Ministry of Sport

Aussie Broadband Opens Applications for Second Year of $100,000 Community Cricket Tech Fund with Cricket Australia

Posted on November 2, 2026 by Courtney

ASX-listed telecommunications company Aussie Broadband has officially opened grant applications for the second year of its Community Cricket Tech Fund, supported by Cricket Australia.

The initiative will make $100,000 in technology funding available across two allocation rounds during the 2026/27 domestic cricket season, serving as part of Aussie Broadband’s broader three-year, $300,000 commitment to supporting grassroots cricket clubs across the country.

Under year two of the program, successful community clubs will receive a technology hardware package consisting of an iPad 11 with a protective case, paired with a 12-month 5G data-only SIM plan.

The technology additions are designed to eliminate administrative burdens for volunteers, assist with match-day scoring, modernise tuck-shop operations, and improve overall digital connectivity for local sporting communities.

The first application window closes at 5:00 PM AEDT on 7 December 2026, with successful applicants notified on 15 December ahead of a second grant round opening in early January 2027.

Aussie Broadband executive general manager for marketing, product & brand, Rebecca Rizzo, highlighted the practical impact of the fund in relieving administrative pressure on grassroots volunteers.

“Upon launching our Community Cricket Tech Fund earlier this year, we have supported 36 grassroots cricket clubs across Australia with practical technology additions that remove cumbersome admin tasks and allow them to focus on championing a love for the game of cricket.”

“Whether they are looking for easier ways to score matches, remove ageing hardware, record match statistics, or simply create a more connected, inclusive cricket experience for families across communities, we encourage clubs to apply,” Rizzo said.

Cricket Australia chief commercial officer, Ed Sanders, commended the ongoing partnership and its role in improving community club infrastructure.

“We were thrilled to see such a positive response to the Aussie Broadband Community Cricket Technology Fund in its first season.”

“36 clubs were able to benefit from improved technology access, which has helped the work of volunteers at grassroots level.

“We look forward to year two of the grant and, together with Aussie Broadband, helping more clubs connect and enjoy an enhanced experience with technology and cricket administration.

“With Aussie Broadband contributing $300,000 to the fund over three years, we will see a significant impact for community cricket clubs across Australia,” Sanders said.

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Melbourne Storm Secures Commercial Partnership with Aussie Pet Food Brand Perfect Bowl Exclusively at Petstock

Posted on November 2, 2026 by Courtney

National Rugby League (NRL) club, Melbourne Storm has announced a new commercial agreement with Australian-made and owned dog food brand Perfect Bowl, available exclusively through national pet specialty retailer Petstock.

The partnership aligns the sports franchise with the pet care sector, tapping into member demographic trends to deliver exclusive brand offers and consumer promotions.

Under the commercial agreement, Perfect Bowl will integrate into Melbourne Storm’s consumer and digital channels ahead of the 2027 NRL season.

Melbourne Storm chief commercial and customer officer Tayah Bot, welcomed Perfect Bowl to the club’s commercial partner portfolio.

“Perfect Bowl is a great fit for Melbourne Storm, particularly given the strong connection many of our members and fans have with their pets.”

“Perfect Bowl places a strong emphasis on quality and doing things the right way, with their fresh, nutritious range of dog food.

“We’re proud to partner with an Australian-owned brand and look forward to working together to deliver some great offers and experiences for our members,” Bot said.

Petstock Group director of Pet Culture, Michael Perna, highlighted the alignment between professional athletics and high-grade pet nutrition.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Melbourne Storm, one of Australia’s most respected sporting clubs.”

“At Perfect Bowl, we believe every dog deserves the same level of care and nutrition that elite athletes receive, which is why we’re passionate about making fresh, lightly cooked, Aussie-made, nutrition simple and accessible for dogs and their parents everywhere.”

The brand will secure direct placement within official 2027 Melbourne Storm membership packs, offering registered club members exclusive product access and promotional discounts.

Additionally, Perfect Bowl will feature across the club’s digital media network, executing targeted digital marketing campaigns and fan-engagement initiatives throughout the partnership window.

McDonald’s Secures Commercial Partnership with One New Zealand Warriors as Official Restaurant Partner

Posted on November 2, 2026 by Courtney

Global quick-service restaurant corporation McDonald’s has entered into a three-year commercial partnership with National Rugby League franchise the One New Zealand Warriors, securing exclusive rights as the club’s official restaurant partner.

Under the multi-year deal, the iconic McDonald’s golden arches branding will feature on the left back position of the playing shorts across all six of the Warriors’ representative teams, including their NRL, NRLW, New South Wales Cup, Jersey Flegg Cup, SG Ball Cup, and Harold Matthews Cup squads.

One New Zealand Warriors CEO, Cameron George, welcomed the addition of the international food brand to the club’s corporate portfolio.

“We’re so excited to welcome a company of the calibre of McDonald’s to our family of partners.”

“McDonald’s is a brand that connects people, and their commitment to supporting sport from the grassroots level to the professional stage aligns perfectly with our club values,” George said.

McDonald’s New Zealand director of marketing, Luke Rive, highlighted the opportunity to leverage the brand’s national franchise network to drive community engagement alongside the club.

“We’re stoked to be joining the One New Zealand Warriors’ whānau.”

“We’ve been long-time admirers of the club and jumped at the opportunity to get involved.

“Our franchisees around the country are looking forward to celebrating our connection with the Wahs in the communities in which they operate.

“We’ve got some great plans underway and are confident the fans will be lovin’ it.

“We’re so grateful to Wendy’s for the way they have supported us for almost 20 years.

“We thank them for the passion and energy they brought to their partnership with us and wish them all the best for the future,” George said.

The commercial agreement coincides with the 50th anniversary of McDonald’s establishing its operational footprint in New Zealand, having opened its first local restaurant in Porirua in 1976. As the country’s largest quick-service restaurant chain, McDonald’s operates nearly 180 outlets across New Zealand via 53 local franchisees, employing over 10,000 staff members locally and serving an estimated 1.5 million customers weekly. The deal also marks a major transition in the club’s corporate partner roster, concluding an 18-year commercial association with outgoing restaurant partner Wendy’s, which had supported the Auckland-based franchise since 2008.

Dolphins NRL Appoint OXEN as Official On-Field Apparel Partner from 2027

Posted on November 2, 2026 by Courtney

National Rugby League (NRL) franchise the Dolphins has announced a major commercial agreement with United Kingdom-based sportswear brand OXEN, designating the company as the club’s Official Technical and On-Field Apparel Partner starting from the 2027 NRL season.

The deal expands an existing partnership between the two entities, which previously saw OXEN support the Dolphins Academy and serve as an official boot partner. The multi-year agreement marks OXEN’s primary entry into the NRL playing kit market, with the Dolphins becoming the first Australian club to wear the brand’s on-field technical gear.

Sharing the importance of expanding the existing relationship to serve both elite players and the broader fan base, Dolphins CEO, Terry Reader, said: “OXEN has been a valued partner of the Dolphins and we’re excited to take that relationship to the next level.”

“Their support of our Academy and players has been an important part of our partnership, and we’re looking forward to building on that as they become our On-Field Apparel Partner.

“Our jersey is an important part of who we are as a club.

“It represents our players, our supporters and our community, and we’re excited to work with OXEN to bring that to life in 2027.

“Importantly, OXEN has a real fan focus – our gear from next year will not just be high-performance for our players, but will bring a greater offering for our fans and members as well,” Reader said.

OXEN Sports CEO, Lee Jenkinson, highlighted the significance of establishing an on-field apparel presence within the NRL.

“We’re incredibly proud to be joining the Dolphins at such an exciting stage in the club’s journey.”

“We understand what clubs mean to their supporters, and we understand that a kit is so much more than something players wear on matchday.

“Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do, and Dolphins fans will begin to see that with the 2027 home kit.

“We’re really excited to reveal what we’ve been working on,” Jenkinson said.

To support its expansion across the Asia-Pacific region, OXEN has invested in an Australian headquarters and distribution facility to streamline local operations, supply chain logistics, and retail distribution for both performance gear and fan merchandise.

The partnership was unveiled alongside a commercial preview of the Dolphins’ 2027 home jersey—titled ‘ECHO’—at an exclusive stakeholder event on Caxton Street.

Netball New Zealand Collapses Private League Deal with Investors Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams

Posted on November 2, 2026 by Courtney

Netball New Zealand (NNZ) has officially terminated negotiations to privatise its domestic elite competition, ending an eight-week process with high-profile investors Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams.

The decision, reached during a Netball NZ board meeting, leaves the governance structure, player pathways, and commercial framework of the 2027 domestic competition in deep uncertainty.

Commercial Background and Negotiations

The national body originally selected the Mowbray-Williams proposal in August 2026 as its preferred private investment pathway, signing a non-binding term sheet to launch a minimum five-team private franchise league in 2027. The proposal emerged as an essential financial lifeline after Netball NZ reported projected annual losses of up to $6 million, with $3.7 million directly attributed to the operational costs of running the ANZ Premiership.

Under incoming CEO, Jennah Wootten, Netball NZ was working towards a long-form agreement encompassing franchise licences, competition windows, broadcast rights, and revenue-sharing structures.

However, following the passage of an early-October deadline, NNZ confirmed that its core objectives and governance principles could not be aligned with the investors, leading to the termination of talks.

Executive and Investor Reactions

Investors Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams—who also co-own A-League Men side Auckland FC—expressed dismay over the decision, stating they were formally notified via email without prior consultation or detailed operational justification.

“Ali and I gave this everything.”

“Our time, our money and our hearts.

“We did it because we’ve seen what a team can do for a community.

“With Auckland FC we’ve watched families come together, kids find heroes and a city find its voice. Yesterday that ended with an email. No reason. No call,” Mowbray and Williams said in an official statement.

Netball NZ CEO, Jennah Wootten, stated that discussions were conducted in good faith but acknowledged that key structural terms could not be finalised.

“Netball NZ had key objectives and principles that had to be met as we contemplated privatisation of the elite domestic competition.”

“There has been considerable effort on both sides to try to make this work,” Wootten said.

Strategic & High-Performance Implications

The abrupt collapse of the privatisation deal deepens a ongoing crisis across the New Zealand netball ecosystem:

Player Exodus and Eligibility Deregulation: Prolonged financial and operational uncertainty previously forced Netball NZ to loosen its national eligibility rules, allowing Silver Ferns players to compete in overseas leagues while remaining eligible for national selection. This policy shift resulted in 13 Kiwi athletes signing contracts in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball (SSN)—including ten members of the Commonwealth Games gold medal squad—alongside five players joining the UK Netball Superleague.
Athlete Welfare Concerns: The New Zealand Netball Players Association (NZNPA) expressed significant concern for domestic athletes and support staff who had delayed career and contract decisions pending the privatization outcome. NZNPA General Manager Pippa Moore noted a sharp increase in players seeking mental health and financial support following the announcement.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Announce Partnership Extension with Geely Auto Australia Through 2028

Posted on November 2, 2026 by Courtney

Global automotive brand Geely Auto Australia has confirmed a two-year extension of its commercial partnership with National Rugby League (NRL) club the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, extending the relationship through the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

Under the upgraded commercial agreement, Geely will transition from its current front-of-shorts placement to secure elevated branding on the lower back of the Bulldogs’ official NRL playing jersey. The manufacturer will also maintain its designation as the Official Vehicle Partner and Official Electric Vehicle Partner of the club.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs CEO, Aaron Warburton, welcomed the expanded commercial commitment from the automotive company.

“Geely is a brand on the move, they arrived in Australia in 2025 and are already one of the fastest-growing car brands in the country, and we’re thrilled to welcome them onto our NRL jersey for 2027.

“Geely share our ambition and drive to innovate. As a global leader in their industry, they’ve backed our Club, our Members and our community, and we’re proud to take the next step together,” Warburton said.

Geely Auto Australia managing manaer, Alex Gu, highlighted the strategic value of aligning with the rugby league club’s broad community reach.

“The Geely Auto brand has grown significantly during our time in Australia, and it’s been rewarding to see our partnership with the Bulldogs evolve with us.”

“Having established a strong foundation together, this next chapter of our partnership provides an opportunity to connect with more Australians through one of the country’s most passionate communities.

“We’re proud to be on this journey together and look forward to exploring our partnership further in 2027 and beyond,” Gu said.

Geely initially entered the Australian sports sponsorship landscape in November 2025 by partnering with Canterbury-Bankstown.

The relationship has focused on interactive fan engagements and match-day activations at Accor Stadium. During the 2026 NRL season, Geely headlined the club’s Round 24 match-day activation, featuring its newly launched Geely EX2 model and awarding the electric vehicle to a registered Bulldogs member as part of a major consumer promotion.

College Sports Commission Releases Historic Student-Athlete Compensation Data Following House Settlement

Posted on November 2, 2026 by Courtney

The College Sports Commission (CSC) has published its inaugural aggregated and anonymised compensation dataset, detailing direct institutional revenue-sharing distributions alongside cleared third-party Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) transactions for NCAA Division I student-athletes.

The landmark release establishes the first comprehensive financial picture of the modern collegiate athletic ecosystem following the formal implementation of institutional revenue sharing under the House v. NCAA settlement framework on 1 July 2025.

Regulatory Infrastructure and Compliance Oversight

The published metrics reflect financial data processed across two central regulatory platforms:

College Athlete Payment System (CAPS): Developed by the CSC to monitor, record, and regulate direct institutional revenue-sharing payouts. Under the initial year of the House framework, participating Division I athletic departments operated under a maximum institutional revenue-sharing cap of USD20.5 million (AUD29.1 million) per school for the 2025–26 academic year.
NIL Go Clearinghouse: The centralised regulatory platform operated by the CSC in strategic partnership with Deloitte to evaluate third-party commercial contracts valued at or above USD600 (AUD853). The system assesses commercial agreements for fair market value compliance and valid business purpose to ensure institutional alignment and valid commercial intent.

Sport-Specific Reporting Parameters

To accommodate differing operational calendars, championship schedules, and contract terms, the CSC established distinct data collection windows across Division I sports:

Football: Captures direct institutional revenue-sharing payments made or scheduled for student-athletes on 2026 rosters between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2026, paired with third-party NIL contracts cleared through NIL Go from 1 January 2026 through 30 September 2026. (All contingent performance incentives within revenue-sharing agreements are treated as scheduled payouts during the active competitive season).
Men’s and Women’s Basketball: Covers institutional revenue-share allocations for 2025–26 rosters between 1 July 2025 and 6 April 2026, alongside third-party NIL agreements cleared between 11 June 2025 and 6 April 2026.
Olympic and Varsity Sports: Incorporates revenue-sharing payouts reported via CAPS from 1 July 2025 through 30 June 2026, together with cleared NIL Go submissions executed between 11 June 2025 and 30 June 2026.

Methodology Constraints and Data Definitions

The dataset incorporates clear structural parameters to standardise compensation reporting across Division I athletic programs:

Excluded Benefits: Figures omit traditional athletic grants-in-aid, standard academic tuition scholarships, cost-of-attendance stipends, and post-academic Alston achievement awards.
Percentile Metrics: Payout ranges are reported across median (50th percentile) and 90th percentile benchmarks relative to cohort sample sizes ( $n$ ).
“With $0” vs. “Without $0” Cohorts: “With $0” datasets account for every rostered student-athlete within a designated sport or position regardless of payment status, whereas “Without $0” isolates only those athletes who received or are scheduled to receive direct revenue-share allocations.
Contracted Value vs. Annualised Earnings: Third-party NIL metrics reflect total contract values cleared via NIL Go during the reporting window, excluding rostered student-athletes who did not record cleared deals.

Aggregate Market Footprint

Aggregated data confirms that participating Division I member institutions distributed USD1.77 billion (AUD2.51) in direct revenue-sharing payments via CAPS through June 2026.

Concurrently, the NIL Go clearinghouse processed over USD582 million (AUD827 million) across more than 46,000 third-party commercial agreements, establishing a transparent baseline for financial oversight across American collegiate sports.

North Melbourne Kangaroos Break Club Membership Record by Surpassing 60,000 Milestone in 2026

Posted on November 2, 2026 by Courtney

Australian Football League club North Melbourne has set an all-time membership record after surpassing 60,000 official members for the first time in the organisation’s history.

Throughout the 2026 campaign, the club officially recorded 60,231 registered members, representing a substantial increase over the previous benchmark of 56,283 established in 2025 and an addition of nearly 10,000 members since 2024, when the club first crossed 50,628 members.

The final total was bolstered by a record 8,344 AFLW members following back-to-back premiership titles for the women’s team, alongside targeted commercial activations such as a $6 promotional membership campaign tied to key player retention after midfielder George Wardlaw signed a two-year contract extension.

North Melbourne chief executive, Jen Watt, praised the dedicated supporter base for driving commercial momentum across both elite football programs.

“Our loyal fanbase has delivered once again, and reaching 60,000 members for the first time is an achievement all Kangaroos fans should be immensely proud of.”

“To reflect on where we were just two years ago when we were thrilled to hit 50,000 members, and to see us cross 60,000 today shows the extraordinary momentum and commitment building right across our club.

“We shared some fantastic moments together in 2026, highlighted by a memorable Good Friday SuperClash victory in front of 45,919 fans at Marvel Stadium, where we played nine home games following our transition back from Tasmania.

“We also saw incredible turnout for our double-header against Geelong, which set a new club attendance record for an AFLW match.

“On behalf of the club, thank you to every single one of our 60,231 members, we look forward to welcoming you back for 2027,” Watt said.

The landmark achievement coincides with North Melbourne’s full operational transition back to Victoria following the conclusion of its Tasmanian venue arrangement, hosting nine home fixtures at Marvel Stadium during the 2026 AFL season.

Match-day attendance records contributed to the membership growth, highlighted by a crowd of 45,919 spectators during the Good Friday SuperClash victory, as well as a record club turnout for an AFLW match during a marquee double-header fixture against Geelong.

Melbourne Stars Appoint Mimosa Homes as Official Residential Building Partner and Matchday Sponsor

Posted on November 2, 2026 by Courtney

Melbourne Stars has secured a two-year partnership with Victorian home builder Mimosa Homes, naming the company as the Official Residential Home Building Partner and Official Matchday Presenting Partner for the upcoming WBBL and BBL seasons.

The deal unites two Melbourne-based organisations focused on community engagement and family-centric summer activations across metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong.

Under the agreement, Mimosa Homes will establish a commercial presence at both the Junction Oval and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, taking an active role in match-day fan engagement initiatives throughout the club’s domestic T20 campaigns.

Commenting on the partnership, Melbourne Stars GM, James Rosengarten, said: “At the Melbourne Stars we are all about creating a family friendly environment and long-lasting memories for our community.”

“Mimosa Homes mirrors these values and have a big impact on families across Melbourne.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing this come to life at the cricket and have no doubt it will be the beginning of a great partnership,” Rosengarten said.

A spokesperson for Mimosa Homes emphasised the natural alignment with the cricket club’s community focus and family audience.

“At Mimosa Homes, we believe a home is more than just bricks and mortar.”

It’s where families come together, memories are made and communities grow.

“The Melbourne Stars share our commitment to bringing families and communities together, making this partnership a natural fit.

“We’re incredibly excited to join the Stars family and look forward to supporting the club while connecting with families both on and off the field,” Mimosa Homes said.

Additionally, the residential builder will serve as a key sponsor for the Stars’ annual Family Day, driving grassroots interactions between professional players, young fans, and local communities outside of match fixtures.

The partnership provides Mimosa Homes with valuable brand placement and activation assets to reach first home buyers, growing families, and property investors across Victoria’s key growth corridors.

Sydney FC and Official Apparel Partner Under Armour Unveil First A-League Kit Dedicated to Active Supporters

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Courtney

Sydney FC and official apparel partner Under Armour have launched the club’s third kit for the 2026–27 A-Leagues season, marking the first jersey in competition dedicated exclusively to a club’s active supporter group, The Cove in Bay 23.

Designed to honour the long-standing bond between the organisation and its core fanbase, the black and charcoal third kit incorporates visual representations of supporter culture directly into the fabric.

The front of the shirt features charcoal grey silhouettes depicting members of The Cove in full voice with scarves, merchandise, and signage, alongside iconic Sydney landmarks like the Harbour Bridge, while a dedicated Bay 23 emblem is positioned below the collar on the top left shoulder.

The design is rounded out by an iconic blue deconstructed Sydney FC crest and a ‘We Are Sydney’ bottom embellishment.

Sydney FC Men’s captain, Rhyan Grant, emphasised the role active supporters play in generating home-ground advantage and driving team performance.

“Win or lose, The Cove supporters are always showing up, and have never wavered in their support of us, bringing the noise that makes the atmosphere of every game we play,” Grant said.

Sydney FC Women’s captain, Natalie Tobin, echoed those sentiments, highlighting the unified culture spanning both senior elite teams.

“Without The Cove and Bay 23 supporting us, and continuing to show up for all of our games, we wouldn’t be the club that we are today.”

“At Sydney FC we really value the pride and the support that the fans have for us, so being able to capture and share that club pride with the supporters through this kit is amazing,” Tobin said.

Sydney FC executive vice-chairman, Sebastian Gray, added the commercial milestone for the A-Leagues club.

“The Cove has been part of the fabric of Sydney FC since the very beginning.”

“As the first A-League club to dedicate a kit to its active support, we’re recognising everything our supporters have given this Club: their voice, their loyalty and their passion. It’s a kit made for the fans, inspired by the fans, and we couldn’t be prouder to see it worn on the pitch and in the stands,” Gray said.

Both the Sydney FC Men’s and Women’s First Team squads will debut the new third kit on pitch this weekend during their respective away fixtures against Melbourne City and the Brisbane Roar. The commercial release also includes full retail availability across the club’s official e-commerce channels, providing active supporters and the broader fanbase with dedicated apparel that reflects their match-day contribution to stadium atmosphere at home and away.

Golf Australia Appoints Former Matildas Executive Sarah Walsh

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Courtney

Golf Australia has announced the appointment of former Matildas international and seasoned sports executive Sarah Walsh as General Manager, Golfer Growth and Engagement, tasked with leading participation expansion and improving retention strategies across the sport.

Walsh joins the governing body following more than ten years at Football Australia, where she spearheaded national game development initiatives, directed the whole-of-sport Legacy ’23 strategy for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, and served as Chief Executive Officer of the Local Organising Committee for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

Golf Australia CEO, James Sutherland, commended Walsh’s commercial track record in aligning sporting stakeholders and building sustainable participation pathways.

“Sarah has a strong track record of growing participation and creating inclusive environments that encourage people to want to stay involved in sport.”

“Golf is in a strong position, with well over four million people playing in Australia in some form last year.

“Our job now is to make sure the people coming through the door stay and bring others with them.

“Sarah has done that in football, bringing clubs, government and partners together behind a plan, and her experience will be valuable as we work with the industry on the next stage of growth,” Sutherland said.

Incoming GM, Walsh, highlighted the immense growth potential across the Australian sporting landscape.

“I’m excited by the challenge of joining a new sport. As a truly global sport, golf is already on an impressive growth trajectory, with so much more potential through creating better experiences for all communities.”

“Golf is uniquely a game for life, and there’s a real opportunity to welcome more people in. I’ve seen what a sport can achieve when it unites around a clear ambition – golf is ready for that, and our aim will be to make sure that everyone who tries it has a reason to stay.

“I’m looking forward to working with the already well-established Golf Australia team, and with all the stakeholders who bring the game to life on the ground.” Walsh said.

Commencing in her executive role on Wednesday 4 November, Walsh will oversee the operational execution of the Belong pillar within Golf Australia’s national strategy. Her department, rebranded from Golf Participation to Golfer Growth and Engagement, manages primary entry-level participant pathways including MyGolf, Get Into Golf, Tee Mates, and targeted Women & Girls Engagement initiatives in close collaboration with State Associations, facility operators, delivery partners, and the PGA of Australia.

The division currently manages programs that reached over 190,000 participants across more than 560 venues nationwide in the past year, doubling participation numbers over a five-year period and generating direct revenue streams for local delivery clubs and PGA Professionals. With over four million Australians playing golf in various forms last year, Walsh’s core strategic objective will focus on converting casual participants into permanent club members and long-term participants.

Wellington Phoenix Renews Commercial Partnership with Family-Owned Dealership Group Gazley

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand A-Leagues club Wellington Phoenix has confirmed a commercial partnership renewal with local family-owned automotive group Gazley, extending the relationship into its sixth consecutive year.

The agreement encompasses commercial support across both the club’s A-League Men and A-League Women outfits for the 2026–27 season.

Under the renewed terms, Gazley will supply the club’s administrative and operational vehicle fleet, leveraging British automotive manufacturer MG as the official vehicle provider for the team’s transport logistics.

Gazley, which has operated across Wellington and the Kapiti Coast for over two decades, will also retain elevated corporate hospitality assets and venue signage rights at Sky Stadium.

Welcoming the continued commercial backing from the Wellington business institution, Wellington Phoenix GM, David Dome, said: “Gazley’s commitment to this Club and this city is really special, and seeing the partnership continue to develop is fantastic for everyone at the Phoenix.”

“Myles is a passionate Wellingtonian, and the support he provides for both our men’s and women’s sides is amazing.

“We look forward to welcoming Myles, his team and their guests to the stadium this season,” Dome said.

Gazley Owner, Myles Gazley, expressed pride in backing both elite football teams across the regional market.

“I’m so proud to be involved with the Phoenix in 26-27, and as a father of two sporty girls I’m thrilled we are now a sponsor of the amazing women’s team too.

“I have a feeling this will be the Phoenix’s year, and we will be there all the way,” Gazley said.

USTA and IBM Announce Five-Year Extension to Securing AI and Cloud Partnership Through 2031

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Courtney

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and technology giant IBM have agreed to a five-year extension of their long-standing commercial and technical partnership, ensuring IBM remains the Official Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Partner of the US Open Grand Slam tournament through 2031.

The multi-year renewal extends a 35-year operational relationship that began with the launch of USOpen.org in 1995 and the tournament’s first mobile app in 2009, continuing the deployment of hybrid cloud and generative artificial intelligence architectures across the national governing body’s digital ecosystem.

The commercial extension follows a record-breaking 2026 US Open that generated significant global fan engagement across both physical and digital channels. Platforms powered by IBM logged more than 270 million total fan interactions across USOpen.org and the official US Open mobile application combined.

The 2026 tournament introduced new fan-facing generative AI tools, including Live Updates, momentum-tracking Key Moments, and a data-heavy Serve Quality metric that processes tracking data from ball, racquet, and player motion.

On-site attendance reached a record 1.2 million fans over the three-week event, including 300,000 attendees during Fan Week.

Across owned social media channels, the USTA recorded 3.9 billion interactions, a 26 per cent increase compared to 2025, while broadcast partner ESPN delivered its highest viewership since 2022, with the men’s and women’s singles finals averaging 3 million viewers.

Global broadcast coverage accumulated a record 374 million viewer hours throughout the tournament.

VP of Sports and Entertainment Partnerships at IBM, Kameryn Stanhouse, highlighted the role of data processing in driving digital value for sports properties.

“For 35 years, IBM and the USTA have worked together to redefine how technology can bring fans closer to the game.

“This renewal builds on that legacy, bringing IBM technology to the next generation of the US Open fan experience.

“It’s also a powerful example of what’s possible when organisations turn complex data into meaningful experiences that create more value for their audiences,” Stanhouse said.

Senior director of digital strategy at the USTA, Brian Ryerson, noted that technological innovation remains central to the tournament’s global engagement strategy.

“Our partnership with IBM has produced decades of groundbreaking innovation for the US Open and for our fans.”

“Every year we utilise cutting-edge technology to not only push the boundaries of digital engagement but to provide our fans the most useful and interesting ways to connect with our sport.

“We’re grateful for everything our partnership with IBM has produced and I’m very excited to see where our work goes over the next five years,” Ryerson said.

Queensland Country Bank Extends Principal Partnership with Brisbane Heat Through 2027–28 Season

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Courtney

Queensland Country Bank and Big Bash League franchise the Brisbane Heat have announced a major extension of their Principal Partnership, securing their commercial arrangement through to the end of the 2027–28 season.

The extension arrives on the eve of the 2026 Weber Women’s Big Bash League season opener, where the Heat face the Sydney Sixers at Allan Border Field.

Under the extended agreement, Queensland Country Bank retains front-of-jersey branding across the Brisbane Heat’s official playing and training apparel across both the WBBL and KFC BBL competitions.

Commenting on the partnership, Queensland Cricket CEO, Terry Svenson, said: “Queensland Country Bank has become an invaluable part of the Brisbane Heat family and we’re thrilled to extend our partnership through to the 2027-28 season.”

“Since joining us as Principal Partner, Queensland Country Bank has embraced every opportunity to engage with our members, fans and communities, while helping us grow the game and deliver memorable experiences on and off the field.

“The partnership is built on shared values, a commitment to Queensland communities, and a desire to make a positive impact.

“We’re excited to continue building on that success together over the coming years,” Svenson said.

Queensland Country Bank CEO, Aaron Newman, highlighted how the sports sponsorship supports corporate growth and brand awareness across the state.

“Queensland Country Bank and the Brisbane Heat have a lot in common.”

“We’re both proudly Queensland, we’re passionate about our communities, and we understand the importance of bringing people together.

“Cricket has an extraordinary ability to connect Queenslanders, whether it’s families watching the Heat, young players dreaming of pulling on the teal jersey, or communities coming together around their local clubs.

“We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Heat through to the end of the 2027-28 season.

“It enables us to grow our brand, connect meaningfully with current and future Members, and support communities across the state,” Newman said.

The deal includes stadium signage, integrated digital marketing campaigns, and exclusive match-day fan engagement activations across Queensland Cricket’s venue footprint.

A centerpiece of the commercial relationship remains the popular $50K Your Way promotion, which offers fans a chance to win a $50,000 cash prize while driving brand engagement for the member-owned financial institution across regional and urban communities.

World Triathlon and Hyrox Form Landmark Strategic Partnership to Globalise Hybrid Racing and Pursue Olympic Inclusion

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Courtney

World Triathlon and global fitness race operator Hyrox have entered into a partnership to formally establish hybrid racing as a recognised discipline within the international multisport governing body’s official framework.

The agreement provides the governance, anti-doping, and administrative scaffolding required to pursue the ultimate ambition of securing future inclusion in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Under the terms of the deal, hybrid racing—which combines running legs with functional fitness workout stations—will be sanctioned and governed by World Triathlon across three distinct competition formats: Ultimate, Fast, and Ultra. Hyrox will act as the exclusive commercial operator for elite World, Continental, and National Championships in the flagship Ultimate format, which mirrors its current race layout.

Concurrently, World Triathlon’s network of 177 national federations will gain the rights to organise local competitions and national age-group championships across all three formats, creating a structured pathway from grassroots participation to elite performance.

Highlighting the commercial and participation opportunities for member nations, president of World Triathlon, Antonio Arimany,

“This partnership will not only accelerate the growth of World Triathlon on the global stage, it will open genuine new opportunities for every one of our national federations to grow participation, engage new audiences, and strengthen our sport at every level.”

“This is exactly the kind of forward-looking collaboration our members deserve,” Arimany said.

Emphasising the structural transition from a commercial fitness brand to a globally recognised sport, Co-Founder and CEO of Hyrox, Christian Toetzke, said: “From the very beginning, our goal was to build a global sport that could earn a place on the world’s biggest athletic stage.”

“Partnering with World Triathlon is a monumental step toward that vision.

“Hybrid racing is no longer just a global fitness movement, it is officially on the road to the Olympics,” Toetzke said.

The move aligns Hyrox with an established International Olympic Committee (IOC)-recognised federation, satisfying key Olympic Charter criteria regarding anti-doping compliance, global governance, and ethical competition standards necessary for consideration on the Olympic program.

However, the announcement has drawn immediate backlash from elite triathletes. Great Britain’s Olympic champion Alex Yee published a social media poll showing 82 per cent of respondents opposed the integration, while international triathletes Max Stapley and Roksana Slupek publicly questioned the operational compatibility and shared value between the two distinct sports.