New Sport Sponsorship Trend On The Rise With Australian Universities

A number of Australia’s top-level universities have entered into or extended sponsorship agreements with major sporting bodies this year, highlighting a growing trend in the Australian tertiary education sector.

This week the World Surf League (WSL) and Adelaide United Football Club have both announced major deals with Australian universities, opening up a new lucrative wave of sponsorship income.

Beginning in 2020, the two-year tie-up will see Bond University become the Official Higher Education Partner of the World Surf League (WSL) Australia and will include industry placements and internships for students with the WSL across a range of disciplines.

Flinders University will become Adelaide United Football Club’s new Premier Partner for the 2019/20 A-League season and will feature on the front of the Reds’ home playing kit.

The partnership will see the Club establish a southern hub for a range of varying operations while also offering unique pathways for Flinders’ students to enter into professional sport.

Adelaide United will also have opportunities to access Flinders’ renowned facilities to further its sports science programs.

This year has also seen Edith Cowan University (ECU) partner with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Griffith University partner with Surfing Australia and the Gold Coast SUNS AFL and AFLW teams to assist with research and innovation, La Trobe University committed to a five-year partnership with the Melbourne Rebels and Deakin University became the Official Education Partner for Netball Victoria and the Melbourne Vixens after signing a three-year deal.

These lucrative partnerships are providing a win-win scenario for both parties, offering increased brand exposure, placement opportunities for students, flexible study packages for staff and access to world-class research information and technology for athletes.