WNBL Welcomes Ninth Team

Tasmania is set to join the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) as its ninth team, with the addition confirmed for the 2026/27 season.

This announcement marks an important moment in the league’s 45-year history, as it prepares to expand to ten teams, further solidifying pathways for women in basketball.

Expressing her enthusiasm for Tasmania’s return to the league, WNBL CEO Jennie Sager, said: “With the new energy, investment, and passion in the WNBL, it is the right time for Tasmania to return.”

“For the first time since 1996, Tasmanian WNBL fans can watch a game in their home state,” she said.

The inclusion of a Tasmanian team will generate ten new roster spots and enhance career opportunities for coaches, support staff, and leadership roles, contributing to the growth and sustainability of women’s basketball in the state.

Tasmania boasts a rich basketball legacy, highlighted by current Opals star Alanna Smith and the successful Jack Jumpers, who joined the National Basketball League (NBL) in 2021 and managed to sell out every home game last season.

Describing the announcement as a proud moment not only for Tasmania but also for the WNBL, and emphasising the positive impact it will have on future generations, CEO of the Jack Jumpers, Christine Finnegan, added: “We are so proud to expand the club to now have an inspirational and aspirational pathway for both girls and boys.”

This expansion comes alongside the league’s initiative to seek a tenth team, aiming to capitalise on the remarkable growth witnessed in women’s basketball.

WNBL owner, Victoria Denholm of the Wollemi Capital Group, highlighted the current depth of talent in Australian women’s basketball.

Denholm also extended an invitation for passionate stakeholders across the country to join the league’s expansion vision.

“We want to hear exactly why you should have a team and join us in providing more women the opportunity to pursue their dreams.”

Further details regarding the Tasmanian team—including its name, brand identity, and launch timeline—are expected to be revealed in the coming months.

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Carinda Palmer to Empower at the Women in Sport Summit Along with Classic Sportswear

Classic Sportswear will play an integral role at the Women in Sport Summit by supporting women’s sports from grassroots to elite level, returning to The Star on Gold Coast 27-28 August with two days of insights, strategy, and collaboration.

Carinda Palmer: Advocate, Marketing, Leader

Carinda Palmer is a dynamic and passionate leader with a strong background in sports marketing with over 5 years of experience in Australian Sailing to Classic Sportswear. An expert marketing and PR personnel, she is an advocate for women in sports by investing in sports organisations through project management, social media, and ambassador managements.

Palmer is currently the Head of Brand and Marketing of Classic Sportswear, she believes that by partnering with the summit, this aligns their brand to support women in sports in all categories, and make partnership with the right organisations to highlight and support their mission as a brand.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Palmer said: “Too often women in sport have had to settle for second best, whether that is ill-fitting gear or leadership pathways.”

“So as a brand, we’re investing in products, partnerships and initiatives that support women in sport.

“We’re using our platforms to celebrate their achievements, from elite athletes in purpose-built apparel through to girls getting confident through leadership,

“We want to show that when women are truly supported, they thrive and that’s a win for everyone,” Palmer noted.

A platform for Impact

The two-day event opens with an exclusive High Performance Day on 27 August, supported by Griffith University and Vald, offering world-class expertise in sports science, coaching, and leadership. The main summit on 28 August will feature more than 20 speakers across keynotes, panels, and workshops, tackling the commercial, cultural, and structural shifts shaping women’s sport.

Women’s sport is at a pivotal moment. Record-breaking fan engagement, national team success, and surging corporate investment are driving growth across codes. The summit provides a platform for brands, athletes, and sports organisations to collaborate and ensure this momentum delivers lasting impact.

Ticketing

Combined Access (High Performance Day + Summit) – AUD $790

High Performance Day only – AUD $395

Summit only – AUD $550

Tickets are still available. Join Australia’s most influential sports leaders and help shape the future of women’s sport.

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Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride Select i-Tech as Official Managed IT Partner

Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride have officially entered a multi-year collaboration with i-Tech, a leading Managed IT Services Provider (MSP), designating them as the teams’ official IT service partner.

Under this partnership, i-Tech will deliver comprehensive IT management and cybersecurity services for both teams. Their expertise is vital in maintaining critical operations during home games, managing the front office, and supporting back-end operations.

Services include 24/7 network monitoring, help desk support, onsite technical assistance during game days, advanced cybersecurity measures, IT strategy development, and ongoing staff training.

Highlighting the necessity of having a dedicated IT partner in the dynamic world of sports, Chief Financial Officer of both Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride, Carlos Osorio, said: “In today’s fast-paced sports environment, having a specialised and reliable IT partner is crucial.”

“i-Tech brings over 20 years of experience in Central Florida and fully grasps the intricacies of live events and enterprise operations. Importantly, they are a team that genuinely invests in our success and the local community,” Osorio said.

Reinforcing this perspective, noting the essential role of technology in sports, CEO of i-Tech, Armando Huerta, added: “Professional sports hinge on quick decisions, data analytics, and uninterrupted connectivity—there’s no margin for error.”

“We are thrilled to be the trusted IT partner for Orlando City and Orlando Pride, ensuring that gameday operations, media production, and front office functions remain secure and efficient,” Huerta said.

Effective immediately, this partnership sees i-Tech taking charge of IT operations at Inter&Co Stadium for the remainder of the 2025 MLS and NWSL seasons.

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Brisbane Roar Confirms Partnership with Transport Leader Cannon Logistics

Brisbane Roar has announced the renewal of their partnership with Cannon Logistics for the upcoming 2025/2026 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season.

As part of this collaboration, Cannon Logistics will be featured on the back of the men’s team playing shorts throughout the season.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the partnership, Chief Operations Officer of Brisbane Roar, Zac Anderson, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Cannon Logistics back into the Brisbane Roar family, an entity that has been a steadfast supporter of the broader Brisbane football community for many years.”

“This partnership not only highlights our club’s direction but also reinforces our commitment to nurturing connections within our community.

“A heartfelt thank you to Zac Popov and the entire Cannon Logistics team for joining us again for the 2025/2026 season,” Anderson said.

Sharing his excitement regarding the collaboration, Cannon Logistics Director, Zac Popov, added: “We are delighted to sponsor Brisbane Roar for the upcoming A-League season.”

“It’s crucial for us to partner with the Roar at this pivotal time, as I, along with many in the Queensland football community, eagerly anticipate a successful season for the team.

“Cannon Logistics is proud to play its part in this journey, and I look forward to seeing coach Michael Valkanis and his players excel this season,” Popov concluded.

Known for their expertise in general road freight, refrigerated transportation, and both cold and dry storage services, Cannon Logistics is no stranger to the Roar family, having proudly supported the football club over the years.

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Fubo and DAZN Team Up to Bring More Live Sports to Canadians

Sports streamers Fubo and DAZN are joining forces in Canada, giving subscribers access to more live sports under one roof.

This collaboration allows DAZN subscribers to access integrate Fubo Sports Network into their existing subscriptions, while Fubo users will have the option to include DAZN in their plans.

Commenting on the partnership, VP of DAZN Canada, Deidra Dionne, said: “DAZN’s partnership with Fubo marks a significant step in delivering greater accessibility to premium sports and value to Canadian sports fans.”

“By combining content from two powerhouse platforms, we’re creating a more seamless viewing experience and offering one of the most comprehensive sports lineups available—whether you’re following the NFL, UEFA Champions League, or Premier League, it is now all in one place,” Dionne said.

Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership, Senior VP at Fubo, Ben Grad, added: “Our collaboration with DAZN in Canada is a game changer for Canadian sports fans.”

“Fubo’s soccer-mad customers will be able to watch even more world-class soccer, including exclusive DAZN properties like UEFA Champions League and Bundesliga through one cohesive experience.

“Beyond soccer, together we will offer the best in global sports where fans can access NFL alongside NBA, MLB, NHL, and more on Fubo,” Grad said.

This partnership brings together an array of major sports, including the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Premier League, Serie A, NFL, boxing, and much more.

For Fubo users, there’s an added bonus: access to DAZN Ringside, which features round-the-clock boxing coverage, will be included at no additional charge. Details regarding the pricing for these new plans will be announced shortly by both companies.

This partnership establishes one of the largest sports streaming bundles in Canada, merging DAZN’s extensive offerings, which include the NFL, Bundesliga, WTA, boxing, and LIV Golf, with Fubo’s exclusive coverage of the Premier League, Serie A, and over 100 additional live sports and entertainment channels.

Both Fubo and DAZN are compatible with a variety of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, game consoles, and streaming sticks like Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Chromecast.

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Sky Media Reports Record Premier League Sponsorship Deal

Sky Media has announced an expansion of its Premier League partner line-up for the upcoming 2025/26 season, welcoming four esteemed brand partners and elevating its roster to an unprecedented six sponsors.

This milestone signifies the largest single investment in Premier League coverage in Sky’s history, promising substantial commercial growth and brand engagement across broadcast, digital, and social media platforms.

Commenting on the milestone, Managing Director of Sky Media, Brett Aumuller, said: “This is a landmark moment for Sky Media. The addition of four new brand partners underscores our commitment to providing award-winning coverage across multiple platforms.”

“With our most significant football year yet on the horizon, we are eager to help our partners connect with fans across the nation on the biggest stage,” Aumuller said.

This season’s offerings also include sponsorship of highlighted social clips on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

For the first time, sponsors will have access to a dedicated branded content fund, allowing them to collaborate with Sky Sports talent to create engaging content that extends their reach beyond live match moments. With a record of at least 215 matches set to air on Sky Sports, each partner will enjoy equal exposure across the network’s diverse platforms, including broadcast, VoD, and digital media.

Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership, Category Marketing Director at Guinness GB, Deb Caldow, noted: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Sky Sports for the upcoming season.”

“At Guinness, we understand that sports experiences are better shared, and our mission is to enhance those moments for fans, whether at the pub or at home.

“For decades, Sky Sports has brought football fans closer to unforgettable moments, and we believe this partnership will deepen that connection,” Caldow said.

President of EMEA Marketing at Coca-Cola, Javier Meza, added: “The ritual of watching a match together creates a unique bond, and Coca-Cola has always been about celebrating those moments.”

“We are proud to partner with Sky Sports—home of the Premier League—for the 2025/26 season and beyond,” Meza said.

Started last 15th August, Sky Sports will introduce four new whistle-to-whistle sponsors: Guinness, Coca-Cola, Uber Eats, and The British Army.

These brands will not only have a presence in live Premier League broadcasts but will also engage fans through tailored branded content initiatives.

They join returning sponsors bet365, which maintains its role in pre- and post-match coverage, and EA, which expands its partnership to provide fans with exclusive digital and social content.

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ASC and Port Adelaide Join Forces in New Partnership

Port Adelaide Football Club has announced ASC, Australia’s leading submarine builder, as a new principal partner.

The partnership will strengthen the club’s AFLW program and expand the reach of its community arm, Power Community Ltd (PCL). With ASC’s support, a range of initiatives for families and young people across South Australia will benefit, including Power to Thrive, the Community Youth Program, and the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup.

Shared Values and Community Focus

Port Adelaide CEO Matthew Richardson said the collaboration reflects a strong alignment of values: “We are thrilled to welcome ASC as a principal partner of the Port Adelaide Football Club, working together on both our AFLW program and Power Community Ltd. This partnership amplifies the impact of our programs and strengthens our AFLW initiatives as we gear up for our fourth year in the competition.”

Richardson emphasised that the partnership brings together two prominent South Australian organisations with a shared goal: delivering meaningful outcomes for the communities they serve.

ASC’s Commitment to the Region

ASC CEO and Managing Director, Stuart Whiley, said the partnership reflects the company’s deep ties to the Lefevre Peninsula and Port Adelaide region: “We are proud to stand with a club that embodies excellence, both in sport and community service. This partnership highlights our united commitment to programs that uplift and empower the community.”

ASC will place particular emphasis on Power to Thrive, which provides resilience and wellbeing support for children from Australian Defence Force families. The program delivers resources to help young people navigate challenges associated with Defence life.

Boosting Women’s Sport

Alongside its community work, ASC will also back Port Adelaide’s AFLW program, helping to foster the next generation of female athletes and supporting the growth of women’s football in South Australia.

Both Port Adelaide and ASC reaffirmed their long-term commitment to building local connections and driving positive social impact.

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Sri Lanka Cricket’s New ‘Team Kit’ Designed by Moose Clothing Launched

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially launched its new team jerseys, developed in partnership with Moose Clothing Company, the organisation’s Official Cricket Clothing Partner.

These freshly designed kits, which will be worn across all formats of the game, represent a striking union of contemporary craftsmanship and traditional values.

Expressing the organisations vision, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, Mr. Ashley De Silva, said: “Sri Lanka Cricket is excited to unveil the new jersey, which embodies our heritage, performance, and national pride.”

“We believe this attire will provide our players with the comfort required to excel,” De Silva said.

Moose Clothing Company’s CEO, Hasib Omar, added: “These jerseys are more than just sportswear; they represent Sri Lanka’s cricketing narrative, intertwining our heritage with innovation.”

“Our goal was to craft jerseys that inspire pride in every player and supporter, both on and off the field,” Omar noted.

Incorporating advanced fabric technology, the jerseys are tailored to significantly enhance player comfort, optimise breathability, and provide improved mobility during high-stakes matches.

A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

The Test jersey exemplifies a seamless integration of tradition and innovation. With athletic tailoring that focuses on mobility, durability, and breathability, it showcases SLC’s iconic yellow-and-blue detailing paired with performance mesh panels.

ODI Jersey – A Nostalgic Tribute with Modern Performance

The ODI jersey draws inspiration from the cricket fashion of te late ’80s and early ’90s, featuring a bold yellow chest band set against a rich navy backdrop.

This design not only rekindles fond memories from a significant era in Sri Lanka’s cricket history but also utilises lightweight, breathable fabrics that enhance on-field performance while honouring the past.

T20I Jersey – Dynamic and Fearless

Capturing Sri Lanka’s vibrant textile legacy, the T20I jersey boasts a lively yellow base with subtle design lines, accentuated by deep blue highlights.

Engineered specifically for speed and agility, this jersey caters to the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket, reflecting the country’s robust apparel heritage.

The unveiling of these jerseys coincides with the upcoming Sri Lanka Men’s Tour of Zimbabwe in 2025, where they will make their debut in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is).

Notably, the men’s team has already debuted the Test kit during their recent home series against Bangladesh, giving fans an initial look at the revamped attire ahead of competitive action.

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Geelong Cats partner with PILLAR Performance

Geelong Cats have announced a new partnership with PILLAR Performance, who will become the club’s official Sports Nutritional Supplement Supply Partner.

Under the agreement, PILLAR will exclusively provide athlete-safe, high-performance supplements to support both the AFL and AFLW programs.

Elevating Performance

Geelong Cats CEO Marcus King said the partnership aligns with the club’s focus on elite performance: “As we approach the critical stages of the AFL men’s season and the start of the AFLW season, we continually seek ways to support our athletes in achieving peak performance. We are excited to welcome PILLAR Performance into the Cats family and work together to help our players and programs excel.”

Innovation in Sports Nutrition

PILLAR Performance Founder and CEO Damien Fitzpatrick said the Cats’ reputation made them an ideal partner: “Geelong is a standout in Australian sport, renowned for its professionalism and results-driven high-performance culture. We developed PILLAR to meet the demands of elite programs and those who strive for excellence every day. The Cats embody this ethos throughout their club and community.”

Science-Backed Solutions

Recognised as a leader in performance health, PILLAR specialises in cutting-edge nutrition solutions that target recovery, immune health, sleep quality, and injury resilience. Its science-backed protocols will play a key role in Geelong’s high-performance strategy.

The partnership will also engage Cats members and fans. A digital content series will highlight the role of micro-nutrition in elite sport and demonstrate how PILLAR products can optimise everyday performance on and off the field.

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Kayo Sports and Foxtel Cement US Sports Dominance with ESPN Extension

Kayo Sports and Foxtel have announced the multi-year extension of their long-standing broadcasting partnership with ESPN.

This renewed agreement, which showcases content from ESPN and ESPN2, ensures the continued availability of major North American sports leagues and events, including the NBA, NFL, MLB, UFC, WNBA, and NHL, to Australian subscribers.

The deal, confirmed on August 11, 2025, solidifies Kayo and Foxtel’s position as a primary destination for diverse sports content in the Australian market.

The partnership which spans over two decades is a strategic move to maintain Foxtel Group’s competitive edge in a dynamic media landscape.

Commenting on the extensionship, Foxtel Group CEO, Patrick Delany, said: “We have enjoyed a wonderful, world-leading relationship with ESPN that spans more than two decades — a remarkable achievement in the dynamic world of media.”

“This renewal combines ESPN’s premium coverage of the best US sports with our unrivalled portfolio, including the AFL, NRL and cricket, cementing Kayo Sports and Foxtel as the ultimate destination for Australian sports fans,” Delany said.

Underscoring the mutual benefits, SVP & Managing Director for The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand, and Head of ESPN Asia-Pacific, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, noted: “Our relationship with Foxtel is one we value immensely at ESPN and we are thrilled that Foxtel and Kayo Sports will remain a part of the ESPN ecosystem in Australia.”

The agreement also extends to the commercial sector, with Foxtel Business becoming the exclusive distributor of ESPN for licensed venues across Australia for the first time.

This expansion into the commercial market presents a new revenue stream and broadens ESPN’s reach beyond direct-to-consumer households.

Additionally, Foxtel Media will continue to manage advertising opportunities on Kayo Sports for ESPN content, leveraging the platform’s extensive subscriber base.

Beyond Live Game Coverage

The deal ensures access to a range of popular ESPN studio shows, such as SportsCenter, The Pat McAfee Show, NBA Today, and First Take, alongside its acclaimed 30 for 30 film library.

The extensive, round-the-clock coverage of the UFC, including ESPN’s UFC Fight Night content complementing Kayo Sports and Foxtel’s pay-per-view events, further enhances the value proposition for subscribers.

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Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Introduces Venue Naming Rights

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games organisers have announced a commercial advancement by introducing a pilot program that will allow venue naming rights for the first time in Games history.

This initiative is developed in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marks a departure from traditional “clean venue” policies and is aimed at substantially boosting commercial revenues.

Under the new program, qualifying LA28 partners can retain existing venue names during the Games and acquire additional marketing assets.

The scope also extends to offering naming rights for up to 19 temporary venues to worldwide Olympic partners and LA28 sponsors.

Comcast and Honda have been unveiled as inaugural partners, with the Comcast Squash Center at Universal Studios and the Honda Center in Anaheim maintaining their names as Olympic competition sites.

LA28 Chair, Casey Wasserman, characterised this development as a “new commercial model” for the Olympic movement.

He highlighted the potential for significant financial upside, noting that revenue from these naming rights will be additional to the existing $2.5 billion sponsorship revenue target. “

We’ve been very conservative, so we have none of this revenue in our budget so any revenue is upside,” Wasserman stated.

Comcast holds U.S. broadcast rights through NBC and Peacock, said it would support LA28 across the entire company, including coverage and the squash showcase.

Honda, which in June was named the Games automotive sponsor, said its long-backed Anaheim arena would step onto the international stage to power Olympic dreams.

LA28 said additional naming-rights partners are expected as the three-year countdown continues.

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WA Government Boosts Regional Sport with Infrastructure Funding

The Western Australian (WA) Government has announced an investment of AUD2,863,524 million in funding for local sport and recreation infrastructure across the state.

This funding, distributed through 32 grants under the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) and Club Night Lights Program (CNLP) as part of the broader “PlayOn WA” initiative, aims to enhance community connectivity and health through improved sporting amenities.

The allocated funds target projects in both metropolitan and regional areas, with a focus on essential upgrades. These include renovations to change rooms, enhancements to playing facilities, and the installation or upgrade of venue lighting.

The initiative’s goal is to deliver 2,030 community sport and recreation infrastructure items across WA by the year 2030, underscoring a long-term strategic commitment to grassroots sport development.

In this latest small grants round, 20 projects received CSRFF funding, and 12 were supported through the CNLP, ensuring local clubs can provide safer, more inclusive, and accessible facilities.

Administered by the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, this program underscores an investment in the foundational elements of Western Australian sport.

By targeting infrastructure improvements at the community level, the WA Government is planning a greater participation, supporting regional economies, and building a more resilient sporting landscape.

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How CRM-driven fan journeys are unlocking new revenue in sport

Sportz Interactive recently worked with a global sports franchise to use data-led personalisation as a direct revenue driver.

The campaign aimed to increase merchandise sales by segmenting fans into micro-cohorts, such as first-time app users, previous purchasers, and gaming participants.

Each group received tailored campaigns via email, push notifications, and in-app alerts. Messages coincided with match-day moments, player milestones, or product launches. For example, abandoned carts were followed up with gamified discounts, while previous season buyers were given early access to new jerseys.

The campaign, supported by real-time triggers, dynamic content modules, and A/B testing, generated merchandise sales totalling INR 4.8 million, with 10–15% directly attributed to CRM-led outreach. This result underscores CRM’s growing role in translating engagement into measurable business outcomes.

CRM Takes Centre Stage in Sports Revenue Strategies

As global sports consumption habits shift, the commercial conversation has moved from audience size to audience depth. For sports organisations, the priority is no longer how many fans they can reach, but how effectively they can engage and monetise them. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are emerging as a core revenue tool in this transformation.

While digital content, social media, and gamification have long been used to strengthen fan connections, CRM is increasingly integrated into the commercial strategy of rights holders. The focus is on personalised communication at scale.

Commercial Implications for the Industry

The case demonstrates CRM’s potential beyond merchandise, with clear applications in ticketing, OTT subscriptions, and membership programs. In an environment where data privacy regulations are reshaping marketing, owning and leveraging first-party audience data is becoming a key asset for sports organisations.

Summarising the shift, CEO of Adelaide United, Nathan Kosmina, said: “Our purpose extends far beyond the pitch… By using football as a vehicle for social connection and opportunity, we’re proud to play a role helping newly arrived communities feel welcome and supported.”

For rights holders, the challenge will be integrating CRM not as an operational back-end, but as a central component of their monetisation model.

Strategic Takeaways

  • Behaviour-based segmentation can increase conversion rates.

  • Align campaign timing with high-emotion fan moments.

  • Embed CRM at the heart of revenue strategies, not just as a communications tool.

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West Coast Eagles partner with Bar Health and Hygiene

The West Coast Eagles have officially welcomed Bar Health and Hygiene as a new partner of their AFLW programme for the 2025 season. This strategic partnership aims to enhance the club’s commitment to promoting women’s football while aligning with a provider known for its dedication to health and hygiene standards.

Bar Health and Hygiene stands out as a prominent supplier of occupational health and hygiene services throughout Western Australia. The firm caters to a diverse range of industries, ensuring that workplaces adhere to the highest standards of health and hygiene.

Reflecting on the partnership, and expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration, West Coast Eagles CEO Don Pyke, said: “We’re proud to welcome Bar Health & Hygiene as a partner of our AFLW program for the 2025 season,”

“Their commitment to excellence and community wellbeing aligns perfectly with our vision for women’s football,” he added, signifying the potential for mutual growth,” Pyke mentioned.

Echoing his sentiments, Managing Director of Bar Health and Hygiene, Brenton Rowe, said: “Bar Health and Hygiene is proud to support the West Coast Eagles AFLW team for the upcoming 2025 season.”

He articulated the company’s commitment to progress, resilience, and excellence in health, noting a natural synergy with the objectives of the Eagles’ AFLW programme.

Rowe further commended the club’s efforts in promoting women’s football and nurturing future generations of athletes, a cause that resonates strongly with the values of Bar Health and Hygiene.

“Partnering with the West Coast Eagles AFLW is more than a branding opportunity; it’s a chance for us to champion a cause we care about,” he remarked. 

As both organisations gear up for the season, there is a shared excitement about the potential for this partnership to leave a lasting legacy in women’s sport.

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Aussie Athlete Fund and Natalie Cook Join the Women in Sport Summit

The Aussie Athlete Fund will play a central role at the Women in Sport Summit 2025, returning to The Star Gold Coast on 27–28 August with two days of insights, strategy, and collaboration.

Natalie Cook: Athlete, Advocate, Leader

Nat Cook is a five-time Olympian and beach volleyball Gold and Bronze Medallist. A passionate athlete advocate, she has long championed the transformational power of sport and the lessons learned in the pursuit of excellence. Her trademark authenticity and energy, paired with a career that spans elite competition and business leadership, make her a compelling motivational speaker and advisor.

Cook currently serves as a Director of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee and sits on the World Olympians Association Board. She is a firm believer in the Games’ potential to create enduring legacies for individuals, businesses, and communities. Her work with the Aussie Athlete Fund reflects this commitment, helping athletes prepare for success on and off the field in the lead-up to 2032 and beyond.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Cook said: “We partner with Ministry of Sport and Playa Power for the Women in Sport Summit because we believe the rising tide of the Matildas effect is helping all women’s sport. Women in sport have the capacity to inspire our nation, and I look forward to seeing that continue all the way through 2032 and beyond.”

A platform for Impact

The two-day event opens with an exclusive High Performance Day on 27 August, supported by Griffith University and Vald, offering world-class expertise in sports science, coaching, and leadership. The main summit on 28 August will feature more than 20 speakers across keynotes, panels, and workshops, tackling the commercial, cultural, and structural shifts shaping women’s sport.

Women’s sport is at a pivotal moment. Record-breaking fan engagement, national team success, and surging corporate investment are driving growth across codes. The summit provides a platform for brands, athletes, and sports organisations to collaborate and ensure this momentum delivers lasting impact.

Ticketing

  • Combined Access (High Performance Day + Summit) – AUD $790

  • High Performance Day only – AUD $395

  • Summit only – AUD $550

Tickets are now available. Join Australia’s most influential sports leaders and help shape the future of women’s sport.

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