Ministry of Sport

Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League Secures $650 Million Valuation Following Oversubscribed Series C Fundraise

Posted on August 27, 2026 by Courtney

The professional women’s basketball league Unrivaled has officially announced that its Series C fundraise, led by Ten Pillars Sports Fund and backed by UC Investments, has surpassed its initial USD100 million (AUD139 million) target to become heavily oversubscribed at a striking new league valuation of USD650 million (AUD904 million).

A cornerstone of the organisation’s disruptive business model is its player-first compensation structure, which provides participating athletes with substantial equity opportunities alongside competitive base salaries and benefits.

As the enterprise continues to scale rapidly across ticketing, merchandise, and digital broadcast ecosystems, the value of the player equity pool has surged by more than 550 percent since inception, now resting at nearly USD200 million (AUD273 million) and cementing athletes as the league’s largest shareholder group.

Sharing the commercial implications of the funding increase, Unrivaled CEO and co-founder, Alex Bazzell, said: “This raise is fueling the next stage of Unrivaled’s growth and expanding our impact across the women’s basketball ecosystem.”

“We’re partnering with investors who share our vision to create lasting value and greater opportunity for the best players in the world, while continuing to elevate the game for fans.

“Unrivaled was built by players and for players, and their ownership, leadership and ambition continue to drive the league forward and define a new model for the sport,” Bazzell stated.

Highlgting the momentum behind women’s professional sport, chief investment officer at UC Investments, Jagdeep Singh Bachher, added: “The moment for women’s sports is here, young people get it.”

“We get it. Anyone who’s watched Unrivaled knows this game is every bit as thrilling as any other sport out there.

“We’re excited to help propel that momentum forward,” Bachher noted.

Emphasising that the capital will directly enhance operation as preparations accelerate for the third season tipping off in January 2027 with national broadcasts across TNT Sports, Co-founder, Breanna Stewart, added: “This raise reflects the confidence investors have in what we set out to build at Unrivaled: a league where the best players in the world have a real stake in the value they create,” Stewart affirmed.

The Series C round attracted a high-profile roster of incoming and returning investors, including Jenny Just, alongside major reinvestments from sports icons and institutional firms such as Carmelo Anthony, Geno Auriemma, the Berman Family, Bessemer Venture Partners, Ashton Kutcher, Alex Morgan and Trybe Ventures, Dan Rosensweig, and Trae Young.

The latest financing milestone follows a highly successful sophomore season that saw the league expand to eight clubs and 54 players, alongside record-breaking attendance figures at sold-out venues in Philadelphia and Brooklyn.

Founded in 2023 by WNBA luminaries Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the competition was established with a clear mandate to empower athletes as true equity stakeholders, ensuring their voices and ownership positions directly shape the commercial trajectory of the sport.

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Sprite Announce Partnership with NBL and WNBL as Official Soft Drink Partner

Posted on August 27, 2026 by Courtney

Sprite has signed a multi-year partnership with the National Basketball League (NBL) and Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), stepping in as the Official Soft Drink Partner commencing with the 2026-27 season.

The agreement integrates Sprite courtside across Australia’s premier basketball competitions, spanning regular-season fixtures, HoopsFest, the Finals Series, and the NBL Next Stars program. Sprite signs as the official soft drink partner of the NBL and WNBL for upcoming seasons.

At the core of the partnership is a dunk-focused content platform titled “The Freshest Dunks”, designed to capture high-energy moments across broadcast, digital feeds, and in-arena screens. The partnership also emphasises the rapid commercial growth of the women’s game, amplifying WNBL athletes through integrated social campaigns.

Commenting on the partnership, Sprite marketing director, Gemma Versteeg, said: “Sprite and basketball have been intertwined for decades.”

“Bringing that story to the local NBL and WNBL is a natural next step.

“Australian basketball is fast, growing and unapologetically itself, which is exactly what Sprite stands for.

“We’re here to own the freshest moments in the game and give fans something worth talking about,” Versteeg said.

Emphasising the economic impact of welcoming major corporate backing to the organisation, NBL group CEO, David Stevenson, added: “Sprite has been a global supporter of elite basketball for a long time, and it’s great to see our connection growing in Australia and New Zealand alongside the continued growth of the NBL and WNBL.”

“Partners like Sprite continue to fuel that trajectory, and I want to personally thank Ahmed and the team at Coca-Cola Australia and New Zealand for backing our players, our fans and the future of elite basketball,” Stevenson said.

Echoing these sentiments, WNBL chief strategy and basketball partnerships officer, Lauren Jackson pointed to the commercial momentum driving women’s professional sport.

“The WNBL is growing faster than ever, with bigger crowds, more people watching our games and a new generation of fans connecting with our players.”

“Partnerships like this are important because they help us celebrate the moments that make basketball so exciting and put our athletes in front of even more Australians,” Jackson noted.

LIV Golf Faces Massive 90 Per Cent Workforce Reductions as PIF Funding Concludes

Posted on August 27, 2026 by Courtney

LIV Golf announced that approximately 90 per cent of its workforce will be laid off following the conclusion of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund’s financial backing.

Around 300 personnel across New York and London offices are affected, with executives and a skeleton crew retained as chief executive Scott O’Neil scrambles to secure between USD250 (AUD348 million) million and USD300 million (AUD417 million) to launch a scaled-back “LIV 2.0” in 2027.

In an official statement, the organisation addressed the transition.

“The funding commitment announced by PIF earlier this year will reach its conclusion.”

“As a result, we are scaling back operations as we transition to the next chapter of LIV Golf and work toward making LIV 2.0 a reality.

“This week, we informed many of our colleagues that their employment under LIV 1.0 will end in the first week of September.

“We are grateful to our employees for their hard work and dedication in building LIV Golf, and we remain committed to supporting those affected through this transition.”

Despite the corporate restructuring, player optimism persists within select quarters. Speaking at the British Masters, golfer Tyrrell Hatton expressed confidence regarding the competition’s survival.

“I would expect there to be LIV next season, I know they have worked really hard to getting funding stuff in place – So I know it’s full steam ahead on that front,” Hatton said.

O’Neil has established a strict September deadline to finalise funding, with London-based private equity firm BC Partners understood to be the lead investor reviewing a signed term sheet. However, with bankruptcy not officially ruled out, vendors, contractors, and star players, including Jon Rahm, who reportedly awaits a nine-figure portion of his initial USD300 million (AUD417 million) signing fee, remain exposed.

Under the proposed LIV 2.0 model, operations are expected to contract dramatically, featuring a reduced 10-event schedule and prize purses slashed to between USD6 million (AUD8 million) and USD10 million (AUD13 million).

Geelong Fined $140,000 by AFL Over Unlodged Concussion Waiver in Jake Kolodjashnij Contract

Posted on August 27, 2026 by Courtney

The Geelong Football Club has been hit with a $140,000 financial sanction by the Australian Football League following an independent investigation into the club’s failure to officially lodge a concussion waiver included in defender Jake Kolodjashnij’s 2024 contract.

The penalty comprises a $100,000 fine alongside a $40,000 suspended sanction, stemming from league reviews into broader governance and third-party arrangements.

The AFL engaged James Peters KC to conduct an independent review after revelations broke regarding the controversial contract clause, which required the 2022 premiership player to assume full legal responsibility for future brain trauma in order to continue his professional career following multiple concussions.

Mr Peters concluded that the omission of the contract variation was an administrative oversight rather than a deliberate infraction, though the governance lapse placed intense inspection on club leadership, including chief executive Steve Hocking and current AFL chairman Craig Drummond.

Defending the club’s handling of the delicate medical and legal situation prior to the penalty announcement, Mr Hocking maintained that there was “not a lot” the organisation would change in how it managed the complex process.

The arrangement, designed to allow Kolodjashnij to remain on the playing list safely with comprehensive insurance backing, has since sparked widespread industry debate regarding player welfare, legal liabilities, and the boundaries of informed consent in professional sport.

Addressing the controversy over the weekend, Geelong president Grant McCabe described the agreement as a “voluntary assumption of risk” and emphasised that extensive consultation took place with external stakeholders and officials when the pact was originally finalised.

While the player has spent time away from senior selection during the height of the public inspection, Kolodjashnij has returned to training at the club ahead of its upcoming finals campaign.

AXS Secures Major Partnership Across Seven Elite Melbourne Sporting Clubs

Posted on August 27, 2026 by Courtney

Global ticketing platform AXS has announced multiple partnerships to become the official ticketing partner for seven of Melbourne’s premier sporting organisations.

Building on its foundational agreement as the official ticketing partner of the Melbourne Park precinct, AXS will now manage ticketing operations for the South East Melbourne Phoenix, Melbourne United, Melbourne Victory, Melbourne Vixens, Melbourne Mavericks, Melbourne Storm, and Melbourne City FC.

This announcement brings some of the city’s most passionate sporting communities under one unified ticketing ecosystem, streamlining access for fans across basketball, football, netball, and rugby league.

The partnerships integrate AXS deeply into each club’s commercial operations, spanning apparel branding, match-day activations, precinct partnerships, and exclusive fan experiences such as the AXS Seat Upgrade program.

Commenting on the partnership, CEO of AXS Australia New Zealand, Andrew Travis, said: “Melbourne sports fans set a high bar, they know what a great live experience looks like, and they expect their ticketing experience to live up to it.”

“What I love about these partnerships is that every club has its own personality.

“We don’t want to turn up with the same playbook everywhere.

“We want to add something to the experiences fans already love — from making it easier to get and manage their tickets to surprising fans with upgrades to some of the best seats in the house,” Travis said.

As respective seasons and on-sales commence, tickets for the participating clubs will transition to the AXS platform and mobile application. The launch coincides with the opening of a dedicated AXS Fan Hub within the Melbourne Park precinct, providing fans with direct, in-person support.

Destination Sport Appointed Official Tournament Travel Provider for NWC Sydney 2027

Posted on August 27, 2026 by Courtney

Destination Sport has been officially appointed as the Official Tournament Travel Provider for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027.

Scheduled in Sydney from 25 August to 5 September 2027, the tournament will host sixteen competing teams, officials, and international guests. The travel logistics, including flights, accommodation, and ground transportation, will be managed by Destination Sport Travel, operating from its Oceania headquarters in Sydney.

The tournament marks the third time Sydney has hosted the prestigious event. NWC2027 will introduce a new Cup and Plate competition structure, ensuring all teams continue competing throughout the tournament to enhance commercial value and fan engagement. Managing athlete and equipment logistics across this format requires specialised expertise.

Commenting on the announcement, head of Destination Sport Travel – Australia, Emma Wood, said: “We are delighted to be appointed as the Official Tournament Travel Provider for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027.”

“This is a hugely significant event for the sport and a fantastic opportunity for our team in Sydney to support the delivery of a world-class tournament on home soil.

“Our role is to ensure that teams, officials and guests are supported by a seamless, reliable and high-quality travel operation from start to finish.

“Major international events demand careful planning and specialist expertise, and we are proud to bring Destination Sport’s global experience and local knowledge to Netball World Cup Sydney 2027,” She said.

Echoing her sentiments, CEO of NWC2027, Jane Fernandez, added: “Tournaments of this scale demand meticulous planning and highly specialised travel management.”

“From transporting athletes, officials and guests to coordinating the movement of essential equipment, every detail is critical to the successful delivery of a world-class event.

“We’re delighted to welcome Destination Sport as the Official Tournament Travel Provider for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027.

“Destination Sport brings extensive experience in managing travel for major international sporting events, and together we’re committed to delivering a seamless travel experience that allows teams, officials and guests to focus on what matters most – performing, connecting and helping deliver an unforgettable Netball World Cup in Sydney,” Fernandez noted.

The event is proudly supported by the Australian Government and the NSW Government through Destination NSW.

VALD Hits $1 Billion Valuation After Multiple US Acquisitions

Posted on August 27, 2026 by Courtney

Brisbane-founded human performance technology organisation VALD has officially joined the ranks of global tech ‘unicorns’, crossing the $1 billion valuation alongside an annual recurring revenue (ARR) surpassing $100 million.

The double milestone, which cements VALD’s ‘centaur’ status in software growth terms, follows its high-profile acquisition of US-based strength and conditioning software platform BridgeAthletic.

While financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed, the deal marks VALD’s second major commercial play in less than two weeks, coming hot on the heels of its acquisition of Australian velocity-based training business GymAware.

Founded in 2015, VALD has rapidly scaled its international footprint to serve more than 15,000 organisations across 130 countries. Its hardware and software systems measure strength, balance, and movement across elite sport, healthcare, and tactical environments.

The company’s premier customer portfolio includes every team in the English Premier League, 95 per cent of US major professional sports franchises, and the vast majority of Power Four NCAA university programs.

By absorbing BridgeAthletic, a 2012-founded platform powering over 6,000 sports teams, 100 national teams, 50 tactical organisations, and 200,000 individual athletes, VALD is systematically constructing an end-to-end performance management ecosystem.

Furthermore, VALD’s core equipment captures diagnostic baseline metrics, GymAware feeds live movement and velocity data, and BridgeAthletic provides the software layer for coaches to design, prescribe, and track individual training programs.

The acquisitions add nearly 50 specialist employees, taking VALD’s global head count past 400 people while retaining BridgeAthletic’s leadership team, including co-founder and CEO, Fadi Zoghzoghy.

American Football Australia Selects PlayHQ as Digital Partner to Drive National Growth

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Courtney

American Football Australia (AFA) has announced a partnership with global sports management platform PlayHQ, appointing the company as its exclusive technology provider for national registration, payments, and competition management.

Under the terms of the agreement, AFA and its member states will utilise advanced reporting and analytics through AnalyticsHQ to track participation metrics and growth trends, alongside PlayHQ’s built-in artificial intelligence assistant to streamline club onboarding and administrative training.

The platform introduces a modern, mobile-first experience designed to simplify payments and fixture management for participants, significantly reducing administrative burdens for volunteers across the organisation’s seven active member states and approximately fifty clubs nationwide.

Commenting on the focus of the agreement, CEO of PlayHQ, Tim MacKinnon, said: “American Football Australia came to us with a clear goal: to build the foundations to grow the sport at scale.”

“We are pleased to be their technology partner, providing a platform built for grassroots sport that gives administrators and volunteers time back, and gives players a straightforward experience from the moment they register,” he said.

The platform rolls out ahead of the upcoming tackle and flag season, ensuring clubs are fully equipped with efficient digital infrastructure to manage surging interest.

Emphasising the long-term operational benefits and commercial alignment of the alliance, CEO of American Football Australia, Wade Kelly, added: “PlayHQ is a market leader and we are pleased they share the same vision of extraordinary growth for our sport in the coming years.”

“PlayHQ takes administrative load off our volunteers, gives families a simpler and more flexible way to register and pay, and gives us the data we need to make good decisions as the sport develops across the country, from grassroots clubs through to our high-performance pathways,” Kelly said.

Under Armour Launches Asia-Pacific COMMIT Platform and Signs Olympic Champion Kaylee McKeown Through LA 2028

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Courtney

Global athletic performance brand Under Armour has officially unveiled its new Asia-Pacific brand platform, COMMIT, headlined by a major three-year partnership with Australian Olympic swimming champion Kaylee McKeown extending through to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Launched at an exclusive media brunch at Bondi Icebergs, the strategic campaign shifts the commercial narrative away from final results and championship victories to focus on the grit, discipline, and daily resilience required behind the scenes.

McKeown joins Under Armour’s growing roster of Australian sporting talent alongside rugby star Mark Nawaqanitawase and AFL rising star Finn Callaghan.

As part of the agreement, McKeown will serve as the face of Under Armour’s Women’s Train category across the Pacific region, showcasing the functional role of performance apparel and footwear in elite preparation and recovery.

Following a recent health battle that sidelined her from international competition, McKeown’s return to the sport anchors the core message of the COMMIT platform.

Reflecting on the partnership, McKeown, said: “I’ve always believed the most crucial part of sport is the work that happens when no one is watching – the early mornings, tough sessions and choosing to keep going through setbacks.”

“That commitment has shaped who I am, and I’m proud to share that message with Under Armour. I’m thrilled to team up with a brand so focused on performance and look forward to wearing their best-in-class train apparel outside the pool,” she said.

Sharing the alignment behind the appointment, GM- Pacific at Under Armour, Fernando Reani, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Kaylee to Under Armour’s growing roster of Australian athletes.”

“She is a world-class talent who embodies the dedication, discipline and drive that define our brand, making her a natural fit for Under Armour and the COMMIT platform.

“For us, commitment is built through the everyday choice to show up, improve and give yourself fully to something you love.

“Kaylee embodies this mindset through her determination to continually push herself and come back stronger from setbacks.

“We’re proud to support her and our growing community of Australian athletes as they continue to redefine what is possible,” he said.

The commercial rollout will span digital and social video, in-store activations, and influencer partnerships across the Pacific region.

Brisbane Bullets Extend Longstanding Partnership with AJ & Co Lawyers for NBL27 Season

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Courtney

The Brisbane Bullets have officially announced the reappointment of AJ & Co Lawyers as the club’s official legal partner for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season.

This landmark agreement marks the fifth consecutive season of vital collaboration between the two organisations, highlighting a robust, long-standing relationship built on mutual trust, professional excellence, and strategic alignment within the elite national basketball landscape.

As part of the renewed partnership, AJ & Co will continue providing comprehensive legal counsel across critical commercial domains, including player contracts, complex sponsorship agreements, and major venue arrangements.

Furthermore, the legal firm is actively working alongside club executives to strategically position the organisation for the unprecedented commercial, infrastructure, and tourism opportunities that the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring to the region.

Brisbane Bullets CEO, Malcolm Watts, underscored the vital role that trusted legal partnerships play in maintaining operational stability and driving long-term success in professional sports administration across the competitive National Basketball League.

“Trust is the foundation of any successful partnership, and we have complete confidence in Jonathan Whybird and the team at AJ & Co.

“They are reliable, professional and genuinely invested in the Club’s success. We greatly value the partnership and are delighted to continue our work together,” Watts said.

Reflecting on the extended partnership and the club’s strategic trajectory heading into the new season, Jonathan Whybird of AJ & Co Lawyers expressed immense pride in continuing the collaborative journey.

“The Bullets have made the off-season moves to set the Club up for a strong NBL27, and we’re proud to be part of that journey – on the commercial side, and in the build towards 2032,” Whybird stated.

Gymnastics Australia Launches Strategic Participation Plan to Drive Growth Ahead of Brisbane 2032

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Courtney

Gymnastics Australia has officially released its new national blueprint, titled the Gymnastics in Australia Participation Plan, designed to accelerate commercial growth and community engagement in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

Developed in close collaboration with state and territory associations alongside key stakeholders across the broader sporting sector, this comprehensive strategic framework establishes a clear roadmap to strengthen grassroots participation, expand operational capacity, and optimise club infrastructure nationwide.

Positioned as one of the country’s most diverse, dynamic, and accessible sports, gymnastics currently welcomes more than 450,000 participants and over 215,000 registered athletes across approximately 500 affiliated clubs throughout the country.

The newly launched plan delivers directly on Horizon 1 of Inspire 2032, the overarching national sport strategy, proactively laying critical operational foundations to capture the once-in-a-generation commercial momentum generated by hosting a home Olympic and Paralympic Games.

To measure success, the blueprint sets ambitious yet achievable targets for the sport’s commercial expansion, revenue diversification, and long-term viability. Key performance metrics include growing the registered athlete base to more than 356,000 participants, representing a substantial fifty percent increase on current baseline figures.

Furthermore, the organisation aims to double average member tenure to 4.8 years to improve retention, expand the professional workforce to 17,800 coaches and 9,800 judges through enhanced education and wellbeing support, and systematically optimise facility capacity with a primary focus on regional and high-growth communities.

The framework is underpinned by eight core drivers of participation designed to modernise product offerings, strengthen club governance and financial sustainability, enhance marketing and engagement, and leverage advanced data dashboards for evidence-based decision-making.

Safeguarding remains at the core of the strategy, ensuring that all club environments are safe, respectful, and child-centred as participation scales. By addressing product evolution from KinderGym to adult lifestyle offerings, the national governing body aims to future-proof its business model and maximise commercial returns for clubs across Australia.

Click here to read the full Gymnastics in Australia Participation Plan.

Melbourne Victory Surpasses 15,000 Memberships Ahead of 2026/27 A-Leagues Season

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Courtney

Melbourne Victory has officially surpassed the 15,000 membership milestone ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League and Ninja A-League campaigns.

Demonstrating enduring brand loyalty and passionate support from members across Victoria, interstate regions, and international markets, the club is tracking strongly to eclipse its previous season base well before competitive fixtures kick off in mid-October.

The upcoming sporting year highlights a major transition for the organisation, highlighted by Giovanni Savarese stepping into the role of men’s head coach for his inaugural campaign. Savarese’s leadership introduces a fresh tactical direction as the Boys in Blue look to reclaim domestic dominance.

Concurrently, seasoned mentor Jeff Hopkins continues to steer the Ninja A-League women’s team in their latest competitive title tilt, ensuring a dual-pronged high-performance focus across both elite programs.

To capture diverse consumer segments, maximise fan acquisition, and drive recurring revenue, Melbourne Victory has deployed a commercial strategy featuring a comprehensive selection of twenty distinct membership packages.

These offerings cater to every demographic, ranging from dedicated twenty-two-year club veterans and regional supporters following the action from afar to first-time attendees engaging with the sport.

As pre-season preparations accelerate toward the mid-October season launch, Melbourne Victory’s executive leadership remains focused on converting this early digital and physical sales surge into packed stadiums, heightened broadcast viewership, and sustained operational growth.

MotoGP Group Appoints Carlos Ezpeleta as Deputy CEO to Drive Next Growth Phase

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Courtney

MotoGP Group has announced the appointment of Carlos Ezpeleta as deputy CEO, working alongside CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, as the global motor sport property prepares for its next era of commercial expansion and transformation under Liberty Media’s stewardship.

Having served a pivotal role within the championship for more than a decade, Carlos Ezpeleta has been instrumental in broadening the sport’s international footprint, strengthening partnerships, enhancing commercial offerings, and growing global fan engagement.

His extensive tenure spans both the sporting and business domains of the championship, contributing heavily to advancements in rider safety, competitive balance, and entertainment value across key global territories.

Praising his leadership and long-standing contributions to the global organisation, CEO of MotoGP Group, Carmelo Ezpeleta, said: “Carlos has played a fundamental role in the growth of MotoGP over many years.”

“His experience spans every part of our business, and his leadership, vision and passion for the sport make him the right person to help guide MotoGP into its next chapter,” Ezpelata said.

The transition aligns with Liberty Media’s vision to unlock further commercial value, expand digital distribution, and scale audience metrics across key international markets.

Emphasising the long-term potential of the championship under the newly strengthened leadership structure, CEO of Liberty Media, Derek Chang, added: “MotoGP has built a strong global foundation, and we see an enormous opportunity to take the sport to the next level.”

“Carlos has the experience, vision and deep understanding of MotoGP to help lead that transformation, and we are excited to support him as he takes on this new position,” Chang said.

Reflecting on his elevation within the executive ranks, Carlos Ezpeleta expressed enthusiasm for the championship’s future trajectory.

“It is a great honour to take on this role at such an exciting moment for MotoGP.”

“With incredible fans and partners around the world, I look forward to working with Liberty Media and the entire MotoGP community to reach new audiences, create new opportunities and unlock the sport’s full potential,” he stated.

Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Targets Record Attendance as One-Year Countdown Begins

Posted on August 25, 2026August 25, 2026 by Courtney

Organisers of the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 have unveiled an ambitious commercial target to attract more than 200,000 spectators across 64 matches, aiming to make the upcoming tournament the most attended edition in its 64-year history.

Marking the one-year countdown with a spectacular floating netball court on Sydney Harbour, the event rollout includes the launch of premium travel and hospitality packages through Official Fan Travel and Hospitality Partner Quint.

Backed by a $6 million funding injection from the Australian Federal Government and robust support from the NSW Government via Destination NSW, the tournament is positioned as a powerful economic catalyst for the regional visitor economy while driving grassroots participation and women’s sport visibility.

Sharing the strategic vision behind the tournament’s commercial scale, chair of the NWC2027 Organising Committee and Netball Australia, Liz Ellis AO, said: “We want Sydney 2027 to set a new benchmark for our sport.”

“More than 200,000 attendees would make it the highest attended Netball World Cup in history, and today’s scenes on Sydney Harbour gave us a glimpse of just how special it can be.

“Alongside our Federal Government, NSW Government and commercial partners we’re working hard every day to bring new thinking and innovation to this tournament so that existing and new fans of the sport experience something unique.

Federal Minister for Spor,t Anika Wells, reinforced that the federal investment will create lasting community benefits and encourage broader sports engagement.

NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper, noted the significant economic boost the influx of domestic and international visitors will bring to local hospitality, retail, and tourism operators.

On the court, the Australian Diamonds are preparing for strong international competition following their campaign at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, with captain Liz Watson expressing motivation to perform in front of a home crowd.

With eight nations already securing qualification and another eight berths to be decided through regional qualifiers throughout 2026, general public interest is surging.

Fans are actively registering their interest via official channels ahead of general ticket sales, ensuring commercial momentum as the world’s top sixteen teams prepare to converge on Sydney for a landmark showcase of elite international netball.

Boccia Australia Appoints Maria Twomey as Board Director to Propel Paralympic Growth Ahead of Brisbane 2032

Posted on August 25, 2026 by Courtney

Boccia Australia has officially appointed of Maria Twomey as its newest Board Director, positioning the national sporting organisation for strategic expansion as the sector capitalises on the commercial momentum of the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Twomey brings an extensive 15-year professional background spanning human rights, gender equality, discrimination policy, and organisational strategy across both government and non-government sectors.

Her distinguished career includes holding senior leadership positions at the Australian Human Rights Commission and Transport for NSW, alongside conducting high-level independent cultural reviews across sport, education, and various other commercial industries.

This governance and policy expertise is expected to play a pivotal role as Boccia Australia scales its administrative capabilities to manage rising participation rates and increased federal funding flows.

Reflecting on her appointment, Twomey emphasised that the sport’s genuine commitment to inclusion and accessibility served as a primary catalyst for joining the board, coupled with the unique opportunity to contribute during a transformative growth period for Australian adaptive sport.

Boccia Australia leadership warmly welcomed the addition, noting that Twomey’s governance acumen, strategic foresight, and deep understanding of policy implementation will be invaluable as the organisation navigates the complex commercial and operational demands leading into the new decade.

With Brisbane 2032 drawing unprecedented public attention, commercial investment, and stakeholder engagement to the domestic sporting landscape, national governing bodies are under mounting pressure to establish robust administrative foundations.

Twomey’s appointment directly targets this organisational need, ensuring that the sport can successfully leverage national visibility to secure long-term commercial sustainability, expand accessibility, and foster inclusive participation pathways from the grassroots level up to elite high-performance programs.

Furthermore, strengthening executive oversight enhances the sport’s appeal to corporate sponsors seeking alignment with progressive, highly inclusive sporting properties.