Ministry of Sport

Sepang International Circuit to Host 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix

Posted on July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile have officially confirmed that Malaysia will host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the iconic Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4, 2026, slotting strategically between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.

Subject to final agreements and formal sign-off from the World Motor Sport Council, the unique operational solution preserves a crucial round of the World Championship that would otherwise have been cancelled due to ongoing regional challenges.

The agreement highlights the adaptability of the sport’s global ecosystem, showcasing the vision of Bahrain and the generosity of Malaysia in safeguarding the 2026 calendar for fans, corporate partners, and commercial stakeholders worldwide.

His Royal Highness, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, emphasised the partnership.

“With the blessings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Sultan Iskandar, King of Malaysia, and building on the close and brotherly relations between our two countries, I am proud to join Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia in announcing that Bahrain will host the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, from 2 to 4 October 2026.”

“Amid ongoing regional challenges, Bahrain is proud to stand as a pillar of stability for Formula 1, and we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure a successful and memorable race for everyone involved,” Prince Salman said.

Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, praised the intergovernmental cooperation.

“This collaboration is more than the staging of a world-class sporting event.”

“It reflects the enduring friendship, mutual trust and close partnership between Malaysia and the Kingdom of Bahrain, while reaffirming Malaysia’s readiness and capability to host major international events,” Hon. Ibrahim said.

The return to Sepang marks a celebrated homecoming for the championship, with the venue widely recognised for its challenging layout, passionate fan base, and unpredictable weather dynamics.

Ticket release details for the event are expected to be announced shortly, ensuring minimal disruption to financial partnerships and the broader 2026 racing calendar.

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FC Barcelona Completes €105 Million Bond Issuance to Strengthen Long-Term Financial Strategy

Posted on July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 by Courtney

FC Barcelona has successfully completed a major one-hundred-and-five-million-euro bond issuance, securing vital long-term financing through a ten-year offering that attracted overwhelming demand from international institutional investors.

Arranged by Goldman Sachs acting as lead manager and placement agent, the Senior Secured Notes mature in October 2036 and carry a fixed coupon of 5.14 per cent. According to official club statements, the financial transaction was more than twice oversubscribed, with the entire issue successfully placed in less than two hours among a highly targeted group of United States institutional investors encompassing prominent insurance companies, specialised investment funds, and large pension funds seeking secure long-term yields within elite sports assets.

The remarkable speed of the placement and the substantial level of oversubscription highlight continued global investor appetite for the club’s debt instruments despite well-documented financial challenges and operational restructuring in recent years.

With market demand exceeding the originally offered amount by more than 200 per cent, the financing structure allowed FC Barcelona to leverage deep international capital markets rather than relying on retail participants.

Furthermore, the club highlighted a notable improvement in financing conditions compared with previous corporate debt issuances, noting that the market spread declined significantly from 240 basis points down to 202 basis points, which clearly indicates that institutional investors required a lower risk premium and viewed the club with heightened financial confidence than in prior transactions.

FC Barcelona confirmed that the gross proceeds from the bond issuance will be deployed to strengthen the organisation’s overall cash position while actively supporting the execution of its broader strategic growth and commercial plans.

Executive leadership stated that the highly successful placement reinforces international confidence in the club’s financial strategy and long-term commercial consolidation objectives.

Architectural Vision Unveiled for Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic National Aquatic Centre

Posted on July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 by Courtney

Marking exactly six years until the opening ceremony, the Queensland Government has unveiled the architectural design for the Brisbane National Aquatic Centre, a landmark centerpiece venue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A design consortium comprising ARM Architecture, NH Architecture, and Queensland-based practice Arkhefield, assisted by specialist architect Liquid Blu, has been appointed to transform the heritage-listed Centenary Pool site at Spring Hill into a world-class venue hosting swimming, diving, water polo, and artistic swimming during the Games. Procurement is moving forward rapidly, with four contractors currently shortlisted and a preferred builder slated for selection in early 2027 following early works commencing after the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority takes possession of the site on September 1.

Positioned as one of 17 new and upgraded sporting facilities within the Brisbane 2032 Delivery Plan, the project aims to deliver long-term commercial and community value.

Emphasising the importance of the infrastructure investment, Queensland Premier, Hon. David Crisafulli, said: “in six years’ time, the Olympic and Paralympic Games are coming to Queensland, and we will be ready.”

“The eyes of the world will be on us in 2032, but this is about delivering legacy benefits for all of Queensland well beyond that,” Hon Crisafulli said.

Praising the winning concept for reflecting the region’s character, chairman of the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority and head of the Design Evaluation Panel, Stephen Conry, added: “Ultimately, it was ARM Architecture, NH Architecture and Arkhefield’s design for a Centre inspired by the movement of water, cleverly positioned into the landscape, that we felt best reflected the natural beauty of Brisbane.”

“GIICA is committed to delivering transformational infrastructure that will benefit Queenslanders for generations, and I am confident the National Aquatic Centre and new Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park will be outstanding landmarks for our city and among our most popular public spaces,” Conry noted.

Beyond competition, the facility will function as a national training hub and community asset.

Swimming Australia CEO, Rob Woodhouse, welcomed the long-term strategic advantages.

“The National Aquatic Centre will deliver long term benefits for Australia’s aquatic sports and the community as a world-leading venue capable of supporting major aquatics events and high-performance training alongside community access year-round,” he said.

While current plans outline a permanent legacy capacity of around 8,000 spectators alongside a temporary Games capacity exceeding 25,000, officials continue reviewing project budgets and seating configurations to ensure fiscal and operational efficiency.

Essendon Football Club and MOVA Announce Partnership

Posted on July 27, 2026 by Courtney

The Essendon Football Club has announced an expanded partnership with global smart home brand MOVA ahead of the upcoming 2026 AFLW season.

Under the renewed agreement, MOVA has elevated its status to Co-Major Partner of the club’s AFLW program, deepening its corporate footprint across both the men’s and women’s elite programs at the NEC Hangar. The tie-up was publicly celebrated with the unveiling of AFLW captain Bonnie Toogood and reigning AFLW Best and Fairest Georgia Nanscawen as MOVA’s newest brand ambassadors, joining existing male ambassadors Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish.

The commercial collaboration reflects MOVA’s broader corporate strategy to scale its premium AI-powered smart home ecosystem across the Australian market through high-visibility sports sponsorships.

Emphasising the broader industry significance of the partnership during the announcement at the NEC Hangar, and noting that corporate investment across both programs sets a powerful precedent for the competition’s trajectory, Toogood, said: “I’m proud to partner with a company that’s making such a genuine investment in women’s football.”

“Seeing MOVA support our AFLW program alongside the AFL team sends a really positive message about where the game is heading,” Toogood said.

Echoing these commercial sentiments, Nanscawen highlighted how major alignments validate the elite professionalism and dedication of female athletes in an increasingly competitive sports landscape.

“It’s fantastic to represent a brand that’s investing in women’s sport at such an exciting time for the AFLW.”

“Partnerships like this help our competition continue to grow while recognising the professionalism and commitment of female athletes,” Nanscawen stated.

Alongside the brand ambassador reveals, the showcase featured live demonstrations of MOVA’s latest consumer technology, including the Z70 Ultra Roller robot vacuum.

Queensland Government Launches ‘Queensland Spirit: The Road to 2032’ Strategy to Build Lasting Sports Legacy

Posted on July 27, 2026 by Courtney

Marking exactly six years until the opening of the 2032 Olympic Games, the Queensland Government has unveiled a comprehensive new strategic plan titled Queensland Spirit: The Road to 2032, designed to establish a lasting commercial and social sporting legacy across the state.

The statewide strategy aims to fortify the local sporting industry, ensuring sustainable economic returns and enhanced community infrastructure long after the Olympic flame is extinguished.

Developed following extensive public consultation that included nearly 2,000 survey responses, over 90 written submissions, and community forums held across Brisbane, Roma, Emerald, Cairns, Mackay, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, Townsville, and Toowoomba, the strategy outlines clear pathways from grassroots participation to elite competition while funding initiatives to attract major sporting organisations and events.

Highlighting the importance of the rollout, Queensland Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander, said: “We’re entering a golden era of sport in Queensland and building a legacy of greater participation, improved accessibility, better infrastructure and stronger pathways.”

“The (Queensland) Government is working to cement Queensland’s place as the home of sport in Australia and ensure there is a lasting legacy beyond 2032.

“We’re backing clubs with the facilities they need to grow and thrive, supporting families to get more kids into sport, and building a world-class sporting industry that will endure long after the Games,” Mander said.

The framework is anchored by four key strategic priorities embedded across the state’s sporting ecosystem. Under the Games On initiative, the government is delivering new investment into the Grassroots Infrastructure Program alongside grants for essential club equipment, training resources, and ongoing disaster recovery support. The strategy also positions Queensland as the home of Australian sport by allocating targeted funding to attract elite sporting organisations and major events, backed by record investment and financial certainty under the newly established Sporting Partnerships Fund.

Furthermore, the Play On initiative introduces two hundred dollar sports vouchers to help children access physical activity, supplemented by up to one hundred and fifty dollar vouchers for eligible children aged zero to four through Play On Learn to Swim, alongside a new Grassroots to Gold program designed to supercharge talent identification pathways.

Finally, the Beyond 2032 initiative drives cross-sector collaboration between public, private, and non-government organisations to expand active spaces, scale volunteer support through an expanded Sport HQ, and share the long-term benefits of athletic engagement.

Wrestling Australia Announce Partnership with Playbk Sports

Posted on July 27, 2026 by Courtney

Wrestling Australia has announced a partnership with digital product builder Playbk Sports to develop a bespoke digital learning platform aimed at expanding grassroots participation and coaching capability across the country.

Scheduled for an initial launch in September, the initiative will deliver introductory coaching and officiating courses tailored for teachers, schools, volunteers, and club communities, establishing vital pathways outside traditional club environments.

The collaboration addresses structural growth challenges for smaller footprint sports by leveraging scalable technology to remove geographical barriers and provide consistent education nationwide. Content development is being managed collaboratively by Playbk Sports, sports consultant Mike McLaughlin from McLaughlin Sports Consultancy, and community coaches, ensuring contemporary digital design aligns with practical grassroots expertise.

Commenting on the partnership, Playbk Sports co-founder and COO, Damian Hecker, said: “for sports with a smaller footprint, digital learning provides a way to reach further than has often been possible in the past.”

“Schools are where many young Australians experience a sport for the first time.

“By providing teachers with accessible education, we can help sports like wrestling reach new audiences and create stronger connections between schools and community clubs.

“Digital learning removes geographical barriers, supports volunteers and gives sports the ability to build capability at scale.

“Ultimately, it is about giving more young people the chance to experience a sport they may not otherwise have discovered,” Hecker

Highlighting the implications of the agreement, and noting that the platform reinforces recent governance enhancements while positioning the organisation for long-term growth. Wrestling Australia president, David Barns, added: “as a volunteer-run National Sporting Organisation, we have to think carefully about how we build capability and support our members.”

“This partnership gives Wrestling Australia a digital platform that provides coaches, officials and teachers with access to consistent learning at a time and place that works for them.

“It complements our existing education programs and helps us reach communities that have traditionally been difficult to service.

“Importantly, this initiative builds on the governance improvements Wrestling Australia has made in recent years and creates a resource that will continue to evolve with the sport.

“As we look ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, it also gives wrestling a practical way to build awareness and participation ahead of a home Olympic Games,” Barns said.

The platform will expand following its initial rollout to include comprehensive educational resources, creating a connected digital learning journey designed to support wrestling’s multi-discipline footprint as momentum builds toward the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Netball Players Face Contracting Uncertainty Amid ANZ Premiership Crisis and Ongoing Collective Bargaining Delays

Posted on July 27, 2026 by Courtney

Netball players and team staffers are facing severe professional and financial uncertainty ahead of the new season after Netball New Zealand informed personnel from the Stars, Mainland Tactix, and Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic that the organisation is “not in a position” to extend their contracts in 2027.

This announcement arrives as the commercial future of the ANZ Premiership remains in question for the third consecutive year, compounded by stalled negotiations between Netball New Zealand and the New Zealand Netball Players Association regarding a new collective bargaining agreement.

The contractual standstill leaves several high-profile athletes in limbo, including core members of the national Silver Ferns squad currently preparing for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The administrative turmoil compounds twelve months for Netball New Zealand, which recently conducted an internal review into the Silver Ferns after players lodged formal complaints alleging that the team environment was “psychologically unsafe”.

Although national coach Dame Noeline Taurua was stood down during the subsequent investigation before being reinstated to lead the squad through the international window, the broader governance and operational challenges continue to cast a shadow over domestic competition viability.

Stars assistant coach Leana de Bruin admitted on Newstalk ZB’s Sportstalk with D’Arcy Waldegrave that the lack of communication from Netball NZ is the most disappointing aspect of the crisis, noting that players are left in a “very worrying and uncomfortable” situation as they wait to learn if the competition will continue in 2027.

Without a locked-in broadcast deal or a comprehensive strategic plan for the upcoming year, the commercial viability of New Zealand’s premier domestic league faces an unprecedented test.

Meanwhile, across the Tasman Sea, Australian Suncorp Super Netball athletes are also navigating contract delays as Netball Australia works to finalise its own collective bargaining agreement ahead of all player contracts expiring on September 30.

Unlike the ANZ Premiership, Australian players have long-term commercial certainty that there will be a competition next season after securing a lucrative five-year broadcast partnership with Nine, though questions remain regarding team alignments and upcoming free agency windows.

WNBA All-Star Game Breaks League Attendance Record

Posted on July 27, 2026 by Courtney

The WNBA reached historic milestones as the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center in Chicago drew a record-shattering crowd of 19,783 fans.

Surpassing the previous All-Star benchmark of 19,487 set in Washington in 2007, the showcase event highlighted the explosive year-on-year growth of the league and featured star-studded courtside attendance, alongside a surprise visit from former U.S. President Barack Obama during team practices at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center.

On the hardwood, Team Spoon, named after WNBA legend Teresa Weatherspoon and featuring stars like Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson, secured a 129-122 victory over Team Coop, named after Cynthia Cooper and captained by players including Paige Bueckers.

New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones put on an MVP performance off the bench, recording 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists for Team Spoon. Team Coop was led by strong performances from Kelsey Mitchell (28 points) and Marina Mabrey (23 points).

The milestone event adds to a banner year for league attendance records, following the regular-season milestone set earlier this month by the Toronto Tempo, who welcomed 20,996 fans to Montreal’s Bell Centre for a matchup against the Dallas Wings.

Gold Coast Secured as Host City for 2027 World Archery Para Championships

Posted on July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 by Courtney

Queensland will host its first major international para archery event after the 2027 World Archery Para Championships were officially awarded to the Gold Coast Performance Centre.

Originally slated for Canberra, the prestigious global competition will now take place south of Brisbane from August 30 to September 6, 2027, following a successful collaborative bid by Archery Australia and the Queensland Government.

The tournament is expected to draw approximately 300 elite athletes representing 50 countries, who will compete across recurve, compound, W1, and visually impaired classifications.

Crucially, the championships will serve as a vital qualification pathway toward the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, providing a major competitive milestone as Australia builds towards hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane 2032.

World Archery president, Greg Easton, welcomed the transition to the Gold Coast.

“We are excited to be bringing the World Archery Para Championships to the Gold Coast.”

“Queensland has the experience and ambition to deliver an outstanding event, showcase our sport to new audiences, and build momentum towards LA28 and Brisbane 2032,” Easton said.

Archery Australia CEO, Peter Bromley, echoed this enthusiasm.

“We look forward to welcoming the global para archery community to the Gold Coast and delivering a championship that celebrates sporting excellence, inclusion, and the Paralympic spirit,” Bromley said.

Queensland Tourism and Acting Sport Minister, Andrew Powell, emphasised the broader economic and strategic impact of securing the event.

“Securing this event is another example of how the momentum towards Brisbane 2032 is helping Queensland attract prestigious global championships that may otherwise never have come to Australia.”

“Fans will have the opportunity to witness the world’s leading para archers competing for world titles and crucial Paralympic qualification places, creating an unforgettable sporting spectacle on the Gold Coast,” Powell added.

Para archery has remained a staple of the Paralympic program since Rome 1960, tracing its foundational roots directly to the historic Stoke Mandeville Games.

Basketball NSW Appoints Former Sport NSW Head Stuart Hodge as New Chief Executive Officer

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Courtney

Basketball NSW has officially appointed Stuart Hodge as its new CEO following a comprehensive national search process.

Bringing extensive administrative, commercial, and governmental expertise in the sports sector, Mr Hodge will assume the leadership role in October 2026, succeeding interim chief executive officer David Simpson, who has guided the organisation through a transitional period since January 2026.

Mr Hodge arrives at Basketball NSW after spending the past three and a half years as CEO of Sport NSW, the peak representative body for state sporting organisations across New South Wales.

Prior to that tenure, he served for five years as CEO of Football NSW, where he successfully directed major commercial restructuring, facility development, and competition reform across one of the country’s largest sporting bodies.

Highligting that the Board’s appointment followed a rigorous and independent assessment, Basketball NSW chair, Lisa Yen, said: “Stuart brings commercial acumen, deep understanding of the NSW sporting and government landscape and a genuine connection to our sport.”

“He’s exactly the leader Basketball NSW needs as we pursue opportunities and tackle the big challenges ahead, particularly facilities, where demand for our sport continues to far outstrip access across the state,” Yen said.

Reflecting on his upcoming appointment, Mr Hodge emphasised the urgent need to address participation demand at the community level.

“Basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports in New South Wales, and I’ve seen first-hand, as a parent, a coach and a volunteer, just how much demand there is at grassroots level.”

“I’m excited to bring my experience to Basketball NSW, and to work with the Board, staff and basketball community to build on the strong foundations already in place,” Hodge shared.

With participation rates surging across the state, Mr Hodge’s leadership will focus heavily on expanding infrastructure, strengthening commercial partnerships, and supporting grassroots growth as the organisation enters its next strategic phase.

NSW Government and GBOTA Reach Agreement to End Greyhound Racing at Sydney’s Wentworth Park in October 2026

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Courtney

The New South Wales Government has secured a formal agreement with the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association (GBOTA) to conclude greyhound racing at Sydney’s historic Wentworth Park, scheduling the final race meeting for October 2026.

The landmark agreement will culminate with the prestigious Million Dollar Chase event, drawing a close to ninety-four years of racing at the venue and allowing the land-use licence to terminate ahead of schedule so that remediation and infrastructure removal can commence before Christmas.

To assist the racing sector through the transition, the NSW Government has committed to a $10 million Greyhound Capital Grants Program aimed at funding infrastructure upgrades at metropolitan and regional tracks to meet updated safety standards.

NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris acknowledged the historical weight of the closure for participants, noting that Wentworth Park has contributed significantly to the sport since initial race meetings commenced in 1932.

Acting NSW Minister for Lands and Property, Kate Washington, emphasized the long-term community benefits of returning the land to public control.

“Wentworth Park has played an important role in New South Wales’ sporting history, and today we’re beginning an exciting new chapter for this iconic public site.”

“The Government is delivering on its commitment to return this land to the community, creating new sporting fields, more open space, thousands of new homes and lasting community infrastructure for a growing inner Sydney.

“This is about unlocking public land for public benefit, creating more homes and ensuring future generations have great places to play, connect and enjoy,” Washington said.

Once restoration works are complete, the site will be transferred to the City of Sydney to be integrated into an expanded fourteen-hectare public park featuring multipurpose sporting fields, open green spaces, and community recreation facilities.

Located adjacent to the upcoming Pyrmont Metro station and near existing light rail and ferry transport networks, the revitalised precinct will form a core component of the broader Pyrmont-Ultimo renewal, which includes the nearby Sydney Fish Market redevelopment and plans for thousands of new residential dwellings.

The announcement coincides with international regulatory shifts, arriving as New Zealand prepares to host its final commercial greyhound race meeting at Hatrick Raceway in Whanganui on July 31 following the passage of legislation ending the industry nationwide due to animal welfare and injury rate concerns.

Mark Cuban and Harbinger Sports Partners Acquire Minority Stake in Major League Baseball’s Athletics

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Courtney

Harbinger Sports Partners has acquired a minority ownership stake in Major League Baseball’s Athletics ahead of the franchise’s planned relocation to Las Vegas.

Led by principal figures including billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban, Atlanta Falcons minority owner Rashaun Williams, former MLB chief financial officer Jonathan Mariner, and former AMBSE CEO Steve Cannon, the deal marks the first deployment from Harbinger’s targeted USD750 million (AUD1.07 billion) sports fund.

While the specific financial terms, equity stake size, and overall team valuation were not disclosed, Forbes previously valued the franchise at USD2 billion (AUD2.8 billion). The transaction gives Harbinger a foothold in a high-profile sports property as ownership prepares for the club’s permanent transition to a new 33,000-capacity stadium on the Las Vegas Strip, scheduled to open in 2028.

Currently playing home fixtures at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento following their departure from Oakland in 2024, the team continues to operate without a geographic market identifier amid ongoing trademark considerations.

Rashaun Williams emphasised that the private equity investment is strategic rather than a financial rescue for majority owner John Fisher.

“All of the money required to build the stadium has already been committed two years ago,” Williams said.

Williams also noted that public-sector funding is capped at USD380 million (AUD544 million) while private financing covers the remainder of the escalating construction costs.

“Fisher definitely doesn’t need our money, we’re not coming to bail anyone out by any means,” Williams added.

Furthermore, Williams expressed strong confidence in the Las Vegas market’s commercial potential, pointing to the city’s steady annual influx of tens of millions of tourists and extensive demographic research conducted by league stakeholders.

Mark Cuban underscored his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the operational expertise brought by his partners.

Harbinger plans to complete between 10 and 12 investments from its initial fund, targeting North American sports franchises.

Williams noted that having veteran baseball executive Jonathan Mariner lead the negotiation provided the firm with a distinct advantage in navigating MLB team dynamics.

Catapult Launches IMPECT Video Scouting Platform to Transform Professional Football Recruitment

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Courtney

Sports technology leader Catapult (ASX: CAT) has announced the global launch of IMPECT Video Scouting, an advanced video scouting solution powered by IMPECT’s proprietary Packing data and contextual football intelligence.

Designed specifically for professional football clubs, the newly launched platform features a revolutionary discovery engine that allows scouting departments to define precise performance criteria and instantly surface exact match footage where candidates demonstrate those qualities, significantly accelerating recruitment decisions.

Grounded in the vision following Catapult’s October 2025 acquisition of IMPECT, the platform utilises Packing metrics, a validated method for quantifying player impact and illustrating how teams break down opposition structures. By combining these quantitative metrics, validated across more than 180,000 matches, with context-rich video across 150-plus men’s and women’s competitions, recruitment teams can examine a true visual representation of player performance behind traditional statistics.

Underscoring the platform’s technological integration, chief product officer at Catapult, Matt Bairos, said: “The future of football is about clarity and connection.”

“By bringing all of our intelligence and video workflows into one integrated view, we’re eliminating the friction that slows clubs down and empowering clubs to build winning strategies from a single, unified platform,” Mr Bairos said.

Highlighting the analytical advantages of the software, head of product strategy for Global Football Scouting at Catapult, Stefan Reinartz, added: “By using contextual football data to surface the most relevant moments, we’re helping clubs validate players faster, reduce bias, and make better recruitment decisions.”

“We are giving clubs the advantage of having deeper, more contextual data to help with overall scouting strategy and recruitment accuracy,” Reinartz stated.

IMPECT Video Scouting integrates directly into Catapult’s Pro Video Suite, enabling a seamless workflow from initial player identification to detailed video review, telestration, and decision-ready presentations for professional soccer organizations worldwide.

Franchise Equity Partners Acquires Planet Fitness Australian Franchisee Bravo Fit

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Courtney

Private investment firm Franchise Equity Partners has acquired Bravo Fit, the exclusive Australian franchisee of global fitness brand Planet Fitness, from existing shareholders including Planet Fitness, Inc.

The transaction marks Franchise Equity Partners’s first direct investment in an Australian-headquartered business and enables Planet Fitness to exit its minority ownership position while continuing its core role as the international brand franchisor. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The acquisition provides Bravo Fit with a flexible capital to accelerate its national club development and enhance member experience. Bravo Fit currently operates 32 Planet Fitness locations across Australia and holds exclusive area development rights for up to approximately 100 additional clubs spanning Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory.

The company’s existing executive team, led by Chief Executive Danielle Monroy, will remain in place to oversee regional growth. Furthermore, former BT Financial Group and Craveable Brands Chief Executive Rob Coombe has been appointed Chairman of Bravo Fit.

Emphasising the importance behind the acquisition, Planet Fitness CEO, Colleen Keating, said: “We are thrilled by the performance of the Planet Fitness brand in Australia since first entering the market seven years ago.”

“We partnered with Bravo Fit initially to bring our brand promise of high-value, low-price fitness to the region, and our model has resonated well in the country.

The sale of our ownership stake in Bravo Fit to Franchise Equity Partners validates our approach, and we are confident that Franchise Equity Partners and Bravo Fit will continue to further scale Planet Fitness’ presence and growth in Australia,” Keating said.

Highlighting the strong market fundamentals driving the acquisition, Franchise Equity Partners managing director and head of investments, David O’Donnell, added: “Bravo Fit is exactly the kind of partner Franchise Equity Partners is built to support: a proven operator with a clear runway in a high-quality, globally recognised franchise system.”

“Our flexible capital and experience scaling franchise businesses are designed to help the management team accelerate that buildout while preserving the operating discipline and member focus that have made Bravo Fit successful,” O’Donnell said.

Campbell Construction Co Sports Lunch Raises Record $52,500 to Support Sunshine Coast Grassroots Sport

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Courtney

The annual Campbell Construction Co Sports Lunch has set a new fundraising benchmark, collecting a record $52,500 to support grassroots sports programs across the Sunshine Coast.

Hosted at Surf Club Mooloolaba and bringing together more than 160 members of the local sporting community, the event directly benefits the Brisbane Broncos Game Development Program, Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club, and the Sunshine Coast Falcons Women’s Game Development Program, creating vital new opportunities for regional athletes and the next generation of sporting talent.

Highlighting the continuous growth and community backing of the annual lunchtime gathering, Campbell Construction co-founder and CEO, Ben Campbell, said: “The event has grown every year over the past four years.”

“As more people have come to understand the purpose behind it and see where the funds are going, the support has continued to build.”

“I see what Jack does in the community and what that means to the youth of the Sunshine Coast. It’s fantastic, and there’s not enough of it.

“Giving young kids the opportunity to be part of the program is second to none. It helps them understand what it means to be not only an athlete, but also a good person,” Mr Campbell said.

Emphasising the vital role of strong regional partnerships in sustaining junior sports initiatives, broncos development officer, Jack Reed, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Ben and Sara, who created and supported this year’s Sports Lunch, and to our major partner, The Surf Club Mooloolaba, for allowing us to use their beautiful venue.”

“This day doesn’t happen without the commitment of our program partners and the local community, whose support makes events like this possible.

The funds raised will have a lasting impact, helping us continue our school-based initiatives and junior rugby league support across the Sunshine Coast,” Reed said.

Attendees at the luncheon also heard from an esteemed panel of accomplished Australian sports figures, including Scott Prince, Julia Robinson, Chris Flannery, Jimmy Cassidy, Joel Parkinson, and Steve Menzies, who shared professional insights and career experiences from elite levels of competition.