Ministry of Sport

Fiji Women’s Rugby Sees Surge in Participation and Governance Reform

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Courtney

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has reported a transformative year for women’s rugby, with Kuini Vuli, the FRU women’s development coordinator, confirming major advancements in executive representation, coaching, and grassroots participation.

A significant shift in governance has seen nearly all provincial unions now including women at the executive level—a 15% increase from 2025.

This season has marked a historic expansion of the domestic club competition. While previously only Nadi and Ba hosted women’s club modules, competitions are now active in Macuata, Bua, Cakaudrove, and the Central Division.

The Central competition alone has exploded to feature more than 16 teams, providing a mechanical necessity for player conditioning ahead of the provincial season.

Commenting on the numbers, FRU women’s development coordinator, Kuini Vuli, said: “When players are involved in club games before the provincial season, they are already conditioned and match-ready.”

“It helps reduce injuries, improves fitness and gives players more opportunities to develop and enjoy the game.

“The first half of the year has been highly positive, and our support will now focus on the few unions still needing assistance to meet compliance and grow their programs,” Vuli said.

Tactical and Administrative Progress

A key pillar of the 2026 development strategy has been the intentional elevation of female staff into technical roles.

This year, the FRU has noted:

Increased Coaching Presence: More female coaches are active on the ground, supported by experienced male technical advisors to accelerate their development.
Specialised Roles: A new focus on training female strength and conditioning (S&C) personnel is underway, with a dedicated strengthening program scheduled for later this year.
Conditioning Benefits: By participating in club games before the provincial season, athletes are arriving “match-ready,” which Vuli noted has significantly improved fitness levels and reduced injury rates.

Challenges in Rural Participation

Despite the record 4,000 players who participated in organised competitions last year, geographic and social hurdles remain.

Rural unions continue to face challenges due to distance and the migration of young women to urban centres for work and study.

To combat this, the FRU is exploring innovative “urban-base” models, allowing rural players to form and maintain their home-community teams while residing in major cities like Suva or Lautoka.

Elite Alignment and International Momentum

In April 2026, Fiji hosted the Oceania Rugby Women’s XV Championship, where the Fijiana XV successfully defended their title.

Furthermore, the Fijian Drua Women recently hosted the NSW Waratahs in a high-profile trial match in Suva, providing local fans with a rare opportunity to see their international stars on home soil.

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OFC Joins Global Solidarity Movement for Inaugural World Football Giving Day

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Courtney

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has officially joined World Football Giving Day, a new global movement launched by Common Goal to unite the international football community through acts of solidarity and generosity.

Taking place on 26 May, the initiative arrives as a mechanical necessity to bridge the gap between global recognition and tangible social action following UN World Football Day.

Endorsed by UN Football for the Goals, the 2026 campaign features over 160 organisations across more than 90 countries.

The movement aims to turn football’s core values, peace, inclusion, and community wellbeing, into a collective annual moment of giving, strategically timed to build momentum in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.

OFC representative Teeny Aiken emphasised that the spirit of giving is deeply ingrained in the diverse cultures of the Pacific.

“The act of giving is woven throughout our communities and cultures across Oceania and deeply connected to OFC’s values.”

“Through sharing stories from our region, we invite others to join us in acts of giving, whether it is time, knowledge, passion, voice, resources, or encouragement, that create lasting impact on and off the pitch,” Aiken said.

Legacy Planning and Regional Impact

Starting this month, the confederation will spotlight one Member Association every 30 days, highlighting local figures who have significantly impacted their communities through the sport.

Over the next fortnight, the OFC will also feature stories from Pro League athletes whose lives have been transformed by football.

Strategic Perspectives

By joining this global cohort, the OFC aims to demonstrate that when the football ecosystem unites, it creates a social impact far greater than the results on the pitch.

The initiative is set to become a permanent fixture on the global football calendar, reinforcing the sport’s role as a “force for good.”

New Zealand Rugby and Touch NZ Unveil Landmark “Whānau” Partnership

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Touch New Zealand have today announced a landmark partnership, formally recognising Touch Rugby as the official non-contact summer form of the game in Aotearoa.

By integrating summer touch modules with winter junior, school, and club rugby, the two organisations aim to provide a seamless pathway for players to remain connected to the “rugby whānau” regardless of the season.

Commenting on the deal, NZR CEO Steve Lancaster, said: “Touch rugby has always been part of how New Zealanders connect with rugby.”

“This partnership formally recognises that connection and creates an exciting opportunity to grow the game together.

“By working alongside Touch New Zealand, we can create more ways for people to play and more opportunities to keep people involved in rugby throughout the year.

This partnership gives more people that opportunity, whether they are playing touch rugby over summer, junior rugby at school, or club rugby in winter,” Lancaster said.

Echoing these sentiments, Touch New Zealand CEO, Joe Sprangers, said: “This partnership recognises the history and the strength of our game.”

“Touch rugby is already loved and played by thousands of New Zealanders, and the opportunity to become part of the New Zealand Rugby whānau gives us a stronger platform to grow, promote and support the game into the future,” Sprangers said.

Strategic Integration and Associate Membership

As part of the agreement, Touch New Zealand will begin the formal process of becoming an Associate Member of New Zealand Rugby.

Waalitj Marawar and BHP Extend Landmark Community Partnership Through 2029

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Courtney

Waalitj Marawar and BHP have officially extended their 20-year community partnership for another three years, ensuring the continued delivery of vital youth development and regional programs across Western Australia.

The renewal enters the collaboration into its third decade, focusing on empowering young people in the Pilbara and Goldfields through the national game.

Under the new agreement, the club and BHP will expand their focus on inclusion, cultural connection, and reconciliation outcomes in Port Hedland, Newman, and Kalgoorlie.

Commenting on the partnership extension, Waalitj Marawar CEO, Don Pyke, said: “We are incredibly proud of our long-term partnership with BHP, and we’re delighted to extend our collaboration as we enter our third decade together.”

“BHP has been an integral part of our AFLW team’s journey from ambitious beginnings to our first finals appearance last year and has supported the future of male and female football at grassroots level through our academy programs,” Pyke said.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the partnership, BHP Western Australia Iron Ore Asset president, Tim Day, added: “This partnership is about so much more than football, it’s about backing the communities where our people live and work and helping give young people the best possible start in life.”

“The team at Waalitj Marawar have developed strong connections in community, which enables them to work closely with schools and other organisations to provide extra support where it might be needed,” Day said.

Impact Beyond the Boundary

The initiatives delivered through this partnership extend well beyond traditional football pathways.

In the Pilbara, the program employs residential youth workers to facilitate community-based activities in remote locations. Innovative programs like aquatic football have been implemented to keep youth active in extreme heat while simultaneously improving water safety skills and incentivising school attendance.

A key pillar of the renewal is the continued support for female athletes. The Women and Girls Academy, which is directly linked to the Waalitj Marawar AFLW program, provides a structured environment that combines elite football development with education and personal wellbeing support.

BHP has been a major partner of the AFLW team since its inception, supporting the squad through its journey to a historic first finals appearance in 2025.

Kristan Conlon Appointed President of Volleyball Queensland Following 2026 AGM

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Courtney

Volleyball Queensland has announced a significant transition in its leadership following the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Clubs Conference.

Kristan Conlon has been appointed as the new president of Volleyball Queensland, stepping up from her previous role as vice president to lead the organisation’s strategic direction.

Conlon, a former Queensland Pirate and respected coach, has served on the Volleyball Queensland Board for several years.

She succeeds Boris Georgieff, who is stepping down after a transformative tenure as president but will remain on the Board to ensure continuity and provide ongoing guidance.

Board Leadership and Executive Changes

The leadership transition included a last-minute adjustment following the AGM. Todd Rankin, who was initially slated to assume the presidency, experienced an unforeseen change in personal commitments. Rankin will now serve as VP, allowing the Board to retain his extensive experience in a high-level capacity.

The 2026 Board composition also sees several re-elections and new appointments aimed at strengthening governance and stakeholder engagement:

Russell Egan was re-elected as Treasurer, maintaining oversight of the organisation’s financial health.
Katherine Frost was elected to the Board, bringing a professional background in senior leadership, strategy, and stakeholder management.
Sharon Hinton and Phil Kelly continue their service as Board members, providing veteran stability to the governing body.

Strategic Outlook and Community Impact

The Board changes arrive as Volleyball Queensland continues to expand its footprint through major initiatives like the Primary Schools Cup and the upcoming Queensland Junior State Championships in June.

The new leadership team is tasked with overseeing a busy 2026 calendar that includes over 3,600 registered athletes and a surge in youth participation programs across the state.

The organisation also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing member Madeleine Warner, who served on the Board for the past five months. Volleyball Queensland expressed its intent to keep Warner engaged in a governance capacity to leverage her expertise for future projects.

Nashville and Minneapolis Set to Host NFL Showpieces in Landmark Expansion

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Courtney

The NFL is expected to finalise the locations for two of its premier events during the league’s spring meeting in Orlando this week.

Team owners are prepared to approve Nashville as the host city for Super Bowl LXIV in 2030, while Minneapolis is slated to receive the official nod for the 2028 NFL Draft.

The selection of Nashville marks a historic milestone for the Tennessee Titans’ home market, which has never hosted the league’s championship game.

The move is a direct reward for the city’s investment in a new USD2.1 billion (AUD2.93 billion) domed Nissan Stadium, scheduled to open in 2027. Backed by USD1.26 billion (AUD1.76 billion) in public funding, the stadium follows the league’s established precedent of awarding Super Bowls to markets that secure taxpayer support for world-class infrastructure.

Scheduling Uncertainty Amid 18-Game Proposals

While the location for Super Bowl LXIV is firm, the exact date remains a point of contention. The NFL is currently weighing a transition to an 18-game regular season, a move that requires a mechanical necessity of approval from a reluctant NFL Players Association.

This ongoing negotiation has left a lack of clarity regarding the firm dates for:

Super Bowl LXII (2028): Atlanta
Super Bowl LXIII (2029): Las Vegas
Super Bowl LXIV (2030): Nashville

The uncertainty has complicated logistical planning for ancillary events, particularly in Atlanta, as broadcasters and host committees wait for the league to finalise the calendar structure.

Minneapolis Wins 2028 NFL Draft

In a major win for the NFC North, Minneapolis is expected to host the 2028 NFL Draft. This selection completes a comprehensive circuit of the division’s markets, following successful stints in Chicago, Detroit, and the upcoming 2025 event in Green Bay.

The Twin Cities will face a high bar following the 2026 event in Pittsburgh, which set a staggering attendance record of 805,000 fans. Washington, D.C., which hosts next year, has already declared its ambition to become the first city to draw over 1 million fans across the three-day event.

Finally, the NFL will revive its Accelerator Program for 2026, aimed at advancing talent from underrepresented groups.

The 34-person pool notably includes former Dolphins head coach and current Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, highlighting the league’s focus on leadership development within its coaching ranks.

Biggest Magic Round in History Shatters Viewership and Attendance Records

Posted on May 19, 2026May 19, 2026 by Courtney

The 2026 edition of NRL Magic Round has cemented its status as the premier event on the Australian sporting calendar, delivering record-breaking results across all broadcast and digital metrics.

Total viewership for the weekend reached a staggering 6.5 million, a 15% increase on the previous year, officially making it the most-watched Magic Round of all time.

The weekend was headlined by two historic broadcast milestones. The blockbuster clash between the Brisbane Broncos and New Zealand Warriors became the most-viewed Sunday 4:00 pm regular season fixture in history.

Additionally, Saturday night’s showdown between the Sydney Roosters and North Queensland Cowboys set a new record as the most-watched Saturday 5:30 pm regular season fixture of all time.

Broadcast and Digital Dominance

The Foxtel Group reported unprecedented engagement, with more than 4.8 million cumulative viewers tuning in across the weekend, marking the highest-rated round in the network’s history.

All three Saturday fixtures, Wests Tigers v Sea Eagles, Roosters v Cowboys, and Eels v Storm, recorded the highest viewership for their respective time slots in the 2026 season.

Digital engagement through NRL channels also reached new heights, reflecting a highly connected fan base:

50.5 million total page views across the NRL web and app.
11.3 million match centre views on NRL.com.
2.15 million total unique users across digital platforms.

Suncorp Stadium Reaches Capacity

Attendance figures mirrored the broadcast success, with more than 170,000 fans attending Suncorp Stadium over the four-day festival. The event commenced with 23,846 spectators witnessing the Westpac NSW Blues secure the Women’s State of Origin series.

For the eight NRL fixtures, a total of 148,661 fans passed through the gates, with “house full” signs posted at “The Cauldron” on all three days of the premiership matches.

The precinct’s atmosphere was further bolstered by the Caxton Street Fan Activation Zone, which drew massive crowds throughout the weekend.

Beyond the elite level, the festival’s community programs were a mechanical necessity for grassroots growth, with over 5,000 children participating in various rugby league clinics and activations.

AFL and Clubs Extend Tradable Bits Partnership to Unify Fan Engagement

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian Football League (AFL) has announced a multi-year renewal and expansion of its partnership with Tradable Bits, selecting the company’s fan data platform to power digital engagement across both the AFL and AFLW.

Following a competitive RFP process, the agreement reinforces a relationship that began in 2019 and has since scaled into one of the most comprehensive fan data ecosystems in global sport.

By integrating the AFLW into the core engagement framework, the league is further strengthening its leadership in women’s sport, ensuring that technological innovation and personalised experiences are delivered consistently across all elite competitions.

Commenting on the partnership, AFL general manager digital product & technology, John Sinistaj, said: “From the screens to the stands, the AFL connects fans to the moments that matter to grow their love of footy.”

“This requires delivering engaging experiences throughout the season that drive viewership, foster community, provide actionable fan insights, and create meaningful connection opportunities through partner integration.

“Tradable Bits was the best solution to deliver on these objectives,” Sinistaj said.

For Richmond, senior platform developer, Daniel Bull, highlighted that deeper insights into fan behaviour have transformed decision-making, allowing for smarter, more effective lead generation and community surveys.

This enables clubs like the West Coast Eagles and Richmond to move beyond simple transactions toward long-term fan relationships by tailoring content and match-day experiences, such as junior mascot selections and “Fan MVP” voting, to specific demographic profiles.

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.

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.