The Brisbane Broncos have launched the National Rugby League’s (NRL) first Sports Business Institute, set to become a hub for future sports administrators.

The Broncos’ world-class headquarters in Brisbane will be the exclusive home for the Institute, in partnership with TAFE Queensland, offering students an integrated double Diploma of Sport and Diploma of Leadership & Management, and hands-on learning across an entire sporting organization.

The year-long course will provide students with unparalleled insights into the operations of an NRL club and Australia’s most prominent sporting brand, with two students per intake guaranteed graduate roles at the club on completion of the course.

The first intake, initially capped at 30 students, will commence in May and run through until April 2024, with a second intake to kick off in February next year.

Students will also receive up to one year of credit towards a degree in some of Australia’s universities, including the Bachelor of Sport Development, Bachelor of Sport Management, and Bachelor of Business with a major in Sport Management.

Pathway options will also be provided for students pursuing further studies after the program.

Commenting on the initiative, Broncos CEO, Dave Donaghy, said: “We want to help build, nurture and power a field of dreams off the footy paddock as well.”

“Not all of us can be professional athletes, but at a club like ours, there is a significant’ team behind the teams’, in respect to both our men’s and women’s programs.

“We have incredibly talented people in respective roles across the organisation, and that’s not by coincidence.

“We recruit the best off the field as well, and they’re committed to helping our future generations thrive, so it’s exciting to be embarking on building that pipeline of talent, right here in Brisbane, that can help all codes nationally.

“This is a truly unique and innovative partnership with TAFE Queensland and an opportunity that will change the game and gives students an inner sanctum experience and, for some – a full-time role at our club at the end of it,” he said.

The Broncos will employ a full-time program manager for the initiative, demonstrating their commitment to developing future sports industry professionals.

The Institute aims to become a leader in sports business education, providing a unique learning experience that will empower students to build a career in sports administration.

The NRL has welcomed the Broncos’ initiative, which aligns with the NRL’s strategic goal of growing the game’s commercial and strategic capabilities, with the league hoping to replicate the Broncos’ success, fostering a new generation of sports industry professionals.