Gold Coast Titans Secure Formcom as New Major Partner Through 2027

The Gold Coast Titans have officially announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Formcom, one of Australia’s premier formwork, steel-fixing, and concreting specialists.

The agreement will see Formcom join as a major partner for the club’s NRL program until the end of the 2027 season, representing a significant commercial boost for the organisation.

Under the terms of the two-year deal, Formcom’s branding will feature prominently on the lower back of the Titans’ NRL away jersey.

This high-visibility placement ensures the recognisable construction brand reaches the club’s fast-growing fan base across the country. The partnership is a key part of the Titans’ strategic effort to align with national businesses that share a commitment to infrastructure and community growth.

Welcoming the investment as a testament to the club’s current trajectory, Titans CEO, Steve Mitchell, said: “Formcom is a respected national formwork business with a strong presence across Australia and their investment in our club is a powerful endorsement of the direction we’re heading both on and off the field.” 

For Formcom, the partnership serves as a vehicle to deepen its presence in the Queensland market.

Noting the synergy between the two entities, formcom commercial director, Alan Masterson, said: “Joining with the Gold Coast Titans is an exciting opportunity for Formcom, especially as we continue to deliver projects across Queensland.”

“We see a strong alignment in our shared commitment to growth and supporting the communities we work in,” Masterson noted.

The deal further supports the Gold Coast Titans’ commercial portfolio, showcasing the appeal of the Gold Coast region to major Australian industrial firms.

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Bruin Capital CEO George Pyne Forecasts Era of Integration in Sports Media

Bruin Capital Founder and CEO, George Pyne, has delivered a bullish outlook for the global sports investment landscape, identifying deep-tier media integration and technology-driven fan engagement as the primary catalysts for future growth.

Speaking in a high-profile interview on Thursday, the veteran executive emphasised that the sports ecosystem remains a premier asset class due to its unique ability to aggregate mass audiences in real-time, even amidst broader media fragmentation.

Since founding Bruin Capital in 2015, Pyne has overseen more than 40 acquisitions, managing approximately USD2.5 billion (AUD3.7 billion) in assets. He suggested that the next decade of commercial evolution will be defined by the “monetisation of the direct relationship” between rights holders and global fanbases.

This focus continues to centre on the “sandbox” of sports-adjacent businesses, specifically data, technology, and premium production, rather than direct franchise ownership.

Sharing his comments, Pyne, noted: “The game is changing; there is going to be a lot more opportunities.”

“Sports cannot be commoditised. Even in a world where entertainment is becoming more commoditised through artificial intelligence, sports over-indexes on advertising and remains a highly valuable, durable, and reliable asset class.

“I don’t believe 15 years from now it’s going to be stuck at ten per cent.

“Whether it is an IPL cricket team, a Premier League club, or the New York Giants, these assets will be significantly more valuable 20 years from now because of their unique connection to the consumer,” Pyne remarked.

A key example of this program is Bruin’s investment in Box To Box Films, the production house behind Drive to Survive, which has been credited with fundamentally reshaping the commercial profile and honour of Formula 1.

Pyne also addressed the shifting regulatory environment, noting that the NFL’s recent move to permit private equity investment is a watershed moment for the industry.

He predicted that current 10 per cent ownership caps are unlikely to remain static as valuations for blue-chip franchises continue their double-digit annual climb.

By bridging the gap between traditional broadcasting and the emerging digital economy, the organisation remains a recognisable leader in identifying middle-market opportunities. Pyne’s outlook suggests a future where sporting properties are not just entertainment products, but sophisticated media and technology platforms.

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Brisbane Broncos Expand Sports Business Institute

The Brisbane Broncos have opened applications for the 2026 intake of the Broncos’ Sports Business Institute. The program, which offers dual diplomas in Sport and Leadership and Management, is a core component of the club’s commercial strategy to cultivate a recognisable pipeline of professional talent for the Australian sports industry.

The year-long course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive program of study and practical application, including 100 hours of experience across key departments such as membership, game development, and fan engagement.

Highlighting the initiative, the Brisbane Broncos have committed to guaranteeing graduate roles for two students from each intake, ensuring the organisation retains top-tier emerging talent.

The success of the initiative is evidenced by 2024 graduate Abby Mills, who recently transitioned into a strategic role as a project coordinator at the club. Mills played a vital part in the Broncos’ recent high-profile rebrand, a major commercial milestone.

“It instantly felt like the perfect opportunity to align my passion for sport with professional development,” Mills said of her decision to join the institute.

During her tenure in the program, Mills completed placements in community partnerships and events, contributing to flagship moments such as the Presentation Ball and the NRLW Launch.

“These experiences gave me a deeper understanding of what goes on behind the scenes in professional sport and the level of detail required to deliver high-quality events,” she added.

She also emphasised the importance of the curriculum’s focus on “anti-doping and integrity,” which she has since applied to her own athletic and professional career.

The 2026 program will feature three cohorts, with two starting in January and a final intake in April.

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Anta Sports Launches Strategic USD1.5 Billion Bid for Pinault Family’s Puma Stake

Anta Sports Products has formalised an offer to acquire a 29% stake in Puma from the Pinault family.

The transaction, reportedly valued at approximately USD1 billion (AUD1.4 billion) with performance incentives potentially lifting the total to USD1.5 billion (AUD2.2 billion), would see the Chinese sportswear giant become the largest shareholder in the struggling German organisation.

The bid comes as Puma faces a critical “transition year” in 2026 under new CEO Arthur Hoeld. Following a 50% decline in market capitalisation over the last twelve months, Hoeld has initiated a sweeping program to revitalise the brand, which includes cutting 900 corporate roles and reducing reliance on discount wholesale channel

For the Pinault family’s investment vehicle, Artemis, the sale would provide a recognisable capital injection as it seeks to deleverage and refs. Anta’s interest is viewed as a strategic endorsement of Puma’s long-term recovery potential, despite current headwinds caused by shifting consumer preferences toward rivals like Hoka and Adidas on its luxury core, including Kering and Gucci. While Artemis has previously categorised the Puma holding as “non-strategic,” sources indicate that the organisation is holding out for a valuation exceeding EURO40 (AUD69) per share.

Anta Sports, which successfully led a consortium to acquire Amer Sports (owner of Wilson and Salomon) in 2019, has a proven program for revamping Western heritage brands.

The rationale for Anta lies in instantly acquiring a premier European football and lifestyle asset to rival the global dominance of Nike and Adidas.

The deal remains subject to final valuation agreements and regulatory scrutiny. If successful, the partnership would provide Puma with the financial firepower to execute its 2027 growth strategy, while solidifying Anta’s position as a world-class multi-brand powerhouse.

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Milano Cortina 2026: IOC Unveils Digital-First Marketing Strategy

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has formalised a strategic marketing and media framework for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

This multifaceted program prioritises technological innovation and digital-first fan engagement, marking the first time a Winter Games will fully implement the IOC’s centralised ticketing and hospitality model.

The organisation’s broadcast strategy, led by Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), is set to produce a record 6,500 hours of content, a 550% increase since 2006.

The program will leverage AI-powered replays, 24 drones, and 32 cinematic cameras to deliver “immersive, data-rich coverage”. Innovations include cloud-based production through Alibaba Cloud, which allows for a virtualized control centre, and “The Athlete Moment” stations (developed with TCL) to connect athletes with families in real time.

The Worldwide Olympic Partner (TOP) Program remains an important commercial driver, contributing 36% of the IOC’s total revenue.

Global brands such as Samsung, Alibaba, and Visa are integrating strategic technology solutions into the event’s infrastructure. Alibaba is transforming the Games for the AI era through cloud-powered broadcasting, while Samsung will provide specialised Galaxy devices to all competing athletes.

Visa is implementing contactless “tap to ride” payments and wearable “SkiTap26” bracelets for seamless mountain access.

The IOC’s financial model remains robust, with commercial revenue reaching USD7.7 billion (AUD11.4 billion) for the 2021-2024 cycle. As a non-profit, the organisation redistributes 90% of its revenue, approximately USD4.7 million (UAD7.014 million) every day, to support athletes and sports development globally.

This includes an Olympic Solidarity budget of USD650 million (AUD 970 million) for 2025-2028, ensuring the honour and viability of the Olympic Movement for nations with limited resources.

By combining record-breaking broadcasting innovations with a robust program of digital engagement and a flagship megastore in Milan’s Piazza Duomo, the organisation aims to inspire a global audience while delivering a sustainable and operationally efficient Games.

For the full documentation of the guide, click here.

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Fanatics Fest 2026 Returns to New York with Heavyweight Celebrity and Commercial Lineup

Following a record-breaking event, Fanatics has confirmed that Fanatics Fest 2026 will return to the Javits Center in New York City from July 16 to 19 2026.

Positioned as the “Comic-Con of Sports,” the three-day immersive program represents a major pillar for the organisation, merging the worlds of professional athletics, high-end collecting, and global entertainment to drive massive consumer engagement.

Fanatics Fest 2026 roster features a level of star power, headlined by seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. Brady is set to lead exclusive panel discussions and autograph sessions, reinforcing his long-standing commercial ties with the organisation.

Joining the NFL legend is cultural icon JAY-Z and global superstar Travis Scott, the latter of whom is expected to leverage the event to debut new strategic collaborations in the streetwear and sports apparel sectors.

The event’s commercial footprint is supported by a diverse range of ambassadors, including NBA star Kevin Durant and MLB standout Aaron Judge. Notably, the lineup also features Kevin Hart, following his recently announced strategic partnership and shareholding deal with Authentic Brands Group, further blurring the lines between Hollywood and professional sports.

Beyond athlete appearances, the festival will feature an expanded “Collector’s Zone,” a key revenue driver for the organisation’s memorabilia and trading card divisions.

This precinct will host the world’s top auction houses, offering rare items to a demographic that has made sports collecting a multi-billion-dollar asset class. Fans will also experience interactive “field-of-play” activations and exclusive merchandise drops, designed to ensure the event remains the most recognisable fixture on the sports-culture calendar.

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KKR Acquires Arctos in Strategic USD1 Billion Transaction

Global investment powerhouse KKR has reportedly reached an agreement to acquire Arctos Partners, a private equity firm exclusively dedicated to professional sports franchises.

According to sources, the deal values the specialist investment platform at approximately USD1 billion (AUD1.4 billion), though additional performance incentives for senior management could reportedly lift the final valuation closer to USD1.5 billion (AUD2.2 billion).

The acquisition represents a strategic move for KKR, as it seeks to integrate a sophisticated sports-focused asset management arm into its global organisation.

Arctos has established itself as a premier investment vehicle in the North American market, holding minority stakes in various teams across the National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Soccer (MLS).

As part of the structural transition, Arctos co-founder Ian Charles will remain head of the business. Under the agreement, Charles will remain head of the business and, along with other top Arctos executives, be granted shares of the New York-based buyout giant.

This ensures continuity for the program of investments already managed by the firm and aligns the interests of the recognisable Arctos leadership with KKR’s long-term growth objectives.

The transaction is currently awaiting the necessary regulatory approval from major professional sports leagues. These reviews are expected to be stringent, with league officials focusing on potential conflicts of interest.

Specifically, the report suggests that league approvals for the deal hinge on specific conditions, including reviews to prevent conflicts of interest involving athletes, such as endorsements for KKR portfolio companies.

Should the deal receive the required clearances, it will be viewed as a milestone for the private equity sector’s involvement in the sporting world. It confers a significant honour on the Arctos model, which pioneered the institutionalisation of minority ownership in professional teams.

KKR plans to fund the purchase directly from its balance sheet, further highlighting the importance of securing a foothold in the high-growth sports asset class.

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NRL Tightens Anti-Tampering Regulations

The National Rugby League (NRL) has issued a formal directive to all Clubs and Accredited Player Agents regarding a strategic overhaul of the NRL Anti-Tampering Rules, set to commence on February 1, 2026.

This move, developed in collaboration with the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) as part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), represents a shift in the organisation’s approach to player movement and contractual governance.

Under the new framework, the definition of tampering has been expanded to explicitly prohibit parties from interfering in contract discussions through public statements.

This means the program now captures “any expression of interest – public or private – made to anyone involved or related to player contracting or through the media, aimed at securing or providing a player’s services during periods when the NRL Rules prohibit player negotiations.”

The regulation is designed to protect a Club’s negotiation rights and prevent the emerging practice of using public commentary to lure or entice athletes currently under employment.

Commenting further on the new directive, the league, said: “Tampering is not a new concept and has existed in the NRL Rules for a significant time.”

“Under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, the NRL and RLPA agreed to strengthen these rules to protect the game and address an emerging practice across the player contracting landscape.”

“The changes are aimed at fostering a more professional contracting environment that improves integrity, transparency and good faith in all dealings.” 

The organisation has established severe deterrents for non-compliance. Penalties for breaching these rules include heavy financial sanctions for Clubs, Players, and Agents, alongside salary cap deductions.

In the most serious cases, the NRL reserves the right to enforce the deregistration of Club Officials, agents, and players to preserve the honour and integrity of the competition.

Exemptions remain for players in the final year of their contract or when an incumbent Club provides written permission to negotiate elsewhere.

To ensure a smooth transition, the NRL will provide a comprehensive education program for all stakeholders prior to the February deadline.

The league aims to further preserve the integrity of NRL Playing Contracts and provide additional protections to both athletes and their employers, ensuring that a recognisable standard of professional conduct is maintained across the player market.

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Australian Grand Prix 2026 Reveals Major Infrastructure Upgrades Set to Transform Fan Experience

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has announced an investment in infrastructure for the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026.

The upgrades, which focus on enhancing crowd movement, accessibility, and trackside viewing at the Albert Park circuit, represent a major commercial program to accommodate growing spectator demand and maintain the event’s status as a premier global sporting fixture.

Commenting on the investment, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, said: “These upgrades represent a fantastic step forward for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. From the new overpass to improved accessibility and the launch of the Clubhouse, fans will enjoy a smoother, safer, and more exciting experience at Albert Park.”

“Investing in world-class infrastructure “reinforces Melbourne’s reputation as the sporting capital of Australia,” he said.

Adding his enthiusiasm, Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Travis Auld, added: “Each year we challenge ourselves to elevate the event experience, and these upgrades represent a major step forward for fans.”

“The new overpass and pontoon will make it easier to move around and see every precinct of the circuit,

“Our focus remains on delivering an event that is seamless, accessible and unforgettable to every fan that comes through the gates,” Auld noted.

A central component of the 2026 plan is the construction of a new overpass near Gate 1. Manufactured locally in Melbourne using 234 tonnes of structural steel, the structure is triple the size of the previous version.

This development will deliver a “56 percent increase in site-wide overpass capacity from 2025,” facilitating a more efficient flow of foot traffic across the venue. Complementing this is the installation of a brand-new pontoon structure on Albert Park Lake to replace the original, alongside a second pontoon added in 2025, designed to create a more seamless pedestrian experience around key precincts.

The opening of the new ANZAC Station is also expected to transform the organisation’s logistical operations. Pedestrian volumes through Gate 5 are “expected to double, repositioning it as one of the most used entry and exit points across the circuit.”

Further bolstering the commercial honour of the event is the launch of The Clubhouse, an all-new elevated viewing facility positioned on the Albert Park Golf Course. The recognisable demand for premium experiences was highlighted by the fact that race day tickets for this new facility “sold out within minutes.”

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South East Melbourne Phoenix Celebrated Successful Christmas Spectacular with William Adams CAT

The South East Melbourne Phoenix recently concluded a highly successful strategic collaboration with William Adams CAT, who served as the Presenting Partner for the club’s marquee Christmas Spectacular: Under the Stars.

The agreement saw the two organisations join forces to deliver one of the most significant events on the NBL calendar, focusing on high-impact community engagement and unique fan experiences.

The partnership was anchored by an experiential program designed to drive family engagement at John Cain Arena. A standout feature of the event was the “Dig and Dunk Zone” located outside Gate 6, where fans of all ages were able to get up-close with recognisable CAT machinery.

The activation allowed attendees to shoot hoops through an excavator bucket for the chance to win prizes, successfully blending the industrial identity of the partner with the sporting spirit of the Heartland.

Reflecting on the honour of the partnership, and noting how well the two entities aligned, Phoenix CEO, Simon Derrick, said: “This partnership brings together two organisations that pride themselves on building—building community, building experiences, and building memories.”

“William Adams CAT are part of the fabric of the Heartland, and their support helps us elevate one of the biggest nights on our calenda,” Derrick said. 

The event itself was a comprehensive commercial program, featuring a giant laser show, musical performances, and a special visit from Santa Claus.

Derrick noted that the unique activations were a deliberate strategic move to resonate with the club’s fan base.

“The Dig and Dunk Zone was an absolute favourite. Photos in diggers and shooting hoops through an excavator bucket —it’s everything the Heartland loves rolled into one. It captured the Phoenix spirit: fun, energetic and uniquely ours,” Derrick said.

Supporting the initiative, the William Adams CAT team shared their enthusiasm for the sporting venture.

“The William Adams team are thrilled to support the South East Melbourne Phoenix – C’mon boys ‘Let’s Do The Work’ and get a Christmas win!” 

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FIFA and Netflix Announce Partnership Ahead of World Cup 2026

FIFA has officially announced a landmark partnership with Netflix Games to launch an exclusive, reimagined football simulation title. Timed to coincide with the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The upcoming title, developed by independent studio Delphi Interactive, will be available exclusively to Netflix subscribers.

Scheduled for a summer 2026 release, the game is strategically positioned to capitalise on the global fervour surrounding the World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Rather than competing directly in the high-budget, unit-sale-driven console market, FIFA is prioritising global reach and accessibility.

By leveraging Netflix’s massive established subscriber base, FIFA is attempting to democratise the gaming experience, shifting focus toward a casual-first, mobile-centric product that is fast to learn and broadly recognisable.

As the streaming giant continues to expand its “Netflix Games” portfolio, the inclusion of a globally dominant sports brand like FIFA serves as a powerful tool for increasing engagement time within its ecosystem.

The game will be offered at no additional cost to members, accessible via mobile devices and television interfaces, further integrating sports entertainment into the Netflix user journey.

While details regarding the long-term licensing structure remain under wraps with ongoing corporate documents, the partnership places Delphi Interactive at the centre of FIFA’s next digital phase.

The studio has been tasked with creating a “hardworking” simulation that stands the test of time while meeting the elite standards of a World Cup year.

A FIFA spokesperson noted that the shift reflects a modernised view of the football video game market, prioritising distribution through existing digital ecosystems over standalone monetisation.

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Gold Coast Titans Secure Multi-Year Extension with Gold Coast Commercial Real Estate

The Gold Coast Titans have solidified their local commercial foundation, announcing a significant multi-year partnership renewal with Gold Coast Commercial Real Estate (GCCRE).

Commenting on the partnership renewal, Titans CEO, Steve Mitchell, said: “The next two years promise exciting opportunities for GCCRE and the Titans, and we look forward to delivering meaningful outcomes for businesses, supporters, and the broader Gold Coast community together.”

The two-year extension reinforces the Titans’ strategy of aligning with industry leaders that hold a dominant share of the South East Queensland market.

Gold Coast Commercial Real Estate, a prominent agency specialising in commercial leasing, sales, property management, and investment solutions, views the partnership as a primary vehicle for expanding its professional footprint across the region’s rapidly growing economic corridor.

The collaboration is designed to leverage the Titans’ high-visibility platform to showcase the economic and cultural vibrancy of the Gold Coast.

For the agency, the partnership is less about traditional branding and more about a mission to align with an organisation that reflects its core values of teamwork, resilience, and community spirit.

By maintaining a presence within the Titans’ business ecosystem, GCCRE can better engage with a diverse network of corporate stakeholders and investors.

The renewal comes at an important time for the Titans as they continue to build out their commercial program ahead of the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

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