Ministry of Sport

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.

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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).

Lewis Hamilton’s Dawn Apollo Studios Inks First-Look Deal with Skydance Sports

Posted on September 23, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has secured a production deal between his banner, Dawn Apollo Studios, and Skydance Sports, the dedicated sports entertainment division within Paramount Skydance.

Under the agreement, Dawn Apollo will develop and produce a diverse content slate spanning scripted, unscripted, and animation formats, with Hamilton executive producing all projects. Furthermore, the partnership extends beyond traditional television and film to encompass potential collaborative opportunities across Paramount’s broader ecosystem, including interactive video games and consumer products.

Highlighting the vision behind the partnership, Lewis Hamilton, said: “I’ve always believed stories can help people see the world differently and spark important conversations.”

“That’s what excites me about Dawn Apollo Studios.

“It gives us the chance to back projects that feel honest, bold and meaningful, and to create space for voices and perspectives that haven’t always had that opportunity.

“Skydance Sports understands how powerful sport, culture and entertainment can be in moving audiences, and I’m excited to team up with Jesse and the team to bring those stories to life.”

Echoing these commercial sentiments, president of Paramount Sports Entertainment and Chair of Skydance Sports, Jesse Sisgold, added: “Lewis has redefined what’s possible in F1, and that same relentless ambition, eye for detail, and uniquely creative sense, make him a natural premium entertainment partner across medium for us.”

“We’ve long admired his commitment to authentic storytelling and to opening doors for new voices, and we can’t wait to bring the stories he and the Dawn Apollo Studios team develop to audiences worldwide,” Sisgold said.

Launched by Hamilton in 2022, Dawn Apollo Studios established its production credentials with the Apple feature film F1 starring Brad Pitt. To scale its operational capabilities, the studio recently appointed Fulwell Entertainment veteran Naomi Wright as Senior VP of development.

The collaboration aligns with Skydance Sports’ strategy of partnering with elite athletes transitioning into media production and executive leadership roles, following a similar first-look arrangement secured with NFL star Josh Allen.

McLaren Unveils New Brand Identity

Posted on September 23, 2026 by Courtney

British luxury supercar manufacturer and motorsport powerhouse McLaren has unveiled an evolved, unified brand identity that bridges its historic roots with its commercial future across both McLaren Automotive and McLaren Racing.

Rooted in the pioneering vision of founder Bruce McLaren, the refreshed branding arrives amid a period of expansion, encompassing a EURO500 million (AUD840 million) investment programme in UK manufacturing, upcoming diversification into performance SUVs, and major competitive milestones including the team’s 1000th Formula 1 Grand Prix and its WEC Hypercar challenger campaign.

Highlighting the significance of the rebrand, chief creative officer of McLaren Automotive, David Woodhouse, said: “There is something uniquely special about McLaren.”

“Throughout our history, we’ve never been content to follow established paths.

“We’ve always looked ahead, driven by a restless desire to innovate, create and push beyond expectations.

“This evolution of our visual identity captures that spirit. It’s a reflection of the journey we are on as a company.

“It marks the beginning of a new chapter for McLaren, giving a physical expression to the ambition, creativity and forward momentum that is shaping our future,” Woodhouse said.

Reinforcing the alignment between racing operations and commercial production, chief marketing officer of McLaren Racing, Lou McEwen, added: “McLaren has evolved enormously over the years, but looking back through our shared history across Racing and Automotive, it’s poignant how much of Bruce’s original vision and spirit still runs through the business today.”

“This evolved identity perfectly bridges that proud heritage with our future ambition. It celebrates the symbols and stories our fans, partners and team mates already know and love, while giving us a more connected expression of where we’re heading next,” McEwen said.

At the core of the new identity is a newly crafted McLaren wordmark inspired by the sign above the family service station in Remuera, Auckland, where Bruce McLaren built his first racing car.

While introducing a contemporary visual language, the design retains iconic brand assets such as the Speedmark, the traditional Papaya colour palette, and the Speedy Kiwi, honouring the organisation’s enduring New Zealand lineage.

7-Eleven Australia Unveiled as Presenting Partner for Expanded NBL Ignite Cup

Posted on September 23, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball League has announced a commercial expansion for its mid-season tournament, unveiling 7-Eleven Australia as the presenting partner of the Hungry Jack’s NBL Ignite Cup for the NBL27 season.

Returning with a league-record prize pool of $550,000, a significant increase from the previous season’s $400,000, the tournament is structured to drive heightened commercial engagement, television viewership, and fan participation across domestic markets.

Commenting on the partnership, NBL chief commercial officer, Samantha Green, said: “The Ignite Cup has quickly become a highlight of the regular season, and NBL27 is set to raise the bar once again, with more on the line than ever before and an unforgettable Finals Weekend in the nation’s capital.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome 7-Eleven Australia as Presenting Partner of the Hungry Jack’s NBL Ignite Cup.

“Their incredible presence right across the country, and their energy for our league, makes them the perfect partner to fuel this tournament over the coming seasons.

“From branding on the official game ball to activations at our biggest moments, this partnership will bring fans closer to the Ignite Cup than ever before,” Green said.

Echoing the alignment, chief commercial officer at 7-Eleven Australia, Matt Keogh, added: “Basketball continues to build in popularity across Australia and nowhere is that more electric than with younger audiences, which makes the Ignite Cup a perfect match for 7-Eleven Australia.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with a competition that shares our passion for bringing communities together around the moments they love.

“As Presenting Partner, we’re going all in to bring fans closer to the action all season long, with exclusive offers, unforgettable experiences and activations that take the excitement well beyond the court,” Keogh stated.

Tipping off with a blockbuster double-header on Wednesday, September 30, the competition opens as the New Zealand Breakers host the Cairns Taipans at Spark Arena in Auckland before Sydney faces Brisbane at Afterpay Arena.

Across the season, twenty regular-season matches played on Wednesday nights will contribute directly to the league ladder.

The campaign will ultimately culminate in an elite Ignite Cup Finals series hosted in Canberra, where top-performing teams will battle for the expanded monetary prize.

The partnership integrates 7-Eleven Australia directly into the broadcast, digital, and in-arena ecosystems.

Brand visibility will feature prominently on the official Ignite Cup game ball, alongside exclusive digital promotions via the NBL app, money-can’t-buy fan experiences during the finals weekend, and a dedicated 7-Eleven Day collaboration scheduled for November 7.

Sport NSW Appoints Ellie Laing-Southwood as New Chief Executive Officer

Posted on September 23, 2026 by Courtney

Sport NSW has officially announced the appointment of Ellie Laing-Southwood as its new CEO following a rigorous, four-stage recruitment process that attracted nearly fifty high-calibre applicants from across the country.

Laing-Southwood is scheduled to formally commence in the executive position on Monday, 12 October, directly succeeding outgoing CEO Stuart Hodge, who concludes his tenure on Friday, 9 October.

Laing-Southwood is well-regarded within the New South Wales sporting community, having served on the Sport NSW Board since 2021, most recently holding the leadership position of Deputy Chair.

Ellie Laing-Southwood brings a wealth of senior executive expertise spanning sports administration, public policy, strategic communications, media relations, and multi-stakeholder engagement. Her distinguished professional background includes high-profile leadership roles with the Australian Olympic Committee and the Property Council of Australia.

Furthermore, her deep familiarity with legislative and executive operations is reinforced by her prior professional experience serving as deputy chief of staff to the speaker of the NSW Parliament and Director of Communications for the NSW Deputy Premier.

The appointment arrives at an important time as Sport NSW continues to amplify its advocacy efforts, representing member organisations and strengthening the unified voice of sport and active recreation across New South Wales.

The leadership transition is expected to be entirely seamless, supported collaboratively by the Sport NSW Board and administrative staff as Stuart Hodge departs after a successful tenure.

To maintain absolute fairness and procedural integrity throughout the executive search, she took a formal leave of absence from the board during the recruitment process and has now completely resigned from her directorial post ahead of stepping into the chief executive role.

The selection process involved extensive candidate evaluations and strategic presentations, highlighting the board’s commitment to securing leadership capable of navigating the complex commercial, operational, and governmental intersections of the state’s sports sector.

US Football Agency “Athletes First” Expands into Basketball with New Representation Division

Posted on September 23, 2026 by Courtney

Athletes First, recognised as the largest football agency in American history, has announced its official expansion into basketball after twenty-five years of elite representation within the National Football League.

The diversification establishes a comprehensive basketball representation division designed to manage professional athletes and collegiate talent operating within the rapidly growing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape.

The new commercial division will operate under the leadership of David Mulugheta, president of Team Sports and the top-ranked NFL agent according to industry rankings.

To spearhead daily operations and drive market expansion, the agency has appointed seasoned basketball industry veterans Brandon James and John Noonan, who will report directly to Mulugheta.

Athletes First aims to deliver a vertically integrated service model spanning amateur development, collegiate NIL monetisation, and elite professional career management.

Reflecting on the rationale behind the expansion, founder and CEO of Athletes First, Brian Murphy, said: “We named this company Athletes First before we had a single client, and for 25 years every decision has been judged against one question: is this putting the athlete first?”

“That question was never about one sport. David, John, and Brandon will build basketball the way our people built football — do the right things, with the right people, for the right reasons,” Murphy said.

Echoing these sentiments, Mulugheta highlighted the calibre of the newly appointed leadership team and the operational framework established for the practice.

“Brandon and John bring the exact experience we need to build a basketball division the right way.”

“John has spent his career building relationships across every level of the sport, from grassroots to the NBA, and Brandon understands the business of basketball from both the team and agency sides.

“Together, they give us a real foundation to build this new division from NIL representation to a full-service basketball practice,” he said.

The move capitalises on the agency’s existing market dominance in collegiate representation while positioning the organisation to capture high-value commercial opportunities across professional basketball leagues.

Lastly, the practice integrates the organisation’s established collegiate basketball coaching representation portfolio, overseen internally by executives Scott Gaffield and Carmen Wallace, a certified National Football League and National Basketball Association agent and former collegiate player.

World Rugby Appoints IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner for 2027 Men’s World Cup

Posted on September 23, 2026 by Courtney

World Rugby has officially appointed IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, securing a critical hospitality infrastructure partner for the expanded global tournament.

Operating over 7,000 hotels globally and 60 nationwide in Australia, the hospitality group will provide essential accommodation for teams, officials, and travelling fans across the six-week event, underpinning the commercial logistics of the code’s marquee showcase.

IHG will host official tournament watch parties across its hotel venues and engage supporters at stadium fan festivals. The partnership also leverages the brand’s loyalty programme, offering its 160 million IHG One Rewards members exclusive experiences as ticket sales open to the public on October 1, 2026.

Commenting on the partnership, World Rugby chief revenue officer, Michel Poussau, said: “Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will be the biggest edition of our tournament to date and a spectacular celebration of rugby, Australia and the fans who will travel from every corner of the world to be part of it.”

“Welcoming IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner is an important part of delivering that experience at the scale and standard this iconic event deserves.

“From the moment fans begin planning their journey, through to the 24 teams, match officials and guests arriving in Australia, the partnership with IHG will help take the Rugby World Cup experience to the next level.

“Together, we want to create a warm welcome and unforgettable moments across the tournament, from hotels and Host Cities to stadiums and Fan Festivals,” he said.

Highlighting the commercial return and enterprise value for property owners, CEO for Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts, Kenneth Macpherson, added: “Our partnerships are about driving commercial value for our hotels and owners, and creating opportunities to delight guests.”

“Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will bring teams and fans from around the world to Australia, driving significant accommodation demand in the host market, while also giving IHG a powerful global platform to build awareness of our brands and hotels with millions of rugby fans internationally.

“As Official Hotel Partner, we have an opportunity not only to support that experience in Australia, but also to engage fans and IHG One Rewards members across key international markets before, during and beyond the tournament.

“With more than 160 million IHG One Rewards members globally, the partnership gives us another meaningful way to deepen loyalty, create distinctive experiences and introduce IHG to new audiences.

“That value extends well beyond the tournament itself, strengthening consideration and demand across our global hotel network and creating long-term value for our brands, hotels and owners,” Macpherson said.

Swimming Australia and Channel 9 Launch Team-Based Swim GP Format in Melbourne Ahead of 2032 Olympics

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Courtney

Swimming Australia has partnered with media powerhouse Channel 9 to launch Swim GP, a team-based entertainment format designed to commercialise elite swimming ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Scheduled for 13 and 14 November 2026 at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), the event will pit four teams of twenty Australian Dolphins against each other across short-form, high-energy sessions.

Supported by the Victorian Government, which has also locked in backing for the 2028 Australian Short Course Championships, the initiative aims to capitalise on surging public interest following last year’s Australia v The World event, blending competitive racing with fan-centric innovations like bonus points, coaches’ calls, and live audience voting.

The commercial push is designed to elevate athlete profiles and drive broadcasting revenues through Nine’s network.

Emphasising the long-term vision behind the new property, Swimming Australia CEO, Rob Woodhouse, said: “Swim GP is an next exciting step in our planning ahead of 2032 to engage swimming fans in the theatre and entertainment of our sport.”

“We saw the support off the back of Australia v The World last year, and we know swimming fans love seeing our athletes compete.

“Building this platform with our partner Nine, we want every household in Australia to know the names of our Dolphins as we lead into 2032 and events like Swim GP allow us to create that platform, for both branding and commercial success.

“We’re thankful for the support of the Victorian Government to deliver this event for the first time, and excited to bring this to swimming and sports fans in Melbourne,” Woodhouse said.

Highlighting the necessity of shifting towards modern entertainment models, Dolphin Zac Stubblety-Cook “It’s great that the sport is trying new avenues and we’re excited to see what this means for swimming leading into 2032, it’s important to get a home crowd invested in the sport of swimming.”

“And fandom is central to this. We also want to be part of something that creates FOMO … and heated rivalries. We have some of the best swimmers in the world, and I don’t think the Australian public fully realise just how good this Dolphins team is.

“We want them to join us on the journey to 2032 … and this is just the start,” he said.

The event will feature elite coaching leadership from Dean Boxall, Damian Jones, Mel Marshall, and Craig Jackson, while showcasing marquee names such as Olympic gold medallists Mollie O’Callaghan, Cam McEvoy, and Lani Pallister alongside Paralympic champions Tim Hodge and Lakeisha Patterson.

Toyota Deepens Olympic Commitment by Signing TEAM JAPAN Partnership Agreement as Gold Partner

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Courtney

Toyota Motor Corporation has formally reinforced its longstanding commitment to elite sport by signing a comprehensive TEAM JAPAN Partnership Agreement with the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and the Japanese Paralympic Committee (JPC) as an official Gold Partner.

Announced in Toyota City, the agreement is designed to deliver robust financial and operational backing, creating an optimal environment where Japanese athletes competing on the world stage can maintain absolute focus on their training, preparation, and competitive performance without distraction.

As a cornerstone of the partnership, Toyota will leverage its extensive corporate resources, technical innovation, and mobility expertise to support national athletic delegations across upcoming international multi-sport cycles.

The collaboration builds directly upon the manufacturer’s deep-rooted global sports sponsorships, aligning corporate social responsibility with high-performance sports administration.

By securing Gold Partner status with both the JOC and JPC, Toyota aims to streamline resource allocation, enhance athlete welfare initiatives, and foster robust grassroots-to-elite sports development pathways across Japan’s broader sporting ecosystem.

For Toyota, the agreement reinforces its overarching brand positioning as a leader in sustainable mobility while deepening local stakeholder engagement within its domestic market.

Furthermore, the partnership provides a predictable funding structure that shields athletes from commercial volatility, allowing national federations to plan long-term talent identification and development initiatives with confidence. Through targeted investments in sports science and athlete support systems, the collaboration ensures that competitors representing Japan are equipped with the necessary resources to excel against international counterparts.

With preparations already well underway for upcoming international competitions, the formalisation of the TEAM JAPAN partnership establishes a secure foundation for athletes, coaches, and sports administrators alike.

UEFA and Concacaf Demand FIFA Distribute $2.1 Billion in Reserves Following Private Equity Collapse

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Courtney

European and North American football governance UEFA and Concacaf have formally demanded that president Gianni Infantino release at least USD10 million (AUD14 million) from governing body reserves to each of its 211 member associations.

The joint intervention follows the rapid collapse of Infantino’s controversial “FIFA Forward Enterprise” (FFE) private equity proposal, which sought to privatise commercial and ticketing rights before crumbling under widespread global opposition from national federations.

Sent by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, and Concacaf counterpart Victor Montagliani, the formal correspondence reveals that FIFA is projected to close the 2023–26 financial cycle with accumulated reserves of approximately USD6 billion (AUD8.4 billion), an amount considerably exceeding foreseeable operational requirements through to the 2030 men’s World Cup. The proposed one-off capital release would total USD2.11 billion (AUD2.9 billion) across the 2027–30 cycle, earmarked specifically for an infrastructure and grassroots football development programs worldwide.

The governance dispute intensified after Infantino attempted to leverage member access to capital injections, offering USD40 million (AUD56 million) contingent on backing the FFE plan and establishing a strict September deadline for federations.

Ceferin and Montagliani strongly criticised these conditional funding frameworks, arguing that member associations should never be forced to choose between development funds and good governance integrity, or between financial support and evaluating proposals purely on their commercial merits.

“Fifa currently holds billions of dollars in accumulated reserves.”

“These resources belong to football and exist to serve the game and its 211 member associations.

“Prudence should not prevent a careful examination of whether a portion could responsibly be released to the extent those reserves exceed Fifa’s foreseeable needs,” they said in the formal letter.

The confederation leaders have formally requested an independent, comprehensive financial review of FIFA’s accounts, demanding full access to underlying operational figures and fiscal assumptions.

This institutional push coincides with mounting governance scrutiny from Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt, who dispatched a separate letter demanding full transparency and complete disclosure of all FFE documentation ahead of the upcoming FIFA Council meeting on October 15.

Fever Secures Record USD250 Million Funding Round Backed by Australian Venture Capital Firm Athletic Ventures

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Courtney

Live-entertainment technology platform Fever has secured USD250 million (AUD351 million) in a primary equity financing round, marking the largest funding event of its kind for the sector.

Led by prominent global private markets investor EQT with participation from Australian venture capital firm Athletic Ventures, Point72 Private Investments, and Baillie Gifford, the funding follows three consecutive years of rapid scaling during which Fever tripled its revenue while maintaining positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation.

The organisation will deploy the fresh capital to expand its operational footprint across its existing network of more than 55 countries and deepen technological integration for elite sports organisations, venues, promoters, and cultural institutions worldwide.

Highlighting the commercial rationale behind backing physical event infrastructure amidst rapid digital disruption, Athletic Ventures co-founder and NBA champion, Matthew Dellavedova, said: “I’ve spent my career thriving off the energy that the crowd brings, and it is truly irreplaceable.”

“I’m excited that Athletic Ventures has invested in the platform that brings these experiences to life.

“We’re pleased to be supporting Fever alongside EQT, Point72 and Baillie Gifford.”

Athletic Venture co-founder, Matt de Boer, added: “Across my AFL career, I learned that the moments people remember most are the ones shared with a crowd, live.”

“Fever has built an elite platform that puts more of those moments in front of more people, in 800+ cities around the world.

“We’re incredibly impressed with the team and proud to be backing them on the next stage of their growth.

“I’m excited that Athletic Ventures has invested in the platform that brings these experiences to life.

“We’re pleased to be supporting Fever alongside EQT, Point72 and Baillie Gifford,” he said.

The platform’s partner-first framework has secured major commercial collaborations across international sport, highlighted by a comprehensive global agreement designating Fever as an Official Supplier for Formula 1 through 2031.

Under the long-term arrangement, Fever will supply advanced ticketing technology and fan-experience optimisation across every Grand Prix via Formula 1’s official website, joining an extensive partner roster that includes SailGP, the X Games, and FC Barcelona.