Ministry of Sport

Ministry of Sports Unveils Unmissable Sports Forum and Unmissable Sports Lunch

Posted on June 19, 2026June 19, 2026 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.

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

Posted on June 16, 2026June 19, 2026 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.

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

Posted on June 24, 2026 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.

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

Posted on June 24, 2026June 24, 2026 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.

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

Posted on June 24, 2026 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.

New Balance And Miu Miu Solidify High-Fashion Tennis Footprint With Coco Gauff Wimbledon Campaign

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Courtney

Global sportswear giant New Balance and luxury fashion house Miu Miu have launched their latest collaborative apparel and footwear collection ahead of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships.

The activation positions American tennis sensation Coco Gauff at the intersection of elite performance and premium retail design.

The all-white court wardrobe honours the strict, traditional dress code of the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The alignment leverages Gauff’s massive commercial appeal as the primary face of New Balance tennis to tap into a highly lucrative luxury consumer demographic. Flagship retail events in London are set to anchor the consumer launch.

Commenting on the unique design challenges presented by the historic London event, Gauf, said: “Obviously Wimbledon is the most traditional, if not the biggest event we have in tennis.”

“You have to wear all white, so there were some limitations.

“Because they’re so white and minimal, the most important thing for me throughout the design process was the fit on my body,” Gauff said.

The athlete noted that competing in these bespoke looks serves as a major motivation to keep winning throughout the intensive grass-court tournament.

To counter these aesthetic boundaries, the collaboration introduces delicate tech-apparel engineering alongside premium lifestyle offerings. The garments feature technical stretch jersey fabrication, elegant scalloped edging, and custom open-back structures designed to optimise on-court movement. Lightweight Silk Tec fabric is also utilised in the outerwear to guarantee breathability under match conditions.

A driver of this luxury partnership is the release of the dual-branded 530 SL tennis sneakers, retailing at a premium price point of USD1,270. The footwear drops in both tournament-approved cream and lifestyle-focused brown leather variations to capture lucrative post-match street-style sales. This dual-product strategy maximises brand exposure across both sport and culture.

This campaign represents an extension of a highly successful multi-year creative partnership between the American athletic label and the Prada-owned fashion house.

Dolphins NRL Club Expands Community Equity via Local Charity Activation in Queensland

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Courtney

The Dolphins National Rugby League (NRL) club has operated its corporate social responsibility strategy through a hands-on community appearance by players and staff at the Queensland-based charity, A Brave Life.

This specialised initiative highlights the club’s ongoing commercial and social commitment to strengthening regional connections and building brand equity within its core northern corridor demographic. By providing direct volunteer assistance, the sporting franchise directly supports local programs designed to deliver practical aid and resources to vulnerable families doing it tough.

During the corporate community visit, Dolphins representative Tevita Naufahu joined club staff and local volunteers to prepare and pack specialised Baby Bundles for distribution. These bundles consist of brand new, high-quality, and completely safe essential items for newborns, including nappies, wipes, baby wash, and infant clothing. The immediate physical necessities ensure that disadvantaged mothers receive immediate support when welcoming their babies into the world, fulfilling a vital community health need.

The alignment functions as a critical pillar of the franchise’s broader community engagement framework, which aims to establish deep local roots across Queensland markets. A Brave Life operates as a specialised non-profit organisation dedicated to equipping and empowering mothers facing profound adversity during the perinatal period. The charity’s targeted client demographics include women navigating perinatal mental health issues, domestic violence, structural poverty, personal trauma, family breakdowns, teenage pregnancy, and homelessness.

Operationally, the charity utilises an integrated distribution framework, collaborating closely with healthcare professionals, midwives, social workers, and community organisations to allocate resources effectively. This systematic approach ensures that the club’s corporate volunteer hours directly translate into maximised community impact where assistance is most critically required. The initiative operates on the foundational principle that every newborn deserves a healthy start to life, regardless of a family’s socioeconomic challenges.

The club expressed pride in contributing to the charity’s mission of restoring hope, dignity, and practical structural support to at-risk mothers across the region.

MotoGP Group Appoints CAA Sports as Exclusive Global Commercial Agency

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Courtney

The MotoGP Group has officially appointed CAA Sports, a prominent division of entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency, as its exclusive global agency.

This partnership is structured to accelerate the international evolution of the motorcycle championship’s commercial programme and unlock new sponsorship opportunities worldwide. The partnership will immediately capitalise on MotoGP’s substantial international footprint, targeting untapped product categories and major corporate investments across global territories.

The collaboration builds upon a well-established and high-performing sponsorship ecosystem that currently services a massive global audience network. MotoGP commands an engaged fanbase exceeding 650 million individuals and executes a premium racing calendar spanning essential international commercial markets. CAA Sports will leverage its comprehensive network of global brand relationships, corporate advisory expertise, and property sales capability to drive direct demand for integrated rights sponsorship packages.

By inserting CAA Sports into its operations, MotoGP aims to enhance global brand exposure and rapidly scale its revenue-generating assets. The elite agency will operate alongside internal management to secure high-value partnerships across a calendar that features prominent global races in major territories. This commercial expansion is designed to turn stable team grids, manufacturer commitment, and growing consumer interest into long-term commercial assets.

Commenting on the partnership, MotoGP Group CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta, said: “This partnership marks a key step in delivering our commercial strategy – building on the strength of what we have already created and taking it to the next level.”

“MotoGP already offers partners a powerful global platform, and with CAA – the best in the business – we are in a strong position to unlock even greater value, attract new categories, and deepen our relationships with brands worldwide,” Ezpeleta said.

Emphasising the significant market potential and commercial pathways offered by the motorsport property, CAA Sports managing director and president, Paul Danforth, added: “MotoGP is a premium global sports platform with a loyal and highly engaged fanbase.”

“The championship’s rapidly growing international profile offers brands a unique opportunity to connect with audiences through world-class competition, premium events and year-round content.

“We are excited to work alongside the MotoGP team to help accelerate the next phase of its commercial growth,” Danforth added.

Marvel Stadium Unveils Year-Round Tourism Strategy with New Roof Climb and Tech-Driven Experiences

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Courtney

Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium has announced a significant commercial expansion with the launch of “Marvel Stadium 365,” a new year-round attractions hub designed to transform the Docklands venue into a daily tourism destination.

The activation aims to drive non-matchday asset utilisation and introduce secondary revenue streams for the 56,347-capacity venue.

Commencing in July 2026, the first commercial offering under this master brand will be the Marvel Stadium 365 Tour, with adult tickets priced at $37.50. This premium experience integrates artificial intelligence technology to elevate traditional sports hospitality, granting fans rare access to elite operational zones including the player change rooms, the AFL Review Centre, and the coaches’ briefing room. Visitors will also transition through Stadium Square, the Medallion Club restaurants, the Coca-Cola Hub, and a dedicated precinct walk featuring more than 10 custom murals.

Highlighting how the new infrastructure program aligns with the venue’s long-term commercial goals, Marvel Stadium GM, Scott Fitzgerald, said: “with the launch of Marvel Stadium 365, we’re delivering on our vision to make this a true year-round destination, offering world-class experiences every single day.”

“This tour is unlike any other, it blends real-world, elite access alongside cutting-edge technology.

“From standing in the coaches’ box and having AFL coaches speaking directly to fans, to the upcoming Marvel Stadium 365 Climb, we are taking fan engagement to new heights.

“We’re thrilled to welcome visitors from around the world to experience Marvel Stadium in a completely new way,” Fitzgerald said.

The infrastructure investment will scale significantly towards the end of the year with the commercial launch of the Marvel Stadium 365 Climb. This adventure attraction introduces two distinct roof climb variants alongside a thrill-seeking abseiling experience atop the stadium framework.

In addition, the activation delivers a highly unique hospitality element, granting climbers the elite opportunity to watch one full quarter of a live AFL match from their aerial vantage point.

The final component of the current rollout is Marvel Stadium 365 Elevate, a business-to-business product that opens up more than 20 reconfigured event spaces within the stadium. This corporate tier targets Melbourne’s highly competitive meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions market to solidify the venue’s commercial footprint outside of regular sporting fixtures.

NRL and MHF Launch Tenth Anniversary Beanie Round

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Courtney

The National Rugby League (NRL) and Mark Hughes Foundation have officially launched the tenth anniversary Beanie for Brain Cancer Round. Across nine campaigns, rugby league fans have raised $29.7 million through 1.3 million beanie sales.

Commenting on the tenth anniv beanie launch, NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo, stated: “During Beanie Round this year the Rugby League community will surpass $30 million in funds raised through beanie sales and donations for MHF, which has directly contributed to significant advancements in brain cancer research in Australia.”

“This support was critical in the establishment of the MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research at the University of Newcastle and has enabled MHF to invest more than $10 million in innovation grants that have supported 45 research projects and hundreds of researchers across Australia.

“Some of this work is now progressing to clinical trials – offering real hope and helping bring research outcomes to patients faster than ever before.

“The MHF and the Rugby League community is making a real difference for people fighting brain cancer,” Abdo said.

Expressing his enthusiasm, MHF Co-Founder, Mark Hughes, added: “Ten years ago, this started with an idea between two people determined to do something in the face of brain cancer.”

“To see what it has become today is something I never could have imagined.

“This round is about recognising every person who has stood beside us over the past decade — every supporter, every volunteer, every player, every club and every family who has helped drive real change in the fight against brain cancer.

“That’s what this round is really about — giving hope where it’s needed most.

“We’ve achieved so much together, but there is still more to do, so put your beanie on this week, wear it proudly and know you’re helping make a real difference for Australians facing brain cancer,” Hughes shared.

PWHL Announces First Outside Investment From Kilmer Sprts Venture and Ilitch Companies

Posted on June 23, 2026 by Courtney

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has formally announced a major milestone by securing its first outside investment since its corporate inception in 2023.

North American sports investment heavyweights Kilmer Sports Ventures and Ilitch Companies have joined the league as equity partners. The investment marks the end of the league’s exclusive initial funding model, which was financed from the start to the present by prominent American sports owners Mark and Kimbra Walter.

The structural entry of outside private capital coincides with an aggressive operational scale-up by the elite women’s ice hockey property ahead of the 2026-27 season. Driven by substantial commercial metrics during its recently concluded third season, which welcomed more than 1.1 million regular-season fans and pushed all-time attendance past the 2 million milestone, the PWHL has officially ratified a four-team franchise expansion into Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose. This corporate growth is backed by a 35 per cent year-over-year increase in the league’s central sponsorship portfolio and an e-commerce merchandise revenue surge of more than 50 per cent.

Executive Commentaries

TWG Global Chairman and CEO, Mark Walter, said: “Kimbra and I are incredibly proud of what the PWHL has accomplished in a short time and are excited about what it can achieve moving forward.”

“As we continue building the PWHL for the long term, we’re thrilled to welcome Kilmer Sports Ventures and Ilitch Companies as partners.

“They bring tremendous experience in professional hockey and a deep commitment to women’s sports, and they share our vision for the future as we continue growing the league,” Walter said.

On the other hand, Kilmer Sports Ventures chairman, Larry Tanenbaum, said: “Hockey is in our DNA as Canadians, and that passion brought us to the PWHL as its first Canadian investor.”

“Building world-class women’s sports organisations that inspire the next generation of athletes, fans, and leaders is how you create something that truly lasts.

“We saw that opportunity first with the Tempo, Canada’s first WNBA team, and now we’re proud to deepen that commitment through this significant investment in the PWHL.

“What Mark Walter and PWHL senior leadership have built so quickly is incredible, and we’re honored to be part of this league and everything it stands for,” Tanenbaum said.

Echoing his sentiments, Ilitch Companies CEO, Chris Ilitch, added: “The PWHL’s rise has been one of the most compelling stories in professional sports, and we are proud to be part of that story.”

“Investing in the PWHL means an opportunity to broaden the game’s reach, connect with new fans, and create pathways for athletes for generations to come.

“Our organization has long believed in the power of hockey to bring communities together and open doors for the next generation.

“From supporting youth and amateur hockey for nearly 60 years to investing in the future of women’s professional hockey, we are proud to help advance the game at every level,” Ilitch said.

Commercial Governance and Long-Term Institutional Asset Valuation

Despite the opening of the capital table to external corporate groups, the overarching operational governance and long-term strategic direction of the PWHL will remain strictly under the centralised management of Mark and Kimbra Walter alongside the established PWHL Advisory Board.

Foley Launches Las Vegas NBA Expansion Bid With Financial Heavyweights

Posted on June 23, 2026 by Courtney

Bill Foley has officially entered the race to secure an NBA expansion franchise for Las Vegas, positioning his championship-winning sporting empire to anchor a multi-billion-dollar basketball operations program in America’s fastest-growing sports market.

The announcement comes after the NBA’s board of governors voted unanimously in late March to explore formal expansion bids exclusively for Las Vegas and Seattle. Industry sources estimate the hyper-competitive bidding process will command an unprecedented US $7 billion to US$ 10 billion (AU $10.5 billion to AU$ 15 billion) per franchise.

Foley, the founder and majority owner of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, has retained global financial powerhouse Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC as his chief financial adviser.

Strategically, the commercial framework relies heavily on existing infrastructure. Foley plans to utilise the world-class T-Mobile Arena as the franchise’s home court. The venue already features an 18,000-seat capacity for basketball, aligning it directly with the physical footprint of fifteen current NBA arenas.

“Las Vegas has earned its place among great sports cities in America, and an NBA team belongs here.”

“We built the Golden Knights into a championship organisation from the ground up, and we are prepared to do it again — with the same standard, the same commitment to this community, and the same insistence on winning.

“We have the market, a proven world-class arena and a best-in-class organization in place. Our intention is to be ready the day the NBA is ready.

“Our job is to provide the league a Las Vegas option that is ready, credible, and built to last,” Foley said.

Foley anticipates the final consortium will include a strictly limited inner circle of high-value strategic and minority partners vetted for alignment with league ownership policy.

Ārepa Secures Commercial Partnership with New Zealand Rugby League and the Wheel Kiwis

Posted on June 23, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand-based brain health technology and supplement organisation Ārepa has officially announced a commercial partnership with New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) to become the official brain health partner of the national governing body and the Wheel Kiwis.

The partnership establishes an integrated wellness and sponsorship framework designed to support athlete cognitive performance while providing the high-growth beverage firm with significant brand real estate ahead of major international rugby league campaigns.

Commenting on the partnership, NZRL National Football operational manager, David McMeeken, said: “Ārepa are a well-respected New Zealand brand renowned for their innovative and science-backed products, we’re very excited for this partnership.”

“We’re thankful for their support of the Wheel Kiwis, who will benefit greatly from using Ārepa’s products in their inaugural Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup campaign later this year,” he said.

Ārepa Co-Founder, Angus Brown, added: “Ārepa exists to make brains work better, and there are few better examples of brain and body working together than rugby league.”

“It’s fast, physical and demands clarity, focus and resilience under pressure. As a New Zealand company built on brain health science, we’re incredibly proud to partner with NZRL and support the Wheel Kiwis as they take on the world.”

“Their grit, ambition and team-first mindset perfectly reflect what Ārepa stands for, Brown noted.”

Scientific Product Integration and World Cup Activation Pipelines

The partnership centres on integrating Ārepa’s proprietary range of natural, caffeine-free neurological products directly into the high-performance training regimens of the national sports organization. Specially developed alongside international neuroscientists, the product pipeline is scientifically formulated to accelerate cognitive function, minimise mental fatigue, and enhance mental clarity under intense physical pressure.

By fueling elite athletes with targeted brain health solutions, the brand aims to demonstrate the practical application of its sports-science infrastructure within high-density, contact-heavy athletic environments.

A primary focal point of the contract is the dedicated underwrite of the Wheel Kiwis, New Zealand’s national wheelchair rugby league team. The squad will integrate the neurological supplements into their high-performance protocols as they prepare for their inaugural Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup campaign scheduled for later this year.

This targeted demography grants Ārepa exclusive branding rights, digital content opportunities, and premium marketing inventory, allowing the functional food player to elevate its corporate profile within a rapidly expanding and socially impactful sector of international para-sport.

Commercial Traction and High-Performance Wellness Alignment

As international rugby league demands escalating levels of rapid tactical decision-making and cognitive resilience, locking in an exclusive brain health partner allows the organisation to optimize its off-field athlete welfare resources, giving national squads a critical competitive advantage during intensive tournament schedules.

Rugby Australia Secures Commercial Infrastructure with CyberCX Partnership Extension

Posted on June 23, 2026 by Courtney

Rugby Australia has finalised a commercial partnership extension with premier cybersecurity services firm CyberCX, part of Accenture, to insulate the sport’s digital infrastructure through to the end of 2027.

The renewed agreement preserves CyberCX’s designation as the Official Cyber Security Services Partner, cementing a sophisticated operational framework designed to secure sensitive administrative intellectual property, bolster organisational data management, and refine macro-level risk mitigation strategies for both elite and community rugby assets.

Commenting on the extension, Rugby Australia CEO, Phil Waugh, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with CyberCX.”

“In a high-performance environment, the integrity of our data and security of our technology is paramount.

“CyberCX is a proud Australian business, and we are pleased to have them protecting our organisation and our teams for a further two years,” he said.

CyberCX CEO, John Paitaridis, added: “With the eyes of the rugby world turning to Australia next year, it has never been more important to secure the technology infrastructure behind the sport, protect sensitive data and intellectual property, and bolster overall organisational resilience in the face of relentless cyber risk.”

“At CyberCX, we pride ourselves on being a mission-driven organisation that strives to secure our communities.

“Sports play an integral role across so many Australian communities, and we are enormously proud of the work we have done with Rugby Australia over the past two years and are excited to strengthen this partnership in the years ahead,” he said.

Mitigating Escalating Cyber Risks Ahead of Major Tournaments

Over the past two years, the partnership has prioritised defensive digital protocols, utilising intensive executive cyber incident simulation exercises, thorough penetrating testing, and deep organisational vulnerability assessments to mitigate exposure to global threat actors. By stabilising these defenses, Rugby Australia ensures that its high-performance operations can safeguard critical tactical data from sophisticated corporate espionage or disruptive digital extortion.

The extension also yields visible marketing assets for CyberCX, placing high-profile branding within the Wallabies and Wallaroos coaches’ boxes during all domestic Test matches to visually reinforce the concept of secure, real-time data environments.

Additionally, the managed security service provider will leverage high-impact LED stadium inventory and integrated match-day fan experiences to capture corporate visibility. This commercial positioning allows CyberCX to continue expanding its prominent sports portfolio, which already features high-leverage partnerships across major domestic sports organisations including the Australian Football League, Tennis Australia, and Collingwood Football Club.

SailGP Achieves Total Private Independent Ownership Franchise Model via MSP Sports Capital Acquisition

Posted on June 23, 2026June 23, 2026 by Courtney

The Rolex SailGP Championship has confirmed that all 13 national competing teams are now fully transitioned into private, independent ownership following the acquisition of the New Zealand Black Foils SailGP Team by MSP Sports Capital.

The transaction marks the complete realisation of the league’s foundational business model, successfully moving away from a centrally financed structure to an entirely privately operated franchise ecosystem.

Commenting on the confirmation, SailGP co-founder and CEO, Sir Russell Coutts, said: “This is a very significant milestone for SailGP – and one we set out to reach from the very beginning.”

“The goal of SailGP has always been to build something that world-class investors and sports operators would want to own – to have MSP Sports Capital, led by Jahm Najafi and Jeff Moorad, join our ownership group is further validation of that vision,” Coutts said.

Expressing his enthusiasm about their acquisition, MSP Sports Capital Founder, Jahm Najafi, shared: “SailGP is one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the world, and we are thrilled to partner with Russell Coutts and the SailGP organisation.”

“We believe the New Zealand team is one of its flagship franchises,” he said.

Black Foils Co-CEO and Olympic Champion, Peter Burling, added: “Today’s an incredibly important milestone for the Black Foils – and the start of an exciting new chapter for us in SailGP as we represent New Zealand on the world stage.”

“MSP are world-class partners, with an understanding of elite sport and what it takes to build something that lasts,” he noted.

Venture Capital Infusion and Portfolio Alignment

The acquisition by MSP Sports Capital inserts a high-profile global sports investment firm into the SailGP ownership matrix. Founded by veteran investor-operators Jahm Najafi and Jeff Moorad, the firm adds the New Zealand franchise to an elite sports business portfolio that has featured structural stakes in McLaren Racing, Everton FC, and the X Games League.

The acquisition arrives at an important operational juncture for the Black Foils, who return to the water this weekend at the Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax after a multi-month competitive hiatus caused by a major mid-race collision with France in February.

This trend is underscored by recent high-profile league buyouts, including Quantum Pacific’s purchase of the Spain SailGP Team, Doug DeVos’ acquisition of ROCKWOOL Racing, and the Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds-backed ownership group behind the BONDS Flying Roos.

Hockey Australia Validates Strategic Australian Sports Commission Partnership and High-Performance Allocation

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Courtney

Hockey Australia has officially finalised an institutional declaration acknowledging its ongoing partnership and funding alignment with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).

The formal announcement solidifies a critical multi-tier resource framework designed to secure the long-term commercial growth, international high-performance success, and structural sustainability of hockey assets across all domestic states and territories.

Commenting on the declaration, Hockey Australia Acting CEO, David Thompson, said: “The Australian Sports Commission has been an invaluable partner in helping Hockey Australia deliver opportunities and outcomes across every aspect of our sport.”

“From supporting our national teams on the international stage to enabling participation and development programs in communities around the country, the ASC’s investment continues to have a significant impact.

“We are grateful for the strong relationship we share with the ASC and for their ongoing commitment to helping hockey thrive as we build towards Brisbane 2032 and beyond,” he said.

Strategic Capital Deployment and Pathway Optimisation

Under the collaboration , the ASC’s multi-million-dollar investment pipeline directly supports Hockey Australia’s elite high-performance programs, community participation streams, and long-term governance architectures. This allocation is planned to optimise talent identification pathways, providing robust training infrastructure, specialized coaching, and enhanced resource development for athletes, officials, and regional volunteers.

Hockey Australia ensures that its core high-performance assets, including the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos national teams, can confidently prepare for elite international competitions without facing short-term fiscal volatility.

The partnership also addresses the sport’s grassroots participation footprint, funding localised community development initiatives to drive active membership registration and cultivate new consumer demographics.

This approach safeguards Hockey Australia’s broader sports-business ecosystem, translating elite international visibility into high-volume participation growth.

Furthermore, the structural backing provided by the ASC allows sports administrators to formulate more advanced corporate sponsorships, command higher market values across commercial partnership tenders, and protect national development camps from broader economic fluctuations.

MotoGP Group and Manufacturers sign 2027-2031 Agreement

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Courtney

The MotoGP Group and the five major motorcycle racing manufacturers—Aprilia, Ducati, Honda, KTM, and Yamaha—have officially finalised a landmark commercial agreement defining the premier class framework from 2027 to 2031.

Executed within the Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers’ Association (MSMA), the agreement marks the first time in the sport’s history that all competing factory constructors have signed a single, unified document, legally securing the long-term presence of all current manufacturers on the grid for the next five years of racing.

Executive Commentary

Commenting on the agreenemt, MotoGP Group CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta, said: “The commitment of all five manufacturers not only reinforces the strength of the championship today but underlines the shared ambition driving its future.”

“Together with our longstanding partnership with the FIM through to 2060, this agreement gives us a powerful platform to continue growing – building on decades of progress while accelerating into a new phase for the sport,” Ezpeleta said.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Aprilia Racing CEO, Massimo Rivola, added: “As chairman of the MSMA, I am delighted and proud of the agreement between our association and the MotoGP SEG.”

“This is the first time in the sport’s history that all manufacturers have all reached a unanimous position on an agreement with MotoGP.

“This means that we all share the same vision for the future of the sport,” Rivola noted.

Ducati Corse GM, Luigi Dall’Igna, noted: “This collective agreement between MotoGP and all the manufacturers represents a significant milestone for our sport.”

“The shared commitment of everyone in the paddock proves that while we fight fiercely on the track, we are fully aligned on securing a bright and prosperous future for MotoGP.

“This agreement provides stability and a clear direction for the years ahead, creating the right environment for manufacturers to continue investing in technology, performance and talent,” Dall’Igna said.

Strategic Alignment and Governance Under Liberty Media Ownership

The multi-year framework represents a major structural transformation for the championship, establishing a collective negotiation process designed to balance sporting competitiveness, technical innovation, and global commercial development. Operating under the sport’s evolving ownership landscape with Liberty Media, the unified agreement functions similarly to Formula 1’s Concorde Agreement, standardising the governance model across the paddock.

The stability provided by this five-year agreement ensures that manufacturers can confidently allocate capital toward advanced engineering, talent acquisition, and sustainable technological performance.

In parallel with the constructor framework, MotoGP administrators and the 11 independent teams have successfully agreed upon principal terms for the same 2027 to 2031 period. This sport-wide framework is slated to solidify the regulatory and commercial foundations for the next phase of MotoGP’s evolution, which includes a highly anticipated shift in technical regulations, such as reducing engine displacement from 1,000cc to 850cc.

By aligning the interests of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the constructors, and the private teams, the championship is structurally positioned to accelerate its global promotion, optimize fan engagement, and drive high-volume partner monetization.