Ministry of Sport

Rugby Australia Appoints Reg Tayler as Head Coach of Australia Women’s Sevens Through to 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Courtney

Rugby Australia has officially announced the appointment of Reg Tayler as head coach of the Australia Women’s Rugby Sevens program, securing his leadership through to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Tayler steps up from his previous position as assistant coach, succeeding Tim Walsh following Walsh’s elevation to the newly created role of director of Women’s High Performance. Joining the Australian Sevens program in 2025 after a two-year tenure with Ireland’s Sevens coaching staff, Tayler brings extensive high-performance credentials, including past coaching roles with the Australia A Women’s Sevens side and the Queensland Academy of Sport.

Reflecting on his new appointment, Tayler expressed his pride and ambition for the squad.

“I am honoured by the opportunity to take the next step in my coaching career and lead the Australian Sevens Women’s team.”

“We have built tremendous momentum following our World Championship win and the squad is determined for continued success through to the Olympics in Los Angeles.

“Our players are professional and dedicated to achieving a gold medal and I am confident we will have the squad capable of that in 2028,” Tayler said.

Under the broader strategic alignment led by Rugby Australia, both women’s programs are scheduled to transition under a full-time High Performance model by the end of 2026, with Tayler working closely alongside Walsh and the Wallaroos Head Coach.

Director of Women’s High Performance, Tim Walsh, highlighted the strategic continuity behind the appointment.

“Reg has been part of a succession plan for the Australia Women’s Sevens program since joining the coaching staff last year and is a seamless acquisition for the squad ahead of the Olympics.”

“Reg is highly knowledgeable of the World Series circuit and has worked with many of our players coming through the pathways system.

He’s not going in cold, he completely understands the game and his expertise is going to be fully utilised by the program,” Walsh stated.

The Australia Sevens squad will commence preparations for the upcoming 2026–2027 campaign when players return to pre-season training in October.

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Quint Australia Appointed Exclusive Fan Travel and Hospitality Partner for Netball World Cup Sydney 2027

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Courtney

Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 (NWC2027) has officially appointed Quint Australia as the tournament’s exclusive Official Fan Travel and Hospitality Partner

The agreement will see Quint Australia design and deliver premium packages, corporate hospitality, and bespoke event experiences for the pinnacle global netball showcase, scheduled to take place in Sydney from August 25 to September 5, 2027.

Operating under the partnership banner “Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Experiences,” Quint Australia will develop a comprehensive booking platform providing seamless access to tickets, accommodation, tailored hospitality, and exclusive money-can’t-buy experiences. These offerings are designed to cater to a broad spectrum of attendees, ranging from casual fans and families to corporate clients and international travellers. Additionally, packages will be made available through an approved network of Official Fan Travel Agents and Official Hospitality Agents endorsed by NWC2027.

Fans wishing to secure priority access can now register their interest and place deposits at www.experiences.nwc2027.com.

Mark Falvo, Chief Executive Officer of NWC2027, emphasized the alignment in vision between the tournament organisers and their new commercial partner:

“World Netball, the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 and Quint Australia share a vision to redefine the fan experience and set a new benchmark for hospitality at netball’s biggest global event. Together, we are creating premium, tailored experiences that will resonate with fans across Australia and those travelling from around the world to be part of the Netball World Cup in Sydney. A key priority throughout this process was partnering with an organisation that not only delivers exceptional travel and hospitality experiences but places customer service at the heart of everything it does. Quint Australia has an outstanding reputation for exceeding expectations, making them the ideal partner to help bring our vision to life.”

Quint joins a roster of prominent major event partners globally, with a portfolio spanning major properties such as the NBA, WNBA, Formula 1® (including the Australian Grand Prix), Supercars, ATP, and the Australian Open.

Daniel Cecconi, Chief Executive Officer of Quint Australia, expressed pride in securing the agreement for what stands as a landmark international sports showcase for the country:

“Quint Australia are incredibly proud to partner with the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 as the exclusive fan travel and hospitality provider for what will be one of the most significant international sporting events to occur in Australia over recent years. Netball has a passionate, loyal, and growing global fan base, and this partnership gives us the opportunity to deliver something truly special for netball fans. Whether you are travelling from within Sydney, interstate or from the other side of the world, Quint Australia want every fan and attendee to have an unforgettable experience from the moment they start planning their Netball World Cup experience to the moment they leave the arena, and beyond!”

The 17th edition of the Netball World Cup will feature 16 elite national teams competing across 64 matches over 12 days, aiming to establish a transformative legacy for the sport globally.

Melbourne Park to Host NFL Melbourne Game Kickoff Festival Presented by American Express

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Courtney

The National Football League (NFL), in partnership with Live Nation and American Express, will take over Melbourne Park from September 10 to 12, 2026, for a massive three-day fan festival celebrating Australia’s first-ever regular season NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Transforming Melbourne Park into an immersive American-style football epicentre during game week, the festival will run from Thursday, September 10, through Saturday, September 12. The event features interactive NFL exhibits, retail pop-ups, Flag Football clinics at Kia Arena, an American food village, official watch parties, daily music concerts, and appearances by NFL legends, pundits, and executives, including a live Q&A with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Commenting on the programme, NFL GM – Australia & New Zealand, Charlotte Offord, said: “The Kickoff Festival promises to be an action-packed experience for sports fans of all ages.”

“Whether fans are attending the game or not, this event is the perfect way to get a taste of the NFL, be part of the celebrations and enjoy what we know is going to be an incredible few days in Melbourne,” Offord said.

SVP of Touring & Commercial at Live Nation Australia, Luke Hede, added: “From Melbourne Park to the MCG, this will be a truly memorable celebration for fans across the city, bringing together live music, entertainment and the unmistakable energy of the NFL.”

American Express Card Members will have exclusive access to presale tickets starting Monday, July 27, at 10:00 a.m. AEST through Wednesday, July 29, at 10:00 a.m. AEST.

General public tickets will go on sale via Ticketmaster on Wednesday, July 29, at 11:00 a.m. AEST, priced at $49 for adults on Thursday and Saturday, and $59 for adults on Friday. Children aged 13 and under can access the festival for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

New Zealand Rugby Legacy Fund Allocates $1.2M Directly to Grassroots Community Clubs

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Courtney

Eighteen community rugby clubs across New Zealand are set to receive a major infrastructure boost following the latest funding distribution from the New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Legacy Fund.

A total of $1,289,949.48 will be allocated to successful applicants spanning the country from Whangaruru in the north to Invercargill in the south, representing 14 Provincial Unions including four Heartland Unions.

The grants follow an extensive evaluation process by the Legacy Fund Advisory Group, which reviewed 70 applications requesting a combined five million dollars in project funding before final approval by the NZR Board.

All successful proposals focused heavily on upgrading or developing essential infrastructure, such as modern clubrooms, female-friendly changing facilities, and playing field improvements.

This latest round brings total distributions to just under two million dollars over the past eight months, following the inaugural grants awarded in December 2025. Twelve of the newly successful clubs had refined their previous submissions from 2025 to secure funding in this cycle.

Established as part of a 60-million-dollar perpetual fund created during New Zealand rugby’s 2023 capital investment, the Legacy Fund Charitable Trust distributes annual earnings to support projects with an intergenerational impact on the sport.

NZR board member and Legacy Fund Advisory Group chair, Greg Barclay, emphasised the role of grassroots investment.

“It’s an honour to be able to distribute these funds directly into the heart of community rugby.”

“Clubs and community organisations play a critical role in their local communities and in the journey of our elite players.

“Helping to future-proof facilities in this way reflects the purpose of the Legacy Fund and the importance of supporting club and community rugby health and participation across the country,” Barclay said.

Legacy Fund manager, Cameron Bell, also noted the inspiring engagement from local clubs across the country.

“It’s been really special to see the kaupapa of the Legacy Fund become a reality.”

“Projects from last year’s inaugural round of grants have come to life, with a number of clubs now having female changing facilities or enjoying redeveloped clubrooms throughout this 2026 season.

“This has future-proofed club environments that are more welcoming and safer for all participants,” Bell added.

The next application window for the Legacy Fund will open on Monday, 10 August, and close on Friday, 18 September 2026, with successful recipients to be announced in December.

Queensland Rugby League Appoints Jeff Reibel as Chief Executive Officer

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Courtney

The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) has officially announced the appointment of experienced sports administrator Jeff Reibel as its new CEO, effective November. Reibel steps into the role following the recent departure of Ben Ikin earlier this month.

Reibel arrives at the QRL with an exceptional reputation across Australian sport, having recently served as CEO of the North Queensland Cowboys for seven years. His tenure with the Cowboys spanned over two decades in various capacities, during which he was instrumental in driving key organizational milestones.

These achievements included steering the club through the operational challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining a strong financial position, facilitating the successful transition to a new stadium, spearheading the launch of the club’s NRLW team, and championing the growth of the Cowboys Community Foundation.

Reflecting on his new appointment, Reibel expressed his enthusiasm for taking the helm at the state governing body.

“It’s an incredible honour to join the Queensland Rugby League and contribute to an organisation that plays such an important role in the fabric of our state.”

“Rugby league in Queensland has a proud history and a vibrant future, and I’m excited to work alongside our clubs, participants, volunteers, partners and communities to help strengthen the game at every level,” he said.

QRL chair, Brian Canavan, praised Reibel’s proven capacity for driving sustainable growth and maintaining deep grassroots engagement within the sport.

“Jeff is an outstanding leader with a proven track record of success in rugby league, and we are delighted to welcome him to the Queensland Rugby League.”

“His experience leading one of the NRL’s premier clubs, combined with his deep understanding of the game and strong commitment to community outcomes, makes him exceptionally well placed to guide the QRL into its next phase of growth,” Canavan said.

Reibel will formally commence his duties as QRL Chief Executive Officer in November, stepping into a well-positioned organization poised for continued development across all levels of the game in Queensland.

KFC and Seven Renew Backing for KFC T20 Max in Grassroots Cricket Boost

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Courtney

The 2026–27 cricket season in Queensland is set to receive a major pre-season launch following the announcement that KFC and Seven have renewed their partnerships with the KFC T20 Max competition.

KFC has extended its commitment to Queensland Premier Cricket through a new three-year sponsorship agreement, retaining its naming rights for both the T20 Max and the broader Queensland Premier Cricket competitions.

As part of the renewed deal, the iconic KFC branding will also feature on the playing kits of both the Queensland Bulls and Queensland Fire for the first time since 2010.

Meanwhile, Seven has signed on for a second consecutive season as the official host broadcaster of the tournament. Following a successful inaugural broadcast run that streamed 17 live and free matches on 7plus Sport, Seven will broadcast 15 matches across both the men’s and women’s competitions this season, including the finals.

Since its establishment in 2022, the KFC T20 Max has developed into an elite pre-season pathway, drawing top-tier talent from interstate and overseas while strengthening Premier Cricket club squads.

The competition has proven to be a vital stepping stone for players looking to secure contracts with Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) franchises, notably serving as a launching pad for players like pace bowler Oli Patterson and batter Annie O’Neil, who earned Brisbane Heat list spots after standout campaigns with Wests.

The 2025–2026 tournament experienced widespread engagement, registering 1.7 million minutes viewed domestically and internationally, via platforms like 7plus, YouTube, and FanCode in India and Bangladesh, alongside more than 13 million views across digital and social media channels.

The upcoming KFC T20 Max season is scheduled to kick off on 19 August for the women’s competition, followed by the men’s competition on 21 August, with matches hosted under lights at Allan Border Field and select Premier Grade grounds.

Steven Adams Pathways Trust and One New Zealand Warriors Announce Partnership to Support Kiwi Youth

Posted on July 21, 2026July 20, 2026 by Courtney

The One New Zealand Warriors and the Steven Adams Pathways Trust have officially announced a partnership that will launch a nationwide fundraising campaign aimed at expanding sports access and opportunities for children across New Zealand.

Uniting two of the country’s most prominent sporting entities, the rugby league club boasting a legacy spanning over three decades and the foundation established by the NBA veteran in 2015 that has supported more than 10,000 kids through free basketball camps, the collaboration seeks to drive grassroots participation regardless of code.

One New Zealand Warriors CEO, Cameron George, highlighted the synergy between the two organisations.

“We’ve watched with admiration as Steven’s camps have given thousands of young Kiwis the chance to play, learn and grow.”

“When Steven and his team approached us about joining forces, it was an easy decision – our two organisations have been chasing the same goal, just through different codes.

“We’re proud to help bring this next chapter to life, and there’s no better stage to do it on than a sold-out home game with a packed Go Media Stadium and thousands more watching around the country,” George said.

Reflecting on his motivation for the collaboration, 796-game NBA veteran and Houston Rockets centre, Steven Adams, emphasised the broader social mission behind the initiative.

“Partnering with an iconic organisation like the One New Zealand Warriors, which shares my belief in creating opportunities for young people, is something I’m genuinely excited about.”

“Together, we can help open more doors through development, exposure and access to sport.

“This partnership isn’t about rugby league or basketball. It’s about giving every young New Zealander the chance to have a go, discover what they’re capable of, and write their own story.

“I was fortunate enough to have people who believed in me, and now it’s our turn to help inspire the next generation,” Adams added.

The partnership will officially launch during the Warriors’ Round 23 NRL fixture against the Penrith Panthers at Go Media Stadium on Friday, August 7, 2026, with Adams and his family set to attend. Match-day activations will feature interactive skills challenges, exclusive giveaways, and supporter engagement opportunities.

To support the ongoing work of the Steven Adams Pathways Trust, New Zealand mobile account holders can make an automatic three-dollar donation by texting ‘Steven’ or ‘UptheWahs’ to 933.

Southern Cross Media Group Appoints Natalie Harvey as Chief Revenue Officer

Posted on July 21, 2026July 20, 2026 by Courtney

Southern Cross Media Group (SCA) has announced the appointment of Natalie Harvey to the newly created role of Chief Revenue Officer, effective September.

The establishment of this executive position comes with a streamlined operating model designed to accelerate growth opportunities and support SCA’s evolving commercial strategy, with an intensive focus on digital transformation.

Reporting directly to managing director and CEO of SCA, Rohan Lund, Harvey will spearhead SCA’s commercial strategy with a heavy in-market focus, driving premium revenue and active business development.

She arrives with more than 20 years of media experience across major publisher and agency sectors. Most recently, Harvey served as CEO of Mamamia after joining as chief revenue officer in January 2024, and previously spent years as National sales director at Seven West Media alongside senior leadership tenure at UM Australia and MediaCom.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the appointment, Rohan Lund, said: “As we evolve our operating model to bring decision-making closer to our products and customers, creating the Chief Revenue Officer role ensures we have single-minded leadership over our national commercial strategy.”

“Natalie brings an extraordinary depth of media experience and a proven track record across both publisher and agency sectors,” Lund said.

Expressing enthusiasm for her new post, Harvey, noted: “The business has an incredible opportunity to unlock the full potential of its combined strengths, creating even greater value for audiences and brand partners.”

“Rohan has a compelling vision for the future, and I’m excited to work alongside the team to help deliver on that ambition,” she said.

As part of these organisational changes, chief commercial officer, Seb Rennie, will be departing the business after guiding SCA’s audio sales teams through a period of substantial transformation since February 2023. SCA expressed sincere gratitude for Rennie’s leadership and contributions.

Melbourne Victory Extends Partnership 3AW Through 2026/27 Season

Posted on July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 by Courtney

Melbourne Victory has announced a extension of its partnership with leading media outlet 3AW, securing the collaboration through the 2026/27 domestic and continental campaign.

The renewed agreement builds upon a successful foundational year established ahead of the 2025/26 season, which featured regular club insights across station programming and a live match-day broadcast from AAMI Park.

Under the continued partnership, 3AW will remain the Official Media Partner of Victory in Business, widely recognised as one of Australia’s premier sports-business networking programs outside of match days.

Additionally, supporters will continue to engage with a dedicated weekly Melbourne Victory segment featured during the station’s premier evening sports program, Sports Today, hosted by Jimmy Bartel.

Commenting on the partnership extension, Melbourne Victory managing director, Caroline Carnegie, said: “The Club is very proud to hold such a strong relationship with 3AW, an institution that has been serving Melburnians for more than 90 years.”

“We have really enjoyed the success of the first year of partnership and are looking forward to delivering more together over the upcoming season,” Carnegie said.

Echoing this sentiment, and emphasising the mutual benefits for both listeners and the club’s extensive supporter base, 3AW station manager, Stephen Beers, added: “3AW is proud to partner again with Melbourne Victory through the on-air content on Sports Today and the enormously successful Victory in Business event.”

“3AW and Melbourne Victory are a great combination for delivering the best to both our listeners and the large Victory supporter base,” Beers stated.

Adidas Secures Ultimate Branding Win in 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

Posted on July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 by Courtney

As 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at the New York-New Jersey Stadium ended with Spain taking this year’s World Cup, the biggest winner of the tournament was already crowned off the pitch. In a masterclass of long-term sports marketing strategy, German sportswear giant Adidas secured an absolute monopoly on the world’s most-watched sporting event by serving as the official kit supplier for both national teams, guaranteeing unmatchable global visibility during the final regardless of the match outcome.

A 2026 FIFA World Cup Painted in Adidas Stripes

While the tournament featured an expanded 48-team format and saw several heavyweights sponsored by Nike advance deep into the knockout brackets, the final showcase belonged exclusively to Adidas.

For ninety minutes and extra time, every camera angle, trophy lift, and iconic photo-concept, such as the generational clash between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, broadcast the Adidas logo to billions of viewers worldwide.

Adidas’s total dominance at the World Cup final was not a stroke of luck; it was the culmination of a deliberate, multi-decade approach to football sponsorship.

The brand maintained unbreakable bonds with the Royal Spanish Football Federation and the Argentine Football Association through shifting generations of players, ensuring they reaped the rewards during peak tournament cycles.

Beyond outfitting the players, Adidas extended its brand presence to the very center of the action as the official supplier of the tournament’s match ball, ensuring its logo was in motion during every single pass, cross, and goal.

While Nike-sponsored squads displayed incredible talent throughout the group and early knockout stages, none could break through the semi-final barriers, leaving Nike completely locked out of the tournament’s final match and demonstrating how volatile short-term tournament performance can be for transactional sponsorship models.

SEN Expands Regional South Australian Footprint Through New Flow FM Content Partnership

Posted on July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 by Courtney

Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) has strengthened its commitment to regional South Australia by announcing a landmark content partnership with Flow FM.

This collaboration will bring premium sports and entertainment programming to communities across the state, expanding the reach of SEN’s dedicated local offerings to an additional 12 frequencies.

At the core of the partnership is the broadcast of The Run Home with Kymbo and Chad, SEN’s premier South Australian drive program hosted by former SANFL and AFL standouts Kym Dillon and Chad Cornes.

The show will air live Monday through Friday from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm ACST, delivering a distinctly local perspective on sport, community stories, and major regional issues.

In addition, Flow FM listeners will gain access to popular national programming, including Reel Adventures hosted by former Adelaide Crows player Patrick Dangerfield on Saturday mornings, and The Rabbit Hole featuring Garry Lyon and Tim Watson.

Emphasising that the partnership aligns directly with the network’s core philosophy across the region, SEN CEO, Craig Hutchison, said: “South Australia has been at the heart of SEN’s growth and we are incredibly proud of the local content we produce and the communities we serve across the state.”

“Our philosophy is simple: Made in SA, For SA. From SEN SA Breakfast with Bicks and Walshy to Kymbo and Chad, SANFL coverage, Crows Nation, Power Nation and coverage of the state’s biggest sporting events, we’re committed to delivering content that reflects South Australians and their passion for sport,” Hutchison said.

The expansion further solidifies SEN’s robust South Australian footprint, which already encompasses locally produced programs such as SEN SA Breakfast with Mark Bickley and Jarrod Walsh, Kane Cornes co-hosting Fireball, and former Port Adelaide head coach Ken Hinkley co-hosting Sportsday.

The network also maintains comprehensive broadcast rights for major regional events, including Gather Round, LIV Golf Adelaide, the Adelaide 500, and the Adelaide Thunderbirds’ Super Netball campaigns.

Fastbreak AI and SEC Announce Multi-Year Scheduling Partnership Extension

Posted on July 20, 2026 by Courtney

Fastbreak AI, the premier provider of artificial intelligence-driven sports operations software, has officially announced a multi-year agreement extension with the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

This renewal solidifies a long-term collaboration that has fundamentally transformed how the conference manages scheduling across 10 of its core sports, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, and gymnastics.

Since the initial adoption of the Fastbreak Pro Schedule platform, the SEC has successfully navigated the complexities of balancing extensive variables such as venue availability, travel logistics, broadcast requirements, and competitive equity.

Beyond simple schedule generation, the conference now utilises the software to conduct sophisticated quantitative analyses, test complex trade-offs, and evaluate scheduling quality through longitudinal data comparison, ensuring consistent year-over-year improvement.

Commending the ongoing impact of the collaboration, SEC deputy commissioner, Charlie Hussey, said: “Fastbreak’s industry-leading technology and expertise have enabled us to continually improve SEC scheduling across numerous competitive and fan metrics for multiple sports.”

“We appreciate the SEC’s longstanding relationship with Fastbreak, and we are excited to continue our work together,” Hussey stated.

Noting that the SEC’s early adoption of data-driven scheduling has set a benchmark for collegiate athletics, co-founder and chief product officer of Fastbreak AI, Dr. Chris Groer, added: “The conference continues to embrace technology to the benefit of its student-athletes, member institutions and media partners.”

“The SEC has been particularly innovative in adopting a data-driven approach to scheduling that promotes competitive equity, minimizes travel costs and increases expected viewership,” said Dr. Groer.

The tangible benefits of this technology were instrumental during the SEC’s recent transition to a nine-game football schedule for 2026. Despite the addition of an extra game, the platform enabled the conference to produce a slate featuring the fewest back-to-back road games and the lowest incidence of unequal rest periods seen in at least a decade.

Furthermore, the technology proved vital in developing the conference’s four-year opponent rotation model and optimising basketball schedules, where it evaluated nearly 100 viable options to ensure contractual broadcast obligations were met while preserving traditional rivalry matchups.

Under the terms of the extension, both organisations will continue to refine their scheduling initiatives, with an emphasis on measuring long-term fairness, operational efficiency, and competitive balance.

Australian Sports Group Acquires Canberra United to Secure A-League Women Future

Posted on July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 by Courtney

The long-term future of Canberra United has officially been secured, with the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) announcing that the Australian Sports Group (ASG) has taken charge of the foundation club’s licence.

The agreement brings an end to months of uncertainty following Capital Football’s decision that it could no longer sustainably fund the club. Under the stewardship of ASG, led by Group CEO Theo Fotopoulos and chairman Morris McAlister, Canberra United will continue its proud legacy as a standalone force in the Ninja A-League Women competition.

Crucially, the new ownership arrangement also includes an exclusive option for ASG to introduce an Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s team in the nation’s capital by the 2028/29 season, paving the way for Canberra United to evolve into a fully integrated, dual-code professional club.

Key Highlights of the Transition:

The New Custodians: Australian Sports Group brings decades of collective corporate, entertainment, marketing, and sports management expertise to the table.
Preserving a Legacy: As one of the competition’s foundation clubs active since 2008, Canberra United retains its rich history, team colors, and deep-rooted community connection.
Men’s Team Pathway: ASG holds the rights to launch a Canberra-based A-League Men’s side ahead of the 2028/29 campaign.
Infrastructure & Growth: The consortium’s blueprint emphasises grassroots pathway development, local talent support, enhanced fan engagement, and facility investment across the ACT.

The successful transition was achieved through cooperative efforts involving the APL, Football Authority figures, the ACT Government (led by Minister for Sport Yvette Berry), Capital Football, and local community stakeholders.

With the licence transition complete and regulatory checks underway, players, staff, and fans can finally look ahead to the upcoming 2026/27 season with renewed stability, security, and ambition.

Ken Hinkley Appointed Inaugural AFL Head Coach of the Tasmania Devils

Posted on July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 by Courtney

The Tasmania Devils has officially named Ken Hinkley as the club’s inaugural AFL head coach, marking a major milestone as the expansion franchise builds towards its entry into the competition in 2028.

Hinkley arrives in Tasmania following a highly successful 13-year tenure coaching Port Adelaide from 2013 to 2025. During his time at the helm, he compiled an impressive 58.6% winning record, guiding the Power to 174 victories from 297 games, seven finals campaigns, and a minor premiership in 2020.

Twice named the AFL Coaches Association Coach of the Year, Hinkley departs Port Adelaide as the coach with the highest winning percentage in the club’s history.

Highlighting Hinkley’s proven capacity to cultivate strong player relationships and foster high-performance environments as the decisive factors in the appointment, noting that the club prioritised a “builder of people” for their list of largely young and developing talent, Tasmania chair, Grant O’Brien, said: “We didn’t set out to find the candidate with the single best win-loss record in this process, we set out to find the right coach for exactly what Tasmania needs right now.”

“Ken’s ability to build relationships with young players, and to build an environment that people want to be part of is exceptional… That demands a head coach who is, first and foremost, a brilliant teacher and a builder of people, and that is exactly what Ken is,” O’Brien said.

Drawing on his background as an assistant coach under Mark Thompson during Geelong’s premiership era, Hinkley expressed his enthusiasm for taking on the historic challenge of shaping a new club from scratch.

“The responsibility to lead Tasmania’s entry into the AFL is something very special, it excites me.”

“There will be many ups and downs, and challenges that lie ahead, including the build of our football department, but I have unique and directly relevant experience to take these on alongside the broader football club,” Hinkley added.

Hinkley has signed a five-year deal that will keep him with the Devils until the end of 2031. He will commence his duties with Tasmania’s football department immediately, overseeing the club’s continued progression through its VFL and VFLW programs as it prepares for its historic 2028 AFL and AFLW debuts.

The club also anticipates naming its inaugural AFLW head coach before the conclusion of 2026.

Spain Triumphs in FIFA World Cup 2026™ Finale Amidst Spectacular Topps Halftime Show

Posted on July 20, 2026 by Courtney

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Topps Final Halftime Show enthralled fans in New York New Jersey and across the globe as Spain secured a historic victory over Argentina to claim the championship title.

Topps secured the naming rights ahead of the FIFA World Cup™ Final, and the event was known as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Topps Final Halftime Show. It brought together some of the most iconic performers of the time for a landmark celebration that intersected sport, music and global impact.

Produced by Global Citizen and curated by Chris Martin, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Topps Final Halftime Show was co-headlined by Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber. It also featured Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, the internationally acclaimed Venezuelan conductor and Music and Artistic Director of the New York Philharmonic, and the Webby Award-winning PS 22 Chorus alongside Coldplay.

In addition to Topps, FIFA Partners ADI Chain and Visa, Official Sponsor Bank of America, Tournament Supporters DoorDash and Marriott Bonvoy, Preferred Platform YouTube Music, and Master Licensee for the tournament across Greater China and Japan, Kayford Holdings, supported the show. Each organisation was integrated in diverse ways throughout the 11-minute extravaganza that wowed fans in the stadium, at watch parties across the host countries, and in front of television sets and mobile devices across the globe.

Fans witnessed Bank of America’s viral Fan Bands™ throughout the show in addition to a special delivery from DoorDash. The participation of Ghetto Kids alongside Shakira & Burna Boy was supported by Marriott Bonvoy, while Visa’s Tap In campaign extended to music. Thanks to YouTube Music, the full FIFA World Cup 2026™ Topps Final Halftime Show remained available on the platform after its conclusion, giving fans the chance to re-live every moment.

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Topps Final Halftime Show supported the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative that aimed to raise USD100 million (AUD143 million) to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. Over USD60 million (AUD85 million) had already been raised, with USD1 (AUD1.43) from the sale of every ticket for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches donated to the Fund to support social projects around the world.

Additionally, Shakira’s royalties from the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song, global hit single ‘Dai Dai’, were donated to the Education Fund.