Page 32 – Ministry of Sport

Fanatics and OBB Media Launch ‘Fanatics Studios’ in Global Entertainment Push

Posted on January 14, 2026January 14, 2026 by Courtney

Fanatics has announced a partnership with Los Angeles-based OBB Media to launch Fanatics Studios. The partnership, lead by CEO Michael Ratner, will independently create, finance, and distribute a premium slate of feature films, documentaries, and live event specials, marking a strategic evolution of Fanatics from a merchandising giant into a holistic sports entertainment platform.

The organisation’s debut portfolio includes high-stakes partnerships with the world’s most recognisable sporting entities. As a primary content partner for LA28, Fanatics Studios will produce the official Olympic film for theatrical release, alongside various digital projects spotlighting athlete culture.

Additionally, a ten-year deal has been secured to co-produce Fanatics Fest, ensuring a long-term commercial runway for the brand’s live event division.

Emphasising the importance of the move, Fanatics CEO, Michael Rubin, stating: “We are going to continue pushing our mission of relentlessly enhancing the fan experience by creating content that brings fans closer than ever to the teams, players, sports, and cultural moments that they love.”

Ratner, who remains CEO of OBB Media, added that the venture aims to “redefine what is possible” at the intersection of sports and pop culture.

Key Projects Confirmed for the 2026-2027:

Tom Brady & Fox Sports: A multi-part docuseries titled One More Drive, following Brady’s preparation for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Riyadh and his potential bid for a Team USA Olympic roster spot.

ESPN: A multi-year programming deal including the production of the 2026 ESPY Awards and a renewal of the Fanatics Fest: All Access special.

MLB & Box to Box Films: A new docuseries chronicling the World Baseball Classic, set to launch this spring.

WWE: A slate of unscripted digital content, including a culinary travel series, YEE(A)T with The Usos, featuring Jimmy and Jey Uso.

The partnership leverages Fanatics’ massive database of fans and athletes with OBB’s production honour and technical infrastructure.

By centralising these media assets, the organisation expects to generate nine figures in revenue within its first year, solidifying its position as a dominant force in the global sports media landscape.

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WNBPA and WNBA Agree to Free Agency Moratorium Amid CBA Impasse

Posted on January 14, 2026January 14, 2026 by Courtney

The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) have reached an agreement on a temporary moratorium for all league business, effectively halting the start of the free agency period.

The decision comes after the two parties failed to reach a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) or an extension of the previous deal by last Friday’s deadline.

The moratorium is a move to prevent teams from issuing qualifying offers or “core” designations while a new salary system, expected to include massive compensation increases, is still being negotiated. With nearly every veteran in the league currently a free agent, the pause ensures that players are not forced to sign contracts under the expired, lower-value pay scales.

The negotiations have reached what sources describe as a “bitter impasse,” with both sides acknowledging the need for a transformational deal but remaining miles apart on the strategic why of the league’s financial structure.

At the heart of the dispute is the revenue-sharing model; the league has proposed a system where players receive 70% of net revenue, while the union is reportedly seeking approximately 30% of gross revenue.

Commenting on the announcement, The WNBPA, said: “Make no mistake. Pay equity is not optional and progress is long overdue.”

“The players remain undeterred, unafraid, and unwavering in their commitment to doing what is necessary to secure a transformational new CBA,” they said.

The league’s current proposal would see average salaries jump to over USD530,000 (AUD747,400) in the first year, a rise from the 2025 average of USD120,000 (AUD179,000), with a salary cap of USD5 million (AUD7.4 million).

However, the WNBPA’s counter-proposal in late November reportedly sought a USD12.5 million (AUD18.6 million) cap and a USD1 million (AUD1.4 million) average player salary, reflecting the unprecedented popularity and commercial growth the organisation has experienced over the past 24 months.

While the expiration of the old deal technically opens the door for a work stoppage, the league has indicated it is not currently considering a lockout.

For now, the status quo of working conditions remains in place as both parties continue to bargain over the future of a league that is rapidly becoming a global commercial powerhouse.

Fastbreak AI Appoints XV Capital Advisory as Exclusive ANZ Channel Partner

Posted on January 14, 2026January 14, 2026 by Courtney

Global sports operations leader Fastbreak AI has announced a partnership with XV Capital Advisory (XV), appointing the firm as its exclusive channel and consulting partner for the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) region.

The agreement aims to increase the adoption of AI-driven scheduling and logistical tools across the region’s professional, amateur, and youth sports sectors.

Noting that the partnership addresses a critical need for modernisation in the region, founding partner and CEO of XV Capital, James Godfrey, said: “Sports organisations across ANZ are looking for better ways to manage competition structures, events, programs and logistics as well as unearth new revenue opportunities.”

He added that the firm is proud to help expand the footprint of a company already trusted by the world’s premier professional leagues.

The deal comes on the heels of Fastbreak AI’s successful USD40 million Series A funding round in late 2025, which saw investment from the NBA, NHL, and high-profile athletes.

highlighting the importance of the ANZ market, co-founder and CEO of Fastbreak AI, John Stewart, added: “This partnership gives organisations across the region access to the same scheduling and operations technology used by major leagues around the world.”

“XV understands the local landscape and brings experience that will help schools, clubs and leagues move to more modern systems as they grow,” Stewart said.

The program will leverage Fastbreak AI’s proprietary software, which is already a recognisable fixture in the Australian market through its work with the AFL and NRL.

Globally, the platform is trusted by over 60 major leagues, including the NBA, NHL, and MLS, to automate complex competition structures, reduce travel costs, and optimize broadcast requirements.

By partnering with XV, Fastbreak AI gains a local foothold to scale its “Pro” and “Amateur” suites into community clubs, schools, and governing bodies.

As the “800-pound gorilla” in the sports scheduling space, Fastbreak AI’s expansion into ANZ via XV Capital, a firm co-founded by former Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock, signals a major shift toward data-led efficiency in the local sporting landscape.

The collaboration is expected to provide national governing bodies and grassroots organisers with the tools to reduce operational friction while maintaining the honour and integrity of their respective competitions.

Tennis Australia and NEXO Launch $10 Million Bracket Challenge for AO26

Posted on January 14, 2026January 14, 2026 by Courtney

Tennis Australia has partnered with digital finance firm NEXO to launch the AO26 AUD10 Million Bracket Challenge, offering the largest fan prize in world tennis.

The initiative, unveiled ahead of the 2026 tournament, invites Australian residents to predict the perfect singles draw for a chance to win the record-breaking eight-figure sum.

The competition marks a commercial expansion for the organisation and its new Official Crypto Partner, NEXO, which signed a multi-year deal with Tennis Australia in December 2025.

To win the AUD10 million prize, fans must correctly predict every match winner across all seven rounds of either the men’s or women’s singles draw, a total of 127 matches. If no entrant achieves a flawless bracket, AUD10,000 consolation prizes will be awarded to the highest-scoring participants in each category.

Highlighting the program’s focus on fan engagement, Tennis Australia chief commercial officer, Cedric Cornelis, said: “This is a game of skill, not chance, the AO Bracket Challenge is about rewarding tennis knowledge and creating an exciting new way for fans to engage with the tournament.”

He also noted that the initiative is part of a broader strategic objective to enhance the “digital precinct” experience for fans throughout the summer.

A New Experience for Australian Fans

The timing is critical for fans; the official singles draws are scheduled for release at 4:00 pm AEDT on Thursday, 15 January 2026. Entries will open immediately following the draw and close at 10:00 am on Sunday, 18 January, just one hour before the first main draw matches commence at Melbourne Park.

The organisation has confirmed that the challenge is currently exclusive to domestic fans, with plans to expand the recognisable format to international audiences in future editions.

This partnership underscores the growing intersection of elite sport and digital finance, providing NEXO with a high-visibility platform during one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.

By offering a life-changing sum for an “unpredictable” feat, Tennis Australia is leveraging the honour and prestige of the Grand Slam to drive record levels of data-led fan interaction and digital growth.

Perth Bears Unveil Inaugural Logo Ahead of 2027 NRL Debut

Posted on January 14, 2026January 14, 2026 by Courtney

The Perth Bears have reached a major milestone in their journey toward the 2027 NRL season, officially unveiling the club’s inaugural logo.

Designed by Dave Carnovale, a graphic designer and lifelong supporter of the North Sydney Bears, the emblem is a blend of heritage and future-readiness, featuring a roaring bear in the club’s traditional red and black.

The organisation’s choice to use a designer from the Bears’ original heartland highlights a commitment to the “One Club, Two Coasts” philosophy.

Emphasising that while the team is a new entity for Western Australia, and how it remains deeply rooted in the 117-year history of the foundation club, Perth Bears CEO, Anthony De Ceglie, said: “The birthplace and spiritual home of the ‘Bears’ in rugby league will always be North Sydney.”

“We truly believe [the logo] represents something that both North Sydney fans and West Australian fans can truly get behind,” De Ceglie said.

Describing the logo as a symbol of unity, Immortal and head coach, Mal Meninga, added: “This Bear honours the proud history of the Bears while embracing the energy of Western Australia.”

“The coach has already begun building his inaugural roster, recently confirming the signings of Josh Curran, Toby Sexton, and Harry Newman on multi-year deals,” Meniga mentioned.

The club has already formalised landmark partnerships with New Balance as its apparel provider and Budget Direct as a major sponsor.

Furthermore, the Bears have established a comprehensive program of pathways, signing exclusive agreements with the North Sydney Bears (NSW Cup) and the Brisbane Tigers (Hostplus Cup) to secure a talent pipeline ahead of their kick-off.

With the Western Australian Government committing AUD5.6 million to the expansion project, including significant investment in grassroots league and venue upgrades for HBF Park, the Perth Bears are positioning themselves as a commercial powerhouse.

The club is set to launch a limited-edition merchandise range this week, capitalising on the significant “hype” surrounding the ret

PGA TOUR and Viking Announce Multi-Year Marketing Partnership

Posted on January 13, 2026January 14, 2026 by Courtney

The PGA TOUR and Viking have formalised a landmark multi-year marketing partnership, designating the global cruise specialist as the Official Cruise Line of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions. The agreement, which runs through 2030, marks a significant strategic expansion for Viking into the sports industry, aligning the brand with a high-yield demographic that prioritises luxury travel and cultural enrichment.

The programme will focus on a comprehensive brand awareness campaign, leveraging Viking’s fleet of more than 100 ships across river, ocean, and expedition voyages. Viking’s branding will be integrated into the TOUR’s global media and digital platforms, reaching an audience that spans 200 countries and territories. This commercial tie-up follows a record-breaking 2025 for Viking and coincides with the launch of the 2026 PGA TOUR season in Hawaii.

Richard Marnell, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Viking, highlighted the synergy between the two organisations. “Both golf and travel are important priorities in the lives of many Viking guests, so partnering with the PGA TOUR is a natural fit and builds on our continued commitment to support cultural programming and events,” Marnell said. The partnership adds to Viking’s recognisable portfolio of cultural sponsorships, which includes the British Museum and the Metropolitan Opera.

For the PGA TOUR, the deal represents a strategic win in securing a premium lifestyle partner that resonates with its affluent fan base. Dan Glod, PGA TOUR Executive Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, stated: “A universally recognised leader in the industry, we’re proud to partner with Viking as they are known for providing memorable and enriching travel experiences that resonate with our players and fans.” The agreement also extends Viking’s recent honour-bound foray into sport, following its sponsorship of the Norwegian Football Federation. By securing a five-year runway with the world’s premier golf tour, Viking is positioned to drive double-digit growth in its North American market share, which currently stands at approximately 50%.

Melbourne Victory makes 2026 Pride Cup announcement

Posted on January 13, 2026January 13, 2026 by Courtney

Melbourne Victory has announced an extensive series of community initiatives and education-led activations for the 2026 Pride Cup, a shift in how the club engages with the LGBTIQ+ community.

The announcement precedes the annual Pride Cup double-header against Adelaide United, scheduled for Saturday, 17 January, at Coopers Stadium.

Under the club’s recently unveiled Fan Engagement Plan, Melbourne Victory is pivoting toward “long-term outcomes” following an extensive pre-season consultation period with its Diversity & Inclusion Working Group.

Acknowledging that while previous years saw varied success, the 2026 program focuses on genuine education to ensure all supporters feel recognisable and safe, managing director, Caroline Carnegie, said: “We acknowledge that despite all the right intentions… varied approaches have at times missed the mark.”

“This year, we are focusing on the themes of education and community engagement in a way that will resonate most,” Carnegie said.

The strategic rollout includes several key Victorian and South Australian events:

Education Sessions: Players from both A-League squads will participate in workshops led by former professional footballer Hannah Wilkinson, focusing on lived experiences within the sport.

Queer Sporting Alliance (QSA) Futsal: Victory will lead an inaugural Futsal event at the National Sports Tournament at Narandjeri Stadium on Friday evening, 16 January.

Midsumma Carnival: On Sunday, 18 January, the club will partner with the Melbourne Rovers Soccer Club for a stall and community activations at Alexandra Gardens.

Online Safety Pilot: The club is trialling world-first ethical moderation technology with Areto Labs to protect players and fans from social media harassment.

On the pitch, Victory captains will wear Pride armbands as they compete to reclaim the Pride Cup.

Neville Sillitoe Foundation Opens 2026 Scholarship Applications for Emerging Sprinters

Posted on January 13, 2026January 13, 2026 by Courtney

The Neville Sillitoe Foundation has officially opened applications for its 2026 scholarship program, offering a boost to Australia’s next generation of elite sprinters.

Established to honour the legacy of the late Neville Sillitoe OAM, the legendary coach behind Peter Norman’s enduring 200m national record, the foundation will award up to ten scholarships this year to athletes demonstrating exceptional potential on and off the track.

The initiative, managed through The Athletics International (AI) Trust, provides each recipient with a AUD5,000 grant. The funding is designed to support athletes in balancing their high-performance training with educational or vocational pursuits.

Commenting on the opening of the scholarship application, Neville Sillitoe Foundation, said: “The aim of these scholarships is to provide support for athletes to achieve their athletic, educational and working life potential.”

Launching the 2026 round on Peter Norman Day, the scholarship serves as a recognisable tribute to the special bond between coach and athlete that Sillitoe embodied throughout his distinguished 60-year coaching career at the East Melbourne Harriers and Caulfield Grammar School.

Sillitoe, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 96, was a lifelong advocate for the holistic development of athletes, often investing his own resources to ensure his students reached their “working life potential.”

To be eligible for the 2026 intake, applicants must be Australian citizens aged 18 or older and actively competing in the 100m, 200m, or 400m disciplines.

The organisation is specifically seeking “promising sprinters” who can demonstrate a multi-season commitment to the sport and a clear trajectory toward elite status. Critically, candidates must also be enrolled in at least a 50% study load or be engaged in part-time or full-time employment, reflecting Sillitoe’s belief in the importance of a balanced career path.

The scholarship is distributed in two instalments, contingent upon the submission of a progress report. Upon completion, holders are required to provide a final report and, where practical, deliver a presentation at an AI function.

Applications for the 2026 Neville Sillitoe Foundation Scholarships close on Monday, 16 March 2026.

Brooks Koepka Reinstated to PGA Tour Under New Elite Returning Member Program

Posted on January 13, 2026January 13, 2026 by Courtney

The PGA Tour has formalised a new pathway for golf’s most decorated stars to return to the circuit, confirming on Monday that five-time major champion Brooks Koepka has been officially reinstated.

The move comes via the launch of the “Returning Member Program,” a one-time, elite-performance initiative designed to reintegrate major winners while enforcing substantial financial accountability.

Under the new program, Koepka is scheduled to make his competitive return at the Farmers Insurance Open later this month, followed by an appearance at the WM Phoenix Open. The 35-year-old, who parted ways with LIV Golf in December with one year remaining on his contract, qualifies for the expedited return having won the 2023 PGA Championship.

Eligibility is strictly limited to players who have won a major or The Players Championship between 2022 and 2025, a criteria currently met by only three other LIV golfers: Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith.

Describing the initiative as a “unique situation” focused on strengthening the tour’s product for fans, PGA Tour CEO, Brian Rolapp, said: “This is a one-time, defined window and is not a precedent for future situations.”

“The program mandates heavy and appropriate limitations to both tournament access and potential earnings that we believe properly holds returning members accountable,” Rolapp stated.

To secure his reinstatement, Koepka has agreed to some financial penalties:

Forfeiture of Equity: A five-year exclusion from the Player Equity Program, which the Tour estimates could cost Koepka between USD $50 million and US$ 85 million (AUD126 million) in potential earnings.
Charitable Contribution: An immediate USD5 million (AUD7.4 million) charitable donation, with the recipient(s) to be determined jointly by Koepka and the Tour.
Bonus Restrictions: Ineligibility for FedExCup bonus money during the 2026 season.
Signature Event Access: No automatic entry or sponsor exemptions into Signature Events; Koepka must earn his way in via current performance.

The organisation has ensured that the return of elite stars will not disadvantage current members, with plans to expand tournament fields as needed to accommodate returning players.

Koepka, added: “I understand there are financial penalties associated with this decision, and I accept those.”

“Being closer to home and spending more time with my family makes this opportunity especially meaningful to me.”

With the reinstatement window set to close on February 2, all eyes now turn to Rahm, DeChambeau, and Smith to see if they will leverage this final strategic bridge back to the PGA Tour.

NASCAR Abandons Elimination Format for Return of ‘The Chase’ in 2026

Posted on January 13, 2026January 13, 2026 by Courtney

NASCAR has announced an overhaul of its championship structure, confirming that the sport will officially retire the elimination-style playoff system in 2026.

Following a two-year review involving owners, drivers, and broadcast partners, the organisation will return to a cumulative 10-race points format rebranded as “The Chase,” hearkening back to the system originally introduced in 2004.

The decision follows a period of fan and industry discourse after the 2025 season finale, where Kyle Larson secured the title without leading a single lap in the final race, despite Denny Hamlin dominating the event.

The Chase is designed to reward consistency over a larger sample size while maintaining the high-stakes intensity of the postseason. Under the revised rules, the driver with the most points following the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on 8 November 2026 will be crowned the champion.

Describing the move as a return to the sport’s core identity, NASCAR president, Steve O’Donnell, said: “As NASCAR transitions to a revised championship model, the focus is on rewarding driver and team performance each and every race.”

“At the same time, we want to honor NASCAR’s storied history and the traditions that have made the sport so special,” O’Donnell stated.

Key commercial and technical changes to the program include:

Abolishing “Win-and-You’re-In”: Automatic berths for regular-season winners are eliminated; the top 16 drivers will now qualify for The Chase based solely on total points.

Incentivised Winning: A race victory will now earn 55 points (up from 40) to encourage aggressive racing and discourage conservative “points racing.”

The Chase Points Reset: The regular-season leader will receive a recognisable 25-point cushion over the second seed, with points reseeded from 2,100 down to 2,000 for the top 16.

Terminology Shift: The organisation is officially dropping the term “playoffs” in favour of “The Chase” or “postseason.”

The move has been met with early support from the garage, with many viewing it as a strategic win for the sport’s long-term honour and competitive integrity.

By removing the “winner-take-all” final race gimmick, NASCAR aims to ensure that its premier trophy is awarded to the most deserving performer across the final 10-week stretch, providing a more authentic and reliable commercial product for fans and global broadcasters.

ABC Survey Reveals Financial and Health Strain on Elite Australian Sportswomen

Posted on January 13, 2026January 13, 2026 by Courtney

A study released by ABC Sport in partnership with Deakin University has exposed a systemic challenge facing elite female athletes in Australia.

The Elite Athletes in Australian Women’s Sport Survey, which gathered data from 152 current and recently retired athletes across 47 sports, highlights a stark disparity in earnings, medical support, and workplace safety compared to their male counterparts.

According to the data, 39% of athletes earn no money at all from their sport, while 36% earn less than AUD20,000 annually. This financial instability has led 73% of respondents to state that they are not paid enough relative to sportsmen, with many athletes forced to balance high-performance training with multiple external jobs to cover basic living expenses.

Health and Wellbeing Concerns

The survey also identified critical gaps in medical education and support. Notable statistics include:

75% of athletes report that menstrual cycles are not taken into consideration during training.
44% of respondents have experienced an eating disorder or disordered eating.
65% have suffered serious injuries or concussions, yet only 53% of those were offered adequate financial or medical support during recovery.
85% of athletes believe there is insufficient education regarding women’s health for coaches and support staff.

Discrimination and Safety

While progress in visibility has been made, 34% of athletes reported personally experiencing sexual harassment or violence, and 59% have witnessed it. Online safety is another growing concern, with 87% of respondents witnessing the trolling of female athletes on social media.

Associate Professor Kim Toffoletti of Deakin University noted that the results highlight a persistent “gender inequality across the sector.”

The survey further revealed a divide in perspectives on inclusion: 41% of athletes believe transgender women should not compete in women’s sport, while 52% support the inclusion of non-binary participants.

The organisation’s findings serve as a strategic call to action for governing bodies to professionalise women’s sport through better pay, improved health education, and more robust maternity and safety policies.

Perth Wildcats to Unveil First-Ever Multicultural Game

Posted on January 12, 2026January 13, 2026 by Courtney

The Perth Wildcats have announced a landmark addition to their NBL26 calendar, formalising the club’s first-ever Multicultural Game.

Scheduled for Sunday, 25 January 2026, at RAC Arena, the initiative marks a strategic pivot toward celebrating the diverse heritage of its players and the broader Western Australian community.

The project is a player-led initiative, lead by star centre Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, who previously experienced the success of similar program in Melbourne.

The organisation has embraced the concept as a key pillar of its 2026 social impact strategy, transforming a locker-room idea into a fully realised match-day experience.

Commenting on the announcement of the first-ever multicultural game, Perth guard, Sunday Dech, expressed: “The Wildcats have been fully supportive of it from day one.”

“To be able to represent both flags and have that be part of the game is really special,” Dech said.

The program will feature a bespoke multicultural jersey, designed to visually represent the various nationalities within the squad.

This commercial and cultural asset follows the club’s successful Indigenous Round and Pink Game initiatives, further solidifying the Wildcats’ reputation for community-first leadership.

Dech highlighted the importance of visibility for the next generation, noting that seeing diverse heritage represented at the highest level provides a powerful pathway for young fans.

Emphasising the importance of the event in reflecting the “modern NBL” landscape, Perth Wildcats general manager and COO, Danny Mills, added: “The Multicultural Game is about recognising the people, cultures and stories that make up our club,”

The fixture against Melbourne United, a club with its own established multicultural history, is expected to draw a significant crowd, with the “Red Army” encouraged to bring flags and share their personal stories.

The club hopes this event will serve as a blueprint for a future league-wide Multicultural Round, reinforcing the honour and unity found within the game of basketball.

Brisbane Heat and TMR Extend Partnership

Posted on January 12, 2026January 13, 2026 by Courtney

The Brisbane Heat and Queensland Cricket have formalised a two-year renewal of their partnership with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).

The extension ensures the continued delivery of the StreetSmarts road safety program across the Heat’s BBL and WBBL platforms, reinforcing a collaboration that has been a fixture of the Queensland sporting landscape since 2016.

The cornerstone of the renewed agreement is the annual Road Safety Cup, contested between the Brisbane Heat and the Sydney Thunder.

This season’s fixture, held at a sold-out Gabba on Saturday, serves as a high-visibility vehicle to promote safe driving habits during the peak summer holiday period. The organisation also used the match to acknowledge the critical honour and role of first responders in managing road trauma.

Emphasising the deep-seated alignment between the two entities, Queensland Cricket and Brisbane Heat CEO, Terry Svenson, said: “As an organisation, we’re passionate about promoting safe driving messaging to our fanbase, and Queenslanders more broadly.”

He noted that the partnership would feature “player-led activations, community engagement initiatives, and in-stadium messaging” to foster a safer driving culture throughout the state.

The program receives high-level government backing, highlighting the importance of using sport to reach mass audiences, Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, noted: “Our partnership with Queensland Cricket provides a powerful opportunity to share this life-saving message with thousands of fans.”

By integrating the StreetSmarts message into the “match-day experience,” the organisation ensures its commercial assets deliver social value beyond the field of play.

The timing of the Road Safety Cup ensures maximum impact, leveraging the Heat’s back-to-back sell-out crowds to advocate for the most important win of all: getting home safely.

Adelaide 36ers Announce New Partnership with ArenA

Posted on January 12, 2026January 13, 2026 by Courtney

The Adelaide 36ers have announced a new partnership with local professional development and leadership consulting firm ArenA for the remainder of the NBL26 season.

The collaboration, which officially launched last week, marks a commercial alignment between the organisation and the South Australian business community, focusing on high-performance and mental resilience.

Welcoming the addition of the local firm to the club’s corporate family, Adelaide 36ers CEO, Nic Barbato, said: “We’re delighted to welcome ArenA to the Adelaide 36ers family.”

“Frankie [Marafioti] has been a supporter of our club for some time and his work has had a genuine impact across different sectors, including in high-performance sport.

“This partnership is built on trust, shared values and a belief in helping people become the best version of themselves,” Barbato said.

Founded by Adelaide entrepreneur and former National Premier League footballer, Frankie Marafioti, ArenA operates as a “modern training ground” for leadership and mindset development.

Emphasising that the relationship is built on substance, Marafioti, added: “The Adelaide 36ers embody those same principles—resilience, discipline, accountability, and growth—which makes this partnership an alignment of values, not a transactional arrangement.”

As part of the multi-month agreement, the ArenA logo will feature prominently on the back of the Adelaide 36ers’ playing shorts. The branding made its on-court debut during the club’s Round 16 clash against Tasmania at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

The partnership is designed to move beyond traditional transactional sponsorship, with both parties committed to shared values of emotional mastery and self-leadership.

With 21 consecutive home sell-outs and a recognisable surge in membership, the organisation continues to leverage its commercial momentum to attract specialized local partners.

The integration of ArenA into the program reflects the club’s broader strategic objective of fostering elite performance standards both on and off the court as they build toward the NBL Ignite Cup finals in February.

Brisbane Heat Record Highest Attendance in Eight Seasons with Back-to-Back Sell-Outs

Posted on January 12, 2026January 13, 2026 by Courtney

The Brisbane Heat have achieved a commercial and operational milestone yet again, recording their highest home attendance in eight seasons during a sold-out clash against the Sydney Thunder at The Gabba.

The match, which saw public tickets exhausted three days in advance, marks the second consecutive sell-out for the organisation this season, solidifying the club’s status as a dominant force in the BBL|15 landscape.

The sell-out encompassed all premium and commercial inventory, with corporate hospitality, premium tickets, and memberships all reaching capacity prior to the Saturday afternoon fixture. This surge in demand follows a strategic push by the club to re-engage its core “Heartland” audience, resulting in the most successful ticketing program for the Heat since the 2017-18 summer.

Crediting the result to the combined efforts of the club’s broader network, Brisbane Heat CEO, Terry Svenson, said: “Thank you to our members, fans, partners, and stakeholders for making this possible and for helping us achieve back-to-back sell-outs this season.”

The achievement is particularly important as it coincided with the honour of welcoming back Test stars Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, whose return to the teal jersey provided a substantial commercial and competitive boost.

The event, which doubled as the annual Road Safety Cup, featured high-profile activations including the Royal Caribbean Fan Zone and the StreetSmarts Innings Break show.

The organisation has demonstrated the durable value of the Big Bash League as a premier family entertainment product. The recognisable atmosphere at the Gabba has once again become a vital asset for the Heat, driving double-digit growth in membership and hospitality revenue as the club moves toward the finals.