Ministry of Sport

Comiskey Mining Services Secures Naming Rights for 45th AORC Season

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Courtney

Motorsport Australia has announced a partnership with Comiskey Mining Services, naming the firm as the title sponsor for the 2026 Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC).

The agreement marks the first time in the championship’s 45-year history that the family-owned mining services company has held the naming rights, a move described by industry leaders as a significant commercial boon for the category.

The newly rebranded Comiskey Mining Services Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship enters the 2026 season with strong momentum, backed by a partner with deep competitive roots in the sport. Directors Brett Comiskey and Brendan Camilleri are veteran off-road competitors, with the family legacy continuing through Kye Camilleri in the Pro Buggy class.

Motorsport Australia Off Road manager, Campbell Smith, noted that the commitment reflects the current strength and momentum of the category, providing the financial stability required to deliver a professional national series.

Motorsport Australia CEO, Josh Blanksby, welcomed the Comiskey team, highlighting the importance of long-term supporters stepping into leadership roles.

“Brett Comiskey’s long-standing involvement is well-known among the community…”

“for Comiskey Mining Services to jump aboard is further testament to that,” Blanksby said.

Managing director, Brett Comiskey, emphasised the personal nature of the deal.

“Off-road racing has been a huge passion of mine for many years, so supporting the championship at this level is incredibly special to me personally,” he added.

For Motorsport Australia, the partnership represents a shift toward “heartland” commercial backing. By aligning with a business deeply embedded in the off-road community, the championship secures a sponsor with high intrinsic knowledge of the technical and logistical demands of the sport.

As a local, family-owned business, Comiskey Mining Services’ involvement reinforces the grassroots-to-national pathway that defines Australian off-road racing. The partnership coincides with the 45th anniversary of the national championship, adding a layer of prestige to the 2026 campaign.

The season officially commences with the Pooncarie Desert Dash in New South Wales from 10–12 April 2026.

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‘Football Budget’ Revived Through SEG and AFL Record Partnership

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Courtney

Sports Entertainment Group (SEG) and the AFL Record have announced the official return of The Football Budget.

The 105-year-old publication, which was abruptly shuttered earlier this year, will return to fans starting this Easter long weekend, following a significant community and stakeholder backlash regarding the loss of the historic title.

First published in 1921 (originally as the WA Footballer), the publication has been the definitive chronicle of the WAFL and WAFLW for over a century.

Under the new agreement, The Football Budget will be integrated as a 24-page special lift-out within all Western Australian editions of the AFL Record, ensuring the brand reaches a wider audience than ever before.

Emphasising that the decision to step in was driven by the publication’s deep cultural value, SEG CEO, Craig Hutchison, said: “The Football Budget is part of the fabric of WA football.”

“When it was taken away, the reaction made it clear just how much it means to people. We’re incredibly proud to ensure this piece of football history continues,” Hutchison said.

Highlighting the expanded reach of the new format, WA Football executive manager of Brand and Growth, Todd Baker, said: “The WAFL Football Budget will have more eyeballs on it than ever before… footy fans will be able to access it at Optus Stadium as well as every WAFL venue.”

Strategic Distribution and Digital Integration

The revival strategy focuses on maximising visibility across both elite and grassroots platforms. The publication will be available through multiple touchpoints:

Optus Stadium: Distributed at all AFL home games in Perth as part of the AFL Record.
WAFL Venues: Retaining its traditional place at the gates of local suburban grounds.
Digital Access: Available globally via the AFL Record website and digital platforms.

The move ensures that the Sullivan Logistics WAFL and ATCO WAFLW seasons receive premium coverage, featuring exclusive team lists, club features, and historical analysis that has defined the “Budget” for generations.

Belmont Squash Centre Receives $1.6 Million Upgrade Ahead of 2026 World Masters

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Courtney

The Belmont Saints Squash and Sports Centre has unveiled a $1.6 million redevelopment, positioning the facility as the premier hub for the 2026 World Squash Masters Championships.

The upgrade, funded by the Western Australian State Government’s Department of Sport, has effectively saved the 55-year-old centre from demolition, transforming it into a world-class eight-court venue.

Perth will host the championships from 30 August to 6 September 2026, with competition spread across Belmont, Karrinyup Shopping Centre, and Squashworld Mirrabooka. The event marks the sixth time Australia has hosted a World Masters squash tournament, providing a timely platform to showcase the sport’s domestic resurgence.

Noting that the improved facilities have already triggered a shift in player demographics, general manager of Squash WA, Leigh Kaye, said: “There used to be a lot of females way back when, and because of the facilities they didn’t want to shower here,” Kaye said.

Highlighting the commercial necessity of the “modern look” for first-time participants, events officer at Squash WA, Sebastian Clarke, added: “If you are going to a run-down area, you are put off,” Clarke said. “When the facade is complete, people are going to recognise this as a modern facility for a growing sport.”

Recent data suggests that 40 to 50 per cent of court users over the last six months are new to the sport, indicating a significant growth trend in Western Australia.

The redevelopment focused on high-impact structural and aesthetic improvements designed to drive both elite competition and social participation.

Key upgrades include:

Court Modernisation: Installation of new floors alongside glass front and back walls.
Amenity Overhaul: Brand new changing rooms and a “social gallery” designed to encourage post-match engagement.
The “Facade” Phase: While the interior is complete, current works are focused on a modern exterior facade to transition the building from a “run-down” environment to a recognizable high-performance facility.

Global Context: The 2026 World Masters

Australia remains the most dominant nation in World Squash Masters history with a record 70 medals. The tournament will feature hundreds of athletes aged 35 and above, leveraging the “World Champion” title to draw international media attention and tourism to Perth.

Jack Baric to Direct ‘More Than a Dream’ Chronicling Croatia’s 1992 Olympic Miracle

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Courtney

Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Jack Baric has officially announced the production of his latest feature documentary, More Than a Dream.

The film will chronicle the extraordinary journey of the Croatian national basketball team during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where the fledgling nation defied the horrors of war to secure a silver medal in a historic gold-medal showdown against the original U.S. “Dream Team.”

The project arrives at a time of heightened interest in international basketball history and the NBA’s global evolution. Baric, who will serve as both director and producer, plans to premiere the documentary during the LA28 Olympics, positioning the film as a marquee cultural event leading into the next North American Olympic cycle.

A Narrative of Resilience and Sovereignty

The documentary explores a unique intersection of high-stakes sports and geopolitics. In 1992, Croatia was embroiled in the deadliest European conflict since World War II, with over 10,000 lives lost and 300,000 people displaced. Against this backdrop, the national team became a primary vessel for Croatian identity on the global stage.

The film features the “first wave” of international NBA icons who spearheaded the Croatian assault:

Drazen Petrovic (New Jersey Nets)
Toni Kukoc (Chicago Bulls)
Dino Radja and Stojko Vrankovic (Boston Celtics)

Commenting on the film announcement, former NBA player, Kukoc, who has already filmed his interview for the project, said: “Representing Croatia in 1992 was one of the greatest honours of my life.”

“Our people were going through a very hard time… we wanted to do something for them.

“I’m thankful to Jack for telling the story of what that team meant—not just for basketball, but for Croatia,” Kukoc said.

Production Strategy and Commercial Appeal

Full production is slated to commence in May 2026. The film will utilise a sophisticated blend of archival wartime footage, Olympic game tapes, and fresh interviews with key political, cultural, and sporting figures from both Croatia and the United States.

For Baric, the film transcends the “underdog” sports trope. “More Than a Dream is more than a sports story, it’s about a nation fighting to define itself under impossible circumstances, Baric stated.

EnTrust Global and OneTeam Partners Launch EnOne Ventures

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Courtney

EnTrust Global and OneTeam Partners have officially announced the launch of EnOne Ventures, a specialised venture capital fund designed to invest in the rapidly evolving sports, media, and entertainment landscape.

The firm combines EnTrust’s $17 billion global investment platform with OneTeam’s unparalleled access to professional and collegiate athlete intellectual property (IP), signaling a new “Athlete Era” in institutional sports investing.

The fund formalises a strategic growth priority for OneTeam, which has been building a programmatic platform to unlock value around athlete commercial rights since 2019. By creating a dedicated pool of capital, EnOne Ventures aims to provide players’ associations and their members with a direct vehicle to participate in ownership and equity growth across the industry.

Investment Strategy: The “Athlete IP” Edge

EnOne Ventures will target early-stage and growth-stage companies where athletes and their IP serve as primary drivers of product, brand, and commercial value. The fund is strategically positioned to catalyse growth in several high-velocity categories:

Technology & Consumer Platforms: Digital tools and marketplaces that connect fans directly with athletes.
Health & Wellness: Performance-based products and services validated by elite athletic use.
Youth Sports: Scalable platforms focusing on the next generation of participants.
Premium Experiences & Memorabilia: Authenticated physical and digital assets.

Initial Portfolio and Momentum

The fund has already commenced deployment, announcing two inaugural investments that reflect current market trends toward premium, authenticated fan engagement:

MARI: A company focused on premium consumer experiences within the sports ecosystem.
The Realest: A platform specialising in authenticated memorabilia, leveraging athlete IP to ensure transparency and value in the collectibles market.

Executive Leadership and Governance

The leadership team brings together heavyweight expertise from both the traditional finance and sports commercial sectors:

EnTrust Global Leadership: Led by Chairman and CEO Gregg S. Hymowitz, President Sophia P. Mullen, and Senior Managing Directors Joe Brown and Whitney Mishler.
OneTeam Partners Leadership: Spearheaded by CEO Sean C. Sansiveri and President Frank Arthofer, ensuring the fund remains deeply integrated with the needs of professional athletes.

Callum Beale Appointed CEO of Tennis SA

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Courtney

Tennis SA has announced the appointment of Callum Beale as its new CEO and director – Venue and Community – Adelaide International.

A veteran of the sport with over 30 years of experience as a player, coach, and administrator, Beale returns to his home state of South Australia following a high-impact tenure at Tennis Australia, where he most recently served as head of Game Expansion.

Beale’s appointment, effective 1 May 2026, follows a competitive national search and signals a strategic pivot for Tennis SA toward a multi-disciplinary “racquet industry” model. His background in performance, commercial partnerships, and emerging sports positions the organisation to capitalise on the rapidly diversifying Australian sporting landscape.

Tennis SA president, Philip Roberts, noted that Beale’s extensive national and international experience provides the exact skill set required to elevate the state’s existing foundation.

“He has the background and experiences we need to build on our already strong base,” Roberts said.

For Beale, the role represents a homecoming and an opportunity to give back to the organisation that shaped his early career.

“South Australian tennis has a proud and rich history, underpinned by a strong club, coach, and competition network.”

“These foundations provide a great opportunity for growth which I am delighted to be part of,” Beale said.

A Catalyst for “Game Expansion” and Innovation

Beale is widely recognised for his instrumental role in integrating complementary racquet sports, such as Padel, Pickleball, and POP Tennis, into the national framework.

Under his leadership at Tennis Australia, the Australian Open became the first Grand Slam to officially integrate multiple professional racquet disciplines, driving record fan engagement and new media revenue streams.

His strategic priorities for Tennis SA are expected to include:

Venue Integration: Adapting traditional tennis clubs into multi-sport “racquet hubs” to increase facility throughput and commercial viability.
Commercial Partnerships: Leveraging his experience in negotiating high-level industry and government deals to secure investment for South Australian infrastructure.
Pathway Strategies: Refining the talent and performance operations to ensure South Australia remains a consistent producer of elite-level athletes.

The Adelaide International and Beyond

As Director of Venue and Community for the Adelaide International, Beale will also oversee the operational and community integration of South Australia’s premier professional tournament. His expertise in fan engagement will be critical as the event seeks to maintain its status as a world-class lead-up to the Australian Open while deepening its connection with local clubs and coaches.

Essendon and RMIT Strengthen Partnership Through ‘Bomber Kids’ Early Learning Initiative

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Courtney

The Essendon Football Club has further integrated its commercial partnership with RMIT University by delivering its flagship early learning program, Bomber Kids, at the RMIT City Campus Children’s Centre.

Positioned between the MCG and Marvel Stadium, the activation highlights the evolving nature of sports-education partnerships, moving beyond traditional branding into tangible community and vocational outcomes.

The Bomber Kids program is designed as a play-based curriculum that utilizes Australian Rules Football to develop fundamental movement skills, social connectivity, and confidence in children aged three and four. By blending physical activity with storytelling, the sessions aim to ignite curiosity and establish foundational learning habits as children prepare for the transition to primary school.

Vocational Integration: The Essendon Education Academy

A key commercial and educational pillar of the event was the involvement of Essendon Education Academy (EEA)students. Delivering the program alongside Essendon’s community team, students Amelia Sacco and Maddison Cotten utilised the session to complete required industry placement hours.

The EEA, a joint venture between the club and RMIT, offers a Dual Diploma of Business and Diploma of Leadership and Management. This “hands-on” model allows students to apply theoretical coursework to real-world community engagement, creating a direct talent pipeline for the sports management sector.

Strategic Brand Alignment

Highlighting the multi-layered nature of the RMIT alliance, Essendon community lead, Brendan Hitchens, said: “RMIT is a commercial partner across the Club’s AFLW and Victorian Wheelchair Football League programs, but to see that partnership filter down to a grassroots level… is incredibly powerful.”

The presence of AFLW superstar and Bomber Kids ambassador Maddy Prespakis served to elevate the program’s aspirational impact. Prespakis shared her own journey from a four-year-old Auskick participant to an elite professional, reinforcing the “one day, that could be me” narrative that is central to the club’s fan-recruitment strategy.

Commercial Implications

For Essendon, the Bomber Kids initiative at RMIT represents a sophisticated approach to partner ROI. By embedding the program within the partner’s own infrastructure (the City Campus), the club is:

Deepening Partner Ties: Providing exclusive value to RMIT’s staff and students through early learning services.
Building Future Fanbases: Engaging the next generation of supporters in the highly competitive Melbourne CBD corridor.
Demonstrating ESG Values: Delivering measurable social impact through education and inclusive play-based sport.

South East Melbourne Phoenix Reaches 30,000 Students via Kmart Gametime

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Courtney

The South East Melbourne Phoenix has reached a significant community milestone, with more than 10,000 Victorian school students participating in the club’s Kmart Gametime clinics during the most recent school term.

The program, a collaborative initiative between the National Basketball League (NBL), Kmart, and the Phoenix, has now engaged over 30,000 children across the past two years, solidifying the club’s position as a grassroots leader in Australia’s fastest-growing participation sport.

The 2026 iteration of the program saw the Phoenix visit 52 schools, delivering high-energy sessions focused on basketball fundamentals, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles.

Beyond the drills, the program’s unique value proposition lies in the direct interaction between professional NBL athletes and primary school students, fostering long-term brand loyalty in the “Heartland” of Australian basketball.

Emphasising that while the participation numbers are impressive, the strategic focus remains on deep-rooted community connection, Phoenix Academy director and community programs coordinator, Nick Smith, said: “It’s a feather in the cap to deliver this program to more than 30,000 kids over the last two years, but what we’re most proud of is how we are engaging the community,” Smith said.

Social Media Virality and Fan Engagement

The clinics captured national attention this month following a viral moment involving Phoenix forward Akech Aliir. During a session at Templeton Primary School, Aliir delivered a powerful dunk on the outdoor rings that caused the entire support pole to shift, sparking a frenetic reaction from the hundreds of students in attendance.

The footage of the dunk has since generated more than one million views across the club’s social media platforms.

For the Phoenix, this “money can’t buy” digital engagement serves as a powerful marketing tool, transitioning a local community activation into a global content moment that highlights the athleticism and accessibility of the NBL.

The Kmart Gametime partnership represents a key commercial pillar for the Phoenix, allowing the club to:

Expand the Fanbase: Introducing the Phoenix brand to a diverse demographic of young families across South East Melbourne.
Support Partner Objectives: Delivering tangible community ROI for Kmart and the NBL through large-scale, face-to-face activations.
Talent Pathway Integration: Using the clinics as a primary touchpoint for the Phoenix Academy, identifying budding talent for the club’s elite junior programs.

SailGP Extends ePropulsion Partnership

Posted on April 1, 2026April 1, 2026 by Courtney

SailGP has confirmed a two-year extension of its partnership with ePropulsion, the global leader in electric marine propulsion.

The renewed agreement, which now runs through 2027, solidifies ePropulsion’s role as the Official Electric Outboard Supplier for the championship’s support fleet and small craft. Since the collaboration began in 2021, ePropulsion has been a critical component of SailGP’s “Better Planet” strategy, helping to reduce on-water support fleet emissions by an average of 10% per event.

The partnership integrates high-performance electric motors, including the Spirit and Navy series, into the day-to-day operations of the global racing league. This includes powering the SailGP Inspire support boats and the league’s innovative autonomous race markers, which utilize the Navy 6.0 Evo to eliminate the need for environmental-damaging sea floor anchors.

Strategic and Sustainability Impact

For SailGP, the first sport to be verified as “climate positive,” the extension is a mechanical necessity for reaching its goal of halving its carbon footprint by 2030.

Emphasising that the partnership serves as a real-world testing ground for the marine industry, SailGP head of impact, Iona Neilson, said: “By integrating clean technologies into the day-to-day running of SailGP, we aim to help drive broader adoption across the marine sector.”

ePropulsion CEO, Danny Tao, noted that the collaboration has already delivered “meaningful progress” in demonstrating that electric propulsion can perform reliably in the most demanding high-stakes environments.

The 2026 season also sees the introduction of the Spirit 2.0, a new, more powerful portable outboard designed for the modern sailor, which will be showcased throughout the championship’s international calendar.

South American Debut: Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix

The partnership announcement comes as SailGP prepares for its historic South American debut, the Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix, taking place on April 11–12, 2026.

Racing on the iconic Guanabara Bay, 12 national teams, including the new Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team led by Olympic champion Martine Grael, will compete in identical F50 foiling catamarans at speeds approaching 100 km/h.

Netball NSW Finalises Board Appointments at 2026 Annual General Meeting

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Courtney

Netball NSW has announced the results of its Annual General Meeting (AGM), signaling a strategic blend of veteran governance and elite-level sporting expertise for the 2026 season.

The outcomes include the re-election of long-standing director, Vincent De Luca OAM, the appointment of former NSW Swifts star, Alison Broadbent to her first term, and the subsequent re-election of Claire Tynan as deputy chairperson.

The refreshed Board composition arrives at a pivotal time for the organisation as it navigates the commercial complexities of the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) landscape and continues to drive participation across regional New South Wales.

Expressing confidence in the group’s ability to foster pathways for players and officials, Netball NSW chair, Sallianne Faulkner, said: “As a new director, Alison brings elite-level experience… while Vincent brings his long-term experience and knowledge.”

“I also congratulate Claire, whose leadership as Deputy Chairperson… has been exceptional, providing stability and guidance to the Board,” Faulkner stated.

Faulkner also extended gratitude to Jennie Thompson, who departs the Board after her term, acknowledging her dedicated service and commitment to advancing the sport within the state.

Board Composition and Strategic Expertise

The 2026 Board structure emphasises stability and lived experience within the high-performance pathway:

Alison Broadbent (New Director): Bringing a “fresh perspective” to the boardroom, Broadbent is a former elite-level player with the NSW Swifts. Her transition from the court to governance provides the Board with direct insight into the athlete experience and high-performance requirements.
Vincent De Luca OAM (Re-elected Director): With eight years of experience on the Netball NSW Board, De Luca provides critical institutional knowledge and continuity in financial and community oversight.
Claire Tynan (Deputy Chairperson): Re-elected to the executive role she has held since 2021, Tynan’s leadership is viewed as a stabilising force for the organisation’s strategic initiatives.

Commercial and Community Impact

For Netball NSW, the 2026 governance focus remains on “growing the game from the ground up” while supporting its two professional franchises, the NSW Swifts and Giants Netball.

The depth of the candidate field for the AGM highlights a robust interest from corporate and sporting leaders in shaping the future of Australia’s most popular female participation sport.

The Board is now positioned to oversee several key strategic projects for 2026, including:

Infrastructure Advocacy: Securing state and local government funding for regional netball facilities.
Pathway Development: Strengthening the connection between grassroots associations and the elite Academy programs.
Commercial Sustainability: Driving membership growth and sponsorship value in a competitive Sydney sporting market.

Foxtel Business Secures Exclusive beIN Sports Partnership for Licensed Venues

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Courtney

Foxtel Business has announced an exclusive distribution partnership with beIN Sports on 27 March 2026. The agreement brings premium European football and international tennis back to Australian pubs and clubs after a six-month hiatus, during which beIN’s commercial distribution was handled by the UK-based platform Screach.

Under the new deal, Foxtel Business becomes the sole distributor of beIN Sports’ three linear channels for the on-premise channel. The move reintroduces high-demand competitions including La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, the English Football League (EFL), and the Carabao Cup to licensed venues nationwide.

Executive Perspectives on Market Recovery

Emphasisng the partnership’s role in driving venue foot traffic, managing director of Foxtel Retail, Wholesale, and Commercial, Steve O’Connor, said: “Nothing draws crowds to venues like live sport, and nothing could be easier than bringing in even more patrons by adding beIN Sports through ready-installed equipment.”

Noting that the deal serves to “reconnect fans” with European leagues in the social environment of their local venues, country manager at beIN Sports, John Armitage, added: “The partnership follows beIN Sports’ exit from Foxtel’s consumer platforms in mid-2023, signaling a tactical return to the Foxtel ecosystem specifically for the high-value commercial market.

Streamlined Integration for Hospitality

By utilising existing Foxtel Business infrastructure, pubs and clubs can activate the beIN Sports suite without the need for additional hardware or complex installations.

Zero Hardware Barrier: Venues can add beIN Sports directly to their current Foxtel Business account, with the subscription going live “in seconds.”
Comprehensive Portfolio: The addition of beIN content complements Foxtel’s existing rights for the AFL, NRL, Formula 1, Supercars, and Cricket, alongside ESPN’s coverage of the NBA, NFL, and MLB.
Market Reach: Foxtel Business is currently active in more than 4,000 pubs and clubs across Australia, positioning it as a year-round, one-stop solution for the hospitality sector

Tennis and Global Events

Beyond football, the deal restores a consistent slate of elite tennis to venues, including the ATP and WTA Tours, the Davis Cup, and the Billie Jean King Cup.

For venue owners, this provides a critical mid-week and daytime content stream to supplement the weekend’s domestic football codes.

Olivia Thornton Makes History as First Female CEO of Tennis NSW

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Courtney

Tennis NSW has named Olivia Thornton as its new CEO, effective 11 May 2026. Thornton, the former CEO of Cricket ACT, emerged as the successful candidate following a rigorous national recruitment process, making history as the first woman to lead the organisation.

Originally from the Hawkesbury region and an active member of a regional tennis club, Thornton returns to New South Wales with a mandate to deliver the state’s Vision 2030 strategy.

Her appointment is being framed by the Board as a “fresh start” for the sport, with a heavy emphasis on repairing member relations and fostering a more transparent, grassroots-focused culture.

Highlighting Thornton’s values-driven approach as a key factor in the Board’s decision, Tennis NSW president, Melissa Achten, said: “Olivia understands grassroots tennis, and her commitment to community engagement presents us with a genuine opportunity to deepen member engagement and refocus on what matters most: growing the game from the ground up.”

Expressing her enthusiasm for the role, and noting her personal connection to the sport, former Cricket ACT CEO, Thornton, added: “As a passionate member of a local tennis club, I am genuinely interested in the opportunity to broaden community access and shape the next chapter of the sport.”

A Proven Track Record in Transformational Leadership

Thornton arrives at Tennis NSW following a highly successful tenure at Cricket ACT, where she was credited with driving significant participation growth and navigating complex structural changes. Her expertise spans:

Strategic Financial Management: Ensuring long-term sustainability for state-level sporting bodies.
Stakeholder Engagement: Bridging the gap between elite high-performance programs and community-level volunteers.
Cultural Transformation: Building high-performing internal teams to better serve regional associations and clubs.

Strategic Priorities for Vision 2030

As Thornton takes the helm, her immediate commercial and strategic priorities will likely include to 1. increase the “playability” of tennis across NSW by supporting club upgrades and digital booking systems, 2. expand the sport’s footprint in diverse communities, aligning with her stated goal to “foster an inclusive tennis environment.”, and 3. strengthen the relationship between the state body and its various regional affiliates and coaching networks.

The appointment of a leader with deep roots in regional sport suggests Tennis NSW is pivoting away from a top-down administrative style toward a more collaborative, community-centric model.

With the 2027 United Cup and major infrastructure projects on the horizon, Thornton’s leadership will be pivotal in ensuring NSW remains the premier state for tennis participation in Australia.

NFL and TMRW Sports Launch Professional Flag Football League with Elite Investor Pool

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Courtney

The NFL has announced a partnership with TMRW Sports to develop and operate a new professional flag football league for both women and men. The venture arrives amid a period of explosive growth for the format, which is set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

The league is backed by a powerhouse investment group, including NFL clubs through their investment vehicle 32 Equity, which has authorised up to USD32 million (AUD36 million) to support the launch.

TMRW Sports, the firm founded by Mike McCarley in partnership with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, was selected following a competitive process, leveraging its success with the technology-focused TGL presented by SoFi.

Completing the Professional Pathway

For the NFL, this league represents the “final piece” of the flag football ecosystem. With 4.1 million youth players in the U.S. alone, a 50% increase since 2020, and the recent addition of women’s flag football to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program, the professional league provides a legitimate career destination for elite athletes.

Commenting on the launch, NFL executive vice president of Football Operations, Troy Vincent Sr, said: “As the flag football movement continues its explosive global growth, a professional flag league completes the pathway for elite athletes to compete at every level.”

He also noted the particular impact on girls and young women, who saw a 60% increase in high school participation from 2024 to 2025.

Emphasising the creative potential of the format, key stakeholder and ambassador and NFL legend, Tom Brady, added: “Flag football represents so much of what makes this game special—the skill, creativity, and competitiveness.”

“I’m excited to help take this sport to even greater heights,” Brady noted.

An Unprecedented “Who’s Who” of Investors

The league’s cap table features an extraordinary mix of sporting legends, institutional giants, and champions of women’s sport:

NFL Legends: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Steve Young, Larry Fitzgerald, and Eli Manning.
Active NFL Stars: Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner, and Arik Armstead.
Women’s Sport Icons: Billie Jean King, Serena Williams, Alex Morgan, and Ilana Kloss.
Institutional Heavyweights: Silver Lake, Sixth Street, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Blue Pool Capital.
Strategic Partners: Alexis Ohanian (776), Arctos Partners, and Bolt Ventures.

Commercial and Media Strategy

The league will be operated by TMRW Sports, focusing on a fast-paced, high-tech format tailored for modern media consumption.

The operational timeline is expected to align with the lead-up to the LA28 Olympics, maximising global visibility and sponsorship “stickiness.”

With 20 million players worldwide, the NFL and TMRW Sports are already in talks with potential media partners to broadcast the league internationally.

TMRW Sports CEO, Mike McCarley, noted that the league will mirror the “fandom and participation” vision established by the NFL over three decades of grassroots investment.

Hawthorn Unveils Permanent Sensory Space at Kennedy Community Centre

Posted on March 31, 2026March 31, 2026 by Courtney

Hawthorn Football Club and the Hawks Community Foundation have officially opened a permanent sensory space at the club’s new $100 million Kennedy Community Centre.

Developed via The Inclusion Project and in partnership with Variety – the Children’s Charity Victoria, the facility marks a shift from temporary match-day activations to a structural commitment to neurodiversity in sports infrastructure.

The space was co-designed by allied health professionals, occupational therapists, and staff with lived experience of disability. Unlike standard stadium quiet rooms, this world-class “sensory offering” is built to clinical standards while remaining integrated into the club’s headquarters. It will be professionally staffed by qualified occupational therapists and Inclusion Project Officers, which provides a meaningful employment for individuals living with a disability.

Noting that the permanent space is essential to making the new facility feel like “home” for all families, Variety CEO, Peter Bruce, said: “Together, we are breaking down barriers to ensure every child can experience the magic of the game in a place where they truly belong.”

The Inclusion – project ambassador, Ned Brewer Maiga emphasised the power of belonging, stating that the environment is designed to accept and support the diverse needs of the modern fanbase.

A Commercial and Community Benchmark

The Inclusion Project, established in 2019, has evolved into an industry-leading consultancy and service provider. Its expansion across multiple codes highlights a growing commercial trend where “inclusion” is treated as a core operational requirement rather than a peripheral CSR activity.

The project now services major properties including the Australian Open, Melbourne Storm, Melbourne Victory, and the Melbourne Stars, having supported over 45,000 people since its inception.

In the last year alone, the project generated 2,260 hours of meaningful employment for 39 staff members living with a disability, facilitating 156 match-day activations.

By lowering barriers to attendance, Hawthorn is effectively expanding its addressable market. The club has launched a dedicated Variety Inclusion Membership and “virtual seats” to fund grants for children in need, creating a sustainable revenue model for community initiatives.

Wollongong to Host 2026 Hockey Australia Indoor Masters Invitational

Posted on March 31, 2026April 1, 2026 by Courtney

Hockey Australia has officially named Wollongong as the host city for the 2026 Indoor Masters Invitational, with the Illawarra Hockey Centre confirmed as the tournament venue.

Scheduled to run from 4–13 December 2026, the event is expected to draw more than 400 participants from across the country, competing in a two-stage national format across various men’s and women’s age divisions.

The announcement reinforces Wollongong’s growing status as a premier destination for national sporting championships. Supported by funding from Destination Wollongong, the tournament is projected to deliver significant economic benefits to the Illawarra region, leveraging the city’s coastal appeal and hospitality sector during the peak summer period.

Highlighting the community-centric nature of the invitational, Hockey Australia senior events manager, Nick Frayne, said: “This event will bring together players from across the country and deliver meaningful benefits to the local region.”

“We’re thrilled to be bringing the 2026 Masters Indoor Invitational to Wollongong, creating an opportunity to showcase the passion, skill, and community that defines Masters hockey in Australia,” Frayne said.

Destination Wollongong GM, Jeremy Wilshire, emphasised that the event aligns with the region’s broader goal of being a “leading destination for major sporting events.”

Strategic and Regional Impact

The selection of the Illawarra Hockey Centre highlights the importance of high-quality regional infrastructure in securing national-tier events. Illawarra Hockey Inc. President Garry Bull noted that the local community is eager to showcase their “world-class playing surface” to a national audience.

With over 400 athletes plus support staff and families, the 10-day event will drive substantial “bed-night” stays and local spending. The invitational serves as a primary platform for lifelong participation, a key strategic goal for Hockey Australia as the Masters demographic continues to expand.

The tournament will be split into two stages, ensuring a continuous flow of competition and visitors throughout the early December window. For Hockey Australia, the event represents a critical fixture in the 2026 national calendar, celebrating the high standard of indoor hockey while fostering the deep social connections synonymous with the Masters community.