Page 2 – Ministry of Sport

Nine Entertainment Secures Six-Year English Premier League Rights Extension Through 2034

Posted on September 10, 2026 by Courtney

Nine Entertainment has announced a six-year extension of its exclusive Premier League rights, locking in coverage through the end of the 2033–34 season.

The landmark agreement arrives with two seasons still remaining on the current contract, a the vital commercial significance of the property to Nine’s streaming organisation.

Reflecting on the importance of the renewal, Nine Entertainment CEO, Matt Stanton said: “Football is the ultimate global game, followed with remarkable intensity by millions of fans across Australia.”

“Bringing the Premier League to Stan has been a genuine game-changer for our business, and we are very pleased to be extending the partnership for a further six years.

“As the sole rights holder in Australia, Nine is uniquely placed to activate our assets across streaming and broadcast, publishing and outdoor to promote awareness of Premier League, deepen fan engagement, and tell the game’s stories across the entirety of the season.

“This agreement further strengthens Nine’s premium sport offering and reflects Nine’s long-term strategy of investing in premium live sport and delivering the sporting moments that matter most to Australians,” Stanton said.

Pointing to the tangible financial metrics underpinning the partnership, and noting its direct contribution to corporate profitability and subscriber growth, Nine’s managing director of streaming and broadcast, Amanda Laing, said: “Extending this deal through to the 2033/34 season is an incredible milestone for Nine and a direct reflection of the strength of the partnership between Stan and the Premier League.”

“When we brought the Premier League to Stan Sport, we set out to deliver an unmissable viewing experience for our subscribers, and the response has been remarkable.

“The Premier League rights have been one of the largest drivers of subscriptions in Stan Sport history and were a key contributor to our strong financial results in FY26,” Laing said.

Premier League chief media officer, Paul Molnar, praised the commitment shown by the Australian broadcaster in expanding the competition’s regional influence.

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Stan for a further six seasons, ensuring fans across Australia can continue to enjoy every Premier League match live through to the end of the 2033/34 season.”

“Stan has demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering high-quality coverage and bringing the Premier League closer to fans, supported by the reach and strength of the wider Nine network,” Molnar noted.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

Sports Entertainment Group Drives Commercial Campaign for NFL Match in Melbourne

Posted on September 10, 2026 by Courtney

Sports Entertainment Group has activated a multi-platform broadcast and activation campaign surrounding the National Football League’s regular-season debut in Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Operating under a multi-year broadcast partnership extending through 2028, Sports Entertainment Network is delivering extensive coverage of the fixture between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams.

The rollout encompasses exclusive live radio commentary, television production, fan engagement precincts, and custom publishing ventures designed to capitalise on the landmark international event.

Led by veteran broadcaster Gerard Whateley alongside Australia’s first Super Bowl player Ben Graham, the network’s commercial and editorial strategy spans multiple days of live broadcasting from key Melbourne locations, including Federation Square and Melbourne Park.

In addition to audio coverage, SEG’s television arm Rainmaker is producing specialised programming for the Seven Network, while the company’s events business Ballpark Entertainment has partnered with major corporate sponsors including ESPN, Visit Victoria, Toyota, and Four’N Twenty to deliver the Melbourne End Zone fan precinct.

Sports Entertainment Group Chief Executive Craig Hutchison emphasised the significance of the event for the organisation and its long-term partnership with the league.

“This is a genuinely historic moment for Australian sport and the NFL, and SEN is incredibly proud to be part of it.”

“Our partnership with the NFL continues to go from strength to strength, and having Ben Graham, Gerard Whateley and Jordan Kounelis lead our coverage ensures fans will hear the game through the very best in the business.

“The buzz around this event is enormous, and we’re excited to bring it to life for audiences across Australia with extensive coverage across the week, culminating in what promises to be a truly unforgettable occasion at the MCG,” Hutchison said.

Beyond live match-day broadcasting, the commercial strategy extends into print publishing and hospitality takeovers, featuring the official NFL Game Day Magazine distributed nationwide through major retail partners alongside a brand takeover of the Kingston Hotel in East Richmond converted into SEN House.

Bruce Precinct Master Plan Unveils Dual Scenarios for Canberra’s Sports and Urban Future

Posted on September 10, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian Government has advanced plans for a substantially redeveloped Canberra stadium with the release of the Bruce Precinct Master Plan, backed by a $9.98 million federal commitment over two years.

Developed in partnership with the ACT Government, the Australian Sports Commission, and the National Capital Authority, the blueprint examines how Canberra Stadium, the Australian Institute of Sport, North Canberra Hospital, and the Canberra Institute of Technology’s Bruce campus can be integrated into a vibrant mixed-use precinct.

Central to both scenarios is the long-term future of the ageing Canberra venue. The first option proposes relocating the CIT campus and restructuring land to construct a centrally located stadium near planned rapid public transport along Belconnen Way and Haydon Drive, ensuring the current venue remains operational during construction.

Emphasising the vision of the project for the territory, ACT Chief Minister, Hon. Andrew Barr, said: “Bruce should be a destination where people can study, work, live and connect.”

Federal Infrastructure Minister, Hon. Catherine King, added that the planning framework, informed by rigorous economic, landscape, transport, and sustainability analysis, will unlock the area’s full potential.

The second option retains the stadium in its current location as part of a renewed entertainment precinct connected by an east-west rapid transport spine. Both development pathways feature a venue surrounded by commercial, residential, hospitality, and public spaces rather than functioning as an isolated sporting facility.

While the Master Plan does not establish an explicit construction timetable or final capital cost, the ACT Government has previously targeted a 30,000-seat capacity featuring upgraded player facilities and improved undercover seating.

The broader redevelopment scope is projected to accommodate between 4,000 and 5,800 dwellings alongside 30,000 to 43,000 square metres of commercial, retail, innovation, and institutional space.

Furthermore, over a quarter of the precinct will be preserved as public open space, with infrastructure corridors designed to support a future light rail extension to Belconnen.

The precinct overhaul will directly complement the approximately $250 million redevelopment of the neighbouring Australian Institute of Sport campus ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With neither stadium scenario officially selected, subsequent phases will focus on land arrangements, governance, detailed planning, and market engagement to guide the next generation of infrastructure delivery in the nation’s capital.

USTA Strategic Broadcast Overhaul Secures Global Rights Holder Control for US Open

Posted on September 10, 2026 by Courtney

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has successfully transitioned its US Open host broadcast operations in-house, partnering with Broadcast Services (HBS) and NEP Group to implement a comprehensive ST-2110 IP infrastructure across the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

After a decade managed externally by major sports networks, the pivot gives the organisation direct control over world feed production across all courts in 1080p HDR, aligning the tournament with fellow Grand Slam events in Australia, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros while enabling domestic broadcasters to elevate their dedicated local programming.

The operational agreement required coordinating over 170 cameras, advanced cine-style Sony rigs, and expanded audio capabilities featuring Dolby Atmos mixing across major arenas.

Despite tight construction constraints that compressed stadium cabling windows, technical teams successfully deployed NEP IP fly-packs and Lawo.edge gateways to streamline signal distribution for more than twenty international rightsholders.

Highligting the seamless execution, USTA managing director of broadcast, Patti Fallick, said: “Our rights holder partners have been happy, and this has been much smoother than I anticipated.”

“And our team can work directly with HBS to make the production and technical advances we want to keep those rights holders happy,” Fallick said.

Emphasising the flexibility of the new architecture, USTA director of technical operations, Petro Mnych, noting: “Flexibility is the big thing because in the past we have had issues with routers running out of physical outputs or having to have lots of baseband cable kicking around the compound.”

HBS broadcast engineering manager, Cynthia Granquist, said: “All rights holders are equipped with Lawo .edge gateways, with the option to upgrade to a web-based router panel, giving them the flexibility to select and access the feeds they need, whenever they need them.”

Melbourne Stars Extend Greenworks Australia Partnership

Posted on September 10, 2026 by Courtney

The Melbourne Stars have extended their partnership with Greenworks Australia for an additional two seasons, successfully expanding the collaboration to cover both the men’s Big Bash League and women’s Women’s Big Bash League teams.

Following an initial agreement launched ahead of BBL|15, Greenworks will maintain its prestigious status as a Premier Partner and Official Powered Gardening Equipment Partner, securing high-visibility branding across playing helmets, caps, and selected training apparel throughout the summer fixtures.

The expanded alliance integrates the brand directly into match-day signage, interactive fan engagement activations, digital marketing campaigns, and member communications.

Greenworks’ innovative zero-emission battery-powered outdoor equipment aligns strategically with the Melbourne Stars’ ongoing institutional commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing carbon footprints across club operations.

Commenting on the partnership extension, Melbourne Stars GM, James Rosengarten, said: “We’re really excited to be extending our partnership with Greenworks Australia for another two seasons.”

“Greenworks is an innovative brand with strong Victorian roots and values that align closely with the Melbourne Stars.

“After a positive first season together, we’re looking forward to expanding the partnership across both our BBL and WBBL teams and creating more opportunities for Greenworks to connect with our members and fans,” Rosengarten said.

Highlighting the exceptional reach offered by the arrangement across domestic cricket organisation, Greenworks Australia managing director, Adam Duggan, added: “We’re proud to extend our partnership with the Melbourne Stars and strengthen our involvement across both the BBL and WBBL programs.”

“The Stars provide a fantastic platform to showcase the performance, versatility and sustainability benefits of Greenworks products to cricket fans across Victoria and Australia,” Duggan said.

Located in Derrimut, Victoria, with extensive warehousing operations spanning Queensland and New South Wales, Greenworks supplies a comprehensive consumer market range, from affordable mowing solutions to advanced battery platforms.

Mortgage Choice Expands Partnership to Include NBL and WNBL for 2026-27 Season

Posted on September 10, 2026 by Courtney

The National Basketball League and Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) have signed Mortgage Choice as an official partner across both elite competitions for the upcoming NBL27 and WNBL27 campaigns.

Building on an established relationship with the men’s league during the previous season, the broadened agreement integrates the financial services brand into the national women’s competition, reinforcing the commercial alignment between elite basketball properties and corporate sponsors.

Emphasisng the success of the initial collaboration and welcomed the multi-league expansion, NBL group chief executive officer, David Stevenson, said: “Mortgage Choice has been alongside us since last season, and this expansion into the WNBL is a natural next step in a partnership that continues to grow.”

“I want to personally thank Anthony Waldron and the team at Mortgage Choice for their continued commitment, it’s a partnership built on genuine collaboration, and we’re excited about what it will deliver for both leagues this season,” Stevenson said.

Highlighting the mutual benefits of welcoming the brand into the women’s pathway, WNBL chief operations officer, Justin Nelson, added: “Mortgage Choice has demonstrated a strong commitment to basketball, and extending the partnership into the WNBL provides an opportunity to build on that relationship and connect the brand with our players, clubs and communities across the country.”

“We look forward to working closely with the Mortgage Choice team throughout WNBL27,” Nelson said.

Pointing to strong internal stakeholder alignment and brand visibility as key drivers behind the expanded investment, Mortgage Choice CEO, Anthony Waldron , concluded: “We had a great first year with the NBL.”

“We are thrilled to be deepening the relationship by also partnering with the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) this year.

“Many of our brokers are huge basketball fans and are proud to see the Mortgage Choice brand on the courts around the country.

“We’re looking forward to connecting with even more fans throughout the NBL and WNBL 2026/27 season,” Waldron stated.

The upcoming sporting schedule will see the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season tip off on Saturday, September 19, followed by WNBL27 commencing on Thursday, October 15.

Broadcast coverage remains comprehensive, with every match available live on ESPN alongside dedicated free-to-air and digital streaming distribution via 9Now for the WNBL.

Bank South Pacific Secures Record-Breaking Principal Partnership with PNG Chiefs Ahead of 2028 NRL Entry

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

The PNG Chiefs have secured the largest club sponsorship in National Rugby League history, announcing a landmark agreement with Bank South Pacific to serve as the Principal Foundation Partner through to the end of the 2030 season.

Unveiled at Santos Stadium in Port Moresby, the historic deal kicks off immediately during the pre-NRL foundation period, positioning the financial institution across the club’s front-of-jersey apparel and membership programs before the team commences its inaugural campaign in 2028.

Commenting on the landmark partnership, PNG Chiefs CEO, Lorna McPherson, said: “This is a landmark partnership for the PNG Chiefs and Papua New Guinea and, as a club, we couldn’t be prouder to welcome BSP on board.”

“BSP is an organisation that is part of the fabric of our country and community and recognises the scale of opportunity that exists with the PNG Chiefs.

“To have this level of commitment to our club – including this period leading into our first game in 2028 – shows BSP’s belief in what we are building, and the way we will create opportunities for Papua New Guineans for generations to come,” McPherson said.

Emphasisng the alignment of a locally headquartered enterprise backing the nation’s expansion team, BSP chairman, Robert Bradshaw, added: “BSP is incredibly proud to play a leadership role in supporting the PNG Chiefs through this historic partnership.”

“It is highly symbolic that BSP, a PNG-headquartered and majority PNG-owned company, is backing the nation’s NRL team.

“Rugby league unites Papua New Guinea like nothing else.

“We want to be an active part of the PNG Chiefs’ nation-building project in PNG and in raising the visibility of rugby league across the South Pacific,” Bradshaw said.

Echoing hi sentiments, BSP Group CEO, Mark Robinson, concluded: “Our aim is to be more than a sponsor for the PNG Chiefs.”

“This is a partnership with purpose.

“This agreement sees BSP become a partner on match day, a partner in engaging the new army of Chiefs fans and an active partner in the community.

“This includes working with the Chiefs to lift financial literacy throughout PNG,” Robinson noted.

Formula 1 Partners with Pompeii for Madrid Grand Prix Capsule Collection

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 has partnered with Madrid-based design powerhouse Pompeii to launch an exclusive capsule collection celebrating the return of the Spanish Grand Prix to the capital’s new Madring circuit.

Comprising nine unisex streetwear items—anchored by a pit crew jacket, mechanic shirt, and glove tee—the collection translates classic motorsport motifs into refined everyday apparel rather than technical performance wear.

These experiences include a launch event at Melia Palacio de los Duques featuring a liveried show car, a Paddock Club morning collaboration with The Coffee Party at Acid Bakehouse, and a complete flagship store transformation into a curated Formula 1 exhibition from September 10 to 13.

Commenting on the partnership, chief commercial officer at Formula 1, Emily Prazer, said: “This debut collection with Pompeii is about bringing Formula 1 to a whole new generation of fans and celebrating the incredible energy around the sport’s return to Madrid.”

“Formula 1 and Pompeii are two brands with a shared sense of culture, creativity and attitude, so this collaboration really felt like a natural fit.

“We’re excited to see the collection launched to the world through a series of immersive activations during race week– giving fans more ways to experience the world of Formula 1 with Pompeii,” Prazer said.

Highlighting the local and cultural connection embedded in the partnership, co-founder at Pompeii, Cosme Bergareche, added: “Sport has always been a huge part of Pompeii.”

“We’re constantly inspired by the culture that surrounds it, not only what happens on the field, the court or the track, but everything around it.

“Our approach has always been to bring that world into fashion through a more refined, considered lens, and Formula 1 felt like a perfect expression of that.

“There’s a unique sense of style, heritage and emotion around the sport that goes far beyond racing.

“And for us, being a brand born in Madrid, there was something particularly special about welcoming Formula 1 back to our city.

“We wanted to celebrate that moment in our own way, creating a collection that feels true to Formula 1, true to Madrid, and true to Pompeii,” Bergareche stated.

Turkish Airlines to Replace Standard Chartered as Liverpool FC Main Partner in Landmark 2027 Deal

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

Liverpool Football Club has announced a transition, naming Turkish Airlines as its new main club partner from June 1, 2027.

The agreement will see the airline’s branding feature prominently on the front of the men’s, women’s, and Academy match shirts starting from the 2027-28 season, marking the club’s first front-of-shirt partner change in 17 years. Standard Chartered, which has held the position since 2010, will complete the 2026-27 season before transitioning into a global partner role.

Highlighting the milestone, chief commercial officer at LFC, Ben Latty, said: “This is a milestone announcement for us and we are delighted to welcome Turkish Airlines as our main club partner from June 2027.”

“The front of the Liverpool shirt holds a special place in the history of our club.

“Turkish Airlines is a globally recognised organisation with an extensive international network, and we look forward to beginning our partnership and building a strong relationship together, with already strong foundations built from those special memories back in 2005.

“This announcement also provides an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contribution Standard Chartered has made to Liverpool FC over the past 17 years.

“They have been an important part of our journey through an exceptional period in the club’s history, and we are delighted that Standard Chartered will remain part of the Liverpool FC family as a global partner from June 2027,” Latty said.

Emphasising the objectives underpinning the alliance, Turkish Airlines CEO, Ahmet Olmustur, added: “Liverpool Football Club is one of the world’s most recognised and respected football clubs, with an exceptional heritage and a truly global community of supporters.”

“We are very pleased that Turkish Airlines will become the club’s main club partner and that our name will take its place on one of the most iconic shirts in world sport.

“As the airline that flies to more countries than any other, connecting people, cultures and continents is at the heart of who we are.

“This partnership brings together two global brands united by their international reach, commitment to excellence and ability to inspire millions of people around the world.

“The agreement also marks an important new chapter in Turkish Airlines’ long-standing support for global sport.

“We believe in the unique power of sport to transcend borders and bring communities together. As we begin this new chapter, we look forward to moving forward together with Liverpool FC and its supporters around the world,” Olmustur stated.

Formula 1 and DAZN Extend Long-Term Broadcast Partnership Across Spain, Andorra and Portugal Through 2030

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 has secured a multi-year broadcast extension with DAZN, ensuring the digital sports platform remains the official home of the championship across Spain, Andorra, and Portugal until the end of the 2030 season.

The renewed commercial agreement guarantees live and on-demand coverage of every practice, qualifying session, Sprint, and Grand Prix, alongside major support categories including Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 Academy, and the Porsche Supercup.

Chief media rights and content creation officer at Formula 1, Ian Holmes, emphasised the vital role of the digital broadcaster in scaling audience acquisition and younger demographic engagement.

“We’re delighted to extend our partnership with DAZN and ensure fans across Spain, Andorra, and Portugal can continue to enjoy comprehensive Formula 1 coverage through 2030.

“DAZN has played an important role in the growth of Formula 1 across these markets, particularly among younger and more diverse audiences, combining excellent live coverage with compelling storytelling that brings fans closer to our sport.

“Over the coming years, we’re excited to build on what we have achieved together so far,” Holmes said.

Chief executive officer of DAZN Iberia, Óscar Vilda, highlighted the value of the championship within the company’s broader media and entertainment portfolio.

“Formula 1 is one of the cornerstones of our sports offering, and we are incredibly proud to continue bringing the Championship to fans in Spain, Andorra and Portugal until 2030.

“This renewal allows us to keep delivering first-class coverage, combining the excitement of live racing with expert analysis, innovation and an experience that brings fans closer to everything happening on and off the track.

“We want to continue evolving the way we tell the story of Formula 1 and build on the huge interest in the Championship across both countries,” Óscar Vilda stated.

The extension arrives as Formula 1 experiences substantial commercial momentum across the Iberian region, bolstered by a combined regional fan base and upcoming calendar expansions, including Madrid hosting the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring alongside Portimão’s scheduled return in 2027.

Andrew N. Liveris AO as Headline Speaker for Women in Sport Summit 2026

Posted on September 9, 2026September 11, 2026 by Courtney

Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee President Andrew N. Liveris AO has been confirmed as the headline speaker for the Performance Forum at the Women in Sport Summit 2026.

Taking place in Adelaide from October 19 to 22, 2026, the premier commercial platform will gather elite athletes, executives, and industry leaders to examine growth and leadership within women’s sport.

With an extensive career spanning international governance and industrial leadership, Liveris previously served as Chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company and received an appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014.

The inclusion of Mr Liveris on the Performance Forum agenda highlights the meetup between major global event legacy planning and the commercial expansion of women’s athletics ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games.

Mr Liveris will address key delegates on how major sporting organisations can harness the momentum of the Green and Gold Decade to foster equitable high-performance pathways and drive enduring commercial returns.

Featuring specialised programming tailored for coaches, sports scientists, clubland administrators, and corporate partners, the summit pairs high-level executive keynotes with practical performance forums.

Participants attending the four-day program can expect explorations of sponsorship revenue strategies, fan engagement models, and systemic institutional reform designed to cement Australia’s status as a world-class sporting destination.

View full event details here.

Cricket Australia Partners with Komo Technologies to Drive Fan Engagement and Data Strategy

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

Cricket Australia has partnered with Australian-developed audience engagement and data platform Komo Technologies.

The agreement spans international Test matches, One Day Internationals, Twenty20 fixtures, and the Big Bash leagues, deploying interactive tools that enable fans to participate through live predicting, voting, and game-day activations across in-venue screens, broadcasts, and digital ecosystems like CricketPlus.

The collaboration follows closely on the heels of Komo securing a similar partnership with the NBL Group, underlining the platform’s expanding footprint across elite Australian sport. By replacing static forms and surveys with active gamification, the technology is designed to capture consented, declared consumer data that enhances fan personalisation while delivering quantifiable commercial value and return on investment for corporate sponsors.

Cricket Australia’s senior manager of Martech and Capability, Annie Clare, emphasised the operational advantages of consolidating digital engagement into a single platform.

“Komo gives us one platform that works in venue, on broadcast and across our digital offerings such as CricketPlus so that we can offer fans experiences worth taking part in, understand more about what they respond to, and give our commercial partners real engagement to point to.”

Komo co-founder and CEO, Joel Steel noted that unlocking deep audience insights requires moving beyond passive reach to active participation.

“The audience is there, the reach is enormous.”

“What every major sport is now working out is how much it actually knows about its audience because knowing a fan makes it possible to drive greater personalised experiences as well as measurable ROI for the sponsors.

“Participation is the most reliable way to gather those insights and that’s the job we’re taking on with Cricket Australia.

“Give people something genuinely worth taking part in and they’ll tell you who they are, willingly.

“Fans take part, the sport gets to know them, and that turns into commercial value CA can grow,” Steel said.

Beyond software infrastructure, Komo’s specialist team will collaborate directly with Cricket Australia’s commercial group to design bespoke campaign strategies, streamline sponsor activations, and unlock new digital inventory for the open market.

Collingwood FC and Seattle Seahawks Announce World-First Strategic Partnership Ahead of Historic MCG NFL Game

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

Collingwood Football Club has formalised a partnership with the National Football League franchise the Seattle Seahawks, uniting two iconic sporting organisations with exceptionally passionate supporter bases ahead of Melbourne’s first-ever NFL fixture at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The alliance represents a world-first collaboration designed to foster international knowledge exchange, operational innovation, and fan engagement across both codes, kicked off by a joint flag football clinic at the KGM Centre.

By pairing Collingwood’s famed Magpie Army with the Seahawks’ famously loud and dedicated 12s fan base, the partnership creates unique cross-promotional pathways and collaborative opportunities in high performance and business operations.

The alignment serves as a commercial vehicle for both clubs, enabling the Seahawks to expand their brand footprint across Australia and New Zealand while giving Collingwood access to world-class organisational benchmarks from American sport.

Emphasising the long-term strategic value of the collaboration for the club’s personnel and supporters, Collingwood CEO, Officer Craig Kelly, said: “The Seahawks are a world-class sporting organisation that continues to set the benchmark in high performance, fan engagement and innovation.”

“This partnership will create valuable opportunities for our Club and our people to learn, collaborate and share ideas as we continue to challenge ourselves and evolve the way we work,” Kelly said.

Kelly further highlighted the international dimensions of the alliance.

“Partnering with an internationally recognised and highly respected organisation like the Seattle Seahawks strengthens both clubs’ ability to connect with fans around the world and exchange knowledge that drives continued growth.”

“In what is a historic week for Melbourne, we look forward to exploring future initiatives together and creating meaningful opportunities to bring the 12s and the Magpie Army closer together.”

Echoing these sentiments, Seattle Seahawks managing director of global markets, Isabelle Van Coevorden, said: “The Seahawks are thrilled to partner with Collingwood FC, one of Australia’s most iconic and successful sporting organizations.”

“This collaboration brings together two clubs that share a deep commitment to their fans, innovation, and community impact.

“As we continue to grow the Seahawks brand across Australia and New Zealand, aligning with a club like Collingwood creates exciting opportunities to connect and grow our passionate fan bases,” Coevorden said.

LIV Golf Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and Restructures Into Player-Owned ‘LIV 2.0’ Model

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

LIV Golf has commenced a formal Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring process in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of New Jersey, supported by BC Partners’ credit business, following the withdrawal of financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

The court-supervised restructuring aims to transition the circuit into ‘LIV 2.0’, a newly structured league featuring a player-majority ownership stake, global expansion across five continents, expanded 75-player fields, cuts, and Monday qualifiers.

The financial fallout from the PIF’s exit left the organisation unable to meet financial obligations to vendors and marquee players, with prominent major champions including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Dustin Johnson holding unsecured claims exceeding $5 million.

Addressing the pivot in a communication to stakeholders, and framing the restructuring alongside corporate precedents, LIV Golf CEO, Scott O’Neil, saiid: “Plenty of well-known companies have taken this path before us, including Marvel Entertainment, Delta Airlines, and Caesars Entertainment, along with sports franchises like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Leeds United F.C.”

“We are entering this process with a clear plan and the support of BC Partners, well-capitalized investors with deep experience in sports and entertainment,” O’Neil stated.

The financial collapse of the original circuit structure has thrown player contracts into uncertainty. While multi-year agreements concluded under the previous iteration of LIV Golf will terminate through the court proceedings, reports indicate that athletes are under no legal obligation to sign on to LIV 2.0.

Addressing his immediate playing future while competing on the DP World Tour, Jon Rahm, told BBC Sport: “There’s just a lot of things in place, right? There’s a lot of things that could happen, and it’s one of those things where time’s gonna tell.”

“I still have a contract with LIV 1.0 that I’m more than willing to fulfill. So, like I said, time will tell,” O’Neil stated.

Cricket Australia’s BBL Privatisation Plans Face Standoff Over Player Revenue Share

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Courtney

Cricket Australia’s ambitious push to privatise the Big Bash Leagues has hit a roadblock, with the Australian Cricketers’ Association warning that the multi-million-dollar corporate restructuring cannot proceed without formal player agreement.

While Cricket Australia has officially advanced to the next stage of the franchise sale process, the move has triggered a high-stakes revenue-sharing dispute centered on the current Memorandum of Understanding, which governs financial distributions until the end of 2028. the core disagreement is whether proceeds generated from private equity and team sales fall under the definition of Australian Cricket Revenue, a pool currently shared with players at a baseline rate of 27.5 per cent, which the players’ association wants elevated to 33 per cent.

The Australian Cricketers’ Association, led by CEO Paul Marsh, has formally proposed an independent legal resolution process to neutralise the dispute by appointing a neutral arbiter to determine how private investment capital interacts with existing Memorandum of Understanding definitions.

Marsh has maintained that despite Cricket Australia’s public announcement, foundational negotiations remain unresolved.

Addressing the impasse, Marsh, stated: “We note today’s announcement from CA about proceeding to the next stage of the proposed privatisation of the Big Bash Leagues.”

“From the ACA’s perspective, today’s announcement doesn’t change the work that’s required to be done for privatisation of the Big Bash Leagues to proceed.

“A new MoU needs to be negotiated between ACA and CA and currently we are a long way apart on a possible new deal.

“Despite today’s announcement, Australian cricket cannot proceed with the sale of any teams without the ACA’s agreement. A key issue to be resolved relates to whether or not the proceeds from private investment are captured under the definition of Australian Cricket Revenue.

“On this matter the ACA wrote to CA last week to propose a process for independently determining whether or not these proceeds are captured under the MoU.

“This process will form a critical part of the next steps in this project.

“The ACA remains committed to exploring the privatisation of the Big Bash Leagues but will do so on the basis of any deal being good for the game and the players.”

Cricket Australia CEO, Todd Greenberg, acknowledged the negotiation gap but expressed confidence that a mutually beneficial commercial framework can be reached ahead of upcoming seasons.

“Paul Marsh and I have had good dialogue, yes, we’re a fair way apart in what the negotiation looks like.”

“We’ve got an MOU that runs through till the end of 2028, so we think we’ve got time. I mean, it’s ironic that what we’re trying to do in this particular model is put more money into the hands of the players.

“We think that’s a fundamental part of this project. So we will find a way through that. I have no doubt about that.

“I understand Paul’s got a challenge because he’s got a big cohort of players, so that negotiation will unfold. I’m sure we can find a deal together.”