Ministry of Sport

DAZN Secures Streaming Rights for FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Courtney

DAZN has been named the global broadcaster for the first-ever FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026. The partnership ensures the tournament, held from 13–15 February 2026, is available free-to-view worldwide, providing a mainstream platform for a format rapidly gaining traction among younger audiences.

The collaboration between DAZN, FIDE, and Freestyle Chess Operations GmbH marks a turning point for “Freestyle Chess” (also known as Chess960 or Fischer Random).

By removing the ability for players to rely on memorised opening theory, the format rewards real-time creativity and raw calculation, a strategy that DAZN aims to highlight through its high-production global feed.

Commenting on the announcement, DAZN Group CEO, Shay Segev, said: “Freestyle Chess is growing fast and attracting a new generation of fans, and DAZN is the ideal partner to help drive that growth.”

“Adding the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship underlines our commitment to backing new tournaments and helping them reach global audiences,” Segev said.

Tournament Details & Commercial Impact

The event, staged at the Weissenhaus Private Nature Luxury Resort in Germany, features a USD300,000 (AUD424,020)prize pool. The commercial appeal is supported by an elite eight-player field, including world number one Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and rising stars like Nodirbek Abdusattorov.

Event Stage	Date (2026)	Format
Rapid Round-Robin	13 February	10m + 5s increment
Knockout Semifinals	14 February	25m + 10s increment (Best-of-4)
World Championship Final	15 February	25m + 10s increment (Best-of-4)

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Hockey Australia Launch Adina Community Clinic In Hobart

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Courtney

Hockey Australia, in partnership with major sponsor Adina Hotels, successfully delivered a free Adina Community Clinic in Hobart this past weekend, coinciding with the high-stakes FIH Pro League matches at the Aurora Energy Tasmanian Hockey Centre.

The initiative provided 100 local children with a rare opportunity to sharpen their skills alongside elite athletes from the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras.

The clinic, held on Sunday 15 February 2026, targeted participants aged 5–12 as a gateway into Hookin2Hockey, the national junior participation program. By offering a fun and inclusive environment, the organisation aims to lower the barrier for families exploring the sport before the winter season begins.

Commenting about the event, Hockey Australia, said: “Adina Community Clinics are delivered across Australia, connecting communities with the game’s heroes.”

Noting that the events provide a positive first step for the next generation of players.

The timing of the clinic is particularly important for Adina Hotels. The premium apartment-style brand is set to make its official Tasmanian debut in the second half of 2026 with the opening of Adina Hobart. The 48-key development, located within the same complex as Vibe Hotel Hobart, will offer studio and multi-bedroom apartments designed to meet the growing demand for flexible, premium accommodation in the Tasmanian capital.

Hockey Queensland New CEO Announcement

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Courtney

Hockey Queensland (HQ) has formally appointed Rebecca Randazzo as its new Chief Executive Officer. Randazzo, a seasoned executive with over two decades of leadership experience, succeeds Alison Lyons, who departed the organisation in January to join the AFL following a successful six-year tenure.

Randazzo’s appointment is a move aimed at capitalising on the infrastructure and participation opportunities presented by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. She joins Hockey Queensland from South Bank Corporation, where she served as general manager. Her extensive CV also includes chief executive roles at Bicycle Queensland and Rideability, highlighting a career defined by participation growth, government relations, and commercial sustainability.

Commenting on Randozzo’s appointment, Hockey Queensland president, Paul Mantell, said: “Ms Randazzo is a values-driven leader with a strong understanding of sport systems, governance and the importance of community connection.”

“Her experience aligns strongly with our strategic priorities as we prepare for a significant period of opportunity and growth,” Mantell said.

Expressing enthusiasm on her new position, Randazzo, shared: “There is a real opportunity to convert Olympic momentum into grassroots participation growth, venue and facility uplift, and more commercially visible Hockey Queensland and Brisbane Blaze brands,”

“I am particularly passionate about ensuring opportunities reach communities right across the state, including regional Queensland, where my own journey began,” she said.

A key component of Randazzo’s appointment will be elevating the commercial profile of the Brisbane Blaze brand within the Hockey One League. The organisation is focused on converting Olympic momentum into tangible “legacy” outcomes, including venue upgrades and enhanced high-performance pathways. Randazzo, who was raised in regional Queensland, emphasised that ensuring equitable access for regional clubs remains a top priority.

Wanderers Welcome HELI as Official Senior Partner

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

The Western Sydney Wanderers FC have secured a two-year deal with global materials handling leader HELI, naming the firm as the club’s Official Senior Partner and Official Forklift Partner. The agreement will runs through to the end of the 2026/27 season.

With HELI providing direct support to both the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s and Ninja A-League Women’s programs. By aligning with the Wanderers, an organisation with one of the most robust community profiles in the country, HELI aims to leverage the club’s national reach to drive B2B growth across the Western Sydney industrial heartland.

Commenting on the partnership, Western Sydney Wanderers CEO, Scott Hudson, said: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome HELI to the Wanderers family as an Official Senior Partner.

“HELI is a global leader in its field, and as they continue to grow their footprint in Australia, we see the Wanderers as a powerful vehicle to support that expansion through our reach, our community and our national profile,

“HELI’s support of both our men’s and women’s programs is particularly important to us and reflects our commitment to providing equal opportunity and elite pathways across the club.

“We’re proud that HELI has chosen the Wanderers as a key partner in their Australian journey, and we look forward to building a successful and impactful partnership together over the next two seasons,” said Hudson.

HELI, renowned for its innovative engineering and advanced features in the forklift sector, view the partnership as a people-driven initiative.

General manager of HELI material handling oceania, Cui Jie, emphasised that the club’s values of teamwork and determination were a natural fit for the brand’s local identity.

“We are thrilled to be sponsoring the Western Sydney Wanderers, a club that embodies the teamwork, passion, determination and strong community values.

“At the heart of HELI Oceania, we’re a people-driven organisation and supporting local communities is something we genuinely care about.

“This partnership allows us to connect with and empower the community within Western Sydney and Australia as a whole.

We look forward to growing this partnership and supporting the club, both in and out of the stadium,” Jie added.

Michelin Renews as Official Tyre Partner with Motorsport Australia

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

Motorsport Australia has confirmed that Michelin will remain its Official Tyre Partner for the 2026 season.

Michelin has also recommitted as a Foundation Partner of FIA Girls on Track Australia, an organisation it has supported since the local program’s inception in 2020.

The renewal comes as the FIA Girls on Track program prepares for its most ambigious year yet, following a record-breaking 2025 that saw over 1,000 young women participate in its events.

For 2026, the partnership will evolve beyond trackside support; for the first time, Michelin Australia will host a bespoke Pathways event at its Port Melbourne Head Office in August. This initiative is designed to shine a light on industrial and corporate roles, such as engineering, logistics, and marketing, that exist beyond the pit lane.

Commenting on the partnership extension, Motorsport Australia CEO, Josh Blanksby, said: “Michelin’s ongoing support is a significant boost for Australian motorsport.”

“Michelin brings world-class expertise and a strong connection to the international racing scene. Their involvement in FIA Girls on Track reflects a genuine investment in the next generation,” Blanksby said.

Michelin’s PR & brand partnerships manager and a vocal advocate for the program, Ebony Doherty, will continue her hands-on involvement as a mentor.

“FIA Girls on Track remains an initiative that is close to our hearts at Michelin,”

“The program plays a vital role in equipping young women with the confidence, skills, and industry connections necessary to pursue meaningful careers in motorsport.

“Having the opportunity to personally mentor a participant in 2025 has been an exceptionally rewarding experience, further reinforcing the program’s impact.

“We also look forward to hosting our own event this year, with a dedicated focus on showcasing career pathways within the industry.

“Michelin is proud to continue supporting the Girls on Track program alongside Motorsport Australia,” Doherty said.

Basketball Australia Reveals Refreshed Community Coach Mentoring Program

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

Basketball Australia has launched an overhaul of its Community Coach Mentoring Program (CCMP), shifting to a high-impact modular model designed for the modern volunteer.

The refreshed framework, inspired by international benchmarks like the German Football Association (DFB) moves away from open-ended commitments in favour of 6–8 week “micro-mentoring” blocks tailored to the realities of community sport.

The commercial and operational pivot follows the release of Basketball Australia’s 2026–2028 Strategic Plan, which prioritises capability and “People” as the sport scales toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

The new model integrates Coach Logic’s AI-powered “SAM” (Session Analysis Model), providing coaches with a digital hub for video-based reflection and guided discussion with trained mentors.

By breaking the program into different themes, such as designing training sessions and supporting adolescent development, Basketball Australia aims to maintain momentum and clarity of purpose for busy grassroots volunteers.

The value for participants is underpinned by a new Coach Development Points (CDP) system. Mentees earn 25 points toward their national qualification per module, while mentors receive 50 points, repositioning mentoring as a formal pillar of professional growth rather than an optional extra.

The small-group format ensures that rather than “consuming” a lecture, coaches are active participants in a collaborative learning cycle.

Applications for the inaugural 2026 modules are now open via the Basketball Australia Coaches platform, with full module themes and mentor rosters to be released progressively following the formal launch of the Coach Development Framework (CDF) next week.

Biogen joins SA Rugby Partner Family

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

SA Rugby has announced a three-year sponsorship agreement with Biogen, appointing the premium wellness brand as the Official Vitamins and Sports Nutrition Partner for all national teams.

The deal, which runs through 2028, marks the first time in history that a “home-grown” South African nutrition brand has been selected as an official supplier to the Springboks.

Commenting on the partnership, CEO of SA Rugby, Rian Oberholzer, said: “Success on the international stage demands more than talent and hard work, it also depends on the right support systems.”

“The partnership with Biogen reinforces our belief in high-quality, safe and responsible nutrition as a key enabler of preparation, recovery and sustained performance,” Oberholzer said.

Describing the agreement as a massive milestone, Biogen brand manager, Brandon Fairweather, added: “We see it as the highest endorsement of our relentless commitment to the integrity, ethics and authenticity that exemplifies the Biogen brand.”

The partnership will see Biogen products integrated into the daily training and recovery programmes of South Africa’s elite athletes as they prepare for a high-intensity 2026 international season.

The partnership will covers the full stable of South African national rugby, including the Springboks, Springbok Women, Junior Boks (U20), and the Blitzboks (Men’s and Women’s Sevens).

The decision was heavily predicated on Biogen’s rigorous safety standards; the brand has maintained “Informed Sport” certification for over 11 years, a non-negotiable requirement for SA Rugby to ensure all products are free from banned substances.

Biogen, a house brand for Dis-Chem since 2004, has established a solid presence in the South African sports market, already partnering with the Hollywoodbets Sharks, DHL Stormers, and Mamelodi Sundowns.

World Surf League and Bioglan Expand Partnership

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

Bioglan has extended its partnership with the World Surf League (WSL) through the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The multi-year deal sees the Australian-owned supplement brand expand its footprint, moving from a supporting role to the Title Partner of the Bioglan Newcastle Surfest Presented by Bonsoy.

The partnership targets the Challenger Series, a proving ground for surfers aiming to qualify for the elite Championship Tour.

The Bioglan Newcastle Surfest will run from March 9–15, 2026, at Merewether Beach, celebrating its 40th anniversary as the southern hemisphere’s largest surfing festival.

In addition, the brand maintains its naming rights for the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic and its high-visibility activations across the Championship Tour stops at Bells Beach, Margaret River, and the Gold Coast.

Commenting on the partnership, WSL APAC President, Andrew Stark, said: “Bioglan’s expanded involvement… reflects a shared vision for growing the sport across multiple levels,”

“Their presence at our events has already delivered strong engagement, and we’re excited to build on that momentum,” Stark said.

To drive commercial engagement, Bioglan is launching the “Challenger to Champion” campaign.

The initiative features a powerhouse roster of ambassadors: two-time World Champion Tom Carroll, and former CT standouts Sophie McCulloch and Liam O’Brien. While Carroll focuses on Bioglan’s new range for the over-60 demographic, McCulloch and O’Brien will front the brand’s performance-led content as they compete on the Challenger Series circuit.

AAMI AFL Origin Funds $1 Million Grassroots Legacy for WA Football

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

The AFL has announced that the success of AAMI AFL Origin will deliver a projected $1 million windfall for Western Australia’s local football community.

In a partnership between the AFL, the WA Government, and WA Football, 100% of ticket sale profits will be funneled into the newly established Origin Community Fund.

The “AAMI AFL Origin” fund represents a commercial commitment to bridging the gap between metropolitan and regional football.

Targeting rural hubs, the investment will focus on increasing equity for players in low socio-economic areas, as well as those from First Nations and Multicultural backgrounds.

For the organisation, this move ensures that the return of State of Origin, the first in 27 years, leaves a tangible footprint on the state’s talent pipeline.

Commenting on the funding, AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon, said: “The return of Origin is not just about celebrating the elite game, it’s about creating a legacy for the next generation of talent.”

“Through the Origin Community Fund, we’re ensuring the success of this match delivers a lasting impact… strengthening talent pathways and creating greater opportunity across the state,” Dillon said.

WA football executive manager, Peter Bell, highlighted that the funding would support regional talent programs, allowing young athletes to remain in their home regions longer rather than relocating to Perth for elite coaching. This follows a successful legacy model established after the 2021 AFL Grand Final, which saw a $5 million joint investment into the Kimberley region.

Disability Sports Australia Reveal “Abilities Unleashed” Sporting Schools Program

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

Disability Sports Australia has announced that its national multi-sport participation program, Abilities Unleashed, is now an officially admitted program within the Sporting Schools initiative.

The move embeds the program directly into the Australian education system, providing thousands of children with disability earlier and more consistent access to organised sport.

Over the past 12 months, Abilities Unleashed has demonstrated commercial and social impact, delivering 50 events to over 3,300 participants across 137 schools.

By joining the Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) Sporting Schools portfolio, schools can now use government grant funding to cover program delivery costs, specialized equipment, and travel, effectively removing the primary financial barriers to entry.

Commenting on the program, CEO of Disability Sports Australia, Ayden Shaw, said: “For many children with disability, school is the first place they encounter organised sport, and access at this point matters.”

“Inclusion in Sporting Schools is significant because… it gives schools greater capacity to respond to tangible, practical barriers that can affect attendance,” Shaw said.

The program is designed as a “come and try” experience, connecting students with sensory, physical, and intellectual disabilities to local sporting organisations.

This model ensures that the initial school-based engagement translates into long-term community participation pathways. The decision was informed by Disability Sports Australia’s Barriers to Entry Survey, which highlighted the need for more inclusive environments and adaptive equipment in school settings.

Applications for Term 2 2026 funding are expected to open in late February, allowing schools to plan their Abilities Unleashed activations ahead of the mid-year launch.

Disability Sports Australia is a national non-profit, registered charity, and National Sporting Organisation for people with disability, dedicated to increasing participation in grassroots sport.

Ampol State of Origin to Make Historic New Zealand Debut in 2027

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has confirmed that State of Origin will heading to New Zealand for the first time in the series’ history, with Auckland’s Eden Park set to host a match in 2027.

The decision to move a fixture across the Tasman reflects the growth of Rugby League in the region, largely spurred by the recent resurgence of the New Zealand Warriors.

For the ARLC, the move is commercially designed to tap into New Zealand’s primary tourism market while showcasing the “cultural phenomenon” of the Blues vs. Maroons rivalry to a global audience.

Commenting on the announcement, ARLC chairman, Peter V’landys AM, said: “Rugby League is the number one sport in Australia and the Pacific, and the growth we have seen in New Zealand over recent years has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

“State of Origin isn’t just a football match, it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s the greatest rivalry in Australian sport, and in 2027 it will be showcased on one of the most famous sporting stages in the world.

“The eyes of Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific and beyond will be on Eden Park, and it will be a milestone moment for the game,” V’landys said.

Expressing his enthusiasm, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, said taking State of Origin to New Zealand was a win for fans on both sides of the Tasman.

“This is a great outcome for fans, in 2027, Rugby League fans in New Zealand will experience one of the greatest rivalries in world sport live, and we also know how strongly supporters from all over Australia and the Pacific embrace travelling to be part of State of Origin experience.

“State of Origin brings people together like few events can. It’s an opportunity to grow the game, reward our existing fans and welcome new audiences who may be experiencing Rugby League live for the very first time — and they are in for something truly special.

“We sincerely thank the New Zealand Government and Auckland Council Events for their support and investment in making this historic event possible,” Abdo said.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston expects the event to attract over 10,000 Australian visitors, generating an estimated $17.4 million for the local economy.

University of Toledo Pioneers NCAA Division I Youth Sports Model with Rocket Leagues

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

The University of Toledo Athletic Department has launched Rocket Youth Sports Leagues (RYSL), becoming the first NCAA Division I program to directly operate a comprehensive community youth sports platform.

The move, which begins this spring with flag football for boys and girls, represents a shift in how collegiate athletic departments leverage their infrastructure and brand power to tap into the USD40 billion national youth sports market.

Commenting on the launch, VP for Intercollegiate Athletics, Bryan B. Blair, said: “Youth sports in America are surging, and families are seeking programs that develop the whole person.”

“By aligning Rocket Youth Sports Leagues directly with Toledo Athletics, we’re bringing our best—world-class coaching acumen, elite student-athlete mentors and elite facilities—to serve the next generation,” Blair said.

Unlike traditional university outreach, Rocket Youth Sports Leagues is housed directly within the athletic department, utilizing Toledo Rockets facilities, coaching expertise, and student-athlete mentors.

The organisation has appointed founder of FNA Toledo, Ed Price, as executive director to oversee the transition from local community play to a Division I-backed operation.

Every Rocket Youth Sports Leagues participant receives a complimentary Rocket Kids Club membership valued at USD50 (AUD70.68), providing a clear pipeline for future student recruitment and long-term fan engagement.

The programs initial focus on flag football is particularly strategic, given the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games and its status as an NCAA Emerging Sport for Women.

Toledo Athletics plans to expand the Rocket Youth Sports Leagues umbrella to include additional sports, clinics, and camps, positioning the campus as the premier destination for youth athletics in the region and creating a new revenue stream that could serve as a blueprint for other Division I institutions.

Wasserman Expands Nordic Footprint with People in Sport Acquisition

Posted on February 13, 2026 by Courtney

Global sports and entertainment powerhouse Wasserman has acquired the football talent representation division of Danish agency People in Sport.

announced by Lee Charnley, Wasserman’s VP of International Operations for Global Football, marks the firm’s first official entry into the Scandinavian market and reinforces its aggressive European expansion strategy.

Commenting on the acquisition, Charnley, said: “We are delighted to expand our European footprint into Scandinavia.”

“It’s an important market… that has seen a huge amount of high-quality young talent coming through the ranks to play in the major leagues across Europe,” he said.

Highlighting the scale of the new opportunity, Casper Grønn Spiele, said: “With the backing of a global powerhouse such as Wasserman, we truly believe this acquisition will take our services, reach and influence to new heights.”

The deal sees partners Casper Grønn Spiele and Jacob Krüger Andersen join Wasserman, bringing with them a high-calibre roster of Nordic talent.

Notably, People in Sport will exit the football industry entirely following the sale to focus exclusively on its handball operations.

The acquisition adds several rising stars to Wasserman’s books, including Elias Jelert, Martin Frese, and FC Midtjylland captain Mads Bech Sørensen, further diversifying a global stable that already features Fede Valverde, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones.

The commercial implication of the acquisition lies in the “bridge” it creates between Scandinavian talent and Wasserman’s global network.

For the organisation, this follows a string of takeovers, including International Football Management (IFM) in Switzerland (2024) and SportPlus in Belgium (2025).

Canadian Soccer Business Rebrands as CSME to Drive Integrated Media Strategy

Posted on February 13, 2026 by Courtney

Canadian Soccer Business (CSB) has officially rebranded as Canadian Soccer Media & Entertainment (CSME).

The announcement, made by Group CEO James Johnson, reflects the organisation’s evolution from a traditional commercial agency into a holistic hub connecting professional leagues, national teams, and fans through storytelling and broadcast innovation.

The new identity is built on what Johnson describes as a “self-reinforcing growth engine,” where elite football serves as the heartbeat, media acts as the amplifier, and business functions as the fuel.

The shift is designed to better support its major partners, including Canada Soccer and the Canadian Premier League (CPL), while providing a clearer value proposition for international brands as Canada prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Commenting on the, Group CEO of CSME, James Johnson, said: “Our organisation has evolved significantly, and this new identity reflects that evolution with clarity and intent.”

“CSME better captures who we are today and the role we play as a modern, ambitious, and collaborative organisation focused first and foremost on advancing soccer in Canada,” Johnson said.

The rebrand follows a series of moves under Johnson’s leadership, including the recent alignment of Premier Soccer Leagues Canada (formerly League1), and aims to broaden the company’s media portfolio.

This includes expanding beyond domestic rights to acquire international properties that feature Canadian players abroad, effectively shifting the program from “Canada soccer rights” to “soccer rights in Canada.”

While the structural assets of the company remain unchanged, CSME will continue to manage the broadcast distribution for the Men’s and Women’s National Teams, the TELUS Canadian Championship, and the CPL via its dedicated media platform, OneSoccer.

HART Sport Extends Naming Rights for Queensland Premier Netball Until 2029

Posted on February 13, 2026 by Courtney

Netball Queensland has secured a major four-year partnership extension with HART Sport, ensuring the Brisbane-based sporting equipment company remains the naming rights partner of the HART Premier Netball League (HPNL) through to 2029.

The deal reinforces HART Sport’s position as a cornerstone of the state’s netball ecosystem, with the total duration of the partnership set to exceed a decade by the end of the new term.

Commenting on the partnership extension, Netball Queensland CEO, Kate Davies, emphasised the importance of the partnership for the sport’s talent pipeline.

“HART’s ongoing support of the HART Premier Netball League provides thousands of players across Queensland with access to quality competition and clear pathways.”

“This renewal ensures stability and growth for netball in our state until at least 2029,” Davies said.

Noting that the association is built on mutual respect for the game’s impact, HART sports general manager, Adrian Killorn, said: “Their impact on the sport, from grassroots to elite performance, is something we greatly respect and closely aligns with our commitment to making sport accessible.”

Beyond naming rights, HART Sport retains its roles as the Official Partner and Official Ball Supplier of Netball Queensland, and an Official Partner of the Queensland Firebirds.

For HART Sport, the partnership offers brand visibility across all levels of the game, from grassroots regional carnivals to the high-performance environment of the Sapphire and Ruby divisions.