package builds directly upon the foundation’s initial 2024/25 rollout, which provided a combined $7,500 to support the Southern Lions’ All Abilities framework and a dedicated coach education pathway for the Perth Rams.

Commenting on the grants, Rugby Foundation of WA chair, Sean Lee, said: “Our Grants Program is designed to deliver meaningful, long-term impact by investing in initiatives that strengthen inclusion, support player welfare, and drive sustainable growth across the game.”

“These projects reflect our commitment to creating more accessible and welcoming environments, building capability within clubs and officials, and ensuring rugby in Western Australia continues to thrive at every level,” Lee said.

Expressing his enthusiasm, WARURA president, Peter Miller, added: “Improved communication technology will enhance real-time mentoring and feedback, helping build the next generation of quality referees for our game.”

Noting how the grant affects grassroots sports in girls, noted Cottesloe Junior President Tiernane Byrnes. “The grant has allowed Cottesloe to improve the facilities for our ever-increasing number of female members,”

“The grants will support that effort by providing a female-specific and secure space for our SheGulls to change and receive physiotherapy.”

Associates Sponsorship Coordinator Glenda Martinick welcomed the relief, stating, “This support is greatly appreciated at a time when every dollar coming into the club makes a meaningful difference to its success on and off the field.”

Targeted Club and Officiating Allocations

The 2025/26 grants address distinct operational and structural priorities across the metropolitan rugby ecosystem:

WARURA ($5,000): The referees’ association will invest its funds into modernising its real-time match officiating infrastructure. The grant will purchase updated one-way radio communication kits, allowing Referee Match Officials Developers (MODs) to deliver immediate mentoring and technical feedback to active whistleblowers on the field.
Cottesloe Rugby Union Club ($5,000): The “SheGulls” women’s program at the beachfront clubhouse will receive essential facility upgrades. The grant will fund secure, female-specific change spaces and dedicated physiotherapy treatment areas, which will be augmented by internal club funding to upgrade flooring and laundry systems.
Associates Rugby Union Club ($5,000): Affectionately known as “Soaks,” the Swanbourne-based club will deploy its funding to secure professional tournament gazebos. The units will provide shade and weather protection for match officials, players, and supporters on game day, serving the dual purpose of promoting sun safety and improving player welfare.

The governing body has confirmed that the next competitive grant application window will officially open in July 2026.

Team Townsville Launched to Fuel Regional Athletic Pathways to Brisbane 2032

Posted on May 21, 2026May 21, 2026 by Courtney

Townsville City Council Deputy Mayor and three-time Olympian Suzy Batkovic has joined forces with the Aussie Athlete Fund and the North Queensland Sports Foundation to officially launch Team Townsville. The community initiative channels direct financial support to elite local athletes who face substantial out-of-pocket costs on their pathways to international competition.

The program forms part of the Aussie Athlete Fund’s national $1 Million Challenge, an initiative spearheaded by five-time Olympic beach volleyball champion Natalie Cook to support athletes who are largely self-funded. Townsville serves as the founding council model for the project, establishing a framework where local government and businesses directly co-invest in regional sporting talent.

Executive Perspectives

Highlighting that Townsville has a proud history of punching above its weight in elite sport, Townsville Deputy Mayor, Suzy Batkovic, said: “Townsville has always punched above its weight when it comes to producing elite athletes.”

“As a former Olympian representing the green and gold, I appreciate the sacrifices involved, and the determination required on the pathway to becoming an elite athlete.

“We are proud to support our Townsville athletes on their journey to success,” Batkovic said.

Expressing her ambition to see the Townsville blueprint replicated across other regional municipalities nationwide, Aussie Athlete Fund Founder, Cook said: “Team Townsville is the model we hope will be replicated across the country.”

“When councils and businesses back their local athletes, the whole community wins.

“We’re proud to have the Townsville City Council as our founding Team partner,” she said.

Corporate Backing and Financial Structure

The initiative addresses a critical mechanical necessity for regional athletes, who carry a heavy financial burden due to travel, equipment, and training costs outside major metropolitan hubs. Ten inaugural athletes have been selected, with Townsville businesses stepping up to provide funding.

Founding business partners include the North Queensland Sports Foundation, FGH Group, Maidment Group, Magnetic Motors, Meridian Helicopters, Planet Fitness, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, and The Ville. Local businesses can join the program via $5,000 or $10,000 partnership options, directly matching corporations with individual athletes to receive brand association, social media content, and community appearance assets.

The Inaugural Team Townsville Squad

The ten selected athletes span ten distinct sporting disciplines, demonstrating the athletic depth of North Queensland:

Celeste Barr (BMX Racing): A two-time national championship podium finisher.
Bella Canning (Rugby Union): Selected for the Emerging Reds Under-18 squad in 2025.
Zoe Chester (Athletics): A 19-year-old double national long and triple jump champion currently ranked 257th in the world.
Porter Gilbride (Swimming): A national-level competitor and regular Queensland State Championship finalist.
Kayne Kellett (Para-Athletics): A 16-year-old para-long jumper holding multiple Australian records, currently ranked world number one in the Under-17 T37 classification.
Uwezo Lubenda (Athletics): A sprinting talent ranked 624th globally in the 100-metre event with a personal best of 10.35 seconds.
Alyssa Mathieu (Sailing): The first female sailor to win back-to-back Sabot National Championships.
Nathan Mboyo (Volleyball): An 18-year-old national squad member invited to join the Volleyroos 2032 indoor program at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra.
Sienna Monteith (Cycling): A ten-time Australian champion across track and road disciplines, selected to represent Australia at the 2026 Junior World Championships.
Jack Olsen (Trampoline Gymnastics): The 2025 Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) Level 10 National Champion, selected for the Australian national team’s United States tour.

Fanatics Secures Exclusive England Football Association Licensing Deal From 2031

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Courtney

Fanatics and England’s Football Association have announced a landmark, long-term licensing agreement that establishes Fanatics as the exclusive provider of official trading cards, stickers, and trading card games (TCGs) for both the men’s and women’s national teams. The partnership is scheduled to commence in 2031.

Under the terms of the exclusive arrangement, Fanatics-owned Topps will gain the global rights to manufacture collectibles featuring the official names, logos, and crests displayed on England shirts.

The agreement secures exclusive collective player rights to utilise athlete names and images during international competitions. The upcoming product lines will feature high-yield premium items, including sought-after autograph series and authentic match-worn memorabilia cards.

Consolidating Global Football Rights

The acquisition of the England national team license further solidifies Topps’ dominant market share within international football collectibles. The company has methodically constructed an expansive football portfolio, locking in long-term exclusive partnerships with elite properties including:

FIFA: Commencing a global partnership in 2031.
Domestic Leagues: Ongoing exclusive rights for the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, and Major League Soccer (MLS).
Continental Competitions: Full licensing for all UEFA club competitions, including the UEFA Champions League.

The agreement also expands an already extensive relationship between the two entities. Fanatics has served as the governing body’s official retail and e-commerce partner since 2018, managing the official physical retail outfit at Wembley Stadium alongside England’s online merchandise storefront under a renewal finalized in 2024.

Capturing the Global Collectibles Surge

The corporate footprint of Fanatics Collectibles extends beyond football, with Topps holding active licensing rights for North American powerhouses including Major League Baseball (MLB), Formula 1, the UFC, the NBA, and the NFL.

Catapult Sports Ltd Record USD141M Revenue as Operating Profit Surges 67 Per Cent

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Courtney

Global sports technology leader Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX:CAT) has unveiled a record-breaking financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026.

The SaaS provider reported total statutory revenue of US $140.7 million (A$ 200 million), representing a 19 per cent increase in constant currency year-on-year, driven by rapid cross-selling and aggressive software adoption among elite athletic teams.

The strong top-line growth served as a mechanical necessity for the business, translating its high operating leverage into a substantial earnings bounce.

Management EBITDA, Catapult’s primary measure of operating profit, skyrocketed by 67 per cent to hit a new high of USD24.7 million (AUD34.5 million). This expansion lifted the group’s overall operating profit margin from 13 per cent to 18 per cent, surpassing institutional SaaS efficiency benchmarks.

Commenting on the financial record, CEO and managing director of Catapult, Will Lopes, said: “FY26 was a transformational year for Catapult, disciplined cost management, combined with strong top-line growth, drove our Rule of 40 to a record high, clear evidence that our operating model is scaling the way we designed it to.”

“We are only just beginning to realise the potential of our expanded platform.”

Adding his enthusiasm about the financial performance, chief financial officer, Bob Cruickshank, said: “We are now consistently delivering against a well-established strategy whereby we are disciplined on costs while reinvesting in our product suite.”

“This continues to result in reliable top-line growth and repeatable operating leverage.

“Catapult has never been in better financial health as we continue to become the global platform for pro sports teams,” Cruickshank said.

SaaS Metric Acceleration and Acquisition Fuel

The company’s core Annualised Contract Value (ACV) accelerated to USD133.8 million (AUD187.1 million), growing 28 per cent year-on-year. While recent strategic acquisitions of gym monitoring platform Perch and match data provider IMPECT bolstered the totals, organic ACV still expanded by 18 per cent.

A core driver of this financial compounding was a significant shift in corporate sales dynamics. Catapult added 576 new professional sports teams to its global roster in FY26, bringing its multi-solution team count to 1,328—a 62 per cent spike year-on-year.

Concurrently, average ACV per professional team lifted 10 per cent to exceed USD30,000 (AUD41,964) for the first time, while maintaining a strong customer retention rate of over 96 per cent.

Capital Position and Liquidity

The tech firm closed out the fiscal period with USD $53.4 million in cash reserves and zero debt on its balance sheet. Free cash flow came in at US$ 6.5 million (AUUD9 million), safely ahead of previous management guidance despite temporary capital pressure from late-season accounts receivable collection, which has since been resolved.

Cameron Hoy Appointed TEG Group CEO as Brad Banducci Steps Down

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Courtney

Ticketek Entertainment Group (TEG) has announced a major leadership transition, with Group CEO, Brad Banducci, stepping down from his role at the end of May.

Current chief operating officer and head of Global Ticketing, Cameron Hoy, has been appointed to succeed him as Group CEO, effective 1 June 2026.

The executive shift comes little more than a year after Banducci, the former long-standing Woolworths Group CEO, assumed the top position in April 2025.

At the time, his appointment saw veteran chief executive Geoff Jones transition into the role of chairman. Banducci’s brief tenure was strategically designed as a transitional phase to position the live entertainment, ticketing, and data analytics giant for its next horizon of international growth.

“When I joined the Group just over a year ago, I came in to do a specific role – to set the Group up for the next horizon of growth.”

“I felt the time was right to transition leadership of the Group.

“Consistent with our succession planning, Cameron Hoy has been appointed as Group CEO effective the 1st of June.

“Cam has been part of this industry for more than 20 years through every version of growth and change,” Banducci said.

Extensive Industry Experience

Hoy has been a central pillar of TEG’s leadership team, having served as chief operating officer and head of Global Ticketing since December 2023. Over his 20-year career in the live entertainment and ticketing sectors, Hoy has directly managed TEG’s most vital technical and commercial divisions, including Data Science, Analytics, Digital, Product, and Technology.

Under Hoy’s operational guidance, the company has recently executed several major international plays, including the strategic appointment of Shaun Nik as head of TEG Sport in Asia to scale operations across Singapore, Tokyo, and Shanghai, alongside the formation of a new specialised global sponsorship division.

Lacrosse Australia Appoints The Front Office Agency to Direct Olympic Commercial Strategy

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Courtney

Lacrosse Australia has announced the appointment of Brisbane-based sports consultancy The Front Office Agency (TFOA) to spearhead its commercial strategy and drive corporate partnerships ahead of the sport’s historic return at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The partnership will focus entirely on auditing existing sponsorship assets, modernising market engagement, and building long-term commercial foundations to attract corporate brands eager to align with a globally rising, high-momentum sport.

Commenting on the partnership, Lacrosse Australia CEO, Anna Carroll, said: “The return of lacrosse to the Olympic Games provides an unprecedented opportunity for our sport in Australia.”

“As we continue to grow participation, performance pathways and awareness of the sport nationally, it is critical that we also strengthen our commercial foundations.

“The Front Office Agency brings extensive experience across sport, partnerships and strategic growth, and we are looking forward to working together as we build towards LA28,” Carroll said.

The Front Office Agency is led by founder and Managing Director Jason Greenhalgh, a veteran sports marketing executive with over 35 years of experience procurement and managing more than $120 million in commercial agreements for elite bodies including the Wallabies, Socceroos, and Brisbane Broncos.

The Front Office Agency managing director, Jason Greenhalgh, added:“The inclusion of lacrosse in LA28 represents a major moment for the sport globally and creates a unique commercial opportunity for brands looking to align with a growing international sport with strong momentum.”

“Lacrosse Australia has a clear vision for the future and we are excited to work alongside the organisation to help develop a commercial strategy that not only supports the sport’s growth, but also creates meaningful value for partners and stakeholders,” Greenhalgh noted.

The international lacrosse community received a major boost following the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) confirmation of the fast-paced, television-friendly Sixes format for the LA28 games.

For Lacrosse Australia, this global exposure provides an unprecedented commercial asset. TFOA will work closely with the governing body to package these high-performance pathways, national team assets, and grassroots participation growth into lucrative commercial portfolios for domestic and international partners.

New Zealand Rugby and Xero Launch Global High-Performance Partnership

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and global small business platform Xero have announced a multi-year partnership, positioning the cloud accounting giant as the Official Small Business Accounting Platform Partner of the All Blacks and Black Ferns.

The agreement serves as a mechanical necessity for NZR’s commercial division, expanding its sponsor portfolio with a tech-focused multinational that shares deep roots in local communities.

Commenting on the partnership, Xero country manager – Aotearoa New Zealand, Bridget Snelling, said: “This partnership celebrates the spirit of Aotearoa New Zealand: innovation, a drive to compete and win globally, and the discipline required to build championship teams.”

“Partnering with New Zealand Rugby and its iconic teams like The All Blacks and Black Ferns who represent New Zealand on the world stage felt like a natural fit.

“We want our community and our people to experience the synergy between Xero, the All Blacks and the Black Ferns up close, the standards, global ambition and championship-team mindset that’s palpable on game day,” Snelling said.

New Zealand Rugby – chief commercial officer, Chris Brown, added: “With strong New Zealand roots and international ambition this partnership creates meaningful opportunities to connect with small business owners and deliver commercial value that extends well beyond the field.”

Xero Internal Staff Development and Performance Labs

A central pillar of the multi-year deal is providing Xero’s international workforce with direct access to the All Blacks Performance Labs. Developed alongside NZR’s high-performance staff, the executive coaching programme translates elite sporting insights on mindset, pressure management, structural accountability, and resilience into actionable workplace leadership skills.

Xero plans to roll out these bespoke capability modules globally, utilizing NZR’s high-performance IP to strengthen its corporate culture from within. The integration allows the tech firm to leverage the All Blacks’ historic win-loss ratio to inspire its commercial teams across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Streamlining Grassroots Administration

To support the broader rugby ecosystem, the collaboration introduces a practical operational asset for local sports administrators. Xero will provide a heavily discounted ‘All of Rugby’ licence tailored specifically for clubs, provincial unions, and regional rugby organisations across New Zealand.

The initiative aims to modernise financial management, automate manual reporting, and boost administrative productivity across volunteer-run clubs. By reducing the administrative burden on grassroots staff, the governing body is looking to secure long-term operational resilience for the community game.

The partnership will also feature rich content collaborations involving elite national players, exclusive corporate hospitality experiences at international Test matches, and targeted digital engagement campaigns for Xero’s small business customers and partners worldwide.

Adelaide 36ers Secure Revo Fitness as New Front-of-Jersey Partner Through 2029

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Courtney

The Adelaide 36ers have announced an expansive three-year major partnership with Revo Fitness, elevating the rapidly growing health club chain to the position of primary front-of-jersey partner until at least the end of the 2028-29 National Basketball League (NBL) season.

The upgraded agreement transitions Revo Fitness from its previous commercial placement on the team’s playing shorts, where it resided for the past three seasons, to the club’s most prominent branding asset.

The partnership builds on the momentum of reaching the 2026 NBL Championship Series, where the 36ers pushed the Sydney Kings to a thrilling five-game grand final decider in April.

Commenting on the partnership, Adelaide 36ers CEO, Nic Barbato, said: “Extending and elevating our partnership with Revo Fitness is a significant milestone for the Adelaide 36ers.”

“To see Revo step into the role of front-of-jersey partner reflects the strength of our relationship and a shared ambition to grow together.

“Both organisations are deeply committed to their members, their communities, and to promoting healthier, more active lifestyles,” Barbato said.

Revo Fitness founder and managing director, Andrew Holder, said: “Revo’s strong connection with South Australia ensured that stepping up our partnership with the 36ers was an easy decision.”

“We saw during the NBL Championship Series the energy and pride the South Australian community brings to everything it stands behind.

“Now as Major Partner, we can help this team go one better,” Holder said.

The corporate expansion was officially unveiled on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, to coincide with the grand opening of Revo Fitness’s new Munno Para facility. The site represents the brand’s 15th gym location in South Australia, acting as the anchor point for an aggressive regional development strategy that will see 11 new clubs launched across the state this year alone.

Kayo Stadium to Undergo Innovative Transformation for 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup Finals

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Courtney

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and Softball Australia have announced that Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe will host the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals from 5 to 11 April 2027.

The premier rugby league venue will be entirely converted into a purpose-built, international-standard softball diamond to accommodate the elite tournament.

Moving the tournament from a traditional park layout to a modern stadium infrastructure marks Queensland’s first major international team event locked in on the “green and gold runway” leading toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Commenting on the annouuncement, Softball Australia CEO, Sarah Loh, said: “Hosting the World Cup Finals at Kayo Stadium allows us to present women’s softball on a truly international stage.”

“This is about elevating softball, showcasing our sport to new audiences, and creating more opportunities for people, particularly young girls and women, to discover and fall in love with softball,” Loh said.

Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells MP, added:“The Aussie Spirit will compete in front of 10,000 fans in a world-class venue — that’s the atmosphere an LA28 Olympic qualifier deserves.”

“This isn’t just a tournament, it’s a legacy. Young girls around Australia will watch the Aussie Spirit compete on the world stage and dare to dream,” she said.

Kayo Stadium sets Major Infrastructure and Fan Experience Upgrades

The transition from the previously considered Talobilla Park directly addresses the growing commercial demands of women’s sport. Kayo Stadium, the established home of the NRL’s Redcliffe Dolphins, offers substantial operational advantages:

Spectator Capacity: Grandstand seating to comfortably accommodate up to 10,000 fans.
Broadcast Excellence: Access to elite, high-quality broadcast lighting, a giant video screen, and premium media facilities.
Fan Accessibility: Streamlined public transport links via the adjacent Kippa-Ring train station, alongside superior precinct amenities.

While Kayo Stadium will secure all primary competition fixtures, Talobilla Park remains a core part of the official event footprint, shifting its utility to serve as the tournament’s high-performance training and warm-up base.

Path to the LA28 Olympic Games

The sporting stakes remain incredibly high for the tournament, as the week-long Finals double as an official LA28 Olympic qualifier. The national women’s team, the Aussie Spirit, will compete alongside seven of the world’s top-ranked nations, with the tournament winner earning a direct, coveted berth into the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic softball competition.

Carlos Alcaraz Signed as Global Brand Ambassador for Ant International

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Courtney

Ant International has announced the appointment of Spanish tennis phenom Carlos Alcaraz as its new Global Brand Ambassador.

The landmark multi-year deal will see the multiple Grand Slam champion fronting international marketing campaigns for the Singapore-based fintech leader and its prominent cross-border digital payment and merchant service suites.

Tapping into Alcaraz’s massive global appeal provides the tech giant with year-round visibility across the tennis calendar, establishing brand familiarity in competitive Western markets where traditional payment networks historically dominate.

Commenting on the partnership, Ant International CEO, Peng Yang, said: “Carlos is not only a sporting champion, but the very personification of the core values of tennis for fans worldwide: boundless ambition, unwavering dedication, scalpel precision in delivery, and sportsmanship.”

“These qualities unite the world of tennis and the world of tech.

“Through extensive partnerships, we will keep pushing the frontier of global payment and commerce in the same spirit,” Yang said.

Expressing his enthusiasm, renowned tennis player, Alcaraz, added: “Throughout my career, I’ve learned that the greatest impact is made when we push boundaries and strive for excellence.”

“What truly drew me to Ant International is their unwavering commitment to financial inclusivity.

“I am eager to support initiatives that bring essential financial services to underserved communities around the world,” he said.

Ant International Reaches New Market Heights

The strategic partnership will see Alcaraz heavily featured across Ant International’s three core digital service pillars:

Alpay+: The company’s premier cross-border mobile wallet gateway, which currently supports more than 300 payment methods across 220 global markets.
Antom: A unified merchant payment services network tailored to streamline transactions for international digital sellers.
WorldFirst: The group’s unified global account service designed to supply trading and financial tools to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The corporate marketing push follows another major sports commercial play by the fintech organisation, landing just two months after Ant International secured a regional sponsorship deal with the Argentine national football team across Asia in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.

Leveraging Tech for Financial Inclusivity

The scale of Ant International’s network spans more than 30 offices globally, connecting 150 million international merchants with over 2 billion user accounts.

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Football Australia set to cut more than 20 Percent of its Staff

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Courtney

Football Australia has announced it will slash more than 20 per cent of its workforce following an impending second consecutive record financial loss.

Football Australia CEO, Martin Kugeler, confirmed the governing body is undergoing a “significant reset and restructure” to live within its financial means, with a deficit projected to exceed last year’s record $8.5 million shortfall.

The aggressive cost-cutting measures are deemed a mechanical necessity to stabilise the governing body’s balance sheet after rising operational costs, reduced travel spending, and legacy issues caught up with the organisation.

Despite a golden era on the pitch, which saw Australia host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, and the Socceroos qualify for a sixth consecutive World Cup, the federation has struggled to translate tournament prestige into sustainable financial resilience.

Commenting on the announcement, Football Australia CEO, Martin Kugeler, said: “Two significant losses, and increasing losses year-on-year, is obviously not a situation that is sustainable or acceptable.”

“Ultimately what we will deliver is an organisational restructure that resizes the organisation and will enable us for greater innovation, sustainable growth, and investment into our game.

“We are great on the football side, delivering success and qualifying for the World Cup,

“We’re not where we need to be on the financial side, and that’s what we have to address.

“I had to make very difficult decisions around roles and make a significant number of roles redundant, so we will ultimately reduce the people here working at Football Australia.”

“Around the football side, preparations and the national teams are not impacted by what we’re doing.

“We would like Tony Popovic to continue as our Socceroos coach. I’ve got the impression that he would like to continue… and those are ongoing discussions,” he shared.

Strategic Restructure and Digital Reinvestment

The redundancies were announced during an all-staff meeting on Tuesday morning, impacting approximately 40 of FA’s 200-strong workforce. Kugeler, who assumed the chief executive role in January 2026, noted that the job cuts are part of a broader forward strategy to modernise the business. Money saved from the redundancies will be redirected into commercial strategy, digital products, data analytics, and fan engagement to future-proof the sport.

A portion of the current financial deficit is tied to one-off legacy costs. This includes a newly finalised settlement with the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), resolving a debt of just under $1 million stemming from the historical unbundling of the A-Leagues from Football Australia.

National Teams Shielded from Cuts

Importantly, the governing body has guaranteed that high-performance programs will remain completely unaffected. Preparations for the Socceroos’ upcoming World Cup campaign and the Matildas’ international fixtures will retain full funding.

Furthermore, contract negotiations with Tony Popovic’s management regarding a long-term extension for the Socceroos head coach are progressing undisrupted.

The full scope of the financial results will be presented to stakeholders at Football Australia’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) next Thursday, 28 May.