Ministry of Sport

Parramatta Eels Appoint Former St Helens Chief Executive Mike Rush as New CEO

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Courtney

The Parramatta Eels have officially appointed long-time St Helens CEO, Mike Rush, as their new CEO, following an extensive global search conducted by the club’s board.

Rush arrives with a decorated resumé spanning thirteen seasons at St Helens, where he oversaw an era of domestic dominance featuring five Super League Grand Finals, the Challenge Cup, and the 2023 World Club Challenge victory over Penrith.

His 27 year career within elite rugby league encompasses roles as head of youth, head of performance, assistant coach, and head coach, providing deep expertise in roster management, junior pathways, and high-performance culture across both men’s and women’s programs.

Initially operating from England while finalising visa requirements, Rush will oversee all commercial and football operations as the club builds towards long-term premiership success.

Commenting on the appointment, Parramatta Eels chairman, Matthew Beach, said: “The Board conducted a comprehensive search process and interviewed some very strong candidates, and I’d like to thank all candidates for their time and professionalism.”

“Mike was one of the first candidates we were connected with, and his track record made him the standout in a strong field.

“On behalf of the Board, I’m delighted to welcome Mike as our new Chief Executive.

“We were looking for a football CEO: someone with extensive rugby league experience who understood how to align strong junior pathways with elite men’s and women’s programs while creating a high-performance culture that delivers long-term success.

“Mike’s record at St Helens demonstrates exactly that,” Beach stated.

Reflecting on his appointment, incoming CEO, Mike Rush, outlined his core priorities for the club.

“It’s an enormous privilege to be appointed CEO of the Parramatta Eels. This is one of rugby league’s great clubs, with a proud history, passionate supporters and a deep connection to its community.”

“My focus will be on building a premiership-winning club that develops its own talent and makes our members and community proud.

“My priorities are clear: to support the Eels football department across the men’s and women’s programs, to grow our membership and commercial base and to make sure every Eels member and fan feels part of the Club,” Rush said.

The appointment positions the Eels to strengthen their operational foundations and commercial growth heading into future seasons.

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NRLW Clinician Jess Stoll Calls for Targeted Commercial Investment and Player-Led Health Programs

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Courtney

St George Illawarra Dragons NRLW Head Physiotherapist and The Female Collective Director, Jess Stoll, has urged sports administrators to back athlete-driven health initiatives with direct financial investment, citing player-led frameworks as essential for commercial growth in women’s sport.

Speaking ahead of her upcoming presentation at the Women in Sport Summit 2026, Stoll detailed the development of a landmark player-focused health program within the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) ecosystem.

The initiative—conceived alongside organisational lead Sheridan and researcher Mel—translates elite athlete feedback into national clinical practice, adapting frameworks initially pioneered internationally by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

Translating Athlete Demand into National Programs

Emphasising that structural innovation must originate from player feedback rather than top-down mandates, Stoll highlighted how clinician collaboration successfully delivered the NRLW program.

“I think it’s just that, you know, we can have these big ideas and we can actually put them into practice.”

“And a lot of these things, particularly with us in the NRL, is all player driven.

“Like the reason we got together and basically put together this program was because the players wanted it.

“And there were people on the ground such as myself as a clinician, we’ve got Sheridan, who’s obviously from an organisational perspective, and then Mel, a researcher, all coming together to be like, all right, how can we deliver what the players are asking for in a really cool way,” Stoll said.

While acknowledging similar health frameworks exist globally, Stoll noted the strategic significance of executing a coordinated team-sport model at a national league level in Australia.

“Yeah, and I think I think there is a lot of stuff happening out in lots of other organizations, but maybe in almost almost in the shadows.

“They’re sort of doing it solo or they’re sort of coming up against a lot of roadblock blocks for whatever reason.

“But yeah, I would definitely say that this is a pretty new thing particularly in Australia to pull together as an organisational at a national level competition to do.

“There’s things going on overseas, particularly in like the Women’s Tennis Association, which is where we kind of got the idea from in the first place.

“But to bring it back to back home to Australia and actually implement it in more of a team environment rather than an individual sport is pretty cool,” Stoll further explained.

Capital Allocation Imperative for Women’s Sport

Addressing the mindset shift required from executive leadership across national sporting organisations, Stoll stressed that high-performance athlete care demands proactive commercial investment rather than cost-minimisation strategies.

“I think probably two things, like listen to the people on the ground, particularly your players, and don’t be shy about investing in it.”

“Like any business owner, myself included, knows you’ve got to spend money to make money and these players and these people absolutely deserve investment from the ground up,” Stoll stated.

Expanding Grassroots and Leadership Pathways

Reflecting on regional participation growth in Wollongong across amateur, semi-professional, and professional ranks, Stoll reinforced that robust sporting systems build broader societal and career benefits for women.

“I just see everyone doing some version of it, basically.”

“The more people doing it, the better it is for their health. We know how important it is for women that play sports are more likely to be in leadership positions in their careers.

“Like sport is just an amazing platform for so many things.

“And the more people that do it, the better it’s gonna be,” Stoll said.

Looking toward her Summit address, Stoll hopes governing bodies adopt scalable versions of the NRLW model to improve athlete outcomes nationwide.

“Well, it’s that classic thing that we always say in women’s sport.”

“You can’t be what you can’t see,”

“So it’s giving you that example, being like, well, this is what we did.

“It’s absolutely possible.

“These are some insights on how we made it happen.

“Now everyone goes and does the same thing in your own sport, in your own organisation,” Stoll said.

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

Major League Rugby Extends ESPN Broadcast Partnership Through 2027 Season

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Courtney

North America’s premier rugby competition has secured a media extension, announcing that its broadcast and streaming partnership with ESPN has been officially prolonged through the 2027 Major League Rugby season.

Coming roughly six months before the league’s ninth season kicks off, the agreement reinforces broadcaster and fan confidence in American rugby as the nation prepares to host a series of international showcases, including the 2028 Olympic rugby sevens and the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033.

Under the terms of the one-season extension, ESPN will continue to make all league matches accessible across its diverse broadcast networks and digital platforms.

In addition, five fixtures will be broadcast live on ESPN’s linear channels, while the network retains exclusive streaming rights to Sunday Night Rugby. The flagship broadcast property, which features pre- and post-match studio analysis led by current and former players, will continue airing in primetime exclusively on the ESPN App following strong audience reception during its inaugural season.

Comscore data highlights the momentum driving the partnership, revealing a twenty-five per cent year-over-year viewership increase for matches broadcast on ESPN2 and a thirty-five per cent surge across streamed fixtures, alongside exponential engagement on social media channels.

Commenting on the value of the ongoing media broadcasting collaboration, senior director of ESPN programming and acquisitions, John Suchenski, said: “We look forward to building on our longstanding relationship with Major League Rugby and supporting its efforts to expand rugby’s reach across the U.S. through ESPN’s networks and platforms.”

“Sports fans have responded to Major League Rugby in a positive way the past few years, particularly to the Sunday Night Rugby franchise we introduced last year, and we will continue to serve and grow the rugby fanbase as the country prepares to host the Rugby World Cup in 2031,” Suchenski said.

Highlighting the importance of securing prime television slots for the organisation, MLR co-president, Alexander Magleby, added: “Securing prime viewing windows remains essential for establishing the competition as the premier contact sport of the spring and early summer.”

“Magleby noted the necessity of visibility, stating, “Relevance and reach are really important for us right now and ESPN is helping people fall in love with rugby,” he said.

While the competition currently operates with five teams following structural consolidation, ongoing investor interest and upcoming international tournaments are expected to fuel steady expansion, with officials targeting a return to a twelve-city operational footprint ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.

International Skating Union Extends Four-Year Partnership with Two Circles to Elevate Media Rights and Production

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Courtney

The International Skating Union (ISU) has announced a four-year partnership extension with sports and entertainment agency Two Circles, designed to drive the global commercial transformation of skating disciplines including figure skating, speed skating, short track, and synchronised skating.

Under the expanded agreement, Two Circles will provide comprehensive media rights consultancy, manage commercial sales outside core territories, and deliver end-to-end broadcast production services across the ISU calendar.

By consolidating media rights and live broadcast production under an integrated framework, the ISU aims to balance audience reach with revenue generation across emerging and traditional markets.

Two Circles will leverage its advanced fan data analytics platform, which processes billions of fan interactions globally, to support the organisation’s dynamic commercial strategy.

Commenting on the significance of the agreement, ISU director general, Colin Smith, said: “Following the modernization of our governance structures and the success of Events in front of passionate global audiences, this partnership for media sales and live production is a critical step in realising our vision for skating.”

“The integrated approach to the tender process establishes the foundation for efficient processes, working with industry-leading partners to generate value for all stakeholders in skating sports,” he said.

Echoing the sentiment, and emphasising the focus on fan-centric storytelling, chief executive officer and co-founder of Two Circles, Gareth Balch, added:“In recent years, we have witnessed the ISU’s ambition for the future of skating and the passion of its global fan base.”

“The opportunity now lies in connecting media rights, production, and content more closely around the fan journey, helping the ISU reach more people and deepen engagement across its sports.

“We are proud to continue this journey alongside the ISU and support its ambition to bring more people closer to skating, both on and off the ice,” Balch remarked.

The agreement marks the first centralised commercial tender executed by mare governing body, forming a foundational pillar in modernizing its digital architecture, expanding international fan bases, and establishing long-term sustainable revenue streams.

NBA and FIBA Push for European Basketball Unification Despite EuroLeague Resistance

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball Association and the International Basketball Federation have reaffirmed their intent to forge a unified professional men’s basketball ecosystem across Europe, despite facing immediate commercial pushback and reluctance from established continental clubs.

Following high-level discussions at a recent shareholder gathering on Lake Como, EuroLeague club owners elected to reject an initial collaborative proposal, deeming the financial and structural terms insufficient to serve as a baseline for negotiations.

Nevertheless, both global governing bodies released a joint public statement emphasising that a unified commercial framework remains vital for the long-term growth and commercial monetisation of the sport.

Official representatives stated in the joint release.

“A partnership between the EuroLeague, FIBA and the NBA to unify the European basketball ecosystem would unlock the game’s enormous potential across Europe for the benefit of clubs, players and, most importantly, fans.”

“The NBA and FIBA remain committed to moving forward with a new professional men’s league in Europe and helping build a stronger, more sustainable basketball ecosystem alongside partners who share our vision of growth, opportunity and the core principles of the European sports model,” they said.

Behind closed doors, tensions are escalating as the NBA and FIBA advance preparations for a competing 16-team competition widely designated as NBA Europe, targeting a commercial tipoff at the commencement of the 2027–28 season.

This operational blueprint proposes allocating four distinct positions directly to Basketball Champions League finalists and qualification tournament winners linked to domestic competitions across the continent.

Conversely, Euroleague Basketball is pursuing its own independent growth strategy, plotting a major expansion to a 24-team competition.

Brisbane Racing Club Extends Commercial Partnership with Cricks Highway

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Courtney

The Brisbane Racing Club has officially announced the renewal of its major commercial partnership with Cricks Highway, securing the automotive dealership group as an official partner and primary automotive sponsor ahead of the upcoming racing season.

The continuation aligns directly with the launch of the Ladbrokes Spring Racing Carnival, which represents the largest commercial event in the club’s history, spanning seven premier race meetings across six weeks from October tenth through November fourteenth, two thousand and twenty-six, hosted across the Eagle Farm and Doomben racecourse precincts.

Cricks Highway dealer principal, Beau Scott, emphasised the value of the ongoing association, noting the tangible brand connection achieved through the vibrant racecourse environment.

“We see Brisbane Racing Club as one of our most important partners, we love talking with racegoers and being a part of the atmosphere.”

“We’re looking forward to another great year ahead,” Beau said

Brisbane Racing Club CEO, Karl deKroo, welcomed the continuation of the agreement, highlighting the successful evolution of the commercial relationship since its initial rollout.

“It’s exciting to welcome back Cricks Highway as a major partner of the Brisbane Racing Club, they dipped their toe in the water last year by joining us and really loved their experience, and we enjoyed their support.”

“It’s fantastic to continue our association and perfect timing as we host the Cricks Highway Queensland Cup Day at Eagle Farm this Saturday,” Karl said.

Cricks Highway, operating through its major Springwood showroom featuring prominent international vehicle brands including Subaru, Volkswagen, Kia, Renault, Volvo, and General Motors Specialty Vehicles, initially established its commercial relationship with the racing club last year, supporting both the spring calendar and Brisbane’s lucrative Road to Magic Millions initiative.

The timing of the partnership extension provides immediate commercial activation, perfectly coinciding with the opening fixture of the carnival, the Cricks Highway Queensland Cup Day at Eagle Farm.

For the automotive group, the collaboration offers targeted consumer engagement and premium brand visibility among racegoers, combining hospitality platforms with experiential marketing.

England Secured to Host 2031 Netball World Cup at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Courtney

World Netball and England Netball have officially announced that England will host the Netball World Cup for the fourth time in 2031, with the prestigious quadrennial tournament staged at Manchester’s state-of-the-art Co-op Live indoor arena.

The award arrives during England Netball’s centenary year, providing a powerful commercial platform to accelerate the visibility, economic profile, and growth of women’s sport across the United Kingdom, generating significant tourism revenue and inward investment for municipal partners.

Highlighting the confidence and organisational rigor behind the successful bid, World Netball president, Liz Nicholl, said: “After reviewing their strong bid, I am confident England Netball will host another thrilling international event, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together in 2031 and beyond.”

The commercial and economic implications for the host city are projected to be substantial, leveraging Co-op Live’s modern entertainment infrastructure following its successful staging of the Netball Super League Grand Final in front of thousands of passionate fans.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the announcement, chair of England Netball, Baroness Sue Campbell, shared: “To have the best netball players in the world coming to Manchester is a hugely exciting prospect, and I know the city will give them the welcome they deserve.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity not only to showcase our sport on the biggest stage, but also to inspire the next generation of players and fans,” Campbell said.

England Netball chief executive, Fran Connolly, added that the tournament will provide a powerful platform to grow the visibility, profile, and impact of women’s sport and netball across the UK.

Furthermore, the announcement arrives as international governing bodies continue their strategic push for netball’s inclusion in the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, Australia, positioning elite federations to capitalise on surging commercial partnerships, premium broadcasting investments, merchandise sales, and global fan engagement over the coming years as the sport enters a lucrative new era.

Previous editions hosted in England include Eastbourne in 1963, Birmingham in 1995, and Liverpool in 2019, with the upcoming 2031 showcase aligning perfectly with advanced industry plans to implement complete professionalisation across the domestic Netball Super League.

DoorDash Signs Multi-Year Partnership with Tennis Australia to Revolutionise In-Venue Delivery at Australian Open 2027

Posted on October 9, 2026October 9, 2026 by Courtney

Global on-demand delivery leader DoorDash has secured a agreement with Tennis Australia, becoming the official on-demand delivery partner of the Australian Open starting with the 2027 tournament.

Scheduled to run from January 11-31, 2027 at Melbourne Park, the partnership introduces cutting-edge delivery technology directly into the Grand Slam precinct.

The collaboration is designed to elevate the commercial and operational efficiency of the tournament’s food and beverage offerings, enhancing consumer engagement both on-site and for audiences tuning in from home through exclusive digital promotions.

Commenting on the agreement, Tennis Australia’s chief commercial officer, Cedric Cornelis, said: “Food and drink has become a much anticipated staple of the Australian Open experience.”

“We are making it easier than ever for fans to enjoy the precinct on their own terms.

“The introduction of DoorDash delivery at Golden Hour Bar on Grand Slam Oval is designed to give fans more choice, more convenience and more time to enjoy the action,” Cornelis said.

Emphasising the unique synergy between sports entertainment and culinary delivery, VP of DoorDash APAC, Simon Rossi, added: “The Australian Open brings together world-class tennis and some of Melbourne’s most exciting food, and we’re thrilled to help fans enjoy more of both.”

“At the Golden Hour Bar, we’re bringing delivery into the tournament experience, making it more convenient for fans to enjoy food from across the precinct without leaving the bar,” Rossi said.

Under the agreement, DoorDash will take over the Golden Hour Bar on Grand Slam Oval, where patrons can place orders directly from precinct food vendors via the app to bypass queues.

Furthermore, DoorDash will serve as the presenting partner of “AO on the GO,” powering grab-and-go convenience platforms across the grounds with branded vending machines and carts, alongside comprehensive digital and on-court signage.

For DoorDash, the partnership provides an unparalleled marketing platform to showcase its technology infrastructure to domestic and international consumers during one of the nation’s premier sporting events.

NBL Secures 22 Commercial Partners for NBL27 Season Amid Record Growth

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball League (NBL) has announced various partnerships for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season, securing 22 corporate partnerships comprising ten high-profile renewals and twelve new additions.

The expanding commercial roster underscores the league’s rising valuation and broad market appeal across Australia and New Zealand. Long-standing naming rights partner Hungry Jack’s continues to anchor the corporate ecosystem alongside returning category leaders including Kmart, AAMI, Choice Hotels, Disney+, Powerade, Step One, Reebok, Foot Locker, Mortgage Choice, and Australian Venue Co.

Concurrently, major new commercial recruits, featuring Optus as the official telco, Virgin Australia as the official airline, Red Bull, and 7-Eleven as presenting partner of the Ignite Cup, will drive fan engagement across arenas, broadcast channels, and community initiatives.

Emphasising that commercial expansion is important for ongoing capital investment and league innovation, NBL Group CEO, David Stevenson, said: “Everything our fans see and feel on game night, from the players on court to the atmosphere in the stands, is built on the strength of our partnerships.”

“Commercial growth is what allows us to keep investing in and evolving the League, whether that’s new innovations such as the Ignite Cup, HoopsFest and Most Valuable Creator, lifting the experience in arena and on screen, or taking the NBL to communities right across Australia and New Zealand.

“To every partner joining us this season, and to those who have backed us for years and chosen to do it again, thank you. We don’t take that support for granted, and we’re excited about what we’re building together,” Stevenson noted.

National Basketball League Focuses on Consumer Touchpoints and Immersive Fan Engagements

Highlighting that audience-centric collaboration has driven exceptional market response, NBL chief commercial officer, Samantha Green, added: “Every renewal and every new partnership started with a conversation about the fan.”

“Whether it’s something you see courtside, something that turns up in your local store, or a reward for being part of the NBL community, we wanted each partner to add something genuine to the season. The response from the market this year has been outstanding,” Green noted.

The newly expanded partner network will support key league properties throughout the NBL27 season, including the in-season Ignite Cup tournament and HoopsFest activations, with live broadcast coverage delivered via ESPN and the official NBL digital application.

Nestlé Secures Landmark Global Partnership with NBA to Expand Youth Basketball

Posted on October 8, 2026October 8, 2026 by Courtney

Global food and beverage giant Nestlé has announced a partnership with the National Basketball Association, establishing iconic consumer brands MILO, NESQUIK, and NESCAU as official partners across four continents in the company’s largest international brand collaboration to date.

Spanning numerous countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Philippines, the collaboration will activate across a diverse suite of elite youth development initiatives and fan platforms.

In Australia and New Zealand, the partnership will officially activate from January first, 2027, integrating grassroots retail promotions, immersive digital experiences, and community engagement campaigns designed to foster active lifestyles among teenagers and young sports enthusiasts.

The alliance leverages Nestlé’s extensive global reach to drive youth sports participation, supporting official development frameworks such as the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA programs, NBA Basketball School, coaching academies, Her Time To Play, and international events including NBA Global Games.

Commnenting on the partnership, Nestlé GM – Dairy and Beverages, Martin Brown, said: “Sport has a unique ability to bring people together. It creates moments of connection, builds confidence and teaches young people valuable life skills that extend far beyond the court.”

“At MILO, we’ve proudly supported Australian families for generations through our commitment to encouraging participation in sport and active lifestyles.

“That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with the NBA, not only globally for scale of impact, but on the ground in Australia and New Zealand, to delight local fans.

“Together, we share a belief in the power of sport to inspire, unite and uplift young people – socially and emotionally.

“Through this partnership, we hope to create memorable basketball experiences that help Aussie teens feel connected, supported and empowered to get involved, build resilience and discover the joy of the game.

“We can’t wait to stir-up conversations surrounding NBA, while fans stir up their glass of MILO,” Brown stated.

Highlightinh the value of the alliance, NBA senior VP of commercial development and media, Julie Morris, added: “Nestlé is one of the world’s most recognisable brands and has a longstanding connection to consumers across the globe.”

“We look forward to leveraging Nestlé’s reach and local market presence to connect with fans in new ways and support the continued growth of basketball around the world,” Morris said.

SASMA Chief Danielle Grant-Cross Demands Medical Education Drive to Bridge Female Sports Science Gap

Posted on October 8, 2026October 8, 2026 by Courtney

South Australian Sports Medicine Association (SASMA) Chief Executive Officer Danielle Grant-Cross, has issued a call to action across the national sporting ecosystem, demanding a structured education drive to translate female-focused sports science research into sideline execution.

Speaking ahead of her appearance at the Women in Sport Summit 2026, the former Australian netball squad member highlighted that despite accelerating commercial interest in female athletics, systemic research deficits and governance hurdles continue to impact athlete welfare.

Addressing the Research Deficit

Highlighting the underrepresentation of female cohorts in high-performance medical literature, Grant-Cross emphasised that evidence-based frameworks must lead player health strategies.

“I think it’s been a very interesting space and from a sports medicine space which is what we’ve recognised there needs to be more research specific to women, so only 10 % of current research around sports medicine and injuries is around women.”

“So there is a big push to have more research and development in relation to women’s health.

“What I can also say on a positive note is I think there is lots of excellent evidence-based information available for women, more so than ever.

“But I do think it’s very important that we keep to evidence-based information to support women and their health,” Grant-Cross stated.

Education as the Strategic Bridge

To prevent research from remaining purely theoretical, Grant-Cross urged national and state sporting organisations to invest in consistent, practical education programs across both grassroots and professional ranks.

“I think education is the key for me.”

“So education, how do we take the policy, the research as you’ve just suggested and translate it to the sideline of everyday sport from a community and an elite level?

“I think that is education.

“Having clear, consistent messaging for people to be able to follow and for it to make sense.

“So I think that is the key that we all should be working on.

“How can we have evidence-based information and education available at every point through one sporting career from community to the elite levels,” Grant-Cross explained.

Governance and Commercial Acceleration

Linking medical governance to commercial viability, Grant-Cross advocated for stronger female representation across executive boards and media channels to drive visibility and commercial alignment.

“For it to be picked up commercially more, we need more visibility of what’s going on.”

“I think from a media perspective, really promoting the the awesome way that women play sport and what it brings to the community within Australia especially.

“I would just like to see more of that at every level of the game and I think that will really have a really important influence on community sport for everyone,” Grant-Cross said.

Looking toward the Summit, Grant-Cross stressed that medical governance remains a universal responsibility for sports administrators.

“Well really hope they’re inspired to work in the medical education and sporting area that I think medical governance, looking after people’s health and well-being is absolute paramount and we all have a role to play,” Grant-Cross said.

Cricket Victoria Launches Melbourne Cricket Academy International

Posted on October 8, 2026October 8, 2026 by Courtney

Cricket Victoria has officially announced the launch of Melbourne Cricket Academy International, a pioneering cricket-development organisation designed to export elite Victorian coaching expertise, advanced player-development systems, and high-performance standards to domestic and international markets.

Operating under the executive leadership of CEO Liam Murphy and former international star David Hussey as director of coaching, Melbourne Cricket Academy International will roll out structured academy frameworks combining rigorous in-person coaching, comprehensive player assessment, and sophisticated digital progress tracking.

Providing foundational backing and operational authority, Cricket Victoria aims to establish Melbourne Cricket Academy International as an autonomous global entity while maintaining the rich heritage of Victorian cricket systems.

Highlighting the drivers of the global initiative, Murphy, noted the massive worldwide growth of the sport.

“Cricket is growing rapidly around the world and with that growth, there is an increasing appetite from young players and their families for high-quality development they can trust.”

“Melbourne Cricket Academy International will bring expertise, systems and standards associated with Victorian and Australian cricket to players wherever they are in the world.

“Our ambition is to build a connected, international network with a clear methodology, outstanding coaches and a development pathway where players can see and measure their progress,” Murphy said.

Hussey emphasised that the curriculum transcends traditional training limitations to foster well-rounded athletes.

“Great cricket development is about much more than spending hours in the nets.”

“We want to develop players across every element of their game – whether it be their skills, cricket smarts, physical capabilities or their mindset – and give them a clear direction to where they are improving and what they need to do next.

“The exciting part of Melbourne Cricket Academy International is creating a coaching system that is rigorous and consistent, while still allowing great coaches to understand and work with the individual player in front of them.

“It is a distinctly Victorian approach to developing cricketers, and we have an opportunity to take that approach to players around the world,” Hussey said.

The venture responds directly to escalating global demand from young players and families seeking trustworthy, standardised development programs backed by measurable performance metrics and structured benchmarks.

The organisation’s methodology focuses on holistic player development, targeting technical skills, deep game understanding, physical conditioning, and elite sporting mindset. Initial programs are slated to launch in Melbourne before expanding into broader national and international partnerships.

Australian Athletics Secures Brisbane Return for 2027 Junior and Little Athletics Championships

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Courtney

Australian Athletics has officially confirmed that the Australian Athletics Junior Championships and the Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships will return to the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre in Brisbane in April 2027.

Supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and the Brisbane City Council through the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, the event will bring thousands of emerging athletes and supporters to the region.

Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Australian Athletics CEO, Simon Hollingsworth, said: “We are excited to announce we are returning to QSAC for the second straight year for the Australian Athletics Junior (Underage) Championships in April next year.”

“This event is so important on the Australian Athletics calendar, with our future champions of the track and the field, especially leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

“It’s also important to acknowledge the Australian Little Athletics Championships will also be back in Brisbane.

“Australian Athletics thanks the Queensland Government for its continued support of the sport, in what will be a great few days of athletics next year.

“These events are such an important one for our State Member Associations across Australia, and we also value their support and looking forward to coming together in April,” Hollingsworth said.

Government stakeholders emphasised the tourism and economic returns associated with major sporting events.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Hon. Andrew Powell MP, noted that securing the championships aligns with broader government ambitions to position Queensland as the nation’s premier events capital.

“We want the biggest and best events choosing Queensland, because they bring thousands of athletes, families and supporters who stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and spend in our local businesses,” Powell said.

Minister for Sport and Olympic and Paralympic Games, Hon. Tim Mander MP, added that the championships act as an essential talent identification pathway while inspiring youth participation.

Brisbane Lord Mayor, Hon. Adrian Schrinner, reinforced the local economic impact, noting that multi-day events support local businesses and employment across the city.

The Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships will run from April 11 to 12, followed by the Junior Championships from April 13 to 18, 2027. This year’s event generated substantial economic benefits for Queensland while showcasing the state as a premier destination for major sporting competitions.

The upcoming event holds heightened importance as the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games approach, providing a high-performance pathway for athletes aiming for national representation.

Further event logistics, start lists, and entry details will be released in the coming months as Australian Athletics finalises its calendar.

Coles Launches Annual Banana A-Peel Campaign to Support Little Athletics Communities Nationwide

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Courtney

Major Australian supermarket giant Coles has officially launched its highly anticipated annual Coles Little Athletics Banana A-Peel campaign for 2026, providing Little Athletics centres, families, and supporters across the nation with a practical opportunity to enjoy nutritious fruit while driving critical financial support for grassroots sports development.

The nationwide retail initiative will see Coles donate five cents from every kilogram of Cavendish bananas sold directly to the upcoming two thousand and twenty-seven Coles Little Athletics Community Fund, establishing a corporate fundraising cap of up to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

This dedicated community fund plays a pivotal commercial and operational role within the domestic youth sports landscape, directly enabling local Little Athletics centres to access essential financial grants for new equipment and resources that significantly benefit their regional communities and young participants.

Alongside the retail fundraising, the campaign features the national Coles Banana Photo Competition designed to drive high engagement, community participation, and brand visibility across digital platforms.

Little Athletics centres nationwide are actively invited to visit their local Coles store, procure Cavendish bananas for their respective clubs, and capture creative photos or videos illustrating their participation in the campaign.

Participating centres are required to share their visual submissions on Facebook or Instagram while tagging the official governing body and incorporating campaign hashtags to enter the contest. To incentivise widespread participation, the three centres that submit the most creative photos or videos will each be awarded a two hundred and fifty dollar Coles gift card, while one of the three winning finalists will additionally receive a special banana prize pack supplied by Australian Bananas.

The submission window for the national photo competition remains open until Friday, 23rd October 2026, giving local club crews ample time to coordinate their creative entries and community banana runs.

Tennis Australia and National Pickleball League Accelerate Infrastructure and Technology Expansion Across Australia

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Courtney

Tennis Australia and the National Pickleball League are translating their partnership into commercial delivery, driving widespread participation, venue innovation, and advanced technology adoption across the Australian sporting landscape.

Stemming from their initial collaboration under the AO StartUps initiative, the partnership has evolved into a structured blueprint for national growth, reshaping traditional sporting infrastructure and tournament operations.

A cornerstone of this expansion is the integration of LADER, the National Pickleball League’s proprietary competition management platform, which successfully powered operations, live scoring, and broadcast integration for the Australian Open Pickleball Slam.

Commercially, the collaboration focuses on transforming underutilised tennis infrastructure into dynamic, multi-sport racquet hubs to accommodate soaring demand without compromising traditional tennis participation. The innovative PARK Racquet Club model has gained significant traction, marked by facility operating contracts awarded for PARK Baringa and PARK Townsville following competitive tender processes.

These integrated venues are establishing sustainable commercial pathways by combining community programming, premium facilities, and unified competition scheduling. At the grassroots level, the newly launched Pickleball Community Cup series has successfully engaged local communities, with its inaugural event in Gawler, South Australia, drawing more than one hundred and sixty entrants using the LADER platform for seamless tournament delivery.

Commenting on the rapid momentum and depth of the collaboration, game expansion development manager at Tennis Australia, Ardi Fazliu, said: “The momentum we’ve seen over the past year highlights the strength of the partnership between Tennis Australia and the National Pickleball League.”

“Whether it’s supporting community events like the Pickleball Community Cup, enhancing the player experience through technology, or developing new racquet sport destinations, our shared focus remains on making pickleball more accessible and creating positive experiences for players of all ages and abilities,” Fazlie said.

Echoing this sentiment, National Pickleball League CEO, Ron Shell, emphasised the long-term impact on the domestic sports economy.

“What began as a shared commitment to grow pickleball has become a blueprint for the sport’s future in Australia.”

“Working alongside Tennis Australia, we are accelerating participation through community events, modernising how competitions are delivered through technology, and creating new racquet sport destinations in growing communities.

“These initiatives are helping transform pickleball from a rapidly emerging sport into a permanent and thriving part of Australia’s sporting landscape,” Shell said.

As additional venue opportunities and community tournament legs are explored nationwide, the partnership continues to set a benchmark for cross-code collaboration, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and infrastructure growth for racquet sports across Australia.