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Ministry of Sports Unveils Unmissable Sports Forum and Unmissable Sports Lunch

Posted on by Courtney

We are proud to unveil our Unmissable Sports Forum – “The Business of Global Sport” alongside the Unmissable Sports Lunch – “Football Legends Live, which will be held at Perth this Friday 7 August 2026 – Optus Stadium.

The programme aims to creates a centralised corporate cluster designed to capitalise on the presence of touring international football clubs and driving high-value business, investment, and tourism outcomes in the region.

Unmissable Sports Forum – “The Business of Global Sport”

The morning session materialises as a limited-capacity corporate gathering inside Riverview Room 3 from 8:30am to 12:00pm, mapping the intersecting economic pipelines of global football, domestic athletics, and government investment.

The forum features a prominent institutional lineup led by the Deputy Premier of Western Australia, Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA, who will sit alongside executive representatives from European football powerhouses AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Palermo FC, as well as domestic sporting giants the West Coast Eagles and Melbourne Storm.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Created for those building, funding and shaping the future of sport.

  • Business leaders
  • Sport executives
  • Government
  • Investors
  • Commercial decision-makers
  • Brands, sponsors & agencies
  • Athletes & player representatives

Panel discussions will explore the broader macroeconomic impacts of major sporting infrastructure, analysing how global events function as catalysts to drive regional visitation, stimulate foreign investment, and secure lucrative commercial sponsorships.

Tickets to event: Secure your place at “The Business of Global Sport” forum

Unmissable Sports Lunch – “Football Legends Live”

The commercial activation transitions immediately into the afternoon with the Unmissable Sports Lunch – “Football Legends Live,” operating from 12:30pm to 3:30pm within the premium Riverview precinct of Optus Stadium.

The corporate hospitality asset features a world-first assembly of football royalty, placing legendary icons Christian Vieri, Alessandro Del Piero, Javier Zanetti, and Giorgio Chiellini together on a single Australian stage.

The program is built to appeal to corporate marketers, premium hospitality buyers, and football enthusiasts, blending high-value networking with a live athletic training session component.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

  • Business leaders
  • Sport executives
  • Government
  • Investors
  • Commercial decision-makers
  • Brands, sponsors & agencies
  • Athletes & player representatives
  • Football fans

The presence of multi-time World Cup winners and European champions offers corporate partners an elite platform to examine leadership, high-performance team culture, and brand management through the lens of global sports celebrities.

Tickets to event: Reserve your limited corporate table or individual ticket for the “Football Legends Live” lunch.

The execution of both events over a single day forms a commercial cornerstone of Perth’s wider Unmissable Sports Week, maximising the economic return on international club tours by converting sporting spectacles into measurable corporate assets that strengthen Western Australia’s position within the global sports economy.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

Ministry of Sport Unveils Women in Sport Summit 2026 at Adelaide Oval

Posted on by Courtney

Australia’s leading commercial platform for women’s sport returns, bringing together the decision-makers, investors, athletes and brands shaping the future of the industry.

With global investment in women’s sport accelerating at an unprecedented rate, alongside record audience growth and expanding commercial opportunities, the Women in Sport Summit arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry.

Scheduled to take place from 19–22 October 2026 | Adelaide, and South Australia are uniquely positioned to lead this next chapter — emerging as a destination for world-class sporting events, innovation, leadership and long-term growth across the global sports economy.  

The platform will transition to direct commercial acceleration, uniting prominent international executives, institutional investors, elite athletes, and tier-one corporate brands under a unified corporate framework.

Ministry of Sport founder and CEO, Ben Parsons, emphasised that the national sports landscape has arrived at a critical juncture requiring coordinated executive action to sustain current commercial momentum.

“Women’s sport in Australia has reached a defining commercial moment.”

“WISS exists to bring together the leaders, brands and investors shaping what comes next,” Parsons stated. 

The Summit  is engineered to map the entire commercial pipeline of the women’s sports ecosystem, from emerging talent pathways to high-performance science and institutional capital allocation.

Day 1: Futures Day on focusing on career pipelines for students.

Day 2 : Performance Forum, an exercise and sports science Australia accredited assembly bringing together high-performance coaches, sports scientists, and medical specialists. 

Day 3: Leadership Summit, where sporting executives, media rights lawyers, corporate marketers, and venture capitalists will analyse strategies to unlock alternative revenue streams, scale emerging sports properties, and establish sustainable investment structures. 

Day 4: WISS Barossa Leadership Experience, a curated corporate networking track designed to facilitate long-term business relationships and joint venture deals.

From grassroots pathways to elite performance and commercial growth, WISS connects every stage of the ecosystem in one unified platform featuring global executives, visionary athletes, and industry disruptors across key sectors.  Attendees will gain exclusive insights into unlocking new revenue streams, scaling women’s sport properties, and building sustainable commercial ecosystems that deliver long-term value.

This is not a conference.  It’s a commercial inflection point for women’s sport.

Proudly brought to you by event partners: Business Events Adelaide, South Australian Government

Early Bird tickets are now available:  Women in Sport Summit Australia 2026 – Ministry of Sport.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

RugbyWA Extends Partnership with AFGRI Equipment for 2026 Albany 7’s Tournament

Posted on by Courtney

RugbyWA has officially finalised a partnership extension with AFGRI Equipment Australia, securing the prominent machinery provider as the Naming Rights Partner for the upcoming 2026 AFGRI Albany 7’s.

The renewed agreement reinforces a shared corporate commitment to grassroots rugby and regional community engagement across Western Australia. As a premier fixture within RugbyWA’s West Coast 7’s Series, the tournament serves as a key structural pathway, connecting metropolitan and regional junior squads across the state.

Commenting on the partnership extension, RugbyWA CEO, Simon Taylor, said: “The AFGRI Albany 7’s has established itself as one of the most important junior rugby events in Western Australia. Seeing over 1,000 young players take part last year highlights the strength of the game at a grassroots level, particularly in regional communities.”

“Our partnership with AFGRI allows us to continue delivering high-quality experiences for players and families, while also strengthening rugby’s presence in the Great Southern region,” he said.

Highlightinh the alignment between corporate regional investment and local community unit, AFGRI Equipment Australia CEO, Wessel Oosthuizen, added: “The AFGRI Albany 7’s is a fantastic event that brings young players, families and communities together while showcasing the strength of regional Western Australia.”

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with RugbyWA and support an event that creates lasting benefits for the Great Southern region.

“With Albany’s Bicentenary celebrations taking place in 2026, this year’s AFGRI Albany 7’s will be even more special,” Oosthuizen added.

Key Performance Indicators: The 2025 Baseline

The contract extension follows a highly successful 2025 iteration, which established record participation benchmarks for the regional junior rugby festival.

Metric 2025 Tournament Performance & Metrics
Total Attendance Thousands of rugby spectators and families
Junior Participants 1,000+ athletes
Age Group Classification Under 8s through to Under 15s
Competing Teams 77 registered squads
Infrastructure Scope Centennial Park (Expanding to Centennial Stadium for 2026)

Cultural Integration and Bicentenary Commercial Activations

The 2026 tournament will feature elevated civic significance, integrating directly into the City of Albany’s Bicentenary celebrations. The historical milestone marks 200 years since the establishment of Western Australia’s first European settlement.

Tournament operations will highlight the rich heritage of Menang Noongar Boodja, utilising sports engagement to drive community connection, story-sharing, and reconciliation across generations.

To capitalise on the cultural milestone, RugbyWA, AFGRI, and the City of Albany are launching a targeted retail initiative:

  • Limited-Edition Merchandise: A commemorative Rugby 7’s training tee will be released for players, technical staff, and general consumers.
  • Direct Consumer Customisation: The exclusive apparel will allow buyers to personalise the product with club initials and surnames via the primary registration hub.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

Hawthorn and KFC Announce Five-Year Partnership Extension

Posted on by Courtney

Hawthorn Football Club has officially secured a five-year extension of its partnership with global restaurant giant KFC.

Serving as a Premier Partner across both the club’s AFL and AFLW programs, the long-term renewal ensures commercial continuity, carrying the relationship into a milestone 10th year since KFC first joined the Hawthorn network in 2021.

The multi-year agreement reinforces KFC’s position as a foundational commercial pillar for the club, driving integrated brand awareness through premium kit inventory, match-day signage, and hospitality offerings.

Commenting on the extension, Hawthorn chief commercial officer, Jo Gilbert, said: “We are delighted to extend our long-running partnership with KFC for a further five years.”

“Since joining the Hawthorn family in 2021, KFC has played a significant role in supporting the Club’s AFL and AFLW programs, while also helping create fun and memorable experiences and content for our members and fans.

“Hawthorn and KFC are both iconic brands in their own right, and even stronger together. We look forward to building on our shared success and continuing to grow together for another five years,” Gilbert said. 

KFC chief marketing officer, Vanessa Rowed, highlighted the sports marketing synergy and shared future trajectory driving the brand’s sustained investment.

“Hawthorn is an iconic club with a bold future, and we’re thrilled to be backing the brown and gold for another five years.”

“Footy has always been a huge part of KFC’s DNA, and our partnership just keeps getting better,” Rowed stated.

Commercial Asset Allocation & Kit Inventory

The extension guarantees prominent asset placement across the club’s physical, digital, and match-day real estate, spanning both the men’s and women’s elite football divisions:

Asset Category Specific Inventory & Branding Placement
AFL On-Field Apparel Iconic KFC branding proudly positioned on the back of Hawthorn player guernseys.
AFLW On-Field Apparel High-visibility logo integration on the back of player guernseys and the front of match shorts.
AFLW Off-Field Apparel Uniform branding across all official off-field elite team apparel.
Match Day Activations Dedicated fan-facing initiatives, exclusive member offers, and structured integration into the club’s premium hospitality experiences.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

International Tennis Federation Formally Rebrands as ‘World Tennis’

Posted on by Courtney

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has officially rebranded itself as World Tennis, a name change aimed at reinforcing its organisational role as the global governing body of the sport. The structural transition was formally approved by member national associations at the organisation’s annual general meeting last October.

According to leadership, the updated identity is designed to clearly communicate the body’s expansive worldwide reach and unique international mandate.

Redefining the ‘T7’ Structure

Based in London, World Tennis works directly alongside the ATP Tour, the WTA Tour, and the four Grand Slams—the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open—to collectively oversee the professional game.

Addressing the interconnected nature of these entities, World Tennis CEO, Ross Hutchins clarified the collaborative reality behind the industry’s traditional “T7” structure:

“A lot of people think of the T7 as seven governing bodies when in fact they’re not seven governing bodies.”

“They actually have different purposes, which all add together to equal a big pie of a sport. The new name reflects the organisation’s global nature,” Hutchins said.

The specific responsibilities directly managed under the World Tennis umbrella include:

  • International Team Tournaments: Operational oversight of the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup.

  • Global Multi-Sport Events: Management of the official tennis competitions at both the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

  • Institutional Governance: Serving as the central global governing body to ensure a strong, sustainable future for the sport.

Aligning with Global Sporting Trends

The transition to a simplified, consumer-facing title aligns with a broader institutional movement seen across various international sports federations in recent years. World Tennis joins several prominent organisations that have modernised their corporate identities to better reflect their global footprints:

Sporting Governance Sectors Modernised Identity
Tennis World Tennis
Athletics World Athletics
Aquatics World Aquatics
Gymnastics World Gymnastics
Rugby World Rugby

The governance announcement comes just days before Wimbledon is scheduled to begin on Monday, highlighting a major competitive week that features Serena Williams returning to singles competition following an absence of nearly four years.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

Fremantle Football Club Signs Three-Year Partnership with Viva Leisure’s Zoo Fit

Posted on by Courtney

The Fremantle Football Club has announced a three-year commercial partnership designating Zoo Fit as the official Gym Partner across both its AFL and AFLW elite sporting programs.

The alliance coincides with parent company Viva Leisure’s (ASX: VVA) targeted expansion into the Western Australian fitness sector, establishing an immediate high-profile consumer marketing footprint for its newly launched value-segment brand.

Under the terms of the agreement, the fitness brand will secure premier match-day inventory at Optus Stadium, including prominent digital stadium branding and a series of interactive fan activations.

Commenting on the partnership, Fremantle Football Club executive general manager – commercial, Carissa Pearce, said: “Fremantle has always been a Club that has done things differently and challenges the status quo; we believe that Zoo Fit carries that same ethos of not accepting the way things have always been done.”

“They’re taking a different approach to how fitness should work by making their facilities accessible to more people, which aligns strongly with our purpose as a Club of enriching the community,” Pearce stated. 

Noting that tying the brand’s launch to an elite sporting organization assists in authenticating its fitness and wellness offerings to everyday West Australians, Viva Leisure chief marketing and data officer, Rob Nolan, added: “This partnership signifies our commitment to the fans, players, and the broader sporting community across WA.”

“The Freo Dockers are a Club with strong community values, an ambitious vision, and a passionate supporter base.

“We’re looking forward to doing the reps together and helping more West Australians access affordable fitness and wellness experiences,” Nolan said.

The partnership serves as the core promotional launchpad for Zoo Fit’s physical entry into Western Australia. The fitness network’s premier facility is scheduled to open in Wanneroo on Saturday, 25 July 2026.

Viva Leisure has mapped out an aggressive regional rollout strategy to scale its presence quickly, with several subsequent greenfield locations already confirmed across high-growth outer metropolitan corridors:

  • Mandurah
  • Clarkson
  • Port Kennedy
  • Butler
  • Kennedy Park
  • Forrestdale

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

2026 Australian Open Delivers $722.32 Million Economic Growth for Victoria

Posted on by Courtney

The 2026 Australian Open has shattered domestic sports business benchmarks, generating a historic $722.32 million in total expenditure stimulus for the state of Victoria.

According to an official economic impact assessment conducted by IER, the figure represents a 27 per cent uplift on the previous year’s event. This growth solidifies the Grand Slam’s status as the absolute anchor of Australia’s major events economy, contributing more than $3.9 billion in cumulative regional value over the past decade.

A primary driver of the fiscal surge was an unprecedented expansion of the sports tourism footprint. Out-of-state and international visitors generated 705,239 bed nights in Melbourne hotels—marking a 59.2 per cent year-on-year spike and setting the highest accommodation record in the event’s history. Individual commercial yield increased concurrently, with the average daily spend per visitor rising to $247.80.

2026 Australian Open Attendance and Labor Metrics

The multi-week sports entertainment festival attracted an all-time record of 1,368,043 physical attendees across the precinct, anchored by 217,999 spectators during the newly integrated AO Opening Week. Operations peaked on Thursday, January 22, recording the highest single-day attendance in tournament history with 103,956 fans through the gates.

This immense operational scale translated directly into immediate labor market stimulation, generating 2,547 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. The specialised employment dividends filtered through key service sectors across the state:

Economic Sector Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Jobs Generated
Accommodation, Hotels & Cafés 803
Retail Trade 191
Road Transport Logistics 113
Construction & Site Services 70

Global Broadcast and Media Asset Performance

Beyond physical gate receipts, Tennis Australia’s broadcast and digital assets achieved exponential international scale. The 2026 tournament commanded a global cumulative reach of 2.2 billion people, yielding 781 million total hours viewed across a record 136,769 international coverage hours.

The United States market experienced its most-watched Australian Open in over a decade, amassing 100 million hours viewed, driven by a 61 per cent year-on-year surge within the highly coveted 18–34 age demographic. Carlos Alcaraz’s title run triggered an 86 per cent viewing spike in Spain, while Poland emerged as Europe’s number-one territory for the first time with 35 million hours logged.

Domestic broadcast rights holder Nine Network secured dominant market shares, with average national total TV audiences climbing 25 per cent year-on-year to 696,000. While linear television recorded robust 13 per cent growth, the league’s digital inventory exploded with a 101 per cent surge in Broadcast Video on Demand (BVOD) streaming.

Key Domestic Broadcast Milestones

  • Men’s Singles Final (Alcaraz vs. Opponent): Registered the highest-rating men’s final since 2017. Achieved a National TV Reach of 6.3 million, averaging 3.4 million viewers (+67% YoY) alongside a BVOD audience of 905,000 (+136% YoY).

  • Women’s Singles Final (Rybakina vs. Opponent): Delivered the highest-rating women’s final since 2022. Secured a National Total TV Reach of 3.82 million, averaging 2.14 million viewers (+30% YoY) with 500,000 on BVOD streaming (+95% YoY).

  • Non-Final Performance: Australian star Alex de Minaur’s quarterfinal clash against Carlos Alcaraz marked the top-rated standard match, pulling a National Total TV Reach of 3.55 million.

Institutional Stakeholder Analysis

Former Tennis Australia CEO, Craig Tiley, recently validated the macro-economic performance of the event franchise, highlighting the sustainable integration between professional sports delivery and regional urbanizsation.

“We are incredibly proud of what the 2026 Australian Open has become – not just a world-class sporting event, but a major economic driver for Victoria, bringing hundreds of thousands of fans from across Australia and billions around the world.”

“What we’ve achieved over the years goes far beyond attendance figures or global reach. It’s about the lasting impact we’ve created for local jobs, businesses and the broader community,” Tiley said. 

Victorian Minister for Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, emphasised that the record financial returns validate the state government’s long-term capital investment framework, which has seen over $1 billion directed toward modernizing the Melbourne Park precinct.

“The Australian Open is a pillar of our state’s major events calendar and, once again, it has scored a new record for delivering economic benefits for Victoria,”

“This is not just a number – it represents full hotels, thriving restaurants and bars, and millions flowing into businesses across the state and supporting local jobs,” Dimopoulos stated. 

Digital and social media platforms mirrored the financial expansion. The tournament’s official social media inventory compiled 4.6 billion impressions, supported by a specialised influencer network generating 1.1 billion impressions—a 160 per cent vertical increase year-on-year.

Total core brand followers surpassed 16 million, including a dedicated 6.2 million consumer base situated on mainland Chinese social applications.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

Hockey Australia Strategic Event Allocation to Drive Regional Sports Tourism in 2027

Posted on by Courtney

Hockey Australia has locked in Hobart, Melbourne, and Newcastle as the primary host destinations for three major National Championships in 2027.

This decentralised multi-state tournament footprint is designed to systematically stimulate regional economic growth and maximise domestic sports tourism revenue.

The premium Under 21 National Championships will headline the winter schedule at the Aurora Energy Tasmanian Hockey Centre from April 23 to 30, 2027. Delivered via a strategic partnership with Hockey Tasmania and Events Tasmania, the elite event is projected to draw up to 1,000 interstate travelers.

Commenting on the announcement, Hockey Australia acting CEO, David Thompson validated the high-performance importance of the Tasmanian tournament.

“The Under 21 National Championships is one of the most important events in our national pathway, bringing together the best emerging athletes from across the country in a high-performance competition environment,” Thompson said.

Tasmanian Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events Roger Jaensch highlighted the commercial value the week-long event brings to local business operators.

“Hosting the 2027 Hockey Australia U21 National Championships is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Tasmania’s world-class sporting facilities and our State’s passion for sport,” Minister Jaensch added.

Victoria will also secure a major tourism dividend, with Melbourne confirmed to host the 2027 Indoor National Championships from January 9 to 22.

The extended two-week competition at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville expects to attract approximately 2,000 regional visitors. National selectors will be present throughout the event to evaluate athletes for elite national indoor representative squads.

New South Wales will capture a primary junior asset, with the 2027 Under 16 National Championships locked in for the Newcastle International Hockey Centre from April 6 to 13.

The junior tournament serves as a foundational layer for Hockey Australia’s talent identification matrix. The event offers a genuine national stage for emerging players to test their athletic capabilities against top-tier peers.

Hockey Australia chief events officer, Simon Butterly, emphasized that these proven regional hubs possess world-class infrastructure capable of delivering premium competitive environments. Butterly noted that the Under 21 cohort in Hobart will be exceptionally vital for long-term international success. Many of these emerging pathway athletes are projected to reach their prime competitive years in alignment with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

Choice Hotels Set to Continue as the Official Hotel Partner of the NBL.

Posted on by Courtney

The National Basketball League (NBL) has officially renewed its corporate partnership with Choice Hotels Asia-Pac for the upcoming NBL27 season.

Under the renewed contract, the major hospitality group continues as the Official Hotel Partner of the league, ensuring extensive accommodation solutions across Australia and New Zealand.

The continuation comes at a time of record-breaking consumer engagement for the NBL, which has seen unprecedented match-day attendances and sell-out crowds across recent seasons. By anchoring its corporate travel logistics to a network of six distinct hotel brands, the league aims to streamline regional travel for its expanding fan base, participating players, and coaching staffs.

As part of the commercial activation framework for NBL27, Choice Hotels will introduce a dedicated integration platform targeting its Choice Privileges loyalty members. This brand activation will deliver unique experiential rewards, digital engagement touchpoints, and exclusive travel discounts to bring consumers closer to the sport. The marketing initiative leverages high-profile athletic platforms to boost direct occupancy rates and brand visibility across the franchise’s extensive regional hotel portfolio.

Commenting on the extension, NBL Group chief partnerships officer, Shenae Beus, validated the commercial renewal, highlighting the shared ecosystem benefits developed during their inaugural year together.

“Whether it’s fans travelling to support their team, families heading away for junior tournaments, or members of the basketball community travelling for work and leisure, we know Choice Hotels provides a trusted and convenient accommodation option across both Australia and New Zealand.”

“The NBL is seeing more fans than ever before, and partnerships like this help enhance their experience while supporting the broader basketball ecosystem,” Beus said. 

Choice Hotels Asia-Pac Senior director of commercial and revenue management, Kari Hunter, expressed enthusiasm for the deepening alignment between the two sports entertainment entities.

“The partnership integrates our two organisations, boosting visibility and bookings for our six hotel brands’ properties across Australia, New Zealand as well as providing real savings and ‘away game’ comfort for fans, players and coaching staff when they’re travelling,” Hunter stated.

The commercial framework effectively leverages regional sports tourism to generate highly measurable corporate returns for independent hotel franchisees.

The highly anticipated Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season is officially scheduled to tip off on September 17, launching a competitive calendar across ten regional franchises. 

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

Basketball Australia Appoints Michael Czepil as Men’s Centre of Excellence Head Coach

Posted on by Courtney

Basketball Australia has officially appointed elite player development specialist Michael Czepil as the new head coach of the Men’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Canberra.

Czepil will return home to spearhead the country’s premier junior development pipeline after serving as a head coach in the United States collegiate system at Sacramento State.

The Victorian native brings an extensive international and domestic resume to the high-performance position, having navigated the national pathway as both an athlete and a professional coach. His tenure will officially commence on July 8, 2026, positioning him to immediately guide the CoE men’s roster into the upcoming NBL1 East postseason campaign.

Reflecting on the appointment, Czepil expressed immense pride in taking the reins of a program universally recognized for nurturing elite global basketball prospects.

“The Centre of Excellence is universally regarded as one of the finest development models in all of junior basketball.”

“So, to be thought of as somebody who can help nurture the next wave of prospects through the program is incredibly humbling.

“It’s the opportunity to impact not only the athletes in the daily training environment, but also the Australian basketball pathway as a whole that I am thrilled to have.”

Czepil’s developmental expertise spans multiple key basketball touchpoints, beginning with his early days as an athlete in the Basketball Victoria high-performance program before playing US college hoops for Nicholls State University.

He subsequently built a robust domestic coaching foundation with the Werribee Devils before moving back to the United States to secure elite positions within NCAA Division I basketball.

His professional growth was significantly shaped by working alongside current Australian Boomers assistant coach David Patrick at both UC Riverside and Sacramento State.

This high-level exposure provides Czepil with clear, data-driven insights into the exact behavioral patterns and performance metrics required for young prospects to transition successfully into the senior national teams.

High-Performance Leadership Backs the Appointment

Institutional stakeholders have strongly endorsed Czepil’s arrival, highlighting his tactical acumen and forward-thinking methodology. Former CoE lead and current coach Adam Caporn emphasised that Czepil is perfectly positioned to expand upon the academy’s prestigious legacy.

“Michael Czepil is an outstanding coach and person whose experience spans multiple facets of high-performance basketball.

“His breadth of expertise, combined with strong technical acumen, innovative thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement, make him the ideal person to build on the CoE’s proud legacy and continue its lasting impact on Australian basketball,” Caporn said.

The highly anticipated transition will take effect immediately as the CoE men’s program ramps up final training preparations for the NBL1 East finals starting on July 24.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

Collingwood Names Comfort Sleep Official Elite Sleep Partner

Posted on by Courtney

The Collingwood Football Club has secured a corporate partnership with premium Australian mattress manufacturer Comfort Sleep, appointing the company as its Official Elite Sleep Partner.

This alignment integrates athletic recovery with commercial sports marketing, focusing on sleep optimisation to drive on-field excellence.

The Melbourne manufacturer will supply its signature Australian-made luxury mattresses to all players and staff. This investment aims to enhance the roster’s readiness during the competitive season. 

Commenting on the partnership, Collingwood head of High-Performance, Jarrod Wade, said: “At Collingwood, we view performance through three key pillars – training, nutrition and sleep.”

“While recovery modalities such as ice baths and saunas have great benefits, quality sleep is by far the most important.

“Working with Comfort Sleep has been incredibly valuable.

“Their expertise has helped us better understand each player’s individual sleep needs and provide tailored sleep solutions that support deeper recovery, improved sleep quality and ultimately enhanced performance on and off the field,” he said.

Noting how the premium infrastructure delivers vital physical stability after high-pressure matches, Collingwood defender, Dan Houston, added: “Being a Collingwood player, we’re educated around the importance of sleep as the best form of recovery to help us perform at our best and be the best athletes we can be.”

“High-quality sleep is incredibly important. Playing night games in front of the massive Magpie Army under the bright lights, knowing I can go home and recover properly, makes a huge difference as I prepare for the following week’s training sessions,” he added.

Noting that the partnership aligns directly with the club’s ongoing performance goals, Collingwood CEO, Craig Kelly, shared: “We are excited to work with Comfort Sleep and look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have for our Club.”

“As a Club, we are always looking for ways to elevate performance and partnering with Comfort Sleep is another important step in supporting our players to recover and perform at their best every day,” Kelly said.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

Total Soccer Growth Holdings Acquires Central Coast Mariners in Multi-Club Commercial Strategy

Posted on by Courtney

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has finalised a corporate takeover of Central Coast Mariners FC by international investment firm Total Soccer Growth Holdings (TSG).

The privately-owned group, led by majority shareholder Ruben Gnanalingam, holds controlling interests in English Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers and Major League Soccer franchise Los Angeles FC. This asset acquisition expands the growing roster of cross-continental multi-club networks establishing equity in the Australian domestic game.

Total Soccer Growth Holdings majority shareholder, Ruben Gnanalingam, outlined the overarching commercial vision and growth motivations backing the Oceanic expansion.

“We are delighted to make an entry into the A-Leagues with an investment into Central Coast Mariners FC.”

“We see Australian football as a major growth area in the sport internationally, and are excited to return Central Coast Mariners to the era of valuing and nurturing young Coasties.

“We appreciate how turbulent and uncertain the last season has been for the Club and we intend to do our utmost to restore energy and enthusiasm for this special football club, both on and off the pitch.

“We were drawn to the Mariners because of its strong community spirit, a characteristic that mirrors other sporting organisations that we have the great privilege of being a part of around the world,” Gnanalingam said.

APL CEO, Steve Rosich, verified that the cross-border investment strengthens the commercial validity of the league ahead of the 2026/27 season kickoff on October 16.

“This partnership for the Central Coast Mariners further validates the growing international-standing of the A-League and our players, and creates another significant connection to the global football economy.”

“Through the extensive due diligence process it became clear that the operation of the women’s team was not able to be included within the new operation with Total Soccer Growth Holdings.

“Separately, we’ve begun working with parties to seek specific investment in the women’s team – and we’re working to ideally arrive at an outcome on this on or before 31 July to enable the team to operate in the 2026/27 season,” added Rosich.

The transaction includes immediate operational control of the men’s A-League squad alongside the club’s youth academy pipelines. However, the corporate carve-out structurally excludes the Ninja A-League women’s licence, leaving the APL to seek independent external capital before a hard fiscal deadline of July 31.

This transaction marks the latest multi-club investment in the A-Leagues, joining global operators City Football Group, Black Knight Football Club, Tony Bloom, and Silver Lake.

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Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and TAFE Queensland Expand Sports Business Academy Nationally via Online Platform

Posted on by Courtney

The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have announced a national expansion of their sports education footprint through the launch of a fully online leadership program.

In partnership with TAFE Queensland, the NRL club will take its established Sea Eagles Sports Business Academy model beyond its traditional physical borders to capture a nationwide student demographic. The move pivots from the club’s initial localised face-to-face dual diploma delivery at the Penn Centre of Excellence in Brookvale.

Commencing in the first week of August 2026, the newly scaled curriculum allows participants across Australia to undertake the nationally recognised Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420). The digital delivery model features interactive evening sessions structured two nights per week, purposefully engineered to offer maximum flexibility for working professionals, coaches, and athletes.

To maintain premium asset value, distance learners will integrate directly with the club’s corporate structure through exclusive digital touchpoints, industry projects, and executive guest speaker experiences.

Emphasising that the expansion directly aligns with the club’s broader commercial and community pathway objectives, Sea Eagles Sports Business Academy head of Education & Foundation , Tim Gee, said: “The response to our Sports Business Academy has been incredibly strong and we’re excited to now provide an option for people who may not be able to attend face-to-face delivery at Brookvale.”

“This online leadership program allows students from anywhere in Australia to connect with the Sea Eagles brand and gain practical leadership and management capability through the lens of professional sport,” Gee said. 

TAFE Queensland manager of Academy of Sport, Don Harley, reinforced that the partnership’s next phase matches modern shifting consumer demands within the highly competitive tertiary sports education market.

“What we’ve seen over the past few years is that students are looking for flexibility, but they still want connection to industry and strong brand alignment.”

“The Sea Eagles have built a really authentic education environment and this next phase of the partnership allows us to extend that opportunity to a much broader audience,” Harley said. 

From an academic perspective, TAFE Queensland educators will deliver the coursework through a lens highly contextualised to high-performance sporting environments. Enrolled students will thoroughly analyse core operational competencies, exploring leadership, emotional intelligence, corporate communication, risk mitigation, and strategic team management via real-world rugby league case studies. Furthermore, eligible Queensland-based participants can access fully subsidised training avenues backed by the State Government’s Fee-Free TAFE scheme.

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Rugby Australia Secures Four Year Coca Cola Sponsorship and World Cup Pouring Rights

Posted on by Courtney

Rugby Australia and global beverage manufacturer Coca-Cola have announced a landmark four-year partnership spanning all national teams until at least the end of 2029.

Under the new agreement, the brand secures status as the official soft drink, hydration, and energy drink partner for the Wallabies, Wallaroos, and Australian Sevens teams. This alignment ensures prominent inventory visibility for the company’s product lines across match days, stretching from the playing field directly into the coaches’ boxes.

The commercial scope expands significantly with Coca-Cola also confirmed as the exclusive non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverage partner for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. The synchronised agreements allow the brand to maximise its retail footprint as the country prepares to host the world’s third largest sporting event next year.

Commenting on the partnership, Rugby Australia CEO, Phil Waugh, validated the substantial commercial momentum generated by the long-term commitment ahead of these major home tournaments.

“Coca-Cola is a global icon with a long and celebrated history of supporting many of the world’s premier sports events, leagues and teams.”

“We are therefore thrilled to welcome Coca-Cola into the Rugby Australia family as an official partner for at least the next four years as we build towards pinnacle events including the home Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029,” Waugh said.

Waugh further highlighted how the integrated platform would elevate the sport’s domestic profile and fan engagement.

“The partnership between Coca-Cola and Rugby Australia is testament to our game’s ability to excite and inspire fans around Australia and across the globe – millions of whom will come together in a spirit of friendship and unity next year to celebrate the Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia,” Waugh added.

Emphasising the unique power of sports marketing to drive consumer connection and community unity, Coca-Cola Australia VP and GM, Ahmed Rady, added: “For generations, Coca-Cola has been part of the moments that bring people together, and few opportunities are more powerful than sport.”

“These partnerships allow us to connect with fans at every level of the game, from supporting Australia’s national teams through to helping deliver one of the world’s biggest sporting events when Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 comes to Australia,” Rady stated.

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Tasmanian Government Deploys 400,000 Dollars to Accelerate Female Sports Participation Strategy

Posted on by Courtney

The Tasmanian State Government has officially distributed nearly $400,000 in targeted development funding through its Her Path to Play program.

This funding is designed to increase the long-term participation and retention of women and girls across all tiers of the state’s active recreation sectors. A total of 38 successful sporting organisations will share the financial resource to establish sustainable community pathways.

The grant allocation aims to diversify female representation beyond standard on-field participation by heavily underwriting leadership development. Successful projects will actively support women stepping into vital operational roles, including coaches, match officials, administrators, and executive positions.

The competitive funding round attracted intense market interest, receiving comprehensive applications from more than 90 independent sports bodies across the region. Tasmanian Minister for Sport Nick Duigan validated the strategic scale of the rollout, confirming a diverse range of sports achieved funding.

Minister Duigan noted the 38 successful grant recipients will offer programs encouraging greater involvement of women and girls across various sporting roles, including players, coaches, officials, administrators and other leadership positions.

The Her Path to Play program received significant interest from more than 90 organisations around Tasmania, with the successful applicants offering a diverse range of sports and projects.

Duigan highlighted specific club allocations within the state-wide framework.

“One of these recipients, the North Esk Rowing Club, will receive $20,000 to deliver a project focused on supporting the recruitment and retention of girls aged 11 to 18 years within the community.”

“The club will deliver activities to support the transition from school rowing to club membership through its winter rowing program, which will provide coach development and leadership opportunities for the participants.

“I look forward to seeing the positive results that Her Path to Play will deliver in the coming years – I’m confident it will level the playing field for women and girls,” Duigan said.

Other commercial sports activations receiving funding include ParaQuad Tasmania’s Her Path to Wheelchair Basketball program and Badminton Tasmania’s Shuttle Smash: Girls into Badminton program. The Tasmanian Indoor Cricket Girl’s Program will also receive critical capital to expand its regional operations.

These targeted grant distributions will roll out immediately to establish a highly inclusive and economically resilient athletic ecosystem.

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