Ministry of Sport

Peter V’landys Appointed Executive Chairman in Landmark ARLC Shift

Posted on September 24, 2026September 24, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has announced the unanimous endorsement of Peter V’landys AM as Executive Chairman, following extensive consultation with key members including NRL clubs, the NSWRL, and the QRL.

The appointment provides a continuity and operational certainty as the sport enters an ambitious phase of international and domestic expansion, underpinned by a newly secured, record-breaking seven-year, $5.3 billion media rights agreement.

During his tenure as chairman since September 2019, V’landys has driven a transformative commercial era for the code, scaling annual revenue to $845.6 million in FY25 and accumulating net assets approaching $500 million.

Reflecting on the financial turnaround and leadership defining the tenure, ARLC commissioner, The Hon. Peter Beattie AC, said: “Peter has completely reinvigorated Rugby League during his tenure and the Commission is backing him in to grow the game even further.”

“Peter inherited a game with limited reserves and no significant assets, one that had needed an advance from its broadcasters just to pay the Clubs and Players.

“He consistently put the fan first, and the record audiences and the biggest broadcast deal in Australian sport followed,” she said.

Accepting the expanded executive mandate, Peter V’landys AM articulated his vision for the code’s global future.

“I am honoured every day to have the opportunity to give something back to Rugby League and could not be more excited for the game’s future.”

“Rugby League is the greatest game of all and we are going to take it to the world,” he said.

The permanent consolidation of executive duties follows a period of dual operational management and marks V’landys’ departure from his long-standing leadership role at Racing NSW after 22 years.

To ensure best practice institutional transparency and robust checks alongside the expanded executive model, the Commission has established a Governance Oversight Committee chaired by Dr Gary Weiss AM.

With high-profile international initiatives and upcoming expansion projects including the Perth Bears in 2027 and the Papua New Guinea Chiefs in 2028, backed by a $600 million federal funding commitment.

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NTT INDYCAR Series Delivers Record-Breaking 2026 Season Driven by FOX Sports

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Courtney

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES has concluded a 2026 campaign defined by massive audience growth, soaring attendance, and record digital engagement, solidifying its commercial momentum across North America.

Capitalising on a broadcast partnership with FOX Sports, the open-wheel championship delivered its highest average viewership in nearly two decades, averaging 1.68 million viewers across an 18-race schedule while securing 23 broadcast television appearances.

The impact extended across race weekends, where overall attendance rose by approximately 20 percent. Grandstands sold out at marquee fixtures including the Indianapolis 500 and the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., which drew a peak audience of 3.5 million viewers.

Commercial initiatives, such as the debut of the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington via a joint venture with the Dallas Cowboys and REV Entertainment, further highligted the organisation’s expanding market reach and soaring merchandise sales, which climbed nearly 40 percent year-on-year.

Highlighting the impact of the new broadcast alliance and ongoing capital investments, Penske Entertainment president and CEO, Mark Miles, said: “This is an incredible new era for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, defined by growth, energy and momentum.”

“Our partnership with FOX Sports has raised the bar for our sport, and in turn we’ve invested in new events and opportunities to accelerate our already immense progress.

“Alongside our teams and partners, our commitment to maintain and expand one of the fastest growth curves in all of sports is unmatched,” Miles said.

Digital and social media platforms experienced unprecedented engagement, led by record traffic on the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA and more than 250 million video views. Shoulder program offerings also expanded significantly, with the digital docuseries “ALL IN: INDYCAR,” produced alongside FOX Sports and Tom Brady’s Shadow Lion, attracting over 6 million views on YouTube.

Looking toward long-term technicalities, INDYCAR officially unveiled the lighter, faster IR-28 car slated for introduction in the 2028 season, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge design and enhanced wheel-to-wheel competition.

This roadmap is supported by multi-year engine manufacturer agreements secured with Chevrolet and Honda.

INDYCAR president, J. Douglas Boles, emphasised the importance of continuous innovation.

“The IR-28 unveil was a massive milestone for the sport, and it has been incredible to get so much positive feedback from both our drivers and our fans.”

“To capitalize on our momentum, we need to be constantly innovating and look toward the future, and the IR-28 reflects our commitment to this mindset,” Boles said.

With intense competition yielding eight different race winners and multi-year commitments from premier original equipment manufacturers, INDYCAR enters the 2027 cycle positioned for sustained expansion.

Queensland Government Restructures Racing Governance by Merging Racing Queensland and Integrity Commission

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Courtney

The Queensland Government has announced a structural reform that will merge the functions of Racing Queensland and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission into a single hybrid model.

Unveiled as part of the state’s broader “The Next Lap” racing reform plan, the initiative aims to eliminate operational duplication while safeguarding independent oversight for animal welfare and industry integrity across the thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound codes.

Under the updated governance framework, a newly created chief integrity officer within Racing Queensland will maintain independent oversight of racing integrity.

This executive position will hold equal standing to the organisation’s chief executive and report directly to the racing minister, the Racing Queensland board, and a dedicated board subcommittee. The restructuring marks a shift from the government’s previous December 2025 proposal, which originally intended to transfer only non-core functions while retaining a separate commissioner of stewards.

Highlighting the scale and importance of the sector, Racing Minister, Hon. Tim Mander, said: “The racing industry is vital for Queensland, contributing more than $2.5 billion per year into our economy and responsible for around 14,000 jobs across the state and that’s why we’re delivering a plan for the future of the industry.”

The reform addresses long-standing financial sustainability concerns and operational duplication between the state’s commercial sporting administration and its independent statutory regulator, which was originally established in 2016 following an inquiry into industry self-regulation failures.

Minister Mander further noted overhaul of the organisation.

“It’s imperative that we have a progressive and efficient governance model in place to continue to grow the industry for communities throughout Queensland, while ensuring animal welfare is at the heart of all decision-making.”

“By amalgamating Racing Queensland and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission and establishing a chief integrity officer, we can maintain clear lines of accountability while reducing operational duplication.

“This will not only help to make the industry more efficient and effective, it will greatly increase sustainability, public confidence and confidence within the industry,” Hon. Mander said.

Further legislative amendments and industry consultations will roll out over the coming months to formalise the transition.

Disney+ Accelerates Global Live Sports Strategy with Expanded Rights and Platform Integration

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Courtney

The Walt Disney Company is accelerating its international direct-to-consumer strategy by pushing live sports programming across Disney+, positioning the digital platform to diversify revenue streams through advertising and enhance user retention outside the United States.

Following the integration of ESPN dedicated hubs across more than 50 European and Asia-Pacific territories, the streaming service has progressively expanded its sports inventory through an intricate blend of targeted regional acquisitions and global broadcasting partnerships designed to capture significant international market share.

Recent milestones include a five-year broadcast agreement executed with the National Hockey League, securing exclusive live streaming rights in Sweden and Finland for 160 regular-season matches, studio programming, and high-stakes postseason playoff fixtures.

This development builds directly upon a multi-year global partnership established with Formula E covering 144 territories worldwide, alongside a comprehensive pan-European package for the prestigious UEFA Women’s Champions League. Concurrently, Disney+ has successfully secured European football rights, incorporating selected weekly LaLiga fixtures and upcoming UEFA club competition broadcast packages across key international markets.

Beyond live match broadcasts, Disney+ is actively diversifying its sports entertainment ecosystem to engage younger demographics and capture vital cultural conversations. The platform recently secured distribution partnerships for prominent sports video podcast networks, including Gary Neville’s well-known The Overlap production slate featuring popular panel shows.

Furthermore, the organisation continues to leverage its proprietary intellectual property by combining live sports feeds with advanced real-time animation technologies, deploying popular Pixar and Disney characters into alternative broadcast feeds for major fixtures across professional hockey and football leagues.

Alongside tier-based subscription fees, Disney has updated its European terms of service to explicitly confirm that all streaming tiers, including traditional ad-free plans, may incorporate promotional content, brand sponsorships, and targeted advertisements during live sports broadcasts.

While domestic market complexities, such as legacy broadcast dependencies through ESPN and ABC alongside complex joint venture structures in international markets, present structural considerations, Disney+’s international expansion underscores the growing commercial convergence between premium family entertainment and elite sports broadcasting.

FreshChoice Secures Official Supermarket Sponsorship with Auckland FC

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Courtney

Auckland FC has announced a partnership with supermarket brand FreshChoice, naming the retailer as the official supermarket sponsor of the club ahead of the upcoming football season.

The partnership integrates FreshChoice branding prominently onto the back of Auckland FC’s official training apparel, which will be worn by players and retailed to supporters.

Beyond elite apparel visibility, the collaboration focuses heavily on grassroots community activation, featuring regional player appearances at FreshChoice stores, consumer giveaways, and an exclusive initiative allowing a local grassroots football club to win a private training session with Auckland FC stars.

Highlighting the alignment between retail expansion and club momentum, executive general manager at FreshChoice, Tim Cartwright, emphasised the shared growth trajectories of both entities.

“Since launching in 2024, Auckland FC has shown incredible growth and momentum, and as FreshChoice continues on its own growth journey, partnering with a brand that shares our drive and commitment to local communities is a natural fit.”

“Everything we do at FreshChoice starts with our local communities.

“This partnership is really about showing up for the local people who support our stores every day.

“We’re excited to get behind the team, support the fans, and celebrate a fantastic season ahead together,” Cartwright stated.

Underscoring the importance of aligning with established brands that understand local service delivery, Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker, added: “This club is about developing football in New Zealand and, most importantly, growing the community around it.”

“What better way to support a growing community than partnering with an organisation that knows a thing or two about serving the local community,” Becker said.

Atlantic Council Launches Power of Sports Center

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Courtney

The Atlantic Council has officially announced the launch of its Power of Sports Center, a content platform designed to unite senior government officials, corporate leaders, institutional investors, sports leagues, and elite athletes from across the USD2 trillion (AUD2.8 trillion) global sports industry.

Unveiled by Atlantic Council president and CEO, Frederick Kempe, during a high-profile event on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the new initiative aims to leverage the influence of athletics to advance international cooperation, expand market prosperity, and drive sustainable global development.

The centre’s launch featured prominent leadership dialogues involving U.S. Soccer President Cindy Cone and virtual participation from Spanish football legend Luis García. Supported by high-profile founding partners including Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Kalshi, Limak Holding, and Super Technologies, the platform will structure its initial agenda around five core pillars.

Statecraft and international diplomacy
Infrastructure and private capital development
Technological innovation via artificial intelligence
Societal workforce expansion
Organisational resilience.

These pillars are designed to address the growing intersection of sports with global macroeconomics, private equity, and public policy.

Highlighting the commercial and geopolitical rationale behind the enterprise, Kempe, emphasised the influence wielded by modern sporting bodies.

“Sports is more than entertainment – it influences geopolitics, investment, technology, and global culture, bringing people together across national boundaries,”

“The Atlantic Council will bring to global sport what we have to energy, technology, security and so many other issues around the world: convening power, cross-regional expertise and practical ideas,” Kempe said.

The newly established centre will integrate its platform across broader international policy discussions, with high-profile recognitions slated during the annual Atlantic Council Global Citizens Awards dinner.

The prestigious event will honour key international figures, including Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali, and Australian Prime Minister Hon. Anthony Albanese.

Sydney FC Launches ‘The Collective’ B2B Networking Platform Ahead of A-League Season

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Courtney

Sydney FC has officially announced the launch of “The Collective by Sydney FC”, a premium business networking and engagement platform designed to connect commercial organisations and executive leaders through football.

Launching ahead of the upcoming A-League 2026-27 season, the initiative aims to harness the commercial power of sport to build structured, meaningful B2B relationships across the club’s extensive corporate community.

Emphasising the objective behind the new enterprise, Sydney FC GM of commercial and marketing, Matt Pound, said: “The Collective is about bringing together ambitious businesses and people who see the value in building strong, genuine relationships.”

“Sydney FC already has an incredibly diverse corporate network and this gives us an opportunity to connect those businesses in a much more structured and meaningful way.

“Football is a fantastic vehicle for bringing people together, but we want The Collective to go beyond matchday.

“It will be about creating connections, opening doors and providing experiences that our members genuinely value throughout the year,” Pound said.

To spearhead the rollout, Sydney FC has formed a partnership with the Founder of The Corporate Collective, Andrew Towner. Towner brings extensive expertise from developing successful relationship-led business networks within the National Rugby League, aiming to replicate that commercial model around the Sky Blues.

The platform will offer tiered Premium and Standard membership packages, providing businesses with a structured calendar of exclusive corporate events, matchday hospitality entertainment, and behind-the-scenes experiences.

Echoing the collaborative vision, Towner, added: “The strongest business communities grow over time through shared experiences and trust.”

“That’s what we want to create with the collective by Sydney FC.”

“Our focus will be on understanding every member’s business, who they want to meet and where we can help create genuine opportunities for them.

“Sydney FC has an outstanding brand, a fantastic corporate community and a passionate network around the club, so there is enormous potential to bring those people together and create something really valuable,” Towner said.

Major League Baseball Increases Private Equity Ownership Limit to 20% to Align with League Standards

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Courtney

Major League Baseball (MLB) owners have voted to raise the league’s private equity ownership limit on clubs to 20%, up from the previous 15% threshold.

The adjustment, which was finalised during the summer months, brings MLB’s institutional investment regulations into direct alignment with major domestic sports properties including the NBA, NHL, and MLS, which maintain a 20% maximum cap for individual private equity firms.

Under the updated guidelines, private equity entities are restricted from holding a larger stake than a franchise’s controlling owner, who is independently required by league bylaws to retain a minimum ownership share of 15%.

Discussing the operational and financial rationale behind the capital injections, chief strategy officer at Apollo, Sam Porter, said: “They thought there could be a need for growth capital, refinancing existing debt, and just doing an overall holistic capital solution to give them various levers to pull financially to help grow the club.”

“What they do with it, they have a lot of latitude and leeway to use that to help grow the club and grow the business, and obviously standard refinancing of existing debt is part of that,” Porter said.

The regulatory revision arrives amid a broader wave of institutional capital integration across professional sports leagues. Approximately ten MLB franchises have formally incorporated direct private equity investments, while nearly twenty clubs maintain auxiliary institutional connections.

Recent high-profile transactions underscore the shifting capital landscape, most notably Apollo Sports Capital’s landmark USD2.6 billion (AUD3.6 billion) investment into the New York Yankees, alongside minority stake integrations across properties such as the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and the Athletics’ partnership with Mark Cuban’s Harbinger Sports Partners.

Unlike the National Football League, which initiated its private equity framework a year ago with a restrictive 10% cap and a stringent limitation on pre-approved institutional funds, MLB imposes no numerical limit on the total number of franchises a single private equity firm can back, provided each individual stake remains at or below the 20% ceiling.

Formula 1 Renews Long-standing Partnership with LIQUI MOLY

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 has officially announced a partnership renewal with premier German lubricant and additive manufacturer LIQUI MOLY, extending a relationship that first commenced in 2019.

Under the terms of the renewed agreement, LIQUI MOLY will elevate its brand presence to become an Official Supporter of the global motorsport championship, reinforcing a shared corporate commitment to long-term commercial growth, technological excellence, and international market expansion across key automotive territories.

Reflecting on the partnership extension,chief commercial officer at Formula 1, Emily Prazer, said: “LIQUI MOLY has been a valued partner of Formula 1 for many years, and we are delighted to extend our partnership through this agreement.”

“Their continued commitment to the sport reflects the strength of our collaboration and the global reach of Formula 1,” Prazer said.

Highligting the marketing value delivered by the premier racing platform, global marketing director at LIQUI MOLY, Marco Esser, shared: “Formula 1 provides us with an exceptional platform to connect with customers and fans worldwide.”

“Over the past seven years, our partnership has delivered, and will continue to deliver significant value, we look forward to further leveraging the unparalleled global appeal of Formula 1,” Esser said.

The extended arrangement guarantees that LIQUI MOLY will continue to harness Formula 1’s immense international reach, leveraging virtual trackside signage across selected Grands Prix to maximise brand visibility and viewer engagement.

Beyond exposure, the collaboration remains centred on driving high-value business-to-business engagement and customer activation through bespoke networking programmes and stakeholder hospitality experiences staged around the world, creating meaningful commercial opportunities for enterprise partners.

For LIQUI MOLY, the partnership highlights an investment strategy designed to connect directly with automotive consumers, trade clients, and motorsport enthusiasts.

Rugby Australia and Defender Launch Equipment Investment for Community Clubs Ahead of 2027 World Cup

Posted on September 24, 2026September 24, 2026 by Courtney

Rugby Australia has announced a national grassroots investment program, committing tailored equipment bundles to every community club across the country in partnership with the Australian Government and automotive brand Defender.

Titled the Community Rugby Legacy Equipment Program, the initiative will directly support over 600 clubs nationwide as part of a broader strategic effort to strengthen participation, enhance safety, and build a lasting legacy ahead of the home Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029.

Clubs can select customised packages ranging from matchday essentials to junior and senior training gear, including rugby balls, tackle pads, hit shields, and post pads.

The supported initiative is designed to ensure that the commercial momentum of the upcoming golden decade of international rugby directly benefits grassroots infrastructure.

Emphasising the long-term impact of the rollout, Rugby Australia CEO, Phil Waugh, said: “This is a significant investment in community rugby and every club in the country will feel the benefit.”

“From the bush to the beaches, the equipment provided under this program will help them welcome new players, train safely and grow the game at the grassroots level right across the country.

“With the once-in-a-generation Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 fast approaching, Rugby Australia is committed to leveraging major events to connect with and expand our great community game.

“This program will ensure the legacy of the Golden Decade reaches every level of rugby in Australia and I would like to thank the Australian Government and Defender for their valued support of community rugby,” Waugh said.

Highligting the government’s focus on women and girls’ participation, Federal Minister for Sport, Hon. Anika Wells, added: “Supporting Rugby Australia’s Community Rugby Legacy Equipment Program is one way we’re helping strengthen participation in sport, especially for women and girls, and deliver tangible outcomes for hundreds of local clubs and communities.”

“Backing major events is about delivering and inspiring junior players to take up and stay involved in sport and the Albanese Government is proud of backing our athletes from playground to podium,” she added.

Reinforcing Defender’s ongoing commercial alignment, JLR Australia managing director, Penny Ferguson, noted: “Defender is proud to support the backbone of Australian rugby. Ensuring every community club has access to essential equipment will make a genuine difference at the grassroots level.”

“This initiative reflects Defender’s commitment to capability, resilience and strengthening the communities that shape the game during rugby’s Golden Decade,” he said.

TCS Sydney Marathon Generates Record $15.2 Million for Charity in Monumental Year

Posted on September 23, 2026 by Courtney

The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS has concluded its most commercially and athletically successful edition to date, generating a record $15.2 million for charity, the largest sum ever raised through a single day of running in Australia.

Now in its second year as one of the elite Abbott World Marathon Majors, the 2026 event attracted more than 123,000 ballot applications, produced a record 36,296 finishers from over 140 countries, and drew over 400,000 spectators lining the course from North Sydney to the Opera House.

The economic ripple effects across New South Wales were substantial, bolstering the local visitor economy through heightened hotel occupancy and retail engagement.

Commenting on the broader commercial impact of the event, Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper, said: “There’s nothing like marathon weekend in Sydney. Streets full of runners and supporters from every corner of the world, the whole city on its feet.”

“The TCS Sydney Marathon has grown into one of the biggest events on our visitor economy calendar, and the NSW Government is proud to back it.

“Events like this fill our hotels, restaurants and shops, they support thousands of local jobs, and they prove Sydney does it better than anywhere else,” Hon Kamper said.

Athletic excellence matched the commercial milestones, with three course records falling, including Addisu Gobena setting the fastest marathon ever run on Australian soil at 02:04:42.

Beyond the elite competition, the event’s charitable ecosystem scaled dramatically, driven by a ten-year partnership with official platform Grassrootz. Headline charity partner Running for Premature Babies marked its twentieth anniversary by raising nearly $1.1 million, while foundation partner We Run secured over $700,000 in its second year to support youth and social impact initiatives.

Reflecting on the milestone year, Race Director, Wayne Larden, noted: “None of this happened overnight. Sydney has been building towards a year like this one for a long time, and in 2026 you could see it everywhere, from the records that fell on the road to the positive impact this event makes on the community that surrounds it.”

“More people on the start line and more people on the streets than we have ever seen, and the largest charity total within a single day of running in Australia.

“Every one of those is the result of years of work by a lot of people, and we’re not finished yet,” Larden said.

Highlighting the exponential growth of the initiative, Grassrootz CEO, Melinda Graetz, added: “Since the Abbott World Marathon Candidacy began in 2022 we’ve watched our charity program grow beyond anything we imagined, from $900,000 raised to over $15 million in 2026.”

“This incredible result is because of the genuine partnership between Pont3, Grassrootz, hundreds of our Charity Partners, and the unstoppable fundraisers who show up for the causes they believe in.

“The 2026 results are a record to be proud of,” she concluded.

Melbourne Storm Secures Samoa Beverages as Official Hydration Partner

Posted on September 23, 2026 by Courtney

Melbourne Storm has announced a commercial partnership with Samoa Beverages, naming Samoa Water and Taxi Soft Drinks as the club’s Official Water and Carbonated Soft Drink Partner for the remainder of the 2026 season and throughout 2027.

The agreement strengthens the organisation’s commercial and cultural engagement within the Pacific region, building upon established player pathways and community initiatives, including fullback Sua Fa’alogo’s recent homecoming to the village of Siumu alongside club executives and senior players.

The partnership leverages the consumer reach of two distinct brands rooted in Samoan heritage.

Commenting on the partnership, Melbourne Storm CEO, Justin Rodski, said: “Melbourne Storm has a very special connection with Samoa, and that connection continues to grow through our players, our supporters and the broader rugby league community.”

“Our visit to Siumu earlier this year was a special experience and reinforced just how important our Pacific connections are to our Club.

“Samoa Water and Taxi are proudly Samoa Beverages brands with great stories behind them, and we’re really pleased to welcome them into our Melbourne Storm family.

“We look forward to working together and helping share the story, culture and quality of these brands with our members, fans and the wider Australian community,” Rodski said.

Echoing the significance of the agreement, Peter Whitton and Charlie Westerlund of Samoa Beverages noted the broader cultural impact of the partnership.

“Samoa Beverages are incredibly proud to partner with Melbourne Storm and share products that come directly from the heart of Samoa.”

“This partnership represents more than just a commercial relationship. It is about celebrating Samoa, our people and our connection with Storm.

“We look forward to introducing more Australians to Samoa Beverages, while sharing the story behind our beautiful island and our products,” they said.

Samoa Water is sourced from deep underground aquifers on the island of Upolu and naturally filtered through volcanic rock, while Taxi Soft Drinks pays homage to the historical transport enterprise established by forebear Herman ‘Mani’ Westerlund.

NHL Appoints Ted Leonsis as Board of Governors Chairman Following Jeremy Jacobs’ Departure

Posted on September 23, 2026 by Courtney

The (NHL) National Hockey League has announced a leadership transition, naming Washington Capitals Governor and Monumental Sports & Entertainment chairman, Ted Leonsis, as the unanimous choice for chairman of the League’s Board of Governors.

Leonsis succeeds Boston Bruins governor Jeremy Jacobs, who departs after a distinguished nineteen-year tenure characterised by substantial commercial expansion and institutional stability.

Simultaneously, the league appointed Calgary Flames governor Murray Edwards, as vice-chair of the Board, completing a leadership reshuffle designed to steer the organisation through its next phase of global commercial and operational growth.

Reflecting on the leadership transition overseen by Jacobs, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, emphasised the stability brought by the outgoing chairman while welcoming the entrepreneurial vision of Leonsis.

“It has been one of the great privileges of my career to work alongside Jeremy Jacobs for the last 19 years as he led the Board of Governors with a rare combination of steadiness and vision.”

“His wisdom and unwavering commitment to this League have helped guide us through a period of unprecedented growth, both on and off the ice.

“On behalf of the Board of Governors, our Clubs and our fans, I want to express my deepest gratitude for his extraordinary service and his enduring legacy as one of the great leaders in the history of our game.

“Ted Leonsis’ entrepreneurial instincts and forward-thinking approach have helped shape the direction of our League for more than two decades.

“Since joining the Board of Governors, Ted has been an invaluable leader and a thoughtful voice in our boardroom, bringing to our discussions the same innovative spirit he has poured into Monumental Sports & Entertainment.

“I am excited to work alongside him in this new capacity as we continue to build on the remarkable momentum of our League,” Bettman said

Addressing his new governance mandate, Leonsis underscored the importance of community investment, fan engagement, and commercial scaling across the league’s franchise network.

“It is a tremendous honor to be elected Chairman of the NHL’s Board of Governors, and I’m grateful to my fellow owners for their trust.”

“Long before I became an owner, I was a fan of this game and of the Washington Capitals.

“I love hockey and have a profound belief in its potential, we have proven in Washington how investing in a team, its fans and in a community can create a true hockey city.

“I thank Jeremy Jacobs for his nearly two decades of commitment to the League as Chairman and Gary Bettman for his stewardship and partnership, and I look forward to working closely alongside Murray Edwards as vice-chair.

“Our opportunity now is to continue growing our game, serve our fans well and build an even stronger National Hockey League,” Leonsis said.

Echoing these sentiments, Edwards, highlighting the framework between team owners, the league office, and players.

“I am incredibly honored to have been asked to assume the role of Vice-Chair of the NHL’s Board of Governors.”

“I am looking forward to working closely with incoming Chairman Ted Leonsis, our Board of Governor peers, Commissioner Bettman and the NHL Office to build upon the legacy of Jeremy Jacobs in ensuring the NHL’s continuing partnership with the players to create many opportunities,” Edwards said.

Basketball WA Secures Nesuto Apartment Hotels as Official Accommodation Partner to Ease Travel Logistics

Posted on September 23, 2026 by Courtney

Basketball WA has announced a commercial partnership with Nesuto Apartment Hotels, welcoming the hospitality provider as an Official Partner of the state sporting organisation.

The collaboration is designed to alleviate the financial and logistical burdens of travel for athletes, officials, families, and clubs across Western Australia, directly supporting Basketball WA’s overarching “Win Well” strategic pillar.

Given that basketball is played across every corner of Western Australia, travel remains an ongoing operational requirement for elite performance programs, state championships such as the FTG&P State Championships and the Belt Up Country Championships, and regional clubs competing in NBL1 West.

Highlighting the value of the partnership, Basketball WA CEO, Fabian Ross, said: “Our teams, officials and families are on the road most weekends, and finding accommodation that works for a group is not always straightforward.”

“Somewhere with a kitchen and a laundry, and rooms that sit near each other, makes a real difference on a long weekend away.

“Having Nesuto in Perth and in Geraldton covers a good deal of the travel our members actually do, and we appreciate their continued support of the basketball community,” Ross said.

Echoing the commercial and community alignment, Nesuto Apartment Hotels Area GM for Western Australia, Gail Deary, said: “Nesuto Apartment Hotels is proud to partner with Basketball WA as an Official Partner, supporting the incredible basketball community across Western Australia.”

“We are excited to provide quality, comfortable and convenient accommodation for NBL1 West clubs, Country Championships participants, interstate Under 14 Nationals teams, as well as Basketball WA officials and referees.

“This partnership is about more than accommodation, it is about supporting the athletes, clubs, families and communities that make basketball across Western Australia so strong.

“We look forward to welcoming the Basketball WA community to Nesuto and being part of their journey, both on and off the court,” Deary stated.

Nesuto operates an apartment-style hotels in Perth, located at Curtin and Mounts Bay, and in Geraldton, a frequent destination on the NBL1 West calendar.

The apartment format provides tailored amenities including kitchens, laundries, and multi-bedroom layouts, enabling squads, families, and referees to remain accommodated together during extended competition road trips.

The partnership rollout will see special accommodation access communicated directly to member associations across Basketball WA competitions, establishing a robust operational standard for regional sports tourism and athlete welfare across the state.

On Holding AG Targets Seven Billion Revenue by 2029 with Golf Expansion and Share Buyback

Posted on September 23, 2026 by Courtney

Swiss sportswear organisation On Holding AG has unveiled an mid-term financial strategy targeting at least CHF5.6 billion (AUD9.5 billion) in net sales by 2029, approaching AUD7 billion, during its recent Investor Day event.

Underpinned by its Premium Playbook, the organisation aims to maintain an industry-leading gross profit margin of over 65 percent and achieve an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22 percent by 2029. To support capital allocation discipline, the board of directors authorised a USD1 billion (AUD1.4 billion) share buyback program running through December 2029.

Beyond core running and lifestyle sectors, On announced an expansion into the golf category, capitalising on a global market featuring approximately 150 million players and over USD5 billion (AUD7 billion) in annual equipment spend.

Highlighting the rationale behind entering the market, Co-founder and co-CEO, Caspar Coppetti said: “Golf is the most premium sport in the world, roughly 150 million players, over USD5 billion (AUD7 billion) annual spend in golf gear, and a consumer who spends more per head than in any other sport that we play in.”

The golf expansion follows On’s high-profile entry into global football, headlined by the signing of Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé as global ambassador and equity partner, alongside retired legend Thierry Henry as director of football.

Co-founder and co-CEO, David Allemann, detailed the immediate brand impact of the football strategy.

“This is what football does to a brand’s relevance, before we have sold a single boot.” Allemann emphasised.

Demonstrating strong operational momentum, On reiterated its full-year 2026 outlook, projecting constant-currency net sales growth in the low-20 percent range alongside a gross profit margin of at least 65.0 percent.

The brand anticipates a constant-currency sales growth rate of approximately 17 percent for the third quarter of 2026, bolstered by anticipated tariff refunds of up to USD65 million (AUD91 million).