Ministry of Sport

Ministry of Sports Unveils Unmissable Sports Forum and Unmissable Sports Lunch

Posted on July 13, 2026July 13, 2026 by Courtney

We are excited to re-launch our Unmissable Sports Forum – “The Business of Global Sport” alongside the Unmissable Sports Lunch – “Football Legends Live, which will be held at Perth this Friday 7 August 2026 – Optus Stadium.

The programme aims to creates a centralised corporate cluster designed to capitalise on the presence of touring international football clubs and driving high-value business, investment, and tourism outcomes in the region.

Unmissable Sports Forum – “The Business of Global Sport”

The morning session materialises as a limited-capacity corporate gathering inside Riverview Room 3 from 8:30am to 12:00pm, mapping the intersecting economic pipelines of global football, domestic athletics, and government investment.

The forum features a prominent institutional lineup led by the Deputy Premier of Western Australia, Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA, who will sit alongside executive representatives from European football powerhouses AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Palermo FC, as well as domestic sporting giants the West Coast Eagles and Melbourne Storm.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Created for those building, funding and shaping the future of sport.

Business leaders
Sport executives
Government
Investors
Commercial decision-makers
Brands, sponsors & agencies
Athletes & player representatives

Panel discussions will explore the broader macroeconomic impacts of major sporting infrastructure, analysing how global events function as catalysts to drive regional visitation, stimulate foreign investment, and secure lucrative commercial sponsorships.

Tickets to event: Secure your place at “The Business of Global Sport” forum

Unmissable Sports Lunch – “Football Legends Live”

The commercial activation transitions immediately into the afternoon with the Unmissable Sports Lunch – “Football Legends Live,” operating from 12:30pm to 3:30pm within the premium Riverview precinct of Optus Stadium.

The corporate hospitality asset features a world-first assembly of football royalty, placing legendary icons Alessandro Del Piero, Javier Zanetti, and Giorgio Chiellini together on a single Australian stage.

The program is built to appeal to corporate marketers, premium hospitality buyers, and football enthusiasts, blending high-value networking with a live athletic training session component.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Business leaders
Sport executives
Government
Investors
Commercial decision-makers
Brands, sponsors & agencies
Athletes & player representatives
Football fans

The presence of multi-time World Cup winners and European champions offers corporate partners an elite platform to examine leadership, high-performance team culture, and brand management through the lens of global sports celebrities.

Tickets to event: Reserve your limited corporate table or individual ticket for the “Football Legends Live” lunch.

The execution of both events over a single day forms a commercial cornerstone of Perth’s wider Unmissable Sports Week, maximising the economic return on international club tours by converting sporting spectacles into measurable corporate assets that strengthen Western Australia’s position within the global sports economy.

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

Posted on June 16, 2026June 19, 2026 by Courtney

Australia’s leading commercial platform for women’s sport returns, bringing together the decision-makers, investors, athletes and brands shaping the future of the industry.

With global investment in women’s sport accelerating at an unprecedented rate, alongside record audience growth and expanding commercial opportunities, the Women in Sport Summit arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry.

Scheduled to take place from 19–22 October 2026 | Adelaide, and South Australia are uniquely positioned to lead this next chapter — emerging as a destination for world-class sporting events, innovation, leadership and long-term growth across the global sports economy.

The platform will transition to direct commercial acceleration, uniting prominent international executives, institutional investors, elite athletes, and tier-one corporate brands under a unified corporate framework.

Ministry of Sport founder and CEO, Ben Parsons, emphasised that the national sports landscape has arrived at a critical juncture requiring coordinated executive action to sustain current commercial momentum.

“Women’s sport in Australia has reached a defining commercial moment.”

“WISS exists to bring together the leaders, brands and investors shaping what comes next,” Parsons stated.

The Summit is engineered to map the entire commercial pipeline of the women’s sports ecosystem, from emerging talent pathways to high-performance science and institutional capital allocation.

Day 1: Futures Day on focusing on career pipelines for students.

Day 2 : Performance Forum, an exercise and sports science Australia accredited assembly bringing together high-performance coaches, sports scientists, and medical specialists.

Day 3: Leadership Summit, where sporting executives, media rights lawyers, corporate marketers, and venture capitalists will analyse strategies to unlock alternative revenue streams, scale emerging sports properties, and establish sustainable investment structures.

Day 4: WISS Barossa Leadership Experience, a curated corporate networking track designed to facilitate long-term business relationships and joint venture deals.

From grassroots pathways to elite performance and commercial growth, WISS connects every stage of the ecosystem in one unified platform featuring global executives, visionary athletes, and industry disruptors across key sectors. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into unlocking new revenue streams, scaling women’s sport properties, and building sustainable commercial ecosystems that deliver long-term value.

This is not a conference. It’s a commercial inflection point for women’s sport.

Proudly brought to you by event partners: Business Events Adelaide, South Australian Government

Early Bird tickets are now available: Women in Sport Summit Australia 2026 – Ministry of Sport.

On Location Reveals LA28 Olympic Hospitality Packages

Posted on July 15, 2026 by Courtney

To commemorate the two-year countdown to the Opening Ceremony of the LA28 Olympic Games, official hospitality provider On Location has launched a wave of ticket-inclusive hospitality packages.

These new offerings are designed to provide spectators with elevated access to some of the most anticipated events of the Games, including Equestrian, Diving, Athletics (Track & Field), Beach Volleyball, and Golf.

The newly released inventory includes the Beach Volleyball Premium Lounge at Alamitos Beach, featuring 360-degree views of the court, and the Equestrian Signature Lounge at Santa Anita Park, which offers refined cuisine and exceptional field-of-play vantage points.

For Athletics enthusiasts, Loge Boxes at the historic LA Memorial Coliseum provide a private, open-air experience paired with access to a vibrant, climate-controlled leisure hub.

Additionally, On Location has introduced the Hospitality Pavilion concept, providing a centralized, venue-proximate hospitality environment for guests at multiple sports clusters, including the Valley, Carson, Long Beach, and DTLA zones.

Emphasising the organisation’s focus on personalising the spectator experience, president of On Location, Paul Caine, said: “These newly released packages span some of the most exciting sports at the Olympic Games and are crafted to give fans unprecedented proximity to the competition.”

“From curated lounges and private suites to the new ‘Follow My Team’ concept for Men’s & Women’s Basketball, we’re designing hospitality experiences that go far beyond a ticket; they’re immersive journeys that make every moment of the Olympic Games feel personal, effortless and extraordinary,” Caine said.

Building on these releases, On Location has announced that additional packages will become available on 28 July, most notably the “Follow My Team” concept for basketball. This offering allows fans to guarantee hospitality access to three preliminary rounds and one quarter-final match for their chosen men’s or women’s national team, eliminating the uncertainty of schedule draws. The available country lists for these packages encompass major basketball nations, including Australia, the USA, Spain, Japan, and Canada, among others.

As the official and secure source for LA28 hospitality, On Location continues to urge fans to utilise official channels to avoid the risks associated with third-party marketplaces.

These packages remain on sale through the duration of the Games, with further releases—including hospitality for Badminton, Cricket, and Rhythmic Gymnastics—scheduled for later this year. By leveraging partnerships with global brands like Visa, On Location is positioning its hospitality suite as the primary avenue for supporters seeking guaranteed access to the LA28 Olympic experience.

Vaseline Named Official Nipple Protector of the TCS Sydney Marathon

Posted on July 15, 2026July 15, 2026 by Courtney

TCS Sydney Marathon has announce that Vaseline has been appointed as the event’s “Official Nipple Protector,” launching “The Nipple Sponsorship” campaign to address the prevalent issue of chafing among endurance athletes.

With 40,000 participants expected to compete in the 42.195-kilometre race on 30 August 2026, the partnership aims to provide a tangible solution to “runner’s nipple” and general friction-related discomfort, which research indicates affects 92 per cent of marathon participants.

The campaign is underpinned by research from Edelman DXI, which revealed that 67 per cent of marathoners have experienced bleeding due to chafing, with one in three runners specifically reporting nipple irritation. As part of the sponsorship, Vaseline will provide its iconic petroleum jelly products at the TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show and maintain a presence on-course, offering runners on-the-go support throughout their race-day challenge.

Noting that the campaign serves to formalise a common practice already prevalent among the running community, global brand director at Vaseline, Nathalia Amadeu, said: “The running community has always built a culture around sharing what works.”

“With 3 in 5 marathon runners already using Vaseline to help reduce chafing,

“‘The Nipple Sponsorship’ recognises a hack runners have trusted for decades.

“It’s about showing up for runners in the moments that matter, so they can focus on the finish line, not friction,” Amadeu stated.

Highligting the value of the partnership, commercial director of the TCS Sydney Marathon, Kent Lunney, added: “The best partnerships start with genuine relevance, chafing is one of the most common challenges our participants face, so naming Vaseline the Official Nipple Protector of the TCS Sydney Marathon is equal parts good fun and genuine service to our runners.”

“We are proud to welcome a partner of this calibre to Australia’s largest marathon and to back it with a fun campaign that resonates with the running community,” Lunney added.

To coincide with the campaign, Vaseline is launching the new All-Over Body Balm Stick—a portable, mess-free product designed for mid-race reapplication.

This innovation is being supported by a retail exclusive at Chemist Warehouse, with promotional discounts available from 22 July through 15 September 2026.

Australian Sportstech Sector Hits A$7.11 Billion Milestone as Global Momentum Accelerates

Posted on July 15, 2026 by Courtney

Australia’s sportstech sector has reported a period of acceleration, with annual revenue surging to $7.11 billion in FY2026.

According to the Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) fifth annual Sports Innovation Report, the sector’s growth rate has climbed to 16 per cent, up from 10 per cent in the previous fiscal year. Alongside this financial expansion, the industry has seen a 6 per cent increase in employment, now supporting 20,604 roles across the country.

The census identifies 924 companies nationwide, with a significant concentration of market power held by a cohort of 115 high-performing businesses. These industry leaders are responsible for generating 89 per cent of the sector’s total revenue, or $6.30 billion, and 74 per cent of its total employment. Companies such as Catapult Sports, PMY Group, Bodd, VALD, and Champion Data are cited as primary drivers of this growth, successfully positioning themselves as both domestic market leaders and formidable competitors in global markets.

Noting that while the APAC region comprises only 10 per cent of global sportstech activity, Australia’s reputation as a specialised innovation hub is strengthening, ASTN chair, Dr Martin Schlegel, said: “Australia’s sportstech sector is experiencing sustained growth and reaching unprecedented momentum on the global stage.”

“We are seeing a growing number of fast-scaling companies emerge – companies that are successfully competing in global markets while building strong market positions at home,” Dr Schlegel said.

Despite this success, the report highlights a challenge: a growing tendency for Australian startups to adopt a “global-first” approach. Dr Schlegel explained that many startups struggle to secure early domestic traction due to difficulties engaging with local sporting organisations and corporates.

“Australia has the capability to be a leading testbed for sportstech innovation, yet many startups still struggle to secure early domestic traction.”

As a result, more companies are seeking validation and scaling overseas first, meaning Australia is often missing the opportunity to support and benefit from early-stage growth,” Dr Schlegel noted.

Geographically, the industry remains heavily concentrated along the eastern seaboard, with Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland accounting for 88 per cent of all sportstech businesses.

Victoria continues to lead the national ecosystem, with Melbourne contributing 39 per cent of total sector revenue.

However, Queensland is rapidly rising as a key hub, supported by strategic investment ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, with forecasts suggesting it will overtake New South Wales in business numbers and employment by 2028.

Yambla Pavilion Upgrade Delivers Modernised Football Infrastructure to Yarra Community

Posted on July 15, 2026 by Courtney

The Yarra City Council has officially unveiled the newly upgraded Yambla Pavilion, marking a significant investment in the region’s grassroots football infrastructure.

Designed to support the rising demand for high-quality sporting facilities, the modernised hub features four all-gender changerooms, upgraded public amenities, a social space, a functional kiosk, and dedicated referee and first aid rooms. A standout feature of the development is a striking laser-cut mural created by Melbourne-based artist Angharad Neal-Williams, which adds a distinct cultural element to the facility’s viewing deck.

This project was designed to foster greater inclusivity, particularly for women and girls in the game. By providing modernised, fit-for-purpose change facilities, the pavilion aims to encourage more participants to engage with football as players, officials, volunteers, and supporters.

The project is the result of a coordinated multi-level government partnership, demonstrating a shared commitment to regional sporting development.

The total investment was supported by $2.25 million from the Australian Government through the Thriving Suburbs Program, $500,000 from the Victorian Government via the World Game Facilities Fund, and an investment of up to $2.6 million from the Yarra City Council.

Highlighting the social value of the new facility during the opening ceremony, Yarra City Council Mayor, Stephen Jolly, said: “Yambla Pavilion is more than just a building. It’s a place where skills are developed, and friendships are formed.”

“And hopefully, it’ll be where our future Socceroos and Matildas can begin their journey,” Jolly said.

The facility was officially opened by the Member for Cooper, the Hon Ged Kearney MP, who joined community members to celebrate the project’s completion.

The pavilion serves as a piece of infrastructure for local clubs, providing the necessary environment to nurture sporting talent and strengthen community ties.

Picklr ANZ Secures JOOLA as Major Equipment Partner to Accelerate Regional Growth

Posted on July 15, 2026 by Courtney

Picklr ANZ has announced a multi-year partnership with global pickleball equipment leader JOOLA, appointing the brand as its Major Equipment Partner and P-Series Sponsor.

This alliance will see JOOLA’s paddles, professional equipment, and specialised coaching support integrated across The Picklr ANZ’s rapidly expanding network of premium indoor pickleball facilities throughout Australia and New Zealand. The partnership aligns with the sport’s massive surge in popularity, with recent data from the Australian Sports Commission’s AusPlay survey indicating that participation numbers have soared to over 155,000 as of April 2025.

The collaboration launches in tandem with the opening of The Picklr’s flagship Australian location in Cronulla, New South Wales, which features 11 premium indoor courts. This site marks the commencement of an ambitious rollout strategy, with plans to establish 50 dedicated indoor clubs across the region. Under the terms of the agreement, JOOLA will become the featured paddle brand in all Picklr ANZ pro shops.

Members will gain exclusive access to the ‘Racquet Pass’ demo program, allowing them to test the high-performance range in-club before committing to a purchase. Furthermore, JOOLA will serve as the exclusive equipment partner for the P-Series, the franchise’s proprietary coaching and player-development pathway designed to transition participants from beginner clinics to competitive league play.

Commenting on the partnership, general manager of The Picklr ANZ and a professional player on the PPA Tour, Lara Giltinan, said: “Picklr members and guests will have the opportunity to play and train with equipment used at the highest level of the sport.”

“As a pro player, I can attest to the importance of playing with top quality paddles and equipment and now every Picklr patron will have the chance to do so when playing at our facilities. JOOLA shares our commitment to raising the standard of pickleball in Australia and New Zealand, and having them alongside us from day one sets the tone for everything we are building,” Giltinan said.

Echoing the sentiment, and noting the shared vision for the sport’s development, GM of JOOLA Australia Pacific, Dean Short, added: “The Picklr is setting a new benchmark for indoor Pickleball across Australia and New Zealand.”

“As one of the world’s leading Pickleball brands, JOOLA is proud to partner with The Picklr to equip its premium facilities and support its players and coaches as the game grows.

“We are excited to work together to expand the sport and make it more accessible across the region,” Short added.

The partnership will be highlighted through a series of demo days and coaching activations during the grand openings of new Picklr clubs, further cementing the franchise’s position as a premier operator in the Oceania market.

Swimming Australia Announces Strategic Overhaul to Secure Long-Term Athlete Contracts

Posted on July 15, 2026 by Courtney

Swimming Australia has unveiled a roadmap aimed at transforming the sport’s commercial landscape as the organisation prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Central to this vision is the introduction of long-term paid contracts for elite athletes and coaches within the next three years, a move designed to provide financial stability and professionalise the career pathways of Australia’s top swimmers. This policy shift seeks to counteract the allure of alternative, high-incentive events like the controversial Enhanced Games, ensuring that the nation’s premier talent remains committed to the integrity of the Olympic movement.

The decision follows public discourse regarding the financial disparities faced by elite swimmers. Olympic gold medallist Cam McEvoy recently brought these challenges into focus, arguing that the rise of commercially backed, drug-inclusive events poses a direct threat to the traditional sporting model.

“When the only major opportunity of income is the Enhanced Games, a swimming competition that promotes drug use, that is an issue for our sport.”

“It’s not the path I want to take,” McEvoy stated.

Swimming Australia CEO, Rob Woodhouse, who has championed the transition, emphasised that the goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem that rewards performance while expanding the organisation’s reach into grassroots and community sectors.

“The likes of Cam McEvoy and Kyle Chalmers have been in the Australian team for a long time.”

“They’ve been at the top of their game, but they haven’t made a lot from the sport, besides a few individual endorsements,” Woodhouse said.

He further identified a need for structural reform in the learn-to-swim industry, noting that after a century of operation, the governing body is finally seeking to align itself with the broader swimming sector to improve curriculum standards and participant retention.

“We need to commercialise our sport better, and to do that, we need to be engaging those community levels, getting more kids in and retaining them,” Woodhouse added,

This pivot is designed to build on Australia’s recent dominance in international competition, ensuring that athlete welfare and coach support are prioritised alongside commercial growth.

Juventus Extends Strategic Partnership with Cygames to Boost Digital Entertainment Strategy

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Courtney

Juventus has confirmed the extension of its partnership with Japanese entertainment giant Cygames until 2027.

This renewal, which continues a relationship initiated in 2017, ensures that the Cygames logo will remain a permanent fixture on the back of the Juventus men’s first-team shirt throughout the 2026/27 season.

The upcoming phase of this partnership will place significant emphasis on digital content creation, immersive storytelling, and direct fan interaction. By using the Juventus Creator Lab, the organisation intends to develop proprietary content aimed at reaching global audiences, capitalising on Cygames’ expertise in video games, animation, and digital media.

This aligns with the club’s broader strategy to monetise its massive digital footprint, which reportedly reaches nearly 200 million followers worldwide. Notably, 40 per cent of this audience is under the age of 24, a demographic segment that the club is aggressively targeting through creator-led productions and club-owned digital platforms.

Commenting on the partnership extension, Juventus chief business officer, Peter Silverstone, said: “Partnerships of this longevity are rare. They are built on trust, shared ambition and a commitment to growing together.”

Silverstone also highlighted the role of Juventus’ digital ecosystem and Creator Lab in creating new engagement opportunities for Cygames across global markets.

The club remains focused on capitalising on these digital assets to ensure long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive global sports market.

ASICS teams up with Western Sydney Wanderers FC

Posted on July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 by Courtney

ASICS has officially joined forces with Western Sydney Wanderers FC, securing a new agreement to serve as the club’s official kit supplier for the 2026/27 A-League season.

The partnership encompasses the full range of on-field and training apparel, as well as footwear, ensuring that both the men’s and women’s programs are fully supported by the brand’s technical performance equipment.

This collaboration represents more than a standard commercial transaction; it serves as a homecoming for the sports brand, which maintains its Australian corporate headquarters in Western Sydney. The partnership allows ASICS to deepen its commitment to the local football ecosystem while capitalising on the Wanderers’ significant cultural influence within the region.

Commenting on the partnership, managing director at ASICS Oceania, Mark Brunton, said: “Partnering with the Western Sydney Wanderers is an important moment for ASICS as we continue to grow our commitment to local football.”

“Since arriving in Australia, ASICS has always called Western Sydney home – our offices are here, our people are here – so there is something genuinely fitting about partnering with a club that represents this community so deeply,” Brunton said.”

Emphasising the pride associated with the new kit design, CEO of Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Scott Hudson, added: “The Wanderers jersey carries enormous meaning for our community.”

“ASICS has done a fantastic job creating a kit that honours our identity, our history and our connection to Western Sydney, and we can’t wait to see our teams wear it with pride this season,” Hudson said.

Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder and ASICS athlete, Dylan Scicluna, noted the importance of the apparel in supporting peak performance.

“Being able to wear ASICS head to toe whilst donning my Wanderers jersey gives me so much confidence in my performance, knowing I’m supported by a brand that truly understands what athletes need,” Scicluna said.

The partnership will have a high-profile launch, with the new apparel set to make its official debut during the Wanderers’ marquee exhibition match against Chelsea FC in the Sydney Super Cup on July 28. This fixture provides a premier environment for the kit to reach a global audience, showcasing the focus on high performance and brand visibility.

Ajax Extends Olympia Partnership Until 2029 With Continued Focus on Grassroots

Posted on July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 by Courtney

Dutch football powerhouse Ajax has confirmed the extension of its partnership with employment services company Olympia until at least 2029.

This long-term commitment cements Olympia’s position as an official partner of the club and, crucially, as the principal sponsor of the famed Ajax youth academy. The renewal underscores a shared goal on developing the next generation of football talent while maintaining a strong commercial presence across multiple facets of the organisation’s operations.

Under the terms of the renewed agreement, Olympia retains its status as the title partner of the Olympia Future Cup, a key tournament in the club’s development calendar.

In addition, the company will continue to feature its branding on the back of the Ajax first-team shirts, ensuring high-level visibility throughout the Eredivisie and European competitions.

While the agreement secures significant brand exposure, both organisations have emphasised that the partnership is anchored in long-term alignment rather than mere transactional visibility. This approach is exemplified by their continued collaboration on the social initiative Uitgelezen Kans, which is dedicated to addressing the challenge of low literacy rates within the community.

Noting that the decision to extend the partnership signals deep mutual confidence in the club’s long-term plans, Ajax commercial director, Cas Biesta, said: “That Olympia chooses to remain connected to our academy, the Olympia Future Cup and Ajax’s first team demonstrates the confidence they have in our shared future.”

Olympia CEO, Dimitri Yocarini, described the collaboration as extending far beyond standard sponsorship metrics. Yocarini noted that the club’s approach to developing talent is closely aligned with the company’s own philosophy of helping people unlock their potential.

This alignment has been the driving force since the collaboration was first launched in 2024, providing a foundation that allows both parties to leverage their respective strengths in talent management and professional sports.

McLaren Racing Debuts New Le Mans Hypercar at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Posted on July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 by Courtney

McLaren Racing is set to showcase its latest automotive innovation at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed, diverting its 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar from an intensive testing schedule to facilitate its global public debut.

The decision to display the McLaren MCL-HY at such a marquee event underscores the organisation’s commitment to fan engagement and marketing, despite the vehicle currently being in a critical development phase.

Team principal of the McLaren Hypercar Team, James Barclay, highligted the logistical effort required to make this public appearance possible given the strict timeline of the development program.

“The Goodwood Festival of Speed is the greatest car show on Earth, so it made sense for us to have this on our radar.”

“But the truth is, it’s extremely early in our test programme so it was very lightly pencilled in.

“However, our team has done an incredible job, hitting every target on- and off-track so we made the last-minute call to divert the MCL-HY to the event for two of the four days and share it with the passionate motorsport fans that attend,” Barclay said.

Barclay noted the broader commercial landscape of the sport in the United Kingdom, which remains a key territory for the organisation’s long-term strategy.

“The appetite for sports car racing in the UK is huge and we’re delighted that Goodwood gives us the opportunity to celebrate this.

“UK-based fans who are hungry for more will also now have the chance to see the Hypercar class in action at Silverstone, as the WEC returns to the Home of British Motorsport next year.

“Thank you to everyone who has pushed to make it possible and to The Duke who was excited for us to bring it to Goodwood – we cannot wait to show this exciting new Le Mans challenger to the British public in person,” Barclay added.

The vehicle, which sports a Bruce McLaren tribute test livery, represents a milestone for the team, serving as McLaren Racing’s first 24 Hours of Le Mans challenger since the legendary F1 GTR.

The program has undergone ten weeks of rigorous track testing. Bringing the vehicle to the event, located near the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking—allows the team to capitalise on significant local interest in the burgeoning sports car racing market.

The demonstration runs, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, are designed to build commercial momentum ahead of the vehicle’s full competitive launch in 2027.

The MCL-HY will return to its testing program on Sunday, ensuring the V6-twin-turbocharged vehicle remains on schedule for its comprehensive debut against the world’s leading manufacturers.

Medibank Teams Up with the AFL’s Ahead of the Game

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Courtney

Health insurer, Medibank, has deepened its commitment to the Australian sporting landscape by entering a partnership with the AFL’s flagship youth mental health and wellbeing initiative, Ahead of the Game.

This collaboration builds upon Medibank’s existing association with the AFLW and focuses on scaling the reach of mental fitness and resilience training for young people within community football clubs. Since the initiative’s inception in 2024, the program has engaged more than 40,000 participants nationwide, providing players, parents, coaches, and volunteers with the necessary tools to navigate mental health challenges.

The partnership specifically targets the expansion of The Challenge W, an adapted version of the program tailored for women and girls in community football. This initiative provides content designed to be relevant and relatable to the specific experiences of female participants in the sport.

Noting that the program’s focus on community sport provides a vital platform for building mental fitness, Medibank group medical director and GP, Dr Shona Sundaraj, said: “Being part of a sporting community is about more than physical fitness, it’s an opportunity for young people to connect and feel part of something.”

“The Challenge W program places emphasis on team connection and peer support which is so important for young women and girls when facing challenges both on and off the field.

“We’re proud to partner with the AFL’s Ahead of the Game program, so that more young players across the country can learn valuable mental fitness skills and grow their knowledge in how to look after their mental heath and wellbeing,” Dr Sundaraj said.

Highlighting the commercial and social significance of welcoming a partner with Medibank’s health expertise, AFL head of health and wellbeing, Dr Kate Hall, added: “On behalf of the AFL, we’re thrilled to welcome Medibank as one of the supporting partners of Ahead of the Game.”

“The Challenge W was designed with and for young women and girls in our game to help them build practical mental fitness skills, including emotional regulation, problem solving and healthy coping strategies they can use on and off the field, with the support of their team. With Medibank’s support, we’ll continue expanding the reach and impact of the Challenge W, helping more women and girls build vital mental fitness skills through community football clubs across Australia.”

The program leverages the influence of AFLW players who serve as trained facilitators, ensuring the curriculum is delivered by recognised role models. A recent pilot session for the adapted program was successfully hosted at Beaumaris Football Club on 23 June by St Kilda AFLW players Serene Watson and Olivia Vesely, demonstrating the league’s commitment to tangible, community-level delivery.

Brisbane Bullets Secure Cleanworks Australia as Official Cleaning Partner for NBL27 Season

Posted on July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 by Courtney

The Brisbane Bullets have announced a partnership with Cleanworks Australia, naming the organisation their Official Cleaning Partner.

This collaboration signifies the club’s continued commitment to maintaining world-class standards across their High Performance Centre and broader club infrastructure, ensuring that players, staff, and the wider organisation operate within a clean, safe, and highly professional environment.

As the Bullets continue to refine their off-court operations to match their on-court ambitions, the appointment of a dedicated commercial cleaning provider serves as a vital component of the team’s daily operational success. Cleanworks Australia, known for its strong reputation across Queensland for delivering comprehensive hygiene and facility management solutions, will play an integral role in supporting the club’s day-to-day requirements throughout the NBL27 campaign.

The Brisbane Bullets confirmed the move via official channels, noting that Cleanworks shares a commitment to professionalism that aligns with the club’s evolving values.

This announcement follows an active off-season for the Brisbane Bullets, who have been focused on roster rebuilds and facility enhancements to bolster their competitiveness.

The Bullets look forward to this partnership delivering tangible benefits to the club’s operational standards, providing a hygienic and professional foundation for the team as they prepare for the rigours of the NBL27 season and their quest for championship success.

Chris Chapman Appointed as Independent Director to PGA of Australia Board

Posted on July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 by Courtney

The PGA of Australia has announced the appointment of experienced executive and company director Chris Chapman as an Independent Director of the PGA of Australia Board.

This addition follows the recent Annual General Meeting and marks the conclusion of a sixteen-year tenure for departing board member Ric Lazar. Chapman arrives with a distinguished professional background across strategy, regulation, media, communications, sport, and infrastructure, positioning him to play a pivotal role in the organisation’s ongoing commercial evolution.

Commenting on Chapman’s appointment, PGA of Australia chair, Ian Baker-Finch, said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris Chapman to the PGA of Australia Board.”

“Chris brings a strong background in strategy, governance, regulation, media, major venues and commercial leadership, along with a clear understanding of the PGA business model and the opportunities in front of professional golf.

“That experience will be extremely valuable as we continue to strengthen the support and services we provide to PGA Members, build our education and workforce programs, and grow the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and WPGA Tour of Australasia.

“Chris understands the importance of strong governance, commercial discipline and long-term thinking, and we are fortunate to have someone of his calibre joining the Board,” Baker-Finch said.

Expressing his commitment to the organisation’s future, Chapman, said: “The PGA of Australia plays the vital role across the global professional golf ecosystem, from supporting PGA Members and educating the future workforce through to operating Australasia’s leading men’s and women’s Tours.”

“I am very pleased to be joining the Board and look forward to contributing to the next phase of the PGA’s strategic plan,” he stated.

Chapman’s career includes senior chair and chief executive roles with major organisations including the Australian Communications and Media Authority, Seven Network, and Stadium Australia. Since 2016, he has transitioned into a portfolio of non-executive director and advisory positions, which have included specific consulting projects for both the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia. His personal history with the sport is extensive, spanning more than fifty years from his time as a junior caddie to his role as president of the Royal Sydney Golf Club, where he spearheaded the Championship Course redevelopment.

The current board is now comprised of member directors Ian Baker-Finch, Stephen Hutchison, Chris Crocker, and Matt Griffin, alongside independent directors Carole Brownlee, Alison Watkins AM, Chris Chapman, and Paul Lappin.

NZRL Secures DJI as Official Technology Partner

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Courtney

New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) has announced a partnership with global technology leader DJI, appointing the company as its official technology partner for the 2026 season.

This agreement integrates DJI’s extensive portfolio of creative camera products—including drones, stabilised handheld cameras, and professional filmmaking gear—into the national body’s production ecosystem. The partnership arrives at a critical juncture for the organisation as it prepares for an extensive calendar of international and domestic commitments.

The partnership aims to revolutionise the way the sport is presented to fans, with the technology deployed across a spectrum of activities ranging from grassroots tournaments to the high-stakes environment of the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and Wheel Kiwis World Cup campaigns. NZRL intends to provide audiences with immersive, high-definition perspectives that were previously unattainable.

NZRL general manager of communications and marketing, Amy Thomason, expressed enthusiasm regarding the technical capabilities this collaboration brings to the organisation.

“We are thrilled to partner with DJI and look forward to incorporating their leading and innovative products into our technology suite.”

“DJI’s products will help enhance our content capture across our grassroots tournaments and competitions, through to the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and Wheel Kiwis World Cup campaigns,” Thomason said.

Field sales manager at Dicker Data New Zealand, which distributes DJI Consumer products in the region, Deon Holgate, emphasised the synergy between the two brands.

“DJI is proud to partner with New Zealand Rugby League as the Official Technology Partner for 2026. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, and rugby league’s speed, precision, and teamwork reflect the values that drive DJI.”

“We’re excited to support the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and Wheel Kiwis throughout their World Cup campaigns by providing industry-leading imaging technology that captures the game from new perspectives.

“Together with NZRL, we look forward to bringing fans closer to the game, taking them behind the moments that matter, and sharing the passion, pride, and journey of New Zealand rugby league with audiences around the world,” Holgate said.

SPORTFIVE Announce Partnership with Australian Open to Expand European Fans

Posted on July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 by Courtney

Hamburg-headquartered sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE has officially announced a partnership with Tennis Australia and the Australian Open, aiming to capitalise on the tournament’s substantial global growth momentum. Following a successful collaboration launched in 2025, this formalised agreement positions SPORTFIVE as the lead agency partner for Italy and Europe.

The partnership is designed to leverage the Australian Open’s status as a premium global platform to attract brand-led, innovation-driven commercial investments, specifically tailored for the European market.

The urgency and value of this partnership are underscored by the tournament’s record-breaking performance in 2026, which saw 1.37 million fans attend Melbourne Park. The event achieved a cumulative global cross-platform reach of 2.2 billion, with a significant 29 per cent of annual viewership originating from Europe.

This data highlights the tournament’s critical international relevance and provides a compelling value proposition for international brands seeking high-impact visibility.

A primary focus of the agency’s role will be translating brand objectives into localised storytelling. The effectiveness of this approach was recently demonstrated through the successful integration of Italian brand De Cecco as the Official Pasta Partner for the 2026 tournament.

This activation utilised virtual signage and content featuring tennis star Jannik Sinner to drive targeted engagement across Europe and the Americas.

Managing Director Italy at SPORTFIVE, Rosolino Amenta, emphasised the tactical importance of this operational model.

“The De Cecco partnership highlights how a premium global platform like the Australian Open can be leveraged to activate brands in local markets, delivering strong relevance and measurable impact while operating at international scale,” Amenta stated.

The collaboration will prioritise the development of regionally relevant partnerships that merge intellectual property-driven activations with content, broadcast, and digital solutions.