Ministry of Sport

Essendon Unifies All Programs Under PUMA with Expanded AFLW Deal

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Courtney

The Essendon Football Club has announced an expansion of its partnership with PUMA, officially naming the global sports brand as the Club’s AFLW Apparel Partner through to at least the end of 2028.

This agreement represents a mechanical necessity for the club’s “One Club” strategy, uniting all five Essendon football program – AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW, and VWFL – under a single apparel brand for the first time.

The expansion comes as the Bombers prepare for the 2026 NAB AFLW Season, which is scheduled to commence on Sunday, 9 August. The deal ensures technical alignment across the entire high-performance department, providing the AFLW squad with access to PUMA’s elite performance and innovation-led apparel ranges.

Essendon chief operating officer, Nick Ryan highlighted that the AFLW program has become a leading destination within the league.

“The Club is incredibly proud to have all five teams united under the one apparel brand, particularly with a global leader like PUMA.

“It reflects the unity across the Club and marks another step forward through this partnership.”

“The AFLW program continues to grow into a leading destination within the league… PUMA’s involvement is a strong endorsement of that growth,” Ryan said.

The announcement arrives just as Essendon’s 2026 coaching panel, led by Senior Coach Brad Scott, has been finalised to include new development coaches such as former Bulldog Toby McLean and recent retiree Todd Goldstein.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the partnership, director of marketing, PUMA Oceania, Neysa Goh, noted: “PUMA is proud to extend our partnership with Essendon Football Club to incorporate the AFLW program, reinforcing our continued commitment to the growth of women’s football in Australia,”

“Through a shared focus on performance, innovation and the future of the game, we’re excited to support the club as the AFLW competition continues to inspire the next generation,” Goh said.

High-Performance Focus

PUMA’s technical range for the 2026 season will continue to focus on athlete-specific engineering. Earlier this year, PUMA unveiled the club’s 2026 guernseys, featuring the iconic red-on-black sash for home games and a fan-voted black-on-red clash kit.

The extension ensures the AFLW playing group will benefit from the same high-performance fabrics and ergonomic designs utilised by the AFL squad.

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Sydney FC Appoints James Slaveski as Women’s Head Coach on Two-Year Deal

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Courtney

Sydney FC has confirmed the appointment of James Slaveski as the permanent head coach of its Ninja A-League Women’s team.

Slaveski, who has signed a two-year contract, transitions into the full-time role after serving as the interim boss for the final seven matches of the 2025-26 season following the departure of club legend Ante Juric in February.

Slaveski previously served as the club’s Academy technical lead and NPL assistant coach, and has experience working under Joe Montemurro with the Matildas.

In his permanent capacity, Slaveski will also oversee the Female Development Squad, ensuring a direct technical link between the youth system and the first team.

Commenting on his apppointment, former technical lead, Slaveski, said: “I’m extremely honoured to be given this opportunity to lead Sydney FC’s A-League Women’s team for the next two seasons.”

“Building strong connections from the Female Development Squad to the first team is critical to sustained success, and I’m excited to play a role in that,” Slaveski said.

Sydney FC chairman, Dr. Jan Hendrik Voss, noted that Slaveski successfully implemented an effective style of play during a “challenging time,” stabilising the squad and securing buy-in from the players.

The club expects this attack-minded approach to lead a resurgence in the 2026-27 season.

Performance and Strategic Direction

While the Sky Blues ultimately finished the 2025-26 season in 11th place with 19 points—missing the finals for a rare occasion—the board was encouraged by the team’s tactical evolution under Slaveski. Significant results during his interim tenure included:

4–0 victory over semi-finalists Brisbane Roar.
2–1 win over Melbourne Victory in the “Big Blue.”

Squad Transition and 2026-27 Outlook

Slaveski begins his permanent tenure as the club manages a period of roster transition. Sydney FC has already confirmed several departures, including Hana Lowry (Vålerenga), Tori Tumeth (Vancouver Rise), and the retirement of Jodi Ülkekul.

However, the squad is expected to be bolstered by the return of Indi dos Santos and captain Nat Tobin from injury.

Women and Girls Lead Record Surge in Philanthropic Investment for Australian Sport

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Courtney

Philanthropic investment in Australian sport has reached new heights, with a record $118.8 million contributed to grassroots clubs, athletes, and community programs in FY25.

According to the Australian Sports Foundation’s (ASF) latest Giving for Sport Report, more than 84,600 donors supported the sector, highlighting a significant shift toward sport as a primary vehicle for social impact and community inclusion.

The most notable growth occurred in women and girls’ sport, which saw a staggering $11.3 million year-on-year increase, bringing total targeted donations to $22.8 million. This surge reflects a mechanical necessity for the sporting ecosystem as it seeks to capitalise on the momentum of professional women’s leagues and drive long-term participation outcomes.

Commenting on the figures, Australian Sports Foundation CEO, Jerril Rechter AM, said: “People are not just backing sport because they love a team or know a club.”

“They are backing sport because they recognise the role it plays in supporting inclusion, empowering young people and strengthening local communities.

“The growth we’re seeing shows Australians understand that when you invest in sport, you’re investing in people,” Rechter said.

Adding that philanthropy now plays a critical role alongside government funding to expand participation and ensure all Australians can access the benefits of sport, Minister for Sport, Hon Anika Wells MP, added: “This report highlights the growing role philanthropy can play alongside government and the sector to expand participation and ensure more people can access the benefits of sport,” Minister Wells said.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Lauren Jackson AO OLY, noted: “She Hoops reached more than 220 Indigenous girls across the country through this program providing them with leadership tools, life skills and pathways to empower them in basketball and beyond.”

“If it wasn’t for the financial contributions from our partners Kulbardi, the Bibbulmun Fund, and the broader community, and Basketball Australia for providing the She Hoops platform, opportunities like this would not exist,” Jackson said.

Impact-Driven Giving and Community Outcomes

The report indicates that Australians are increasingly prioritising “impact-driven” causes. Donors are moving beyond team loyalty to fund programs that address mental health, youth development, and social disadvantage. Key growth areas in FY25 include:

Youth Participation: Over $31 million was directed toward the 13–24 age bracket, an increase of $14.1 million from the previous year.
Mental Health and Wellbeing: Donations surged to $17.5 million, up $11.4 million on FY24 across 242 dedicated campaigns.
Disability Sport: Investment reached $13.9 million, providing critical funding for accessible equipment and inclusive programs.

While high-net-worth individuals contributed $72.2 million (roughly 60 per cent of all funds), the report also notes a 72 per cent rise in distributions from philanthropic trusts and ancillary funds, signaling a growing confidence in sport as a credible social investment.

Partnerships Driving Social Change

The Active Kids program, in collaboration with The Dickinson Foundation, delivered over $540,000 in equipment and uniforms to 179 volunteer-run clubs. Additionally, the Parkrun Defibrillator Appeal successfully equipped more than 520 events with life-saving medical devices.

A standout initiative, the She Hoops Indigenous Leadership Program, led by Lauren Jackson AO OLY and Olympian Ally Wilson, reached 220 Indigenous girls aged 12–17. The program provides leadership education and elite mentoring, reinforcing the role of sport in strengthening resilience and community connection.

Capital.com Secures Landmark Naming Rights Deal for Australian Golf

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Courtney

Golf Australia has announced a multi-year partnership with global trading platform Capital.com.

The agreement sees the firm become the Title Partner of the Capital.com Australian Open and the first-ever Naming Rights Partner of the Capital.com GA Handicap, marking one of the largest commercial investments in the history of the Australian game.

The announcement, made exactly 200 days out from the 2026 championship at the iconic Kingston Heath Golf Club secures a long-term commitment from a global fintech leader, the governing body is better positioned to attract elite international talent and fund significant infrastructure upgrades across the Sandbelt.

Commenting on the partnership, Golf Australia CEO, James Sutherland, said: “This is a transformative partnership for Australian golf, with Capital.com investing across the full spectrum of the game, from our premier championship through to the everyday golfer.”

“The scale of this partnership allows us to grow the tournament, attract world-class players, and deliver a significantly enhanced experience for fans, while also strengthening the long-term future of the game,” Sutherland said.

Adding his comment, Capital.com Australia CEO, Thomas McCrickard, shared: “Golf is genuinely embedded in the fabric of Australian sporting life, from elite championship competition to the hundreds of thousands of Australians who hold a registered GA Handicap.”

“It is a sport built on patience, discipline, and the long view, qualities Australian players bring to the course every weekend. Capital.com is proud to support the Australian Open and the GA Handicap, and we look forward to building on this partnership for years to come,” he said.

Rory McIlroy Confirms Two-Year Committment

Adding significant star power to the 2026 field, back-to-back Masters Champion Rory McIlroy has confirmed his return to Melbourne as part of a two-year commitment to the event. McIlroy, who has frequently lauded the quality of the Melbourne Sandbelt, expressed his enthusiasm for competing at Kingston Heath, a venue globally renowned for its strategic design.

Spectator capacity at Kingston Heath is set at 25,000 per day, with early ticket sales currently outstripping the record-setting pace of the 2025 event. The partnership with Capital.com will specifically fund enhanced on-course infrastructure, including new grandstands and premium fan zones, to accommodate the surge in demand.

Technical Innovations at Kingston Heath

Kingston Heath general manager, Andrew Taylor, revealed that the 2026 Open will feature a brand-new championship routing, including a first tee location never before used in competition.

This new configuration has been developed in collaboration with the PGA Tour and is expected to serve as the routing for the 2028 Presidents Cup, providing players with a critical opportunity to test the layout under championship conditions.

Capital.com plans to evolve the platform into a data-led engagement tool, providing Australia’s hundreds of thousands of registered club golfers with deeper statistical insights and personalised content.

NRL Magic Round Secured for Queensland with Landmark Deal Through to 2032

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Courtney

The Queensland Government has officially locked in the long-term future of NRL Magic Round, securing the showpiece event at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium until 2032.

The new six-year agreement between the State Government, the National Rugby League (NRL), and Brisbane City Council ensures the event remains in its foundation home, fending off high-profile rival bids from New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, and New Zealand.

The deal signals a significant evolution for the concept; from 2027, Magic Round will transform into a week-long “festival of footy.” This expansion is timed to accommodate the arrival of the Perth Bears as the NRL’s 18th team, necessitating an additional game in the schedule.

The new format is expected to deliver a broader celebration of rugby league, moving beyond a single weekend to provide greater benefits for fans, communities, and businesses across the state.

Commenting on the announcement, Premier David Crisafulli, said: “Lock it in to 2032 – Magic Round is staying in Queensland exactly where it belongs.”

“We are only just getting started on what Magic Round can be in Queensland – this new deal means it will be bigger, it will be better and we’ll make sure every corner of Queensland gets a chance to share in the magic.”

Adding his enthusiasm, ARLC chair, Peter V’landys AM, added: “This extension reflects that shared ambition and confidence that the partnership will deliver major outcomes for the promotion of rugby league and the state of Queensland.”

“Magic Round has evolved into a major national event with real impact, for tourism, for business engagement, for investment across Queensland and for encouraging participation in rugby league.

“With this new agreement, Magic Round will get even bigger and showcase the best of Queensland to the world,” V’landys said.

NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo, noted: “Magic Round is about turning a great sporting event into a broader cultural and economic moment for the city and the state.”

“This extension means together we will build an even bigger and bolder week, from junior football carnivals to tourism adventures and business forums, showcasing the best of Queensland to the world.

“We want visitors to come for the footy, but stay for everything else Queensland has to offer, exploring more, staying longer, and supporting jobs across the State,” Abdo said.

Statewide Expansion and Community Impact

A cornerstone of the new agreement is the commitment to a stronger statewide footprint. Key initiatives include:

Regional Footy Festival
Regional Live Sites
Enhanced Brisbane Activations

Commercial and Strategic Objectives

The extension serves as a prerequisite for Queensland’s Destination 2045 strategy, which aims to make Queensland Australia’s sporting capital as it builds a “golden runway” of major events leading into the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In addition, the deal incorporates a new industry events calendar running parallel to the matches, designed to drive business engagement, media forums, and long-term investment across the state.

Rackley Swimming and City Venue Management Announce Gold Coast Titans Partnership

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Courtney

The Gold Coast Titans have officially welcomed Rackley Swimming and City Venue Management (CVM) as the club’s Exclusive Swimming Partner.

The multi-year agreement unites two of the Gold Coast’s most prominent community-focused organisations, with a strategic focus on grassroots participation, water safety, and building confidence in young people across the South East Queensland corridor.

Under the partnership, Rackley Swimming will leverage the Titans’ elite sporting platform to connect with families through shared community experiences.

For almost 30 years, Rackley has been a cornerstone of Queensland’s aquatic industry, developing high-performance pathways that have produced Australian Olympians such as Sam Short, Meg Harris, and Maximilian Giuliani.

Commenting on the partnership, CEO of City Venue Management, Jay Clarke, said: “Our team at City Venue Management is passionate about creating environments that bring communities together, and this partnership with the Titans is a strong reflection of that vision.”

“There’s a natural alignment between what we do, building confidence, encouraging participation and creating positive experiences for kids and families, and we’re excited to bring that to life together across the City of Gold Coast,” Clarke said.

Highlighting that the partnership is a mechanical necessity for the club’s vision of connecting elite sport with grassroots engagement, Gold Coast Titans CEO, Stephen Mitchell, added: “We’re proud to use this partnership to connect grassroots participation with elite sport, helping shape stronger, more confident communities across the Gold Coast.”

Strategic Alignment and Community Impact

By aligning with the Titans, CVM aims to further its mission of creating inclusive environments that encourage active lifestyles. The partnership will feature prominently across the Titans’ digital platforms and community programs, with integrated activations designed to promote water safety and healthy living.

As the exclusive swimming partner, Rackley Swimming will play a lead role in the club’s family-centric initiatives, providing Titans supporters with access to expert swimming resources and high-performance squad opportunities.

Red Bull Racing and Crocs Launch Apparel Collaboration Ahead of Canadian GP

Posted on May 15, 2026May 15, 2026 by Courtney

Oracle Red Bull Racing has officially announced a licensing partnership with global footwear brand Crocs. The collaboration is set to debut on May 21, timed to capitalise on the commercial momentum preceding the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix.

The collection features two distinct footwear models and a range of custom “Jibbitz” charms, integrating the team’s iconic navy and red livery into the foam-clog silhouette.

The partnership represents a prerequisite in Formula 1’s modern commercial landscape, where teams are increasingly pivoting toward high-volume consumer goods to diversify revenue streams.

Red Bull Racing has established a reputation for aggressive marketing, and this deal aligns the Milton Keynes-based outfit with a brand that reported moving 250 million pairs globally in recent years through high-profile collaborations.

Product Range and Commercial Strategy

The collection is tiered to appeal to different segments of the F1 fanbase:

The Red Bull Racing Classic Runner (USD85): A more traditional entry-point featuring team colours and branding.
The Crocband Clog (USD95): A high-concept model styled to resemble a racing car, drawing direct comparisons to previous high-demand limited releases.
Custom Jibbitz (USD20): A low-cost accessory set allowing fans to customise existing footwear with the Red Bull Racing logo and motifs.

By targeting a younger demographic, the collaboration follows Liberty Media’s overarching strategy to transform Formula 1 from a niche motorsport into a global lifestyle brand. Unlike traditional technical partnerships, this licensing deal focuses on “mall fashion” and digital-first engagement, leaning heavily on social media activations and the team’s massive online following.

Madonna, Shakira, and BTS to Headline First-Ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show

Posted on May 15, 2026May 15, 2026 by Courtney

FIFA and Global Citizen have announced that global icons Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will co-headline the historic FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Halftime Show.

The performance is scheduled for Sunday, 19 July, at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), marking the first time in the tournament’s history that the final will feature a Super Bowl-style musical showcase.

The show is being produced by Global Citizen in partnership with Live Nation and Done + Dusted, with Coldplay’s Chris Martin serving as the official curator.

The production will also feature legendary characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets, including Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Kermit the Frog, highlighting the event’s focus on global education.

Commenting on the announcement, FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, said: “Madonna, Shakira and BTS are global icons whose music transcends borders and generations, and we are proud to welcome them to the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay.”

“This historic show will also shine a light on a greater purpose by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our shared mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide,” Infantino said.

Co-founder & CEO of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans, noted: “Together with FIFA and our curator Chris Martin of Coldplay, we wanted to create the first halftime moment in history focused on leaving a lasting legacy for children worldwide.”

“By bringing together the world’s greatest artists, football, and a shared commitment to education, we have an opportunity to turn a defining cultural moment into enormous impact through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

“My hope is that in a decade from now, we will see millions of lives impacted, because of this historic moment,” Evans said.

FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show: Star Studded Group for Grassroot Development

Expressing her excitement to perform during the FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, Madonna, shared: “Performing at the World Cup final in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is deeply meaningful to me.”

“Without education, children are denied opportunity before they even have a chance,” said Madonna.

Sharing her comment, FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund board member, Shakira, said: “I’ve spent my life doing two things, making songs and building schools.”

”At the FIFA World Cup, those two paths come together.

“Standing alongside Madonna and BTS, I’ll be performing “Dai Dai”, the song I created for this World Cup and for the kids around the world we will reach with the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund,” she shared.

Adding their excitement, global stars, BTS, said: “Music is the universal language of hope and harmony, and we’re honored to celebrate that power at the World Cup by connecting with millions of viewers around the world in support of children’s education.”

Strategic Impact: The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund

The halftime show is a mechanical necessity for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to mobilising USD100 million (AUD139 million) to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide.

Fundraising Progress: The fund has already raised over USD30 million (AUD41 million).
Ticket Levy: USD1 (AUD1.39) from every ticket sold for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be donated to the fund to support social projects.
Grant Allocation: Earlier this week, FIFA and Global Citizen announced the first group of 27 grassroots organisations across 10 countries to receive grants ranging from USD50,000 (AUD69,520) to USD250,000 (AUD347,550).

Commercial and Cultural Significance

The 2026 World Cup will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across three host nations. FIFA aims to leverage the tournament’s massive commercial reach to drive long-term social impact.

Basketball WA Fortifies Digital Infrastructure with Three-Year Superior IT Partnership

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Courtney

Basketball WA has officially entered a new three-year partnership with Superior IT and its cybersecurity and compliance platform, DefenderSuite.

The agreement is designed to enhance cybersecurity awareness, education, and protection across the entire Western Australian basketball ecosystem, marking a significant transition from an operational relationship into a formalised community-wide initiative.

Over the preceding 12 months, Superior IT has collaborated with Basketball WA to overhaul and manage the organisation’s internal cybersecurity protocols.

The new formalised agreement expands this scope, with a critical focus on safeguarding member data and integrating digital safety into the sport’s broader child protection framework.

Strengthening Community and Association Capability

Commenting on the partnership, Basketball WA CEO, Fabian Ross, said: “Cyber security and member protection are key priorities for Basketball WA.

“Through our connection with Superior IT, we’ve identified opportunities to further strengthen our systems and ensure our infrastructure protects not only the organisation, but our entire community.

“We’re excited to formalise this partnership and provide our Associations and members with access to expert knowledge, tools, and support that will help them operate safely and confidently in an increasingly digital environment,” Ross said.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Superior IT director, Jaron Mott, added: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with Basketball WA, an organisation that genuinely reflects what we believe in: community, performance, and showing up consistently.”

“At Superior IT and DefenderSuite, we believe every organisation deserves the technology and security to operate at their best.

“This partnership goes beyond the sponsorship. It’s about investing in the people, clubs, and businesses that make WA basketball what it is, and being a partner they can count on long-term,” Mott said.

A primary objective of the partnership is the delivery of expert-led education sessions for Basketball WA’s affiliated Associations. These forums will provide local administrators with the tools and insights necessary to navigate emerging cybersecurity trends and threats.

Basketball WA aims to ensure that grassroots organisations can operate with confidence in an increasingly digital landscape.

Strategic Priorities: Protection and Education

The partnership allows the organisation to harden its infrastructure while simultaneously empowering its members through shared knowledge.

Details regarding future education forums and specific cybersecurity services for member associations are expected to be released as the 2026 season progresses.

Gold Coast SUNS Unify AFL and AFLW Programs with New Balance Extension

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Courtney

The Gold Coast SUNS have announced New Balance and Belgravia Apparel to becoming their Official AFLW Apparel Partner.

This agreement ensures that for the first time in the club’s history, both the AFL and AFLW programs will be unified under a single technical outfitter for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

New Balance, which first partnered with the SUNS’ men’s program in 2020, will now serve as the “fabric of the club” across all elite senior football operations. The timing of the announcement is particularly significant, arriving on the eve of the 2026 AFLW pre-season.

Preparations for Rhyce Shaw’s side are scheduled to commence on Monday, 18 May, with the playing group set to don the new performance range immediately.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the partnership, Gold Coast SUNS CEO, Mark Evans said: “New Balance and Belgravia Apparel have been a proud partner of our club for the past six years and we’re delighted to extend upon our existing partnership.”

“Both organisations have a shared focus on providing the best possible products and services to its customers, which will continue to extend to our SUNS members who have had access to several great benefits thanks to New Balance and Belgravia Apparel,” Evans said.

New Balance AUNZ general manager, Dean Howard, noted that the brand has built a deep connection with the club’s supporters over the past six years.

“New Balance & Belgravia Apparel are incredibly proud to deepen our partnership with the Gold Coast SUNS.”

“Over the past six years, we’ve built a strong connection with the club, its players and its supporters, and we’re excited to now extend that commitment across both the AFL and AFLW programs.

“We look forward to supporting the club and athletes and delivering products that help them perform at their best in the seasons ahead,” Howard said.

Immediate Benefits for the SUNS

While AFL on-field and lifestyle ranges are currently available through the SUNS Shop, the technical AFLW on-field and off-field apparel is slated for release ahead of the NAB AFLW season.

This phased rollout allows New Balance and Belgravia Apparel to leverage the peak interest periods of both competitions, maximising merchandise revenue and fan engagement across the calendar year.

Classic Sportswear Unveils ‘Super Wāhine’ to Elevate Aupiki Competition

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Courtney

Classic Sportswear has launched “Super Wāhine,” a major branding and engagement campaign designed to place Super Rugby Aupiki athletes and their jerseys at the forefront of the New Zealand sporting landscape.

As the official outfitter for the 2026 season, Classic is leveraging the initiative to address visibility gaps in the women’s game, positioning the jersey as a premium symbol of mana, identity, and regional pride.

This year’s draw, confirmed to kick off on 13 June, features an extended six-round format and the introduction of the “All In” festival round at Pukekohe.

For Classic, the investment is a prerequisite to capitalise on the surging commercial trajectory of women’s rugby in Aotearoa, following the record-breaking success of recent global tournaments.

Strategic Visual Identity and Athlete Focus

“Super Wāhine”, derived from the Māori word for women and strength, utilises high-impact, premium photography to reframe the Aupiki elite.

The campaign features a hero athlete from each of the four clubs:

Blues Women: Represented as the defending back-to-back champions.
Chiefs Manawa: Consistently featured as top-tier contenders.
Hurricanes Poua: Strengthened by elite international signings for 2026.
Matatū: Symbolising the pride of the South Island.

By featuring three additional players from each region, Classic aims to showcase the depth of talent within the 118-player pool named for the 2026 season.

The campaign positions the 2026 kit not merely as high-performance apparel but as “the armour of the Aupiki elite,” designed to foster a deeper emotional connection with fans.

Commercial and Structural Alignment

The “Super Wāhine” launch is timed to coincide with a new three-year Partnership Agreement between New Zealand Rugby and the Rugby Players Association.

This agreement introduces a new contracting model for Super Rugby Aupiki, increasing investment in player retention and welfare.

FIFA and PIF Announce Landmark Partnership for 2026 World Cup

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Courtney

FIFA and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) have announced a partnership with PIF as their Official Tournament Supporter in North America and Asia for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

This agreement marks an expansion of Saudi Arabia’s global sporting footprint, aligning the world’s most watched sporting event with PIF’s recently approved 2026–2030 strategy.

The partnership aims to facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity-building for Saudi youth, effectively bridging the gap between grassroots development and elite global competition.

Global Engagement Through Savvy and Qiddiya

The partnership will be activated through two of PIF’s key portfolio companies: Savvy Games Group, the Kingdom’s champion for games and esports, and Qiddiya City, the future global hub for entertainment and sport.

These entities are tasked with driving innovative fan engagement initiatives and delivering unique experiences for the football community throughout the tournament.

FIFA chief business officer, Romy Gai Noted that the collaboration will foster innovation and engage youth on an unprecedented scale.

“Together, we look forward to delivering a historic tournament that inspires and unites fans from around the world.”

“The partnership with PIF will help grow our sport across the globe through unlocking new opportunities, fostering innovation and engaging youth, ensuring that millions of young people have the chance to play football and enjoy its many benefits,” said Gai.

For PIF, this partnership prioritises sport within the broader tourism, leisure, and entertainment ecosystem.

Head of corporate brand at PIF, Mohamed AlSayyad, emphasised that football is at the heart of the fund’s growth, building on previous ties with the FIFA Club World Cup and Concacaf.

“PIF continues to expand its global footprint in sport, with football at the heart of this growth.

“This partnership builds on our existing FIFA relationship from last year’s FIFA Club World Cup – and our work with Concacaf – to deliver a positive and lasting impact.

“PIF continues to accelerate the growth of football globally by expanding access to the game and creating opportunities that benefit players, fans and the wider football ecosystem,” AlSayyad said.

A Historic Tournament Milestone

The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest in the tournament’s history.

Key details include:

Expanded Format: The tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time, an increase from the traditional 32.
Tri-National Hosting: Matches will be staged across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Duration: The tournament is scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July 2026, culminating in a final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Match Volume: A record 104 matches will be played, significantly increasing the inventory for commercial and fan engagement.

The announcement arrives as Saudi Arabia continues its ascent in the football world, notably as the sole bidder for the FIFA World Cup 2034™.

Enerven Extends Partnership with Port Adelaide Football Club

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Courtney

Power Community has announced that Enerven has extended its partnership for a fourth year in 2026.

The renewed agreement maintains Enerven’s role as a major partner of the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup and expands its commitment to include a key support partnership for the club’s Empowered program.

Stating that the partnership is built on a genuine commitment to making a practical difference in the communities the company serves, Enerven CEO Richard Amato said: “Now in its fourth year, our partnership with the Port Adelaide Football Club and Power Community Limited is built on shared values and a genuine commitment to making a difference in the communities we serve.”

“Through Power Community Limited, we’ve seen first-hand the impact these programs have, so continuing our support was a natural next step for us,” Mr Amato said.

Strengthening the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup

The Santos Aboriginal Power Cup is the flagship community program for the Port Adelaide Football Club, engaging hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from metropolitan, regional, and remote areas.

Educational Focus: Students participate in curriculum-based learning that emphasizes school attendance, cultural connection, and personal growth.
Impact: Enerven’s ongoing support has specifically enabled the program to expand into remote communities, helping to break down barriers to participation and keep young people engaged in education.
Culmination: The program concludes annually with a carnival held at Adelaide Oval.

Expansion into the Empowered Program

For the first time, Enerven will also become a key support partner of the Empowered program, which focuses on supporting young women.

Core Objectives: The program is designed to help participants build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills through workshops and mentoring.
Strategic Growth: Power Community Limited General Manager Jake Battifuoco noted that this partnership “uplift” allows for greater investment in supporting young women to understand healthy relationships and foster a well-developed sense of self.
Outcomes: The initiative provides tools for young women to navigate life challenges, strengthen their wellbeing, and explore future pathways in employment and education.

Netflix Announce NFL Partnership with Landmark Melbourne Game in 2026

Posted on May 15, 2026May 15, 2026 by Courtney

Netflix has announced an expansion of its NFL partnership for the 2026 season, highlighted by the broadcast of the first-ever regular season game to be played in Australia.

Netflix will broadcast a total of five games globally in 2026, covering key holiday windows, regular season milestones, and the annual NFL Honors ceremony.

NFL Australia & New Zealand General Manager Charlotte Offord noted that the region now boasts over 8.8 million fans, representing a 47% increase over the last three years. The league’s presence in Australia has matured rapidly since opening a local office in 2022, followed by the launch of national flag football and the NFL APAC Academy.

Historic Kick-off at the MCG

The partnership reaches a significant milestone in Week 1, when Netflix broadcasts the San Francisco 49ers versus the Los Angeles Rams live from the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Scheduled for Friday, 11 September at 10:35 am AEST, the event marks the first time a regular season NFL game has been staged in Australia. This fixture is part of a record-breaking slate of nine international games across four continents and seven countries in 2026.

Expanded Broadcast Slate

Beyond the Melbourne season opener, Netflix’s 2026 schedule includes several high-profile broadcasts designed to capture global audiences:

Thanksgiving Eve: The platform will host the NFL’s first-ever Thanksgiving Eve game on 26 November, featuring the Green Bay Packers at the Los Angeles Rams.
Boxing Day Tradition: Continuing its holiday presence, Netflix will air two games on 26 December, following a 2025 Christmas broadcast that averaged 26.5 million global viewers.
Regular Season Finale: A new addition for 2026 is a Week 18 game on 10 January, featuring critical playoff implications.
NFL Honors: Netflix will stream the league’s annual awards presentation globally during Super Bowl week in February.

Strategic International Growth

Along with Melbourne, the 2026 international schedule includes games in Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Madrid, Munich, and Mexico City.

By making these games available in over 200 countries, Netflix provides the NFL with the global infrastructure necessary to bypass traditional broadcast fragmentation and build direct relationships with an international fanbase.

While Netflix holds the global streaming rights for these specific fixtures, the league confirmed that further details regarding local broadcast partners for the remainder of the season in Australia and New Zealand will be announced in due course.

Racing Queensland Launches Inaugural Apprentice Jockey Program for 2026

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Courtney

Racing Queensland (RQ) has officially opened the intake for its 2026 Queensland Apprentice Jockey Program, a landmark initiative aimed at identifying and developing the next generation of elite jockeys.

The program marks a reinvestment in the state’s racing talent pipeline and re-establishes Queensland as a leader in racing education and high-performance development.

Commenting on the initiative, acting RQ CEO, Lachlan Murray, said: “Racing Queensland is committed to giving every apprentice the best possible opportunity to succeed, both during their apprenticeship and throughout their broader careers in racing.”

Adding that the program is a key pillar of RQ’s Industry Workforce Strategy, education and workforce development manager, Briony Moore, added:

Selection Process and Induction

Prospective participants have until 21 May 2026 to submit their Expressions of Interest.

Successful candidates will be selected following a comprehensive screening process that includes:

Medical and fitness assessments: Ensuring participants meet the physical demands of professional racing.
Riding assessments: Evaluating technical skills and foundational abilities.
Industry qualifications: Completing necessary certifications required to thrive in a competitive racing environment.

The inaugural intake will be formally announced ahead of an induction ceremony scheduled for 5 August 2026.

‘The Racing Institute’ and High-Performance Support

The Queensland Apprentice Jockey Program will be located at ‘The Racing Institute,’ a new state-of-the-art education and high-performance training centre located at the Gold Coast Turf Club. This facility will serve as a national hub for both accredited qualifications and non-accredited training initiatives.

Participants in the program will receive holistic support, including:

Elite Coaching
Mentoring
Wellbeing Services