Ministry of Sport

OzBall Australia Partners with Baseball New Zealand in Landmark Trans-Tasman Talent Agreement

Posted on November 5, 2026 by russellorenzo

Australian baseball organisation OzBall Australia has executed a landmark, multi-year agreement with Baseball New Zealand to expand elite talent pathways across the Tasman.

Under the agreement, effective 1 November, OzBall will integrate up to 10 of New Zealand’s top prospective baseball players annually into the Perfect Game Australia College Prospects Showcase, creating a direct domestic platform for regional athletes to perform before American collegiate coaches and scouts.

The arrangement eliminates the financial and logistical requirement for trans-Tasman athletes to travel to North America for elite recruitment exposure. Beyond player access, the initiative embeds high-performance coaching integration, with a senior Baseball New Zealand coach appointed to join the showcase’s instructional panel. The partnership further builds on OzBall’s broader international portfolio, which includes hosting international Banana Ball athletes in Australia as part of bringing the Savannah Bananas exhibition framework Down Under.

OzBall managing director, Kevin Fenn, highlighted the organisation’s mission to establish local recruitment infrastructure for Australasian talent.

“There’s some incredible baseball talent in Australia and New Zealand, but getting noticed by American colleges can be incredibly difficult.”

“We’re changing that by bringing those opportunities to our part of the world.

“Having Baseball New Zealand officially partner with us is a huge endorsement of what we’re building, and we’re excited to help more young players chase their dreams,” Fenn said.

Baseball New Zealand GM of pathway and performance, Dominick Jefferies, welcomed the international exposure opportunities provided by the partnership.

“There is no doubt that New Zealand is home to incredibly talented athletes.”

“With continued investment in high-performance baseball training and the opportunity to showcase that athleticism to a much larger international audience, the OzBall / Perfect Game partnership presents an incredible opportunity for baseball in New Zealand.

“It provides a platform for our athletes to gain valuable exposure, demonstrate their abilities on the international stage, and open doors to future opportunities while raising the profile of the game across the country,” Jefferies said.

Pathways & Trans-Tasman Showcase Integration

The alliance creates a centralized high-performance showcase environment for elite regional prospects:

Direct Collegiate Recruitment: Offers up to 10 elite Kiwi prospects direct evaluation by US college program scouts without leaving Australasia.
Coaching Integration: Incorporates Baseball New Zealand senior coaching staff into the Perfect Game Australia instructional framework to support athlete development.
International Footprint: Complements OzBall’s expanding exhibition and pathway portfolio, including its multi-stage recruitment events and domestic Banana Ball initiatives.

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Stage and Screen Named Official Travel Partner of Basketball Australia for Boomers and Opals

Posted on November 5, 2026 by russellorenzo

Basketball Australia has executed an agreement with specialist travel management company Stage and Screen Australia, appointing the firm as the official travel management partner for Australia’s national basketball teams.

Commencing retrospectively from September 2026, the alignment will see Stage and Screen oversee all domestic and international travel logistics, movement, and operational requirements for both the Australian Boomers and Seven Consulting Opals across an extensive international competition cycle.

The multi-year logistics partnership encompasses critical high-performance tournament windows leading up to the LA28 Olympic Games. Key milestones managed under the agreement include the Boomers’ qualification and campaign for the 2027 FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup, alongside the Opals’ upcoming FIBA Women’s Asia Cup defense and subsequent Olympic qualification series.

Stage and Screen joins Basketball Australia’s commercial partner portfolio alongside sports travel clients including Cricket Australia, Football Australia, Netball Australia, Paralympics Australia, and the National Rugby League (NRL).

Commenting on the agreement, Basketball Australia EGM of high performance, Jason Smith, said: “We are excited to welcome Stage and Screen as a part of the AUS Basketball family and to support our athletes and staff as we travel across the world to compete.”

“As our role in the landscape of international basketball increases, as does our need for agile and innovative travel.

“Having a company like Stage and Screen on our team to manage the complexities of global travel will allow our teams to move well and compete at their best,” Smith said.

Highlighting Stage and Screen’s extensive track record in managing large-scale athletic delegations, Basketball Australia CEO, Matt Scriven, added: “As the Boomers and Opals continue to deliver must-see entertainment, whether at home in Australia or competing in tournaments abroad, it’s fitting that Stage and Screen have come on board as a Supporting Partner.”

“Stage and Screen is a global company with decades of experience managing the dynamics of team travel and logistics.

“With the 2027 FIBA World Cup for the Boomers and the FIBA Asia Cup and Olympic qualification for the Opals ahead, we look forward to getting the partnership underway,” Scriven said.

Reitarating the agency’s commitment to supporting Australia’s high-performance goals, Stage and Screen GM – Australia, Wonitta Atkins, shared: “With more than 30 years of specialist experience in sports travel, our team will take care of every detail behind the scenes, so the Boomers and Opals can focus on one thing: bringing home gold.”

High-Performance Logistics & Tournament Windows

The agreement integrates specialised sports logistics into Basketball Australia’s elite high-performance program:

Target Competition Campaigns: Comprehensive travel management for the Boomers’ 2027 FIBA World Cup trajectory and the Opals’ FIBA Asia Cup and Olympic qualifying fixtures through to LA28.
Agile Movement Systems: Specialized travel policy deployment, dedicated charter routing, and emergency contingency tracking designed specifically for elite athletic recovery and performance.
Organizational Integration: End-to-end travel management covering executive administration, coaching staff, high-performance sports science teams, and junior national pathway squads.

DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. Signs Caitlin Clark

Posted on November 5, 2026 by russellorenzo

DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. (NYSE: DKS) has executed an exclusive, multi-year partnership with professional basketball star Caitlin Clark, appointing her as the first individual athlete brand partner for both DICK’S Sporting Goods and Foot Locker.

The milestone commercial alignment represents the first time either retail power has signed an individual athlete directly to its corporate brand, while also serving as the debut joint athlete endorsement under DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. following its operational acquisition of the Foot Locker business.

Global Commercial Scope & Retail Activations

Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, DICK’S and Foot Locker will leverage Clark across global marketing channels, custom product promotions, and experiential retail touchpoints:

Signature Product Promotion: The retailers will drive national and international promotional campaigns supporting Clark’s signature Nike footwear, apparel, and accessory lines.
Omnichannel & Digital Integration: Clark will feature prominently across in-store visuals, digital platforms, and fan experiences at both DICK’S Sporting Goods and Foot Locker retail locations worldwide.
Grassroots & Community Initiatives: The partnership incorporates joint community programming designed to expand youth sports participation and broaden basketball access globally.

Executive Leadership Commentary

WNBA star Caitlin Clark highlighted the personal significance of partnering with two foundational sports retail brands.

“DICK’S Sporting Goods was always a stop before the start of any sports season when I was growing up,” Clark said. “Being the first ever brand partner for both them and Foot Locker is a really special full-circle moment. Both brands have deep roots in sport, basketball and sneaker culture, and have strong connections with fans in the U.S. and around the world.”

DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. Executive Chairman Ed Stack emphasised Clark’s unique cross-sport appeal and cultural influence.

“We’re excited to partner with Caitlin because we see the same opportunity to build on the energy around basketball and bring more people closer to the game through DICK’S and Foot Locker,” Stack said. “Caitlin has an incredible ability to inspire, and as an athlete whose love of sports extends beyond basketball to golf, football, soccer, baseball, softball and more, she connects with fans across every part of our business. This partnership offers new ways to come together around a shared passion for sport, and the possibilities it creates.”

Foot Locker Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Brett O’Brien reinforced the retailer’s commitment to advancing global basketball culture through athlete alignment.

“Caitlin’s influence reaches far beyond the court. She has captivated fans, inspired a new generation, and brought new energy to the game,” O’Brien said. “Foot Locker has always been the home for basketball, connecting fans with the athletes, products, and moments that move the game forward across the globe. Our partnership with Caitlin builds on that commitment, creating new opportunities to bring fans closer to the sport and celebrate the culture surrounding it.”

Adelaide 36ers Partner with We Create Studio as Major Partner for NBL Indigenous Round

Posted on November 5, 2026 by russellorenzo

National Basketball League (NBL) franchise the Adelaide 36ers has announced a commercial partnership with Aboriginal-owned and led business We Create Studio for the club’s upcoming Indigenous Round match against the Illawarra Hawks.

The alignment sees the creative agency serve as the presenting Major Partner for the marquee fixture, alongside supporting partner BHP.

Under the agreement, We Create Studio founder Pat Caruso, a proud Eastern Arrernte person born and raised on Kaurna Country, hosted a dedicated cultural awareness workshop for 36ers players, coaches, and executive staff.

The session focused on the multigenerational impacts of the Stolen Generations, First Nations identity, and creating career pathways across professional sport administration, coaching, and support roles.

Beyond the Indigenous Round fixture, We Create Studio is a foundation partner of the 36ers’ community arm, the Shooting Hoops Foundation, a supporting partner for the upcoming Remembrance Round game against Melbourne United, and the official player sponsor for development player Deonte Williams.

Highlighting the importance of leveraging professional sports platforms to create meaningful opportunities for First Nations youth, We Create Studio founder, Pat Caruso, said: “It’s part of the reason I’ve come on board with the Adelaide 36ers, to try and make a difference to young people and to young Aboriginal people coming through, who see sport as a legitimate pathway,”

“It’s not just about what they can do on the court.

“It’s leaning into the support networks that are around the players to know they can be part of the executive leadership team, the medical and support staff or be one of the coaches.

“It’s about giving these young people the opportunities and I love being part of their learning, their teaching and their growing.

“The 36ers’ connection to grassroots basketball and the community is a big part of why this partnership means so much to us.

“Sport brings people together, creates belonging and gives young people something to aspire to.

“As an Aboriginal owned creative business, we’re proud to support the Indigenous Round and work alongside the club to celebrate culture and inspire the next generation,” Caruso said.

Commending on Caruso’s leadership and the agency’s cultural contribution to the organisation, Adelaide 36ers chief of external relations & community strategy, Ross Wait, said: “From the moment we met, I could sense Pat’s desire to help.”

“Having had his own lived experience of some of the barriers faced by young First Nations people, he is passionate about making a difference in the community and making things better for the next generation.

“We’re grateful to have someone with such enthusiasm and drive, and an organisation in We Create Studio that lives his values, backing our club and being part of our Indigenous Round this week.

“We’re looking forward to working together in the community through our Shooting Hoops Foundation going forward,” Wait said.

Cultural Activation and Community Initiatives

The partnership incorporates multi-layered fan engagement and internal cultural programs across the club’s NBL operations:

Cultural Awareness Sessions: Players and club staff participated in traditional message stick workshops to share personal stories and foster long-term cultural understanding.
Fan Engagement & Merchandise: We Create Studio will distribute exclusive first-edition Adelaide 36ers player cards at the venue, alongside hosting signed jersey competitions for attending supporters.
Grassroots Community Alignment: The collaboration will leverage the Shooting Hoops Foundation to deliver basketball pathways and support networks for young Indigenous athletes across South Australia.

Official Hospitality Agents appointed for Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027

Posted on November 5, 2026November 5, 2026 by russellorenzo

Organisers of the Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027 and global rights holder Rugby World Cup Experiences (RWCE) have officially announced the appointment of ten Official Hospitality Agents (OHAs) to market exclusive hospitality packages worldwide.

The tournament, scheduled to run across Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027, marks the first 24-team edition in Rugby World Cup history, comprising 52 matches over six weeks.

Following an extensive international tender process involving 45 applicant agencies, RWCE selected ten agencies representing seven countries to manage commercial package distribution across established and emerging sports markets.

The appointed roster includes domestic and global sports travel partners: VenuesLive, AT Events, Sports & Entertainment Ltd (SEL), MatchPoint Hospitality, Global Sports, JTB Corp. (serving as the exclusive agent in Japan), Sodexo Live!, Pitch Experiences, Fanatics Sports, and ES Sport.

The commercial footprint expands sales infrastructure beyond traditional strongholds in Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and Japan into high-growth target markets including India and the United Arab Emirates.

Emphasising the significance of expanding the tournament’s international commercial reach, Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027 managing director, Chris Stanley, said: “The level of interest in our Official Hospitality Programme has been incredibly encouraging and is a strong reflection of the growing excitement building for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 across the globe.”

“We’re delighted to be working with a strong mix of leading agencies from some of rugby’s most passionate markets, while also opening the door to exciting new audiences in countries such as India and the UAE, helping us connect with more fans than ever before.

“With less than a year until kick-off, we’re preparing to welcome more than 250,000 international visitors to Australia, and our Official Hospitality Agents will play an important role in helping fans from around the globe secure unforgettable experiences and be part of what promises to be the biggest Rugby World Cup ever,” Stanley said.

Highlighting the operational standard established by the international agency network, Rugby World Cup Experiences event director, David MacCallum, said: “The appointment of our Official Hospitality Agents marks an important milestone for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Official Hospitality Programme.”

“Working with trusted agents across key international markets will allow us to expand the programme’s global reach and it will make it easier for fans around the world to experience this extraordinary tournament.

“Together, we look forward to delivering world-class, hospitality experiences that showcase the very best of Australia and set a new global standard,” MacCallum said.

Global Tourism and Commercial Impact

Organisers project significant economic and travel activity generated through official hospitality channels:

International Visitor Targets: Over 250,000 international visitors are expected to travel to Australia for the tournament, accessing ticket-inclusive travel and venue hospitality experiences.
Exclusive Territorial Distribution: Selected agents retain exclusive distribution rights to market curated matchday experiences, corporate boxes, and travel itineraries within their designated regions.
Emerging Market Expansion: The inclusion of agencies targeting India and the UAE represents an explicit strategy to broaden rugby’s commercial audience base across non-traditional markets.

Perth Bears Appoint Former North Sydney Captain Tony Rea as Chief Executive Officer

Posted on November 5, 2026 by russellorenzo

National Rugby League (NRL) expansion franchise the Perth Bears has appointed experienced sports administrator and executive Tony Rea as CEO, effective immediately.

The appointment fills the executive vacancy created by the departure of former chief executive Anthony De Ceglie and positions the club to enter its operational build phase ahead of its inaugural 2027 NRL season.

Rea brings over three decades of international sports leadership and corporate finance experience to the Western Australian franchise. A former North Sydney Bears captain who played 120 games for the club between 1988 and 1994, Rea previously served as CEO and head coach of the London Broncos in the Super League, in addition to holding coaching positions with Super Rugby’s ACT Brumbies.

Prior to Rea’s permanent appointment, General Manager of Football Gareth Holmes served as interim chief executive while the board conducted its executive search.

Commenting on the alignment of appointing a proven sports administrator for the club’s next developmental milestone, Perth Bears chairman, Ben Morton, said:

“As a board, we are delighted with Tony’s appointment.

“Tony, as CEO, will bring our high-performing teams together as one.

“Tony has the leadership attributes and experience needed.

“Critically, Tony is a proven mentor who is dedicated to ensuring Perth Bears’ success on and off the field.

“Tony shares our commitment to growing rugby league across WA,” Morton said.

Expressing his commitment to building a unified organisational structure in Western Australia, Perth Bears CEO, Tony Rea, said: “I’ve sat in almost every seat in a club: player, captain, development officer, head coach, director of rugby and board member.”

“My job as CEO is not to do any one of those jobs – but rather to use that experience to lead our professional team together as one, committed to success.”

“The Perth Bears have assembled an exceptional and professional team.

“They have achieved so much in such a short amount of time and I look forward to leading them as CEO into this next chapter.

“Our hungry and determined squad has been curated under the wise leadership of Mal Meninga.

“Our task is to ensure they have every support needed to be the formidable team we know they can be.

“My professional work over the last decade has exposed me, albeit from a distance, to the determination, resilience and grit of Western Australians.

“I’m delighted I’ll be calling WA home and even more delighted to be part of developing more rugby league talent out of WA,” Rea said.

Operational Transition and Franchise Build Phase

The Perth Bears board outlined a three-stage development framework, start-up, build, and develop, mirroring Western Australia’s resource sector operational models:

Administrative Build Phase: Rea will lead the integration of commercial, high-performance, and administrative departments as the franchise establishes its operational headquarters at the WACA Ground and East Perth Waterbank training precinct.
Football Operations Integration: The executive leadership team will work alongside Head Coach Mal Meninga to finalize player roster construction, pathway programs, and support infrastructure ahead of pre-season training.
Commercial and Pathway Strategy: The club will focus on expanding its Western Australian grassroots rugby league participation models while coordinating operational links with NSW Cup feeder side the North Sydney Bears and Queensland Cup affiliate the Brisbane Tigers.

NSW Waratahs Announce the Return of Head Coach Michael Cheika

Posted on November 5, 2026 by russellorenzo

Newly appointed NSW Waratahs head coach Michael Cheika, has officially launched his return to the Super Rugby Pacific franchise, holding his inaugural press conference at Allianz Stadium alongside newly appointed assistant coaches Stephen Hoiles and Wycliff Palu.

The media appearance marks Cheika’s formal return to union following recent coaching roles with the Lebanon national rugby league side and an assistant coaching stint with the NRL’s Sydney Roosters.

Commenting on his return to the team, NSW Waratahs head coach, Cheika, said: “It’s 10 years later, so there’s a different way of what they’ve had applied to them, how they’ve been brought up and coached maybe differently, so I want to show them something new and maybe a different way altogether.”

“There’ll be some things I’m going to do this year that I haven’t even done before so I want to do things differently because I want to get a different outcome.

“I think that this is a very new adventure. I’m not going back to the 2014 or ’15 playbook and trying to reinvent that at all.

“From a point of view of who the club is, I can definitely look back to that.

“We had a very strong identity back then and then as far as footy’s concerned, I want to create a completely new picture,” Cheika said.

Cheika further expanded on his direct discussions with Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh, regarding his return to Australian rugby union.

“I wouldn’t be the type of person who was going to be persuaded.

“I haven’t really had contact with many people, if anyone, from Australia in rugby since the World Cup in ’19, and I thought that when Phil contacted me, he handled that situation very well, very straight up and down, very direct with how that went down, and I appreciated that.”

“I had to decide in my own head that I could do what was necessary to make the team go well. It’s not about me, it’s about the team.

“Teams need a certain type of coach at a certain time and that fluctuates,” Cheika added.

Cheika’s appointment reunites the coaching trio responsible for bringing the NSW Waratahs their sole Super Rugby title in 2014, when Hoiles and Palu starred as back-rowers under Cheika’s direction.

Returning to Daceyville 12 years after that championship campaign, Cheika confirmed he is taking over the head coaching duties from Dan McKellar following direct recruitment discussions led by Rugby Australia Chief Executive Officer Phil Waugh.

Adelaide Lightning Forms Milestone Commercial Partnership with Fleet Space Technologies

Posted on November 5, 2026November 5, 2026 by russellorenzo

Adelaide Lightning has announced a commercial partnership with Adelaide-founded satellite and space exploration technology company Fleet Space Technologies.

The deal marks Fleet Space Technologies’ inaugural foray into sports club sponsorship, uniting two prominent South Australian entities around commercial, community, and STEM-focused engagement initiatives.

Fleet Space Technologies co-founder and CEO, Flavia Tata Nardini, highlighted the shared values of resilience and community leadership underpinning the alignment.

“Basketball was part of my life long before Fleet, and it’s one of the reasons this partnership is so meaningful to me.”

“There’s something powerful about a team that keeps showing up for each other, especially when things aren’t going their way.

“That same grit and belief is at our core at Fleet.

“To take what we’ve learned in space, transform how we explore Earth and find the critical minerals that will power generations to come…

“But determination needs people behind it. Last year, we backed Joanne Ciconte in motorsport.

“Now, we’re proud to support Adelaide Lightning, a team that gives our community something to rally around and young girls something to aspire to.

“I want the next generation, particularly girls watching these incredible athletes play to see ambition, strength and possibility, and to know there is a community ready to back their dreams,” Tata Nardini said.

Adelaide Lightning CEO, Melanie MacGillivray, emphasised the validation the partnership provides for female athletic programs.

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Fleet Space Technologies to the Adelaide Lightning family.”

“To have a globally recognised South Australian company choose Lightning as its first sporting club partner speaks volumes about the growing strength and commercial appeal of women’s sport.

“Both organisations share an ambition to push boundaries, challenge expectations and inspire the next generation.

“This partnership is about so much more than basketball – it’s about showing young people what’s possible, whether their dreams are on the court, in science and technology, or beyond,” MacGillivray said.

Under the agreement, Adelaide Lightning Captain, Olympian, and WNBA player Steph Talbot, alongside Phoenix Mercury forward Madeline Westbeld, will serve as official Fleet brand ambassadors. Fleet branding will make its official on-court debut on the team’s new warm-up apparel when the Lightning hosts the Tasmania Jewels at the State Basketball Centre on Saturday, 7 November 2026.

Classic Sportswear Appoints Rugby League Great Steve “Blocker” Roach as Head of Player and Club Relations

Posted on November 4, 2026 by Courtney

Australian sportswear brand Classic Sportswear has announced the appointment of rugby league legend and Hall of Fame inductee Steve “Blocker” Roach to the newly created role of Head of Player and Club Relations.

The appointment reinforces the brand’s long-standing connection to professional rugby league, driving a new series of heritage initiatives, historical jersey campaigns, and welfare programs across the sport.

Classic Sportswear owner and former professional rugby league player, Warren Carney, highlighted the deep alignment between Roach’s career legacy and the brand’s cultural footprint within the sport.

“Every player remembers pulling on that jersey for the first time — what those colours meant, the blokes beside you, the memories that never leave you.”

“Blocker lived all of that at the very top, and there’s no one better to help us honour the game and the players who made it.

“Having him alongside us means everything,” Carney said.

Expressing his enthusiasm for joining Classic Sportswear to reconnect fans with rugby league’s rich history while delivering practical support for former players, Roach, shared: “I’ve loved this game my whole life.”

“This is a chance to bring some of its greatest players and moments back to life — and to look after a few of the blokes who gave everything and have done it tough since. That’s what got me in,” Roach said.

Renowned across decades as a fierce front-row enforcer for the Balmain Tigers, New South Wales, and the Australian Kangaroos – Roach, brings deep institutional relationships across clubs, players, and governing bodies to his new corporate post.

In his remit, Roach will collaborate with past and present players and clubs to celebrate the sport’s history, revive iconic jersey moments for fans, and champion player welfare initiatives dedicated to supporting former athletes who have fallen on hard times.

Nine Network Dominates Tuesday Overnight Ratings Led by Melbourne Cup Broadcast Coverage

Posted on November 4, 2026 by Courtney

Nine Network secured their audience share across linear television and digital streaming platforms on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, driven by its multi-platform broadcast of the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Nine’s live broadcast of the headline race, Melbourne Cup Carnival – Melbourne Cup – Race, swept national ratings across all major demographic categories, recording a Total TV national reach of 2,399,000 viewers, a national audience of 2,216,000, and a dedicated BVOD audience of 578,000 streaming users.

The network maintained linear dominance throughout the afternoon and prime-time slots, securing the top four positions across Total People, 25-54, and 16-39 demographic brackets.

The official trophy presentation (Melbourne Cup – Presentation) generated a national reach of 2,284,000 and a total audience of 1,735,000, while late post-race analysis (Melbourne Cup – Late) achieved 2,229,000 in national reach and 878,000 total viewers.

Pre-race coverage also performed strongly, with the mounting yard analysis (Melbourne Cup – Mounting Yard) capturing 2,131,000 national reach viewers.

Seven Network maintained competitive viewing figures in evening news and prime-time entertainment. Seven News led all evening news bulletins with a national reach of 2,265,000 and a total audience of 1,428,000, outperforming 9News (2,132,000 national reach, 1,371,000 audience).

In prime-time entertainment, Seven’s flagship reality series My Kitchen Rules – Tue reached 1,794,000 national viewers (1,066,000 audience), securing the top non-racing entertainment slot over Nine’s 1 Euro House (1,414,000 national reach) and Network 10’s Big Brother Australia Tue (853,000 national reach).

Bowls Australia and Tasmanian Government Confirm Devonport Host Venue for 2027 and 2028 Nationals

Posted on November 4, 2026 by Courtney

Bowls Australia has executed a host venue agreement in partnership with the Tasmanian Government to return the sport’s flagship state-versus-state national event, The Nationals, to Devonport for both the 2027 and 2028 editions.

Supported via Events Tasmania, the two-year commitment follows the successful execution of the 2025 championships at the Devonport Country Club and will bring more than 700 elite bowlers, team officials, and traveling supporters to the North-West Coast region annually.

Outlining the economic and regional benefits of securing long-term major sporting events for regional communities, Tasmanian Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, H0n, Roger Jaensch, said: “There’s plenty to see and do on the North-West Coast, and events like the Nationals are a great way to get more people here to experience it for themselves.”

“Major sporting events bring visitors into our regions, support local hotels, pubs and restaurants, and give visitors even more reasons to explore all our State has to offer.

“Securing the Nationals for both 2027 and 2028 is a great result for Devonport and gives our local businesses the opportunity to plan ahead and make the most of the extra visitors,” Hon. Jaensch said.

Commending on the institutional backing provided by the state government and the host venue, Bowls Australia CEO, Matthew Kennedy, said: “Devonport and Tasmania’s North-West Coast provide a fantastic setting for The Nationals, and we’re delighted to know we’ll be returning in both 2027 and 2028, after the Devonport Country Club did a fantastic job in 2025.”

“Confirming the event for two years also gives our bowlers, officials, volunteers and supporters the opportunity to plan ahead, while providing another reason for the bowls community from around Australia to experience everything the North-West Coast and Tasmania have to offer.

“We sincerely thank the Tasmanian Government, through Events Tasmania, for its continued support of our sport and this important national event,” Kennedy said.

Highlighting the organisational pride and workforce development opportunities stemming from the multi-year allocation, Devonport Country Club GM, Alissa Jeffrey, added: “Hosting The Nationals is a highlight for our club and the whole Devonport community, and we’re thrilled to be doing it again in 2027 and 2028.”

“Our members, staff and volunteers put a great deal into making every player, official and supporter feel welcome, and it’s fantastic to see that effort recognised.

“Hosting an event of this scale also gives our staff, particularly our greenkeeping team, valuable opportunities to develop their skills and gain experience beyond their day-to-day roles, while helping us deliver an event that benefits the broader Devonport community,” Jeffrey said.

The three-week national festival consolidates six major Australian championship events across a unified competition window spanning late November to mid-December. The program brings together elite international athletes, junior pathway players, senior representatives, and para-bowlers across a comprehensive national schedule.

Official 2027 Event Competition Schedule

The 2027 edition at the Devonport Country Club will run across a dedicated three-week timeframe:

Para Nationals: 21–25 November 2027
Champion of Champions: 21–23 November 2027
Australian Under 18 Championships: 25–28 November 2027
Australian Senior Sides Championships: 30 November – 3 December 2027
Australian Sides Championships: 5–8 December 2027
Australian Championships: 9–12 December 2027

Sydney FC Secures CONNOR as Official Off-Field Style Partner

Posted on November 4, 2026 by Courtney

Australian menswear retailer CONNOR has entered into a two-year commercial partnership with A-League club Sydney FC, becoming the club’s Official Off-Field Style Partner.

The deal will see CONNOR supply formal suiting and tailored lifestyle apparel for Sydney FC’s first-team squad, coaching staff, and senior club executives for official events, matchday arrivals, travel commitments, and public appearances.

Under the agreement, CONNOR, which operates more than 200 retail stores across Australia and New Zealand, will extend the sponsorship through integrated matchday activations, player promotional appearances, in-store retail campaigns, and dedicated member benefits for the Sky Blue fanbase. The partnership complements Sydney FC’s existing performance apparel ecosystem, which includes on-field partner Under Armour.

Outlining the practical advantages of the lifestyle collaboration for squad members across diverse athletic builds, Sydney FC captain, Rhyan Grant, said: “Matchday is obviously all about the football, but how you turn up still matters.”

“When you look good, you feel good, and it’s great to have CONNOR making sure the boys are looking sharp when we arrive at games.

“We’ve got plenty of different shapes and sizes in the squad, so having a brand that caters for everyone, including footballers with different builds, is a big plus.

“Whether it’s travelling away, attending club events or arriving at Allianz Stadium, we’re looking forward to wearing CONNOR and representing Sydney FC in style.” Grant said.

Emphasising the alignment between Australian sporting culture and accessible menswear retail, CONNOR GM, Marc Miller, added: “CONNOR offers versatile style for every man, and our customer is part of Australia’s sporting culture.”

“He’s at the game on the weekend, he’s following his team all season, and he wants clothes that work for his lifestyle.

“Sydney FC, the biggest club in the A-League, choosing to partner with us allows CONNOR to now meet him at the game.

“This partnership is also about investing in Australian football.

“We want to help the local game keep growing as Australia’s truly national sport, and to back the clubs, players and communities that make it what it is,” Miller said.

Detailing the multi-channel scope of the partnership across fan engagement touchpoints, Sydney FC GM – commercial and marketing, Matt Pound, said: “We’re delighted to welcome CONNOR as our Official Off-Field Style Partner for the next two seasons, bringing together two brands with a strong connection to football fans and communities across Australia.”

“CONNOR shares our belief that everyone should be able to look and feel their best, and their extensive range of contemporary, affordable menswear makes them a great fit for our players, coaches and staff.

“Importantly, this partnership goes beyond outfitting the team. We’re looking forward to working together on matchday activations, player appearances, in-store experiences and exclusive offers that will bring our Members and fans even closer to the club,” Pound said.

The commercial collaboration highlights the growing convergence between professional football culture and men’s lifestyle fashion in Australia, capitalising on player arrivals as prime visual brand exposure assets.

New South Wales Institute of Sport Launches New Brand Identity Ahead of Brisbane 2032 Games

Posted on November 4, 2026 by Courtney

The New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) has officially unveiled a comprehensive brand identity, marking a new chapter for one of Australia’s premier high-performance sporting institutions.

For more than three decades, NSWIS has supported Australian athletes achieving success across Olympic, Paralympic, and World Championship competitions, while continually modernising its operational framework.

The visual rebrand replaces the institute’s long-standing logo, establishing a modernized brand identity designed to lead into the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games era.

The new brand identity directly aligns with the institute’s recently launched strategic plan, titled NSWIS Strategic Plan 2032+ Perform. Thrive. Inspire., which maps out NSWIS’s high-performance objectives, athlete welfare programs, and community engagement models over the next decade.

Outlining the organisational ambition behind the visual identity, NSWIS CEO, Kirsten Thomson OLY, said: “This is much more than a new logo.”

“It is a statement about our future and our ambition to build a world-leading sporting institute that enables athletes to perform at their best, thrive as people and inspire communities across New South Wales.

“As we look towards 2032 and beyond, Australia’s high performance system has a unique opportunity to shape the future of sport.

“Our new brand reflects our ambition, our readiness for what lies ahead and our commitment to working with athletes, coaches, sports and partners to achieve lasting success,” Thomson said.

Welcoming the new identity during the annual NSWIS Awards event, Olympian, broadcaster, and NSWIS alumnus and board member, Matt Shirvington OLY, added: “This is the logo athletes will wear on their chest, staff and coaches will wear with pride, and one that represents far more than a few letters.”

“It carries a legacy and the responsibility to build what comes next,” Shirvington said.

Developed to balance historical legacy with future ambition, the brand will feature across all official NSWIS high-performance apparel, coaching uniforms, digital channels, and regional facility networks.

The launch coincides with a strategic push within Australia’s high-performance sporting system to capitalise on the home Brisbane 2032 Games to build sustainable long-term athletic success.

Hawthorn Football Club Secures Multi-Year Partnership with BYD as Principal Partner Starting 2027

Posted on November 4, 2026 by Courtney

Hawthorn Football Club has announced an agreement with energy vehicle manufacturer BYD, establishing the automotive brand as the club’s new Principal Partner and Official Automotive Partner commencing ahead of the 2027 AFL and AFLW seasons.

Under the terms of the agreement, BYD will secure primary apparel branding across both elite teams, featuring on the front of Hawthorn’s AFL playing guernsey and the upper back of the club’s AFLW playing guernsey.

The partnership also extends across all off-field apparel, digital platforms, and venue media assets. On match days, BYD will gain major exposure across LED signage and media backdrops at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Marvel Stadium, University of Tasmania (UTAS) Stadium, and the newly constructed Kennedy Community Centre.

Welcoming the global brand to the club’s corporate partner portfolio, Hawthorn Football Club CEO, Ash Klein, said: “We are thrilled to welcome global powerhouse BYD to the Hawthorn family as our newest Principal Partner and Official Automotive Partner.”

“Our long-term partnership further fuels our exciting trajectory as a football club, with both Hawthorn and BYD sharing an unrelenting pursuit of innovation, growth and excellence in our respective arenas.

“Driven by more than three decades of worldwide expansion, we cannot wait to have BYD propel our AFL and AFLW programs into season 2027 and beyond as we chase Hawthorn’s next piece of silverware together,” Klein said.

BYD Australia chief operating officer, Stephen Collins, highlighted the importance of aligning with Australian rules football to deepen local community connections.

“As more Australians choose BYD, we’re proud to integrate into the communities and culture that matters to them.”

“Aussie rules football brings families and fans together, and our long-term partnership with Hawks, the family club, is an exciting next step for BYD’s commitment in Australia, and this couldn’t be a better time as both organisations go from strength to strength,” Collins said.

Facility Naming Rights & Match-Day Activations

The commercial alignment embeds BYD into Hawthorn’s community infrastructure and premium match-day operations:

Community Pavilion Naming Rights: BYD will acquire the official naming rights to the Community Pavilion at Hawthorn’s $113 million headquarters, the Kennedy Community Centre, supporting local community engagement and AFLW match days.
The BYD Lounge at the MCG: Hawthorn will introduce a revitalised match-day corporate hospitality space, dubbed the BYD Lounge, offering fans and corporate guests premium viewing and hospitality at the MCG.
Member Engagement: BYD will deliver exclusive vehicle discounts, promotional experiences, and seasonal vehicle giveaways for registered Hawthorn club members.

The Grand Slam of Curling Expands Global Media Reach via DAZN Streaming Partnership

Posted on November 4, 2026 by Courtney

The Grand Slam of Curling (GSOC) has announced a multi-year global media rights agreement with sports streaming platform DAZN to broadcast its 2026–27 season and the upcoming Rock League properties to international audiences.

Under the terms of the agreement, DAZN will deliver live and on-demand coverage of all GSOC tournaments and Rock League fixtures free-to-view to subscribers worldwide, excluding domestic blackout territories in Canada and the United States.

The expansion complements GSOC’s existing domestic broadcast network, which includes linear and digital streaming distribution through Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, CBC, and CBC Gem in Canada, alongside exclusive U.S. coverage via ESPN and ESPN+.

International match coverage on DAZN will feature three live daily draws from Tuesday through Saturday, culminating in Sunday’s championship finals across all remaining events.

The Curling Group CEO, Nic Sulsky, highlighted the importance of international distribution in scaling the sport’s global commercial footprint.

“We’re continuing to expand the reach of the Grand Slam of Curling and Rock League to make it easier for fans around the world to follow the sport’s best players.

“Our new partnership with DAZN is an important step in that growth, complementing our broadcast relationships in Canada and the United States and giving international fans another way to experience our events on a world-class platform,” Sulsky said.

DAZN Group CEO, Shay Segev, emphasised the platform’s ability to drive global audience discovery for growing sports properties.

“Bringing the Grand Slam of Curling and Rock League to DAZN is a fantastic example of how we’re expanding opportunities for ambitious sports to grow globally.”

“Our platform helps sports reach new audiences, accelerate fan engagement and unlock long-term value.

“We believe the next generation of global sports properties will succeed through enhancing their accessibility, discoverability and distribution at scale, and DAZN is uniquely positioned to support this,” Segev said.

Remaining 2026 Grand Slam of Curling Calendar & Franchise League Return

The GSOC 2026–27 season opened with the CO-OP Invitational in Victoria, B.C., leading into a remaining four-event schedule featuring $400,000 CAD prize purses per stop:

GSOC Masters: Co-op Place, Medicine Hat, AB (3–8 November 2026)
GSOC National: Centre 200, Sydney, NS (17–22 November 2026)
GSOC Open: Fort William Gardens, Thunder Bay, ON (1–6 December 2026)
GSOC Players’ Cup: Slush Puppie Place, Kingston, ON (15–20 December 2026)

Following the completion of the GSOC circuit, The Curling Group will launch the second season of Rock League—curling’s first professional franchise-based league—running a five-stop international schedule featuring six global teams from January through April 2027.