Ministry of Sport

Western Bulldogs and Kapitol Extend Major Commercial Partnership Through to 2029

Posted on August 6, 2026 by Courtney

The Western Bulldogs have secured a three-year partnership extension with high-growth construction firm Kapitol, locking in the commercial collaboration through to at least 2029.

First joining the club in 2021 as a list management and recruiting partner before elevating to a Platinum Partnership in 2025, Kapitol will continue to feature prominently on the upper-back panel of the Bulldogs’ AFL playing and training guernseys.

Beyond apparel branding, the expanded agreement deepens Kapitol’s commercial commitment to the club’s western suburbs community programs and introduces a novel media activation via the inaugural edition of Dogs Radio for the team’s upcoming Round 22 clash against North Melbourne.

Recognising the strong alignment between the two organisations, Western Bulldogs CEO, Ameet Bains, welcomed the long-term continuity.

“Our partnership with Kapitol continues to go from strength to strength built on shared values and aligned ambitions, and this extension means we can foster that for years to come.”

“Beyond their name presence on our AFL training and playing tops, Kapitol’s ongoing commitment to our community is something we’re incredibly grateful for and look forward to seeing continue through to 2029,” Bains said.

Highlighting the mutual benefits of the extension, Kapitol directors, David Caputo and Andrew Deveson, noted: “Over the past two years of this evolved partnership, we’ve built great momentum together and have helped deliver many impactful moments for Bulldogs players, fans and the local community,” Caputo stated.

Echoing this sentiment, Deveson, added: “We’re excited to take this even further over the next three years, expanding our community impact while continuing to support a Club that puts its people first.”

As one of Australia’s fastest-growing commercial builders, recently crowned the country’s top builder by total project value in 2025, Kapitol continues to leverage elite sports partnerships to drive brand visibility and community engagement.

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American Football Australia and NFL Partner to Expand Flag Schools Program Ahead of LA 2028

Posted on August 6, 2026 by Courtney

American Football Australia has entered a partnership with the NFL to brand school-delivered flag football programs under the ‘NFL Flag’ banner, significantly expanding the sport’s commercial footprint within the Australian Sports Commission’s national Sporting Schools program.

Established in 2015, Sporting Schools provides primary and secondary students with essential physical activity pathways.

This collaboration leverages the world’s biggest football brand to accelerate domestic participation as 5-a-side non-contact flag football prepares for its official Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, while stakeholders continue championing its inclusion for Brisbane 2032.

Speaking on the announcement, CEO of American Football Australia, Wade Kelly, said: “American Football Australia is thrilled to be partnering with the NFL to deliver flag football through the Australian Sports Commission’s Sporting Schools program, a partnership that puts the world’s biggest football brand behind our grassroots ambitions.”

“This is another huge step in the exponential growth of flag football across Australia, opening the game up to boys and girls in schools in every corner of the country.

“Sporting Schools is the foundation our flag football programs are built on, and we have no doubt Australia’s future Olympic flag football players will come through it,” Kelly said.

Australia’s national flag teams rank strongly internationally, with the men positioned 8th and women 10th globally.

Both squads secured qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf, Germany, taking place from August 13-16. Departing Friday, August 7, the squads will compete for direct Olympic qualification against top global nations.

Highlighting the commercial momentum, NFL GM– Australia and New Zealand, Charlotte Offord, added: “Australia has emerged as one of the most exciting growth markets for flag football globally, and partnering with American Football Australia allows us both to accelerate that momentum.”

“Together, we are creating a pathway that introduces more young people to the sport, strengthens participation in schools and communities, and supports the next generation of athletes.

“As interest in flag football continues to rise around the world ahead of its Olympic debut in 2028, this partnership provides a strong foundation for the long-term growth of the game in Australia,” Offord said.

Since starting as a ten-school pilot in 2022, the NFL’s national competition has scaled to over 500 schools and 100,000 participating students.

Melbourne Stars Secure mycar Tyre & Auto as Major Partner in Multi-Year Commercial Agreement

Posted on August 6, 2026 by Courtney

The Melbourne Stars have bolstered their portfolio by announcing mycar Tyre & Auto as the club’s Official Auto Servicing and Tyre Partner and Official Major Partner across both their Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) teams.

Commencing ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 season, the multi-year partnership integrates the prominent national brand across all playing and training apparel, match-day experiences, fan engagement initiatives, and grassroots community programs.

As part of the comprehensive agreement, mycar will also serve as the presenting partner for the newly established Melbourne Stars mycar Cup, a social community cricket tournament designed to link grassroots talent across Victoria directly with the elite energy of the club, culminating in a grand final at the Junction Oval.

With 279 retail stores nationwide alongside mobile tyre and service vans, the partnership leverages mycar’s expansive retail footprint to connect families, communities, and cricket fans through targeted activations.

Melbourne Stars general manager, James Rosengarten, emphasised the alignment and broad commercial benefits of the multi-year alliance.

“We’re delighted to welcome mycar as Major Partner of the Melbourne Stars for the 2026/27 cricket season and beyond.”

“mycar Tyre & Auto is a trusted national brand with a strong local presence, and this partnership will bring real value across the Stars’ match-day experience, digital channels and community cricket programs.

“The Melbourne Stars mycar Cup is a particularly exciting part of the partnership, giving community teams another opportunity to be part of the broader cricket pathway and connect with the Melbourne Stars,” Rosengarten said.

Echoing these sentiments, mycar Tyre & Auto chief customer officer, Adele Coswello, said: “At mycar Tyre & Auto, our commitment to our customers extends well beyond tyres and vehicle servicing.”

“We’re passionate about supporting the communities where our customers live, work and play, and partnering with the Melbourne Stars is a fantastic way to do just that.

“As a trusted Australian brand, we’re excited to support one of the Big Bash League’s most recognised teams while creating memorable experiences for cricket fans across the country through match days, community cricket and the Melbourne Stars mycar Cup,” Coswello said.

TKO Group Absorbs $30 Million Loss on White House UFC Freedom 250 Spectacular to Drive Global Brand Exposure

Posted on August 6, 2026August 6, 2026 by Courtney

TKO Group Holdings has revealed that its UFC Freedom 250 event held on the White House grounds resulted in a net loss of approximately USD30 million(AUD42 million), despite executives hailing the patriotic spectacle as a commercial success.

Staged on June 14 to mark the United States’ 250th birthday and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, the mixed martial arts card incurred roughly USD60 million (AUD84 milliion) in production costs. Because no tickets were sold for the exclusive gathering of 4,300 guests on the South Lawn, the organisation recorded zero live events revenue, significantly impacting margins across the business.

Addressing investors during the company’s Q2 earnings call, chief financial officer, Andrew Schleimer, detailed the financial toll of the custom-built arena setup.

“We incurred significantly higher-than-normal costs, which we partially offset with sold-out global partnerships inventory.”

“As a reminder, we did not sell tickets and therefore did not record any live events revenue.

“Given the event’s financial profile, which as anticipated resulted in approximately USD30 million (AUD42 million) loss, our margins at UFC, as well as on a consolidated basis, were meaningfully impacted,” Schleimer said.

Despite the financial deficit, TKO leadership defended the substantial investment as a masterclass in brand exposure and partnership acquisition. The seven-fight card, which made history as every bout ended by knockout or technical knockout, drew more than 34 million viewers globally.

TKO Group chief executive, Ari Emanuel, remained enthusiastic during the earnings call.

“TKO’s unique ability to deliver one-on-one live events and experiences was front and centre in the second quarter.”

“Nothing illustrates this better than UFC Freedom 250 held in June.”

“This event was a roaring success for our company, the UFC brand and the sport of mixed martial arts, exposure, earned media, audience expansion and a weekend-long fan experience,” Emanuel said.

Adding to the commercial rationale, TKO chief operating officer, Mark Shapiro, noted that the event generated more than USD1 billion (AUD1.4 billion) in earned media value.

“It also deepened our commercial relationships, adding 25 new marketing partners to our roster, many signing multi-year or multi-event deals,” Shapiro said.

However, fans looking forward to future iterations on government grounds will be disappointed.

UFC president and CEO, Dana White, confirmed that the organisation has no plans to replicate the high-stakes production due to its astronomical expense.

“I can’t afford it, i’ll never do the Sphere again, and we’ll never do this again,” White stated.

Netball NSW Finalises Licence Transfer of GIANTS Netball to Sports Entertainment Group

Posted on August 6, 2026 by Courtney

Netball NSW has officially announced an agreement to transfer the ownership of the GIANTS Netball Super Netball licence to the Sports Entertainment Group (SEG) ahead of the 2027 season.

Effective October 1, 2026, the transition ensures absolute commercial and operational certainty as the new franchise prepares to secure player signings during the upcoming contracting window.

The newly configured franchise will maintain its home in the rapidly growing Western Sydney market, intending to continue playing home matches at Sydney Olympic Park while a fresh brand identity, team name, logo, and colour palette are developed and unveiled in due course.

Current coaching staff, including head coach, Nerida Stewart, and assistant coach, Jen Wright, will remain securely in their respective roles through the 2027 season as contracted, ensuring vital continuity on the court.

Meanwhile, Netball NSW will maintain its undivided focus on owning and operating the historic NSW Swifts, a franchise boasting a rich heritage and a passionate supporter base built over three decades.

Netball NSW originally established the GIANTS in 2017 with the backing of strategic partners GWS GIANTS, successfully elevating the sport’s profile across the state and providing elite pathways for rising talent.

Emphasising the commercial rationale behind the transition, Netball NSW chair, Sallianne Faulkner, said: “The sale and transfer of the GIANTS Netball licence represents a new era for the Super Netball competition and the game in this state.”

“Netball NSW is extremely proud of what has been achieved with GIANTS Netball and the part this team has played in attracting new fans, encouraging more grassroots participants and providing a pathway to the elite level for many talented athletes.

“We thank our commercial partners, members and fans for their incredible support over the past decade.

“With the new owners and, importantly, future investment, now is the right time to transition to a new team that can build on the strong foundations created by the GIANTS and expand Super Netball’s fanbase in Sydney’s west.

“We are excited by the prospect of working collaboratively with SEG to help grow the entire netball ecosystem across NSW, further increasing participation, engagement and visibility for the sport at all levels,” Faulkner said.

SEG already commands a robust presence in Australian sports administration, successfully operating the Melbourne Mavericks Super Netball team alongside two Women’s National Basketball League clubs.

Basketball Australia Launches New E-Learning Course to Translate Court Skills into Career Success

Posted on August 6, 2026 by Courtney

Basketball Australia has officially launched a new e-learning course designed to bridge the gap between elite athletic development and professional employment by helping athletes and coaches successfully translate their basketball competencies into sustainable corporate careers.

Hosted via Basketball Australia’s dedicated eTrainu platform, the digital initiative provides participants with specialised educational tools to identify, articulate, and communicate highly valuable transferable skills cultivated on the court into professional assets such as compelling resumes, tailored cover letters, and confident job interview strategies.

The rollout is tightly integrated with Basketball Australia’s overarching “Win Well” philosophy, which underscores the organisation’s long-term corporate commitment to nurturing holistic player development, creating better people, and fostering high-performing individuals both during and after their active sporting years.

By proactively addressing the complex post-sport transition landscape, the national governing body aims to equip both athletes and coaches with the commercial capability, operational insight, and personal confidence required to navigate the competitive modern job market effectively.

Ensuring long-term career sustainability remains a critical pillar of contemporary sports administration, particularly as athletes increasingly seek structured pathways following elite competition.

Emphasising the importance of career readiness and ongoing professional support across the sporting community, head of performance wellbeing at Basketball Australia, Rhian Bird, said: “The skills our athletes and coaches develop in basketball translate well beyond the court.”

“This course is a great opportunity for our community to learn how and build the confidence they need to succeed in careers off court,” Bird said.

The launch represents a proactive step in athlete welfare and professional pathway management, ensuring that participants can seamlessly leverage their leadership, resilience, tactical discipline, teamwork, and high-pressure problem-solving abilities within diverse corporate and workplace environments.

As national sporting organisations face rising expectations to secure the long-term well-being, employability, and financial security of competitors beyond retirement, accessible digital modules like the new eTrainu platform offer a vital, scalable solution.

Participants across the national pathway are strongly encouraged to access the new educational module to unlock instant career tools and invest securely in their future professional potential, reinforcing Basketball Australia’s enduring dedication to sustainable athlete outcomes across the entire Australian sporting ecosystem.

FIFA Leadership Reaffirms Unity and Governance Standards Following Withdrawn Enterprise Proposal

Posted on August 6, 2026 by Courtney

Following a high-level strategic summit in Rabat, Morocco, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Secretary General Mattias Grafström, and members of the FIFA Management Board have moved to solidify internal governance and address procedural missteps surrounding the recently withdrawn FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.

The leadership collective reaffirmed complete mutual support, recognising the FIFA President as the sole official elected by the global body’s membership while emphasising operational unity following the successful delivery of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The high-profile gathering directly tackled transparency and communication gaps after the controversial proposal and its subsequent media leak caused friction between the administration, the FIFA Council, and global member associations.

Acknowledging administrative errors made during the rollout and handling of the aborted initiative, top management formally issued an apology via a separate correspondence while assuring key stakeholders that the project is permanently off the table. It was agreed that neither the FIFA Council nor the member associations were intended to feel excluded, and processes should have been managed with greater precision.

A comprehensive internal review has been ordered to examine the procedural breakdown, with a formal report scheduled for presentation at the next regular meeting of the FIFA Council.

Despite the missteps, leadership stressed that all previous actions complied fully with the governing body’s established regulatory framework, though operational processes must be continuously refined to protect the organisation’s global reputation and commercial standing.

Furthermore, FIFA leadership adopted an uncompromising stance regarding institutional protection, stating that the organisation will no longer tolerate attacks on its integrity, governance standards, or due process, and will proactively deploy all necessary measures to safeguard its corporate name.

Looking ahead, the global governing body intends to collaborate closely with its 211 member associations, confederations, and regional associations to recalibrate the core FIFA Forward program. This ensures that ongoing financial and strategic development initiatives remain fully insulated from administrative controversies, preserving long-term commercial trust, financial transparency, and stakeholder confidence across the international football ecosystem as new global challenges emerge.

Racing Queensland Delivers $3 Million Infrastructure Boost

Posted on August 5, 2026 by Courtney

Racing Queensland has announced a $3 million funding injection for regional racing infrastructure, with thirty-three country racing clubs across regional Queensland set to share in crucial financial support through the Country Club Asset Funding program.

The latest funding round has officially approved forty-one critical infrastructure projects, supported by participating clubs contributing close to $350,000 in complementary capital. Designed to enhance operational safety, maintain rigorous functional standards, and secure long-term economic viability, this capital investment addresses essential facility upgrades across regional Queensland’s expansive grassroots racing circuit, ensuring long-term asset protection and enhanced community engagement.

The comprehensive funding package will directly target vital infrastructure improvements, routine maintenance works, and asset replacements across participating venues to elevate operational standards.

Key developments funded under the program include the installation of modern starting gates, upgraded and compliant jockey and stewards’ facilities, new stabling and secure tie-up stalls, and advanced running rail installations.

By modernising these regional assets, the funding initiative ensures that country racing clubs can continue to host safe, high-quality race meetings while directly stimulating local employment, regional tourism events, and broader commercial economic activity across rural electorates.

Country racing serves a foundational commercial and social role within regional Australian communities, acting as a vital anchor that brings communities together while delivering tangible financial benefits to local service economies.

Beyond facility maintenance, the program provides essential support for the long-term sustainability and commercial growth of Queensland’s wider racing industry. This targeted capital deployment aligns directly with the strategic priorities outlined in The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing, reinforcing the governing body’s commitment to equitable regional development, asset longevity, and enhanced stakeholder value.

Ninja Unveiled as Major Partner for Ninja A-League All Stars Ahead of Blockbuster Chelsea Clash

Posted on August 5, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian Professional Leagues has announced that global brand Ninja will serve as Major Partner for the Ninja A-League All Stars, featuring on kits manufactured by Kappa.

The partnership expands upon Ninja’s role as naming rights partner of the competition, positioning the brand centre stage as the All Stars face English Super League giants Chelsea at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Under the agreement, Ninja will showcase two flagship products across the team apparel. The Ninja SLUSHi MAX will feature on the playing kit as a match-day hydration companion, while the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series will brand training apparel. Kappa Australia returns as technical apparel partner for its second All Stars kit, having produced the 2024 jerseys.

Highlighting the commercial agreement, APL CEO, Steve Rosich, said: “Ninja’s commitment to the women’s game has been second to none and we’re proud to represent the global brand on the international stage against one of the biggest clubs in world football.”

“It’s also exciting to have Kappa back to produce another fantastic kit for the Ninja A-League All Stars and we can’t wait to see the team face Chelsea in Sydney on Wednesday 12 August,” Rosich added.

Ninja marketing communications director, Zoe Wendland, said: “The Ninja A-League All Stars match is a fantastic celebration of the incredible growth of Australian women’s football, and we’re proud that Ninja will be part of such a significant occasion.”

“Beyond this match, our partnership with the A-Leagues Women reflects our commitment to supporting players throughout the season and beyond.

“Across our range, Ninja creates products designed to help people perform at their best, whether that’s preparing, fueling or recovering, and we’re proud to support the athletes inspiring the next generation of Australian footballers,” Wendland said.

WHOOP Expands Women’s Health Capabilities Through Integration with Company: Natural Cycles

Posted on August 5, 2026 by Courtney

Human performance technology company WHOOP has expanded its women’s health portfolio by announcing an integration with FDA-cleared birth control application Natural Cycles.

As part of the rollout, WHOOP is offering eligible new users a twelve-month subscription to the Natural Cycles application, enabling members with compatible devices to automatically share overnight skin temperature data to support personalised fertility insights and hormone-free reproductive health tracking.

The partnership addresses a rapidly expanding consumer segment, with female membership across the WHOOP platform surging by one hundred and eleven per cent year-over-year. By combining continuous physiological monitoring with clinically validated digital health technology, the collaboration bridges elite athletic performance metrics with everyday preventative healthcare management.

Highlighting the importance of the venture into everyday wellness markets, WHOOP chief medical officer, Dr. Ami Bhatt, stated: “This partnership represents a commitment to supporting women’s health through clinically-backed, actionable data.”

“By integrating with the NC° app, we are providing our members with a seamless way to access personalized reproductive health insights, expanding WHOOP beyond performance into everyday health,” Dr. Bhatt said.

The technical integration removes traditional tracking friction by automating data capture, allowing members to leverage existing hardware to monitor overnight skin fluctuations.

VP of Product at Natural Cycles, Dr. Magda Armbruster, added: “At Natural Cycles, we’re committed to making digital contraception as seamless as possible for our users. Integrating with WHOOP removes friction from the experience by allowing members to use the wearable they already rely on to automatically capture overnight skin temperature used by the NC° app to determine daily fertility status.”

“It’s another step toward making hormone-free birth control fit more naturally into everyday life,” Dr. Armbruster said.

The integration is currently live for users utilising WHOOP MG and 5.0 hardware versions, reinforcing both organisations’ commitments to stringent data security and user privacy standards.

Brisbane Roar Appoints Johnathan Clemente as Head Coach

Posted on August 5, 2026 by Courtney

Brisbane Roar has announced an appointment ahead of the upcoming Ninja A-League season, naming Johnathan Clemente as the club’s new head coach on a two-year deal.

At just 27 years of age, Clemente becomes the youngest head coach in A-League history, taking charge of a competitive Brisbane squad that secured a fourth-place finish and a semi-final appearance during the 2025/26 campaign.

Reflecting on his new leadership position, Brisbane Roar new head coach, Clemente, said: “I am incredibly honoured at the opportunity to lead of one of the most successful clubs in the country, with one of the best squads in the league and to do it in one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

“I see exciting parallels between Brisbane Roar and my own journey.

“We’ve been hungry, ambitious and have spent the past few years building strong foundations.

“Now it’s our time to come together and establish ourselves at the pinnacle of women’s football in this country,” Clemente stated.

As the sole professional pathway for women’s football within Queensland, the club’s leadership prioritised a modern, visionary coaching appointment capable of sustaining high-performance outcomes and regional talent identification.

Highlighting that Clemente’s rigorous methodology and clear strategic alignment made him the standout candidate during the recruitment process, Brisbane Roar sporting director, James Gow, added: “Johnathan is coach with a very clear idea of how he wants to play, train and develop his team.”

“We conducted a thorough recruitment process and his desire for the role and clarity in how he works stood out.

“Despite his young age he has a lot of experience in the A-League Women’s space. He really buys into the strategy we as a club wish to execute.

“We are looking forward to welcoming him and seeing him get to work,” Gow said.

Clemente transitions to the role after spending the past four seasons as an assistant coach under Jeff Hopkins at Melbourne Victory, where he also oversaw the club’s National Premier Leagues Women’s, female pathways, and Afghan Women’s Team programs.

His developmental background also includes successful stints leading the Essendon Royals and Heidelberg United, where he achieved the club’s highest league finish in twelve years and transitioned ten players into professional A-League squads.

With pre-season planning well underway, Clemente intends to maintain the squad’s upward trajectory while fostering a fluid, identity-driven style of play designed to inspire the next generation of talent.

Holman Barnes Group Secured as Operator of Central Coast Mariners Women’s Team in Tripartite Agreement

Posted on August 5, 2026August 5, 2026 by Courtney

The Holman Barnes Group has reached a heads of agreement with the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Total Soccer Growth Holdings (TSG) to become the official operator of the Central Coast Mariners FC women’s team.

Under the tripartite agreement, Holman Barnes Group assumes all rights, obligations, and responsibilities for the women’s program, while TSG retains the club licence to operate the A-League Men’s side and the club Academy.

Highligting the intent behind the investment, CEO of Holman Barnes Group, Daniel Paton, said: “Our vision is to establish a sustainable, high-performance A-League Women’s program on the Central Coast that delivers elite football outcomes while embedding long-term participation and development pathways for female footballers across New South Wales.”

“We believe elite women’s football programs must be built upon a dual foundation of participation and performance pathways.

“We want to create an enduring women’s football program on the Central Coast that expands participation opportunities, strengthens the pathways to elite domestic and international competition and advances the growth of women’s football, while preserving the strong community identity synonymous with the Central Coast Mariners.

“We’re thrilled to be embarking on this journey alongside TSG and the Central Coast Mariners, which will open the door to new opportunities for aspiring athletes and no doubt help grow this great game for generations to come,” Paton said.

Wlcoming the partnership, Total Soccer Growth Holdings’ – majority shareholder, Ruben Gnanalingam, added: “Today the work done as part of our promise from a month ago, to work hard, alongside APL, to find a credible candidate to take on the operation of the Central Coast Mariners’ women’s team, has come to fruition.”

“We are delighted to have struck an agreement with such a community-focused, Australian entity such as Holman Barnes Group.

“We will be providing Holman Barnes Group with support through our international network wherever possible,” Gnanalingam stated.

Praising the innovative structure behind the investment, APL chair, Stephen Conroy, noted: “We’re thrilled to have secured the future of the Central Coast Mariners’ women’s team, and establish this tripartite heads of agreement with TSG and Holman Barnes Group, to further strengthen the sporting pedigree of the Mariners and football in the Central Coast.”

“This is a unique model that ensures the long-term sustainability of the Central Coast Mariners, can generate enduring value for the Club, and potentially create other investment opportunities to drive the growth of the Ninja A-League Women.

“The Central Coast Mariners FC, their partners and fanbase, can now plan with certainty for season 2026/27 – with the fixtures for the Ninja A-League Women season to be released in the coming weeks,” Conroy noted.

The transition of management begins immediately ahead of the Ninja A-League Women 2026/27 season kick-off on October 17, 2026, pending final regulatory checks.

Bulk Nutrients Joins Tasmania Jewels as Foundation Partner

Posted on August 5, 2026 by Courtney

Leading Australian sports supplement brand Bulk Nutrients has expanded its footprint in Tasmanian basketball by signing on as a Foundation Partner of the newly established Tasmania Jewels.

Building upon its long-standing relationship as a valued partner of the NBL’s Tasmania JackJumpers, the Tasmanian-owned company is furthering its commitment to the state’s sporting ecosystem by supporting the Jewels as they prepare to compete on the national stage. The partnership represents a investment in the future of women’s professional basketball, directly reinforcing the organisation’s core ‘One Club, Two Teams’ vision designed to create equal opportunities and competitive pathways for both male and female athletes.

Commenting on the partnership, Tasmania Jewels CEO, Trent Jacobs, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Bulk Nutrients as a Foundation Partner.”

“Having built a fantastic relationship through the JackJumpers, having them on board for the Jewels is a natural fit as we share a passion for elite performance, community connection and supporting Tasmanian athletes.

“Bulk Nutrients have been a strong supporter of the JackJumpers and have consistently demonstrated their commitment to sport in Tasmania.

“Their decision to support the Jewels is another example of investing in the future of basketball and ensuring female athletes have every opportunity to succeed at the highest level,” Jacobs said.

Noting how aligning with the women’s team was a good mix with the organisations goals, Bulk Nutrients director, Ben Crowley, added: “It was a no-brainer for us to support the Jewels,”

“We’re 100% behind the One Club, Two Teams culture and what the organisation is building for basketball in Tasmania.

“We’ve seen firsthand the impact the JackJumpers have had on the community, and we’re excited to now support the Jewels as they create their own legacy.

“Personally, I can’t wait to get to the Jewels games and be part of the journey from day one,” Crowley stated.

As part of the partnership agreement, Jewels players will be fuelled by Bulk Nutrients products throughout the upcoming season, with the brand receiving prominent commercial visibility across match days, athlete wellbeing programs, and grassroots community initiatives.

Australian Netball Players’ Association Signs One-Year Collective Player Agreement to Secure 2027 Season

Posted on August 5, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian Netball Players’ Association has reached agreement with Netball Australia and Super Netball teams on a new one-year Collective Player Agreement.

Requested by Netball Australia to allow the organisation to focus on growing revenue, the short-term deal prompted players to adopt a pragmatic approach and vote unanimously in favour.

Beyond securing operational certainty for the 2027 season, the agreement establishes a formal commitment from the governing body and clubs to design a true revenue-sharing model and upgrade the pregnancy and parenting policy over the next twelve months.

The new agreement introduces financial and welfare improvements, including a four per cent increase to the player salary cap, a twenty-five per cent boost to the minimum salary to align with Australia’s National Minimum Wage, a twenty-five per cent increase to the eleventh player salary, and a four per cent rise in the Training Partner honorarium.

Reflecting on the outcome, Australian Netball Players’ Association director, Tara Hinchliffe, emphasised the players’ dedication to supporting their lowest-paid teammates.

“The improvements in the latest CPA are important for the players and the game.”

“We were asked to sign a one-year deal and defer our plans for a new revenue share model this time around, and we’ve done that.

“NA and the Teams have responded with improvements in conditions and wages which we welcome.

“We’re incredibly proud of how the playing group have united and represented one another throughout the process.

“But the hard work really begins now because the next CPA has to deliver a modern revenue share model to grow the game for everyone,” Hinchliffe said.

Australian Netball Players’ Association chair, Helen Lonsdale, noted the constructive progress while urging proactive future timelines.

“We’re pleased with the improvements Australian Netball Players’ Association has delivered for the players, who continue to be outstanding role models for the millions of netball participants and fans in Australia.”

“It’s important that the next round of discussions starts earlier so a new CPA can be agreed without pushing the players and the game so close to the deadline again.

“A lot of good work has been done and we look forward to working together again on the next agreement,” Lonsdale stated.

Australian Netball Players’ Association CEO, Kathryn Harby-Williams AM, stressed that future agreements must properly reflect athlete value.

“While this CPA provides certainty for 2027, our attention now turns to the next negotiation.”

“The next CPA provides the opportunity for the game to recognise players through a genuine revenue-sharing model, a long-term agreement and remuneration that better reflects the value players create for the sport.

“The players have done the right thing by the sport throughout these negotiations. It will be important the sport reciprocates next time.”

Additionally, players receive two extra weeks of time off, a daily meal allowance of seventy-five dollars, a 4.96 per cent increase in private health insurance contributions, improved commercial arrangements, a conditional one-off payment, and contracts extending up to 2031.

Canberra Secures 2027 NBL Ignite Cup Finals and Andrew Gaze MVP Awards in Landmark ACT Partnership

Posted on August 4, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball League has announced a major partnership with the ACT Government that will see Canberra host the 2027 Ignite Cup Finals and the prestigious Andrew Gaze MVP Awards in February.

Under the agreement, the new tournament format will conclude with a four-team Ignite Cup Finals Series at the AIS Arena, featuring Semi-Finals on Friday, February 19, and a blockbuster decider on Sunday, February 21.

Meanwhile, the Andrew Gaze MVP Awards will be presented from the Great Hall in Parliament House, marking the first time the national accolades have been hosted outside Melbourne in more than a decade. The weekend features a record-breaking prize pool of $550,000, representing the largest financial incentive in League history as twenty Wednesday night regular-season fixtures culminate in a postseason showdown.

Emphasising the commercial significance of the agreement, NBL Group CEO, David Stevenson, highlighted the rapid evolution of the mid-week tournament.

“The Ignite Cup has quickly become one of the standout innovations in the NBL, bringing knockout intensity into the Hungry Jack’s NBL regular season and creating must-watch basketball every Wednesday night.”

“Introducing a Final Four series and bringing it to Canberra is a fantastic evolution of the competition.

“Fans will experience a festival of basketball, with the best teams battling it out over one incredible weekend for the biggest prize pool in NBL history,” Stevenson said.

Echoing his sentiments, ACT Chief Minister, Hon. Andrew Barr, noted the broader commercial benefits for local hospitality and tourism operators.

“This is a slam dunk for Canberra and a great example of what’s possible when we build strong, genuine partnerships with national sporting codes.”

“Bringing the 2027 Ignite Cup Finals and the Andrew Gaze MVP Awards to our city means the entire NBL family – from players, officials, and fans from every club – will be here for a full weekend.

“The Ignite Cup Finals will fill our hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars, supporting local jobs and giving our accommodation and hospitality sectors a fantastic boost,” Barr stated.

The high-profile event acquisition is designed to deliver a substantial economic uplift to the Territory’s tourism economy while building strategic momentum toward the potential rebirth of a Canberra-based NBL franchise. The partnership directly aligns with the ACT Government’s T2030 objective to increase visitor spending by $1 billion by 2030, supported by a broader $31.1 million infrastructure commitment to advance planning and design for a new National Convention and Entertainment Centre alongside upgrades to the Belconnen Basketball Stadium.