Ministry of Sport

FM Extends Commitment to Australian Golf Through 2028 Australian Open Partnership

Posted on August 24, 2026 by Courtney

Global commercial property insurer FM has reinforced its commercial footprint by signing as an Official Partner of the Capital.com men’s Australian Open through to 2028.

The upcoming 2026 championship is scheduled to take place from December 3 to 6 at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, headlined by back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy.

Welcoming the strengthened alliance, and emphasising the mutual benefits of aligning commercial growth with elite national competition, Golf Australia CEO, James Sutherland, said: “We’re delighted to welcome FM as an Official Partner of the Australian Open.”

“FM has already experienced the value of being involved with our world-class event, and it’s exciting to see them deepen that commitment through this expanded partnership.

“Their extended commitment reflects the growth trajectory our national Open is experiencing as we look forward to a great event at Kingston Heath in December,” Sutherland said.

Noting that the sponsorship mirrors the values underpinning the insurer’s global operations, SVP and chief client experience officer at insurer FM, David Johnson, added: “Together with our partnerships across the LPGA Tour and Boston Common Golf, and our ambassadors Rory McIlroy, Megan Khang and Lottie Woad, this partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the game while aligning with organisations that share our values.”

“The principles that drive success in golf – preparation, resilience and long-term performance – closely align with FM’s commitment to helping clients protect their purpose, prevent loss and build resilience against risk,” Johnson stated.

Echoing these sentiments, SVP – Asia Pacific division manager at insurer FM, James Thompson, added: “Our partnership with Golf Australia brings FM’s focus on resilience to life locally at a world-class event, while creating valuable opportunities to strengthen our relationships with clients and brokers across Australia.”

“The Australian Open gives us a powerful platform to deliver memorable experiences and deepen the partnerships that help businesses build long-term resilience,” Thompson shared.

The multi-year agreement includes Official Partner designation, premium hospitality experiences, and integrated digital and social media activations across Australian Golf channels, alongside targeted client engagement opportunities.

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Adelaide 36ers and BHP Strengthen Community Impact Through Shooting Stars Partnership

Posted on August 24, 2026 by Courtney

The Adelaide 36ers have reinforced their social responsibility and community engagement framework through an ongoing partnership with BHP, recently hosting young Indigenous leaders from regional South Australia.

As part of a leadership camp organised by the Shooting Stars Program, an initiative supporting educational engagement, leadership, and social wellbeing for Aboriginal girls and young women across South Australia and Western Australia, eight students from Whyalla visited Adelaide for an immersive cultural and sporting experience.

The players participated in a specialised basketball and leadership clinic facilitated by Adelaide 36ers assistant coach Kerry Williams, players Ben Griscti and Deonte Williams, alongside WNBL player Ashlee Strawbridge.

The collaboration highlights the commercial and community value of aligning professional sporting organisations with major corporate partners like BHP to drive regional impact.

Since establishing its footprint in South Australia in 2021, Shooting Stars has expanded across four government schools in Whyalla, successfully empowering more than 150 students from years three to twelve to achieve greater engagement with their schools and communities.

This ongoing partnership enables the NBL club to extend its regional outreach significantly, with upcoming initiatives scheduled to include school visits in Whyalla next month that will engage a broader 130-person student cohort.

Emphasising the strategic value of the community partnership, Adelaide 36ers chief of external relations & community strategy, Ross Wait, highlighted the impact of the program on both the athletes and the visiting students.

“It was a really special opportunity for Kerry and our players to spend time with the Shooting Stars participants.”

“The young women were in Adelaide for a leadership camp, and while I’m sure they took something away from the experience, Ben and Deonte also learnt a lot from them.

“Shooting Stars is doing incredible work engaging and inspiring Aboriginal students in regional areas and we are proud to have played a part, thanks to BHP who connected us with the program,” Wait said.

Little Athletics Queensland Co-Launches National Friends of GMR Veteran Sport Initiative

Posted on August 24, 2026 by Courtney

Little Athletics Queensland has assisted with the launched the national Friends of Gallipoli Medical Research program at Parliament House in Canberra.

The initiative positions Little Athletics Queensland as one of ten founding members supporting the program since late 2025. Addressing Members of Parliament, key representatives from the veteran community, and prominent sporting executives.

The official launch marks the commencement of a three-year national research program by Gallipoli Medical Research designed to examine how active involvement in sport can dramatically improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of veterans and their families.

The study will explore veteran participation rates, operational barriers to involvement, and structured opportunities for former service personnel to contribute through coaching, officiating, volunteering, and executive leadership.

Furthermore, the initiative will establish a robust national engagement framework to measure positive outcomes such as social connection, camaraderie, purpose, and community integration across the country.

Little Athletics Queensland CEO, Christopher Davis, highlighted the profound alignment between grassroots sporting organisations and the Australian Defence Force.

“Sport and Defence share many of the same foundations: discipline, camaraderie, high standards and being part of something bigger than yourself.”

“Veterans bring extraordinary leadership, organisation and life experience to our sporting communities. In return, local clubs can provide connection, purpose and a place to belong.”

“A veteran walking into a sporting club isn’t starting from scratch, they already speak our language,” Davis shared.

Following the national launch, Little Athletics Queensland is actively encouraging local centres, volunteers, and regional members to participate in expanding the partnership.

Initiatives will include grassroots fundraising activities, connecting regional veterans with local athletics clubs, and developing targeted community programs that bring the alliance to life.

NFL and ESPN Deepen Broadcast Partnership Across Australia and New Zealand

Posted on August 24, 2026 by Courtney

The National Football League (NFL) and ESPN have announced an expansion of their long-standing local broadcast partnership across Australia and New Zealand for the 2026 season, securing extensive coverage headlined by Australia’s first-ever regular-season fixture.

Under the arrangement, ESPN Australia will provide comprehensive weekly coverage throughout the competitive campaign, featuring a minimum of six live weekly games, all postseason matchups, and Super Bowl LXI from SoFi Stadium on February 15, 2027. The agreement solidifies a commercial alliance spanning more than thirty years, reinforcing the network’s position across platforms including Disney+, Foxtel, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV, and Sky NZ.

The centerpiece of the expanded schedule is a dedicated presentation of the 2026 NFL Melbourne game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams live from the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, September 11, at 10:35 a.m. AEST.

This milestone fixture features a halftime performance by the multi-platinum Jonas Brothers presented by American Express. Additionally, ESPN Australia has extended its exclusive regional rights to NFL RedZone on Disney+, delivering over seven hours of continuous action every Monday alongside game replays and highlights.

The broadcast enhancement supports an estimated community of 8.8 million fans across Australia amid rapid regional growth.

Commenting on the agreement, NFL Australia and New Zealand GM, Charlotte Offord, said: “We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with ESPN Australia, in what is a milestone year for the league.”

“Our partnership with ESPN is built on a shared commitment to delivering the very best NFL action to fans wherever and however they choose to watch.

“ESPN’s year-round coverage makes them an important partner as we continue to grow the game here, starting with the New England Patriots taking on the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 10.

“Together, we’re creating more opportunities to engage fans, showcase our athletes and bring the excitement of the NFL to our 8.8 million fans across Australia,” Offord said.

Echoing these sentiments, The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand SVP and managingdDirector – head of ESPN Asia-Pacific, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, added: “We’re thrilled to offer ESPN and Disney+ viewers a prime viewing position of the landmark NFL Melbourne game taking place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.”

“It’s an unmissable moment in the sporting calendar.

“ESPN is Australia and New Zealand’s home ground for sports entertainment, with the most comprehensive coverage of the NFL including the Super Bowl.

“Building on a long-standing alliance with the NFL spanning more than 30 years in Australia and New Zealand, ESPN serves millions of sports fans locally via the most widely distributed premium sports network across pay TV and streaming,” Watson-Wheeler added.

FIA Hails Success of IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington D.C. as US Motorsport Expands Globally

Posted on August 24, 2026 by Courtney

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has officially praised the staging of the NTT IndyCar Series Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C.

Held as part of nationwide celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States, the street race brought elite motor sport to the heart of the nation’s capital, with Florida-born driver Kyle Kirkwood claiming a dominant victory before a packed crowd of thousands surrounding the temporary circuit.

The event arrives amid an era of unprecedented financial and audience momentum for motor sport across the United States. Recent commercial indicators highlight that the economic impact of the U.S. motor sport industry topped $69.2 billion in 2025, supporting more than 318,000 jobs, while Formula 1 fan engagement has scaled to a record 76.3 million nationwide.

Operating alongside its esteemed Member Club, the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States, the global governing body continues to reinforce international regulatory and safety standards across North America, which is scheduled to host five major international races across three distinct championships.

Lauding the international collaboration and rapid operational delivery required to execute the landmark sporting event, FIA president, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. has been an extraordinary celebration of American motor sport, and I congratulate President Donald J. Trump, Vice President JD Vance, the Administration, INDYCAR, ACCUS and everyone who worked to bring this vision to life.”

Highlighting the executive leadership behind the commercial execution, Sulayem, added: “In particular, I commend Roger Penske for his unwavering determination in making this race a reality.”

“Not only has he and Freedom 250 Grand Prix chairman Bud Denker secured bipartisan support for this historic occasion, but he and his team have also succeeded in delivering this outstanding event at an extraordinary pace.

” There has never been a more exciting time for motor sport in the United States.

“The passion of American fans is clear to see, the automotive and motor sport industries here are among the strongest in the world, and the country is playing an increasingly important role across our sport,” Sulayen noted.

Australian Institute of Sport Expands GAFA with Five New Nations

Posted on August 24, 2026August 23, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has strengthened its international leadership in female athlete health and performance by welcoming five new nations to the Global Alliance for Female Athletes (GAFA).

Established as an international partnership designed to close critical knowledge gaps, GAFA unites world-leading experts to optimise support systems for female athletes, coaches, and sports medicine providers.

Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Switzerland have now officially joined founding members Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, forming a robust global coalition dedicated to advancing targeted research, sharing expertise, and improving accessibility to evidence-based health resources worldwide.

Since its inception, the alliance has delivered a rapidly growing library of athlete-centred resources, including digital webinars, educational modules, podcasts, and practical toolkits, while fostering international collaboration on emerging research priorities. This expansion ensures that the coalition incorporates diverse perspectives from various sporting systems, driving superior health and performance outcomes for women and girls globally.

Highlighting the international appetite for collaborative innovation and knowledge exchange across borders, leader of the AIS Female Performance Health Initiative and inaugural chair of GAFA, Dr Rachel Harris, said: “GAFA was founded on a shared belief that female athletes everywhere deserve access to trusted, evidence-based information to support their health, wellbeing and performance.”

“The growth of GAFA to nine nations shows there is enormous appetite around the world to work together, share knowledge and create lasting change for female athletes.

“By working together across borders, we’re able to accelerate research, share lessons faster and ensure more female athletes benefit from the latest evidence and insights,” she said.

Dr Harris further noted that a core priority of the expanded alliance is ensuring that female-focused research reaches practitioners and competitors regardless of geographical constraints, while accurately reflecting the demographic diversity of female athletes worldwide.

Building upon foundational discussions held at international gatherings such as the Women in Sport Congress in Brisbane, GAFA’s network continues to scale effectively. Additionally, Ireland and Belgium have officially aligned with the coalition as supporting partners, committing to resource sharing and global advocacy.

The network now encompasses premier high-performance institutions including the UK Sports Institute, High Performance Sport New Zealand, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and European bodies such as the French Institute of Sport and German Institute for Applied Training Science.

Picklr Launches Australian Expansion with First Purpose-Built Indoor Pickleball Club in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire

Posted on August 24, 2026August 23, 2026 by Courtney

Global indoor pickleball network Picklr has officially entered the Australian market, launching its flagship venue in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire as part of a commercial strategy to establish up to 50 clubs across Australia and New Zealand.

Located in Caringbah, Picklr Cronulla opened its doors to players featuring 11 permanent indoor courts, professional coaching infrastructure, structured competitions, a licensed café, pro shop, and dedicated community spaces.

The milestone responds to surging domestic participation rates, with AusPlay data identifying pickleball as Australia’s fastest-growing sport by participation, creating unprecedented commercial demand for dedicated recreational facilities.

Sharing the rationale behind selecting the Sutherland Shire for the network’s first Australian footprint, and noting established local enthusiasm where players previously relied on shared community venues.

“We could have opened this club anywhere in Sydney.”

“We chose the Shire because the players were already here, borrowing court time in community venues and waiting for a premium purpose-built facility.”

“Highlighting the long-term corporate vision for the region, he added, “Cronulla is the first of 50, and it sets the standard for every club that follows,” Pistilli said.

The Australian and New Zealand operations are spearheaded by GM Lara Giltinan, a professional player on the Professional Pickleball Association Tour, alongside brand ambassador and former Socceroos captain Charlie Yankos.

Giltinan emphasised the universal accessibility driving the sport’s rapid commercial evolution across diverse demographics.

“Pickleball is the most welcoming sport I have played.”

“It doesn’t matter whether you are eight or 80, or whether you have ever held a paddle.”

“Watching people finish their first game and immediately ask when they can come back is the reason we built this,” Giltinan shared.

To celebrate the official launch, Picklr Cronulla is hosting a community open day featuring free court access, beginner coaching sessions, family activities, and exhibition matches involving professional players Mitch Hargreaves and Andie Dikosavljevic.

Following the Caringbah launch, a second regional facility is already planned for Brookvale to service Sydney’s Northern Beaches, as private investment floods into purpose-built sports real estate across the country.

Melbourne Park and Melbourne Victory Announce Ticketing Partnership with Global Provider AXS

Posted on August 24, 2026August 23, 2026 by Courtney

Melbourne Park has officially entered into a partnership with global ticketing powerhouse AXS.

The partnership introduces advanced digital ticketing platforms and cutting-edge technology designed to streamline the purchasing journey, enhance venue accessibility, and optimise operational efficiency for major events hosted throughout the year.

By leveraging AXS’s sophisticated digital ecosystem, Melbourne Park aims to deliver a seamless, secure, and user-friendly transaction environment for hundreds of thousands of annual attendees, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most advanced event precincts in the southern hemisphere.

In addition, the arrangement encompasses all Melbourne Victory fixtures at AAMI Park while extending seamlessly to matches played at the Home of the Matildas.

Under the partnership, AXS becomes the exclusive ticketing destination for all home Isuzu UTE A-League and Ninja A-League fixtures, with general public tickets for the upcoming season officially going on sale on Tuesday, September 1, at 9:00 AM AEST.

This unified ticketing approach ensures that football fans experience a consistent, high-performance purchasing pathway regardless of whether they are attending high-stakes domestic league matches or regional community fixtures.

As an industry-leading digital ticketing provider, AXS powers some of the most iconic sport and entertainment venues across the globe, including London’s The O2, Los Angeles’s Crypto.com Arena, and Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena.

With a proven technological track record supporting more than 1,600 recognisable global brands, ranging from the upcoming LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Coachella Music and Arts Festival to major Australian touring acts such as Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams, and the Foo Fighters, the partnership brings international ticketing infrastructure directly to Melbourne’s premier sports precinct.

Shaw and Partners Iron Series Returns to Surfers Paradise for 2026/27 Season

Posted on August 24, 2026August 23, 2026 by Courtney

Surf Life Saving Australia has unveiled Shaw and Partners Iron Series, headlined by the historic return of professional surf sports to Surfers Paradise for the first time since 2019.

The professional series will commence with the trials at Tugun Beach in September before officially opening with the iconic Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold in October.

Following stops at Thirroul and Newcastle, the championship will culminate on the Gold Coast, where Surfers Paradise will stage the Super Sprint on 6th February before the Grand Eliminator crowns the 2026/27 men’s and women’s champions on 7th February. This milestone marks a new competitive era following the retirement of multiple-time champion Ali Day, while reigning women’s champion Tiarnee Massie prepares to defend her title.

The upcoming season introduces an enhancements designed to elevate commercial appeal and expand competitive depth, including an expanded athlete field from 56 to 68 competitors. A new repechage system has also been implemented following the opening Coolangatta Gold round to increase intensity throughout the tour.

Commenting the elite standard of the competition, Surf Life Saving Australia CEO, Adam Weir, said: “The Shaw and Partners Iron Series continues to set the benchmark for surf sport, not just here in Australia but around the world.”

“Year after year, the Series brings together the nation’s top athletes, pushing them to their limits and challenging them to compete across some of Australia’s toughest beaches.

“We’re proud to bring the upcoming Series to Thirroul, Newcastle and Surfers Paradise this summer, and we look forward to once again delivering a world-class competition for the exceptional athletes who make this Series so compelling,” Weir said.

Title sponsor Shaw and Partners continues its strong commercial backing of the premier professional sports property.

Highligting the longstanding partnership of both organisation, Shaw and Partners CEO, Earl Evans: “The Shaw and Partners Iron Series is the pinnacle of professional surf lifesaving in Australia, bringing together the country’s best athletes to compete at the highest level.”

“After more than four decades, the professional series is firmly embedded in the Australian sporting landscape.

“We’re proud to support its continued evolution and the elite athletes who make it such an iconic competition,” Evans said.

With Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate welcoming the return of Surfers Paradise to the major events calendar, the series is positioned for enhanced fan engagement, broadcast visibility, and commercial growth.

Electrical Group Training Renews and Expands Partnership with RugbyWA to Support Women’s and Girls’ Rugby

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Courtney

RugbyWA has announced that Electrical Group Training (EGT) has renewed and expanded its partnership, reinforcing their corporate and community commitment to the growth and development of women’s and girls’ rugby across Western Australia.

Having first established its partnership with the sporting organisation in 2025, EGT will continue its prominent role as a Supporting Partner of the Female Under-16 and Under-18 Representative Teams, alongside supporting the elite Female Academy Program.

In addition, this renewed agreement broadens EGT’s community footprint by extending its sponsorship to the Junior Girls Series, a foundational community competition designed to provide young female players with regular, structured opportunities to play rugby and build skills in a supportive environment.

Welcoming the ongoing collaboration and its direct impact on player pathways, RugbyWA CEO, Simon Taylor, said: “Electrical Group Training has been a genuine supporter of women’s and girls’ rugby, helping emerging players access representative opportunities and continue their development both on and off the field.”

“Extending EGT’s support to the Junior Girls Series will provide more young players across WA the opportunity to participate, develop and progress through the pathway,” Taylor said.

The partnership leverages shared community values, successfully combining grassroots sporting participation with vocational career advocacy.

Highligting the tangible outcomes achieved through the alliance, EGT CEO, Carl Copeland, added: “With the help of RugbyWA and the Big Sister Program, 14.5% of EGT’s apprentices are women.”

“Partnering with RugbyWA helps EGT spread the word that an electrical apprenticeship is more than just a viable option for women, it’s a chance at a long-term career in our industry,” Copeland noted.

As Western Australia’s largest employer of electrical apprentices, EGT connects trainees with an extensive network of host businesses across the state, providing structured training and hands-on experience.

Beyond its core trade operations, EGT serves as the Western Australian delivery partner for The Big Sister Program, a national Building Women’s Careers Program funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. This initiative delivers pre-vocational training, mentoring, and employment opportunities to improve gender equity in traditionally male-dominated trades.

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Nightcliff Cricket Club Secures Aussie Broadband Technology Grant to Drive Grassroots Growth

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Courtney

Nightcliff Cricket Club has been named among the successful recipients of the 2026 Community Cricket Tech Fund, securing digital infrastructure support through an ongoing collaboration between Aussie Broadband and Cricket Australia.

The national grant initiative supports grassroots cricket clubs by providing essential technological resources, helping local organisations manage the rising demands of digital e-scoring, online administration, and community engagement.

Selected from a competitive pool sharing in a $100,000 funding round across 36 successful clubs nationwide, Nightcliff Cricket Club will leverage the grant to offset operational technology costs and maintain connectivity across multiple grades.

Aussie Broadband Chief Financial Officer Darren Rowland emphasised the societal and sporting role played by local clubs, highlighting the timing following international fixtures in the region.

“Community clubs like the Nightcliff Cricket Club play a vital role in growing the game from the grassroots level. With the landmark Australia and Bangladesh Test match having wrapped in Darwin, it’s a timely reminder of cricket’s ability to connect and inspire communities right across the country,” Rowland stated.

Detailing the operational challenges offset by the corporate partnership, Nightcliff Cricket Club treasurer, Andrew Innes, added: “The development of online connectivity for local cricket has been great for promoting our club and engaging people away from Nightcliff to follow our progress.”

“However, these technological advances do come at a cost to clubs especially when multiple sides are playing at the same time.

“With the growth in playing numbers, especially in female and junior categories, the demand for internet ready devices to support participation requirements is ever increasing, especially as our older hardware become obsolete.

“This support from Aussie Broadband is fantastic in assisting in this challenge.

“Not only has it provided the club with a state-of-the-art device but covered the cost of operating it for a year.

“Without this generous support from Aussie Broadband the club would have been required to fund acquisition of additional devices from its own resources, a cost which would have impacted funding for other operational demands or been supported by increased cost on members,” Innes said.

Established in 1968, Nightcliff Cricket Club fields multiple senior and junior grades alongside a Woolworths Cricket Blast program within Territory Cricket competitions.

Recent administrative data across Northern Territory community cricket highlights high digital integration, with over eighty-three per cent of matches live-scored via connected devices, alongside a twenty-three per cent surge in participation among children aged five to twelve.

However, this heavy reliance on digital infrastructure creates substantial financial pressures for volunteer-run sporting organisations, particularly as hardware ages and participation expands across female and junior divisions.

The Community Cricket Tech Fund will continue for another two years, providing further opportunities for grassroots sporting entities to strengthen their digital capabilities.

Foxtel Media Secures Exclusive Ad Sales Partnership for DAZN Australian YouTube Sports Channels

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Courtney

Foxtel Media has expanded its commercial footprint into the digital video landscape by becoming the exclusive advertising sales partner for DAZN-owned Australian YouTube sports channels.

The partnership covers prominent digital destinations including Fox Cricket, Fox League, Fox Footy, Fox Sports Australia, and Kayo Sports, providing brands with unprecedented access to a combined audience reach of 2.4 million users and over 600 million annual views.

By integrating these high-engagement channels into its ecosystem, Foxtel Media enables advertisers to extend live broadcast campaigns seamlessly into digital post-game recaps and mid-week content while maintaining a brand-safe environment.

Emphasising the significance of taking premium sports content beyond traditional subscription paywalls, chief sales officer at Foxtel Media, Nev Hasan, said: “As part of DAZN, we see every day the extraordinary power sport has to connect and inspire fans.”

“This partnership takes our sports offering beyond the paywall, opening new playing fields for brands to tap into that passion in a trusted, brand-safe environment.

“By combining YouTube’s scale with the targeting capabilities across the DAZN’s Australian digital ecosystem, we’re giving advertisers another powerful tool to amplify campaign performance and maximise return on investment,” Hasan said.

Echoing the commercial enthusiasm, Chris Ledlin, Sports, TV, News Country Lead at YouTube Australia, highlighted the immense value of unifying linear and digital sports rights. “Foxtel Group and DAZN’s world-class sports production has built an incredibly passionate, highly engaged community on YouTube,” Ledlin noted. “By bringing Fox Sports Australia, Fox League, Fox Footy, and Kayo SPORTS content to YouTube, Foxtel & DAZN have created a powerhouse ecosystem where Australia’s biggest sporting moments thrive. We are thrilled to grant exclusive YouTube co-sales rights to Foxtel Media. This partnership empowers brands to build deep, high-impact sponsorships across marquee sporting properties on YouTube, including the NRL & AFL, transforming premium sports content into a unified sales strategy that delivers unmatched connection and reach on YouTube.”

The commercial alignment bridges pay-TV sports production with YouTube’s massive scale, capitalizing on stellar viewership growth that saw total channel views surge by 200 per cent across calendar year 2025.

Flagship digital properties such as Fox Cricket generate more than 75 million annual views, while Fox League and Fox Footy drive substantial engagement through popular entertainment programming and expert debate.

Table Tennis Australia Secures Strategic Partnership with Banner Asset Management to Boost High-Performance Pathways

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Courtney

Table Tennis Australia has announced a partnership with Banner Asset Management. Specialising in debt and equity opportunities within the Australian real estate market, Banner Asset Management has built a strong corporate and community footprint in elite sport, having previously backed prominent Australian table tennis stars including Olympic and Paralympic medallist Melissa Tapper, alongside elite competitors Finn Luu and Nicholas Lum.

The partnership underscores a shared commercial commitment to strengthening Australia’s high-performance sporting environment, providing essential financial backing to help athletes compete and succeed on the global stage.

Commenting on the collaboration, Table Tennis Australia CEO, Nicole Adamson, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Banner Asset Management for its support of Table Tennis Australia and Australian table tennis athletes.”

“Banner has demonstrated a genuine commitment to our sport and, importantly, to the people within it.

“Their support helps us provide greater opportunities for athletes to compete, develop and pursue their goals at the highest level,” Adamson said.

Highlighting the alignment between corporate values and elite athletic performance, Founder and CEO of Banner Asset Management, Andrew Turner, shared: “Banner is proud to support Table Tennis Australia and the athletes who represent our country.”

“We believe strongly in supporting talented Australians who are committed to achieving their goals, and we have seen first-hand the dedication, professionalism and resilience required to compete at the highest level.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Table Tennis Australia and supporting the growth of the sport and its athletes,” Turner stated.

For Banner Asset Management, the ongoing investment reflects a core corporate ethos centered on supporting high-achieving Australians who demonstrate exceptional dedication and professionalism.

Brisbane Broncos Appoint Steve Lacey as General Manager of Retail and Merchandise

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Courtney

The Brisbane Broncos have appointmented Steve Lacey as their new GM of Retail and Merchandise, following more than two decades of dedicated service with Super Retail Group.

The appointment brings a wealth of commercial experience after dedicating twenty-two and a half years to rebel Sport and Amart Sports, having commenced his extensive retail career as a footwear salesperson in Toowoomba where he achieved early sales accolades.

Over a distinguished corporate tenure spanning ten distinct operational roles across Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, Lacey developed deep expertise across store management, senior retail leadership, and merchandising category management while traveling globally with leading sporting brands.

Transitioning into the elite rugby league landscape, Lacey expressed immense enthusiasm for joining Australia’s premier sporting brand and contributing to its ongoing commercial success.

“To combine my passion and career in retail and merchandise with my lifelong passion for rugby league at a world-class sporting organisation and Australia’s biggest sporting brand that I have supported my entire life in the Brisbane Broncos is quite simply a dream opportunity!”

I’m incredibly appreciative and grateful to Dave Donaghy, Dan Glass, Casey Powell and the entire Broncos team for the opportunity and the trust they’ve placed in me.”

Throughout his extensive corporate journey, Lacey played a pivotal role in driving customer-centric strategies, commercial innovation, and major sporting partnerships across the Australian sports landscape.

His career highlights include fostering strategic collaborations with the Queensland Rugby League, the Queensland Maroons, the ABF Future Immortals, the Queensland Murri Carnival, and Legends of League, alongside contributing to the successful implementation of the organisation’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

Collingwood Reveals La Trobe Financial Partnership to Include AFLW Sponsorship

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Courtney

Collingwood has extended its partnership with La Trobe Financial, announcing that the financial services firm is expanding its support to become an official AFLW Major Partner ahead of the club’s opening home game of the 2026 season.

Operating as a Premier Partner of the club’s AFL program for nearly two decades, La Trobe Financial’s branding will now feature across all football codes, with its logo appearing on the sleeves of all off-field AFLW apparel, venue signage, and digital assets.

Commenting on the partnership extension, Collingwood CEO, Craig Kelly, said: “For almost two decades, La Trobe Financial has been an important partner of Collingwood and we are thrilled to see them now represented across all our football programs.”

“Their long-standing commitment to our Club has played a significant role in supporting our athletes, Members and wider community.

“With the ongoing collaboration with Chris and the whole team at La Trobe Financial, we look forward to elevating this partnership and bringing our communities together through AFLW,” Kelly said.

Echoing these commercial and community-focused sentiments, and noting the strategic growth of women’s sport, La Trobe Financial CEO, Chris Andrews, added: “Our partnership with Collingwood has been founded on a shared commitment to community and bringing people together.”

“Extending that partnership to the AFLW is a natural next step.

“We’re proud to support a competition that continues to grow in strength, influence and impact and to partner with an organisation that shares our commitment to inclusion, leadership and community connection,” Andrews stated.

As part of the multi-program partnership, La Trobe Financial is also offering a commercial incentive for club members through its 12 Month Investment Account, providing new and existing investors with an effective 0.25 percent higher rate of return on investments of $10,000 or more.