Page 5 – Ministry of Sport

Cloudflare Global Data Reveals How the 2026 FIFA World Cup Redefined Internet Traffic and Digital Fan Engagement

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Courtney

The 2026 FIFA World Cup did more than captivate billions on the pitch; it fundamentally reshaped global digital behavior. According to comprehensive network data released by Cloudflare Radar, which monitors global HTTP traffic, DNS, and security trends across its more than 330 points of presence worldwide, the tournament created rare, synchronised waves of online activity that mapped precisely to match schedules, kickoff times, and live-play intervals.

By analyzing traffic ratios against a four-week pre-tournament baseline, Cloudflare’s analysis uncovered fascinating patterns in how fans across different continents consumed the global event, highlighting the profound intersection of modern sports broadcasting, streaming habits, and digital connectivity.

Kickoff Times Dictate Digital Surges and Dips

The impact of a match on a country’s internet usage depended heavily on local time zones. Matches scheduled during overnight or early-morning hours, roughly midnight to 8 a.m. local time, triggered massive traffic spikes. Fans staying up late or waking up early pushed network activity well above normal baseline levels, more than doubling it in several regions.

Conversely, matches played during standard daytime working hours often caused minor dips in internet traffic (dropping to around 70% of typical values in some countries) as fans put their devices aside to focus entirely on the match action.

A prime example of this parallel divergence occurred during the Round of 32 clash between Brazil and Japan. Because of the 12-hour time difference, the match fell during normal daytime hours in Brazil, causing a dip in browsing activity as people tuned in live. In Tokyo, however, the match kicked off in the dead of night, causing Japanese internet traffic to surge to roughly double its normal level.

Streaming Habits and Halftime Behavior

Cloudflare’s tracking of MIME types, digital labels identifying file formats like HTML pages or MP4 video streams, revealed distinct regional behavioral clusters.

In countries with high mobile and digital streaming adoption (such as Algeria, Tunisia, Jordan, Egypt, and DR Congo), internet traffic rose sharply at kickoff due to multimedia streaming services. Interestingly, these nations experienced noticeable traffic drops during halftime as viewers closed their streams to step away during the 15-minute interval.

In contrast, countries with lower streaming reliance saw general browsing and internet traffic tick up during halftime and short three-minute hydration breaks, as fans instinctively reached for their phones the moment play paused.

Which Teams and Matches Moved the Internet Most?

By measuring the absolute deviation of traffic from normal baselines across all countries during match windows, Cloudflare identified the fixtures that exerted the strongest pull on global attention.

Topping the global impact ranking was not a semifinal or final, but a high-stakes quarterfinal encounter: Argentina versus Switzerland on July 11, which moved global internet traffic by a factor of 1.26.

When aggregating impact across entire tournament runs, defending champions Argentina generated the strongest global pull, averaging a 17% traffic swing during their matches, driven heavily by the global spotlight on Lionel Messi’s knockout campaign. They were followed closely by star-studded squads including France, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, and Norway, whose presence was supercharged by the Erling Haaland phenomenon.

Additionally, traffic to sports betting and gambling platforms experienced a sustained, flat-profile increase throughout the tournament due to the high regularity of daily fixtures.

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Pacers Sports & Entertainment Appoints Range Sports as Exclusive Partnerships Agency

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Courtney

Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) has selected Range Sports as its exclusive partnerships agency of record under a new multi-year agreement designed to accelerate commercial growth across its expansive sports and entertainment portfolio.

Range Sports will operate as an extension of PS&E’s global partnerships team, spearheading partnership strategy, lead generation, commercial development, and sales across the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, Noblesville Boom, the Fieldhouse District, and the Fieldhouse Media Network.

The collaboration connects PS&E’s multi-platform ecosystem—which spans iconic basketball franchises, transformative real estate, and a sports retail media network—with Range Sports’ innovative marketing and representation framework.

Commenting on the collaboration, PS&E EVP and chief commercial officer, Joey Graziano, said: “What we’re building extends far beyond traditional team partnerships.”

“Our portfolio brings together our iconic basketball franchises, including the most valuable brand in women’s sports, transformative real estate development, and a first-of-its-kind global sports retail media network.

“Range has an unmatched breadth of capabilities across sports, media, entertainment and brand strategy, and we’re excited to leverage the full strength of their platform as we create the next generation of commercial partnerships and continue growing our business,” Graziano said.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the partnership, co-president of Range Sports, Greg Luckman, added: “What this organization is building — across the Pacers, the Fever, the Fieldhouse District, and the new Media Network — is genuinely unlike anything else in sports.”

“Alongside PS&E, we are proving that the next generation of transformative commercial partnerships will be built with premium assets at the intersection of culture, technology and live.

“This is exactly the kind of long-term, innovative partnership Range Sports was built for, and we couldn’t be more excited for the future together,” Luckman added.

Range Sports, a division of Range Media Partners, brings extensive industry expertise, particularly in women’s sports and cross-platform entertainment.The firm previously represented the Fever in securing expanded media distribution opportunities and maintains a robust client roster that includes prominent WNBA players and elite athletes like Ilona Maher and Gabby Thomas, alongside major properties such as Gotham FC, LOVB, and Athlos.

Furthermore, Range’s experiential marketing division, Superfly, is already collaborating with PS&E to design an immersive live fan experience within the new Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center currently under construction.

Neangar Park Golf Club to Host WPGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School in December

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Courtney

Neangar Park Golf Club in Victoria has been named as the new host venue for the WPGA Tour of Australasia’s Qualifying School, scheduled to take place on December 14–15, 2026, with the support of the City of Greater Bendigo.

The two-round tournament provides a competitive pathway for professional and amateur female golfers aiming to secure their cards on the WPGA Tour for the 2027 season. The qualifying event has previously launched the careers of several prominent Australian golfers now competing on top global tours, including Ladies European Tour winner Kelsey Bennett, Abbie Teasdale, and Belinda Ji.

Expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming event and venue partnership, WPGA Tour of Australasia CEO, Karen Lunn, said: “It’s very exciting to announce a date for Qualifying School and we’re looking forward to visiting a new venue in Neangar Park later this year.”

“There is always a great sense of anticipation when Q School comes around as it means a new season is just around the corner, and we have seen a lot of interest from players both in Australasia and further afield in competing to earn a place on our Tour,” she said.

Highlighting the local economic and tourism impact of the tournament, City of Greater Bendigo manager – Economy & Experience, James Myatt, added: “The City is delighted to support this thrilling two-day event for the first time, attracting more than 75 amateur and professional women golfers from across Australia and overseas to compete at Neangar Park Golf Club.”

Echoing this sentiments, Neangar Park GM, Danny McGrath, noted: “Neangar Park Golf Club is incredibly proud to have been selected as the host venue for the 2026 WPGA Qualifying School.”

“Welcoming some of Australia’s most talented female professional and amateur golfers to Bendigo is a significant milestone, not only for Neangar Park but for golf throughout the region,” McGrath said.

Registration details and entry information for the 2026 WPGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School will be released in the near future.

ACPE Announces Partnership with adidas Australia

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) has announced a new partnership with adidas Australia, making the institution the sporting brand’s first-ever business-to-business education partner in the country.

The collaboration is designed to bridge academic learning and professional practice across sport, education, and career development, while establishing adidas Australia as ACPE’s exclusive sportswear provider.

Spanning through to the end of 2027, the partnership will integrate higher education with the sports industry by offering students enhanced avenues for industry engagement, event participation, and collaborative learning.

Under the agreement, adidas will gain opportunities to participate in core campus events, including Open Day, Orientation Week, and the Careers in Sport Expo, while sharing industry insights to ensure ACPE’s curriculum remains aligned with the evolving needs of the sports sector.

In return, students will secure access to real-world experiences, such as volunteering at major adidas events and activations, allowing them to build professional networks and develop practical skills. Furthermore, the collaboration opens pathways for ACPE to support the professional development of adidas staff through specialised educational resources.

Commenting on the agreement, ACPE chief marketing and customer officer, Bernadette Mackinnon, said: “This partnership with adidas Australia is a powerful example of the industry connections ACPE is building for our students and graduates.”

“Being recognised as adidas Australia’s first education partner highlights ACPE’s standing in sport education and reinforces the value of connecting our students with elite, globally recognised brands that are shaping the future of the industry,” Mackinnon said.

Echoing their sentiments, ACPE CEO, Justin Montgomery, added: “For our students, this partnership creates meaningful opportunities to engage with industry while they study, build professional networks and gain exposure to one of the world’s most recognised sporting brands.”

“These experiences are central to how ACPE prepares graduates with the confidence, skills and real-world insight to succeed in sport and related industries,” Montgomery said.

Senior specialist – B2B, Corporate & Teamwear at adidas Australia, Owen Comber, noted: “adidas Australia is extremely excited to be partnering with ACPE through until the end of 2027.”

“This reflects both organisations’ commitment to fostering industry connections, supporting emerging talent and contributing to the future growth of Australia’s sporting sector,” Comber said.

Operating out of Sydney Olympic Park since 1917, ACPE continues its nearly 110-year legacy of preparing specialists for careers across the sport, health, dance, and physical education sectors through practical, industry-focused programs.

Youi Concludes Successful ‘Origin Verified’ Fan Campaign for 2026 NRL State of Origin Series

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Courtney

National insurance provider Youi has wrapped up its inaugural “Youi Origin Verified” campaign for the 2026 NRL State of Origin series, a first-of-its-kind fan initiative developed in partnership with the NRL to test and reward the loyalty of New South Wales and Queensland supporters.

The interactive campaign invited fans from both states to complete a series of engagement challenges to earn an Official Fan Verification. A live interstate leaderboard tracked participation across the series, allowing fans to compete for exclusive prizes and state bragging rights.

State of Origin legends Brad Fittler and Kevin Walters served as campaign spokespeople, driving significant media commentary, while targeted fan case studies highlighted the dedication of top supporters.

Youi chief marketing officer, Angela Greenwood, emphasised that the initiative successfully aligned with the brand’s ‘Footy. Made by Fans’ platform by placing supporters at the core of the sporting narrative.

“Youi Origin Verified turned fan passion into something tangible,”

“It recognised the loyalty, knowledge and rituals that set true Origin supporters apart, and gave them a way to wear that with pride.

“This was about showing up for fans in a way that’s never been done before – putting them at the centre of the Origin story and recognising them as the heartbeat of the game,” Greenwood said.

Concluding following the series finale on July 8, 2026, the campaign delivered strong digital and engagement metrics for Youi, recording 26,832 unique entries, 58,609 total entries, 259,175 total page views from 136,487 unique visitors, 19,994 social media engagements, and a cumulative site duration of 110 days and 14 hours.

As the competition’s overall Top Fan, Jarrad Stark secured the grand prize package: a trip for two to Game Two of the 2027 State of Origin at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. The prize features two Diamond tickets valued at $1,500, return flights from the winner’s nearest capital city airport, and two nights of accommodation valued at $1,500.

Craig Tiley Begins Tenure as USTA Chief Executive Officer in Orlando

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Courtney

Craig Tiley officially arrived in Orlando on Monday to commence his tenure as the CEO of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), stepping into the role to spearhead the organisation’s ongoing mission to expand American tennis participation and elevate the US Open. Tiley’s appointment was initially announced in February 2026.

Upon touching down for his first day on the job, Tiley expressed enthusiasm for the position.

“The USTA has created a great platform to inspire further growth in tennis participation.”

“We want to work with everyone within the tennis family to grow the sport beyond what anyone thought possible,” Tiley said.

USTA board chair and interim Co-CEO, Brian Vahaly, welcomed Tiley’s arrival, highlighting the strategic value of his extensive international sports administration background.

“Craig has spent his career at the forefront of our sport and brings a unique global perspective to the USTA.”

“We are fortunate to have him guide the organization into its next chapter as we build on six consecutive years of participation growth and continue our mission to grow tennis in America.

“I am confident his leadership will take both American tennis and the US Open to new heights,” Vahaly noted.

Tiley transitions to the USTA following a highly distinguished 21-year career at Tennis Australia, where he most recently served as CEO and tournament director of the Australian Open, driving commercial and recreational growth. His extensive career background also spans successful leadership roles in collegiate coaching, community tennis administration, and global sports management.

SBS Scores 2.69 Million Viewers for FIFA World Cup Final

Posted on July 22, 2026July 21, 2026 by Courtney

Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) capped off a major tournament broadcast run after attracting an average audience of 2.69 million Australians who tuned in early yesterday morning to watch Spain secure victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

The digital streaming figures played a pivotal role in the broadcast’s success, with 1.52 million viewers tuning in via SBS on Demand, outperforming the 1.17 million viewers recorded on linear television.

While the highest individual tournament audience overall remained a Socceroos versus Paraguay fixture which drew 3.09 million viewers, the final’s viewership metrics reinforced a massive win for public broadcaster coverage.

Across the wider television landscape during primetime, Seven News dominated with 1.6 million viewers, anchoring a strong night that saw Home & Away top entertainment programming at 981,000. Nine News followed with 1.39 million viewers alongside slot wins for A Current Affair at 1.06 million and Tipping Point at 881,000, while ABC News registered 978,000 viewers.

In the competitive entertainment slots, Nine’s Travel Guides won its respective timeslot with 898,000 viewers, outranking the ABC’s 7:30 at 877,000, Seven’s The Chase special at 800,000, MasterChef Australia at 720,000, and Australian Story at 615,000. Later in the evening, Have You Been Paying Attention? led its late-night slot with 806,000 viewers, ahead of Four Corners at 595,000 and Media Watch at 562,000.

Morning breakfast television ratings were visibly impacted by early-morning tournament competition, with Sunrise recording 387,000 viewers, Today posting 198,000, and ABC’s News Breakfast pulling in 165,000.

Rugby Australia Appoints Reg Tayler as Head Coach of Australia Women’s Sevens Through to 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Courtney

Rugby Australia has officially announced the appointment of Reg Tayler as head coach of the Australia Women’s Rugby Sevens program, securing his leadership through to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Tayler steps up from his previous position as assistant coach, succeeding Tim Walsh following Walsh’s elevation to the newly created role of director of Women’s High Performance. Joining the Australian Sevens program in 2025 after a two-year tenure with Ireland’s Sevens coaching staff, Tayler brings extensive high-performance credentials, including past coaching roles with the Australia A Women’s Sevens side and the Queensland Academy of Sport.

Reflecting on his new appointment, Tayler expressed his pride and ambition for the squad.

“I am honoured by the opportunity to take the next step in my coaching career and lead the Australian Sevens Women’s team.”

“We have built tremendous momentum following our World Championship win and the squad is determined for continued success through to the Olympics in Los Angeles.

“Our players are professional and dedicated to achieving a gold medal and I am confident we will have the squad capable of that in 2028,” Tayler said.

Under the broader strategic alignment led by Rugby Australia, both women’s programs are scheduled to transition under a full-time High Performance model by the end of 2026, with Tayler working closely alongside Walsh and the Wallaroos Head Coach.

Director of Women’s High Performance, Tim Walsh, highlighted the strategic continuity behind the appointment.

“Reg has been part of a succession plan for the Australia Women’s Sevens program since joining the coaching staff last year and is a seamless acquisition for the squad ahead of the Olympics.”

“Reg is highly knowledgeable of the World Series circuit and has worked with many of our players coming through the pathways system.

He’s not going in cold, he completely understands the game and his expertise is going to be fully utilised by the program,” Walsh stated.

The Australia Sevens squad will commence preparations for the upcoming 2026–2027 campaign when players return to pre-season training in October.

Quint Australia Appointed Exclusive Fan Travel and Hospitality Partner for Netball World Cup Sydney 2027

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Courtney

Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 (NWC2027) has officially appointed Quint Australia as the tournament’s exclusive Official Fan Travel and Hospitality Partner

The agreement will see Quint Australia design and deliver premium packages, corporate hospitality, and bespoke event experiences for the pinnacle global netball showcase, scheduled to take place in Sydney from August 25 to September 5, 2027.

Operating under the partnership banner “Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Experiences,” Quint Australia will develop a comprehensive booking platform providing seamless access to tickets, accommodation, tailored hospitality, and exclusive money-can’t-buy experiences. These offerings are designed to cater to a broad spectrum of attendees, ranging from casual fans and families to corporate clients and international travellers. Additionally, packages will be made available through an approved network of Official Fan Travel Agents and Official Hospitality Agents endorsed by NWC2027.

Fans wishing to secure priority access can now register their interest and place deposits at www.experiences.nwc2027.com.

Mark Falvo, Chief Executive Officer of NWC2027, emphasized the alignment in vision between the tournament organisers and their new commercial partner:

“World Netball, the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 and Quint Australia share a vision to redefine the fan experience and set a new benchmark for hospitality at netball’s biggest global event. Together, we are creating premium, tailored experiences that will resonate with fans across Australia and those travelling from around the world to be part of the Netball World Cup in Sydney. A key priority throughout this process was partnering with an organisation that not only delivers exceptional travel and hospitality experiences but places customer service at the heart of everything it does. Quint Australia has an outstanding reputation for exceeding expectations, making them the ideal partner to help bring our vision to life.”

Quint joins a roster of prominent major event partners globally, with a portfolio spanning major properties such as the NBA, WNBA, Formula 1® (including the Australian Grand Prix), Supercars, ATP, and the Australian Open.

Daniel Cecconi, Chief Executive Officer of Quint Australia, expressed pride in securing the agreement for what stands as a landmark international sports showcase for the country:

“Quint Australia are incredibly proud to partner with the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 as the exclusive fan travel and hospitality provider for what will be one of the most significant international sporting events to occur in Australia over recent years. Netball has a passionate, loyal, and growing global fan base, and this partnership gives us the opportunity to deliver something truly special for netball fans. Whether you are travelling from within Sydney, interstate or from the other side of the world, Quint Australia want every fan and attendee to have an unforgettable experience from the moment they start planning their Netball World Cup experience to the moment they leave the arena, and beyond!”

The 17th edition of the Netball World Cup will feature 16 elite national teams competing across 64 matches over 12 days, aiming to establish a transformative legacy for the sport globally.

Melbourne Park to Host NFL Melbourne Game Kickoff Festival Presented by American Express

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Courtney

The National Football League (NFL), in partnership with Live Nation and American Express, will take over Melbourne Park from September 10 to 12, 2026, for a massive three-day fan festival celebrating Australia’s first-ever regular season NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Transforming Melbourne Park into an immersive American-style football epicentre during game week, the festival will run from Thursday, September 10, through Saturday, September 12. The event features interactive NFL exhibits, retail pop-ups, Flag Football clinics at Kia Arena, an American food village, official watch parties, daily music concerts, and appearances by NFL legends, pundits, and executives, including a live Q&A with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Commenting on the programme, NFL GM – Australia & New Zealand, Charlotte Offord, said: “The Kickoff Festival promises to be an action-packed experience for sports fans of all ages.”

“Whether fans are attending the game or not, this event is the perfect way to get a taste of the NFL, be part of the celebrations and enjoy what we know is going to be an incredible few days in Melbourne,” Offord said.

SVP of Touring & Commercial at Live Nation Australia, Luke Hede, added: “From Melbourne Park to the MCG, this will be a truly memorable celebration for fans across the city, bringing together live music, entertainment and the unmistakable energy of the NFL.”

American Express Card Members will have exclusive access to presale tickets starting Monday, July 27, at 10:00 a.m. AEST through Wednesday, July 29, at 10:00 a.m. AEST.

General public tickets will go on sale via Ticketmaster on Wednesday, July 29, at 11:00 a.m. AEST, priced at $49 for adults on Thursday and Saturday, and $59 for adults on Friday. Children aged 13 and under can access the festival for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

New Zealand Rugby Legacy Fund Allocates $1.2M Directly to Grassroots Community Clubs

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Courtney

Eighteen community rugby clubs across New Zealand are set to receive a major infrastructure boost following the latest funding distribution from the New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Legacy Fund.

A total of $1,289,949.48 will be allocated to successful applicants spanning the country from Whangaruru in the north to Invercargill in the south, representing 14 Provincial Unions including four Heartland Unions.

The grants follow an extensive evaluation process by the Legacy Fund Advisory Group, which reviewed 70 applications requesting a combined five million dollars in project funding before final approval by the NZR Board.

All successful proposals focused heavily on upgrading or developing essential infrastructure, such as modern clubrooms, female-friendly changing facilities, and playing field improvements.

This latest round brings total distributions to just under two million dollars over the past eight months, following the inaugural grants awarded in December 2025. Twelve of the newly successful clubs had refined their previous submissions from 2025 to secure funding in this cycle.

Established as part of a 60-million-dollar perpetual fund created during New Zealand rugby’s 2023 capital investment, the Legacy Fund Charitable Trust distributes annual earnings to support projects with an intergenerational impact on the sport.

NZR board member and Legacy Fund Advisory Group chair, Greg Barclay, emphasised the role of grassroots investment.

“It’s an honour to be able to distribute these funds directly into the heart of community rugby.”

“Clubs and community organisations play a critical role in their local communities and in the journey of our elite players.

“Helping to future-proof facilities in this way reflects the purpose of the Legacy Fund and the importance of supporting club and community rugby health and participation across the country,” Barclay said.

Legacy Fund manager, Cameron Bell, also noted the inspiring engagement from local clubs across the country.

“It’s been really special to see the kaupapa of the Legacy Fund become a reality.”

“Projects from last year’s inaugural round of grants have come to life, with a number of clubs now having female changing facilities or enjoying redeveloped clubrooms throughout this 2026 season.

“This has future-proofed club environments that are more welcoming and safer for all participants,” Bell added.

The next application window for the Legacy Fund will open on Monday, 10 August, and close on Friday, 18 September 2026, with successful recipients to be announced in December.

Queensland Rugby League Appoints Jeff Reibel as Chief Executive Officer

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Courtney

The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) has officially announced the appointment of experienced sports administrator Jeff Reibel as its new CEO, effective November. Reibel steps into the role following the recent departure of Ben Ikin earlier this month.

Reibel arrives at the QRL with an exceptional reputation across Australian sport, having recently served as CEO of the North Queensland Cowboys for seven years. His tenure with the Cowboys spanned over two decades in various capacities, during which he was instrumental in driving key organizational milestones.

These achievements included steering the club through the operational challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining a strong financial position, facilitating the successful transition to a new stadium, spearheading the launch of the club’s NRLW team, and championing the growth of the Cowboys Community Foundation.

Reflecting on his new appointment, Reibel expressed his enthusiasm for taking the helm at the state governing body.

“It’s an incredible honour to join the Queensland Rugby League and contribute to an organisation that plays such an important role in the fabric of our state.”

“Rugby league in Queensland has a proud history and a vibrant future, and I’m excited to work alongside our clubs, participants, volunteers, partners and communities to help strengthen the game at every level,” he said.

QRL chair, Brian Canavan, praised Reibel’s proven capacity for driving sustainable growth and maintaining deep grassroots engagement within the sport.

“Jeff is an outstanding leader with a proven track record of success in rugby league, and we are delighted to welcome him to the Queensland Rugby League.”

“His experience leading one of the NRL’s premier clubs, combined with his deep understanding of the game and strong commitment to community outcomes, makes him exceptionally well placed to guide the QRL into its next phase of growth,” Canavan said.

Reibel will formally commence his duties as QRL Chief Executive Officer in November, stepping into a well-positioned organization poised for continued development across all levels of the game in Queensland.

KFC and Seven Renew Backing for KFC T20 Max in Grassroots Cricket Boost

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Courtney

The 2026–27 cricket season in Queensland is set to receive a major pre-season launch following the announcement that KFC and Seven have renewed their partnerships with the KFC T20 Max competition.

KFC has extended its commitment to Queensland Premier Cricket through a new three-year sponsorship agreement, retaining its naming rights for both the T20 Max and the broader Queensland Premier Cricket competitions.

As part of the renewed deal, the iconic KFC branding will also feature on the playing kits of both the Queensland Bulls and Queensland Fire for the first time since 2010.

Meanwhile, Seven has signed on for a second consecutive season as the official host broadcaster of the tournament. Following a successful inaugural broadcast run that streamed 17 live and free matches on 7plus Sport, Seven will broadcast 15 matches across both the men’s and women’s competitions this season, including the finals.

Since its establishment in 2022, the KFC T20 Max has developed into an elite pre-season pathway, drawing top-tier talent from interstate and overseas while strengthening Premier Cricket club squads.

The competition has proven to be a vital stepping stone for players looking to secure contracts with Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) franchises, notably serving as a launching pad for players like pace bowler Oli Patterson and batter Annie O’Neil, who earned Brisbane Heat list spots after standout campaigns with Wests.

The 2025–2026 tournament experienced widespread engagement, registering 1.7 million minutes viewed domestically and internationally, via platforms like 7plus, YouTube, and FanCode in India and Bangladesh, alongside more than 13 million views across digital and social media channels.

The upcoming KFC T20 Max season is scheduled to kick off on 19 August for the women’s competition, followed by the men’s competition on 21 August, with matches hosted under lights at Allan Border Field and select Premier Grade grounds.

Steven Adams Pathways Trust and One New Zealand Warriors Announce Partnership to Support Kiwi Youth

Posted on July 21, 2026July 20, 2026 by Courtney

The One New Zealand Warriors and the Steven Adams Pathways Trust have officially announced a partnership that will launch a nationwide fundraising campaign aimed at expanding sports access and opportunities for children across New Zealand.

Uniting two of the country’s most prominent sporting entities, the rugby league club boasting a legacy spanning over three decades and the foundation established by the NBA veteran in 2015 that has supported more than 10,000 kids through free basketball camps, the collaboration seeks to drive grassroots participation regardless of code.

One New Zealand Warriors CEO, Cameron George, highlighted the synergy between the two organisations.

“We’ve watched with admiration as Steven’s camps have given thousands of young Kiwis the chance to play, learn and grow.”

“When Steven and his team approached us about joining forces, it was an easy decision – our two organisations have been chasing the same goal, just through different codes.

“We’re proud to help bring this next chapter to life, and there’s no better stage to do it on than a sold-out home game with a packed Go Media Stadium and thousands more watching around the country,” George said.

Reflecting on his motivation for the collaboration, 796-game NBA veteran and Houston Rockets centre, Steven Adams, emphasised the broader social mission behind the initiative.

“Partnering with an iconic organisation like the One New Zealand Warriors, which shares my belief in creating opportunities for young people, is something I’m genuinely excited about.”

“Together, we can help open more doors through development, exposure and access to sport.

“This partnership isn’t about rugby league or basketball. It’s about giving every young New Zealander the chance to have a go, discover what they’re capable of, and write their own story.

“I was fortunate enough to have people who believed in me, and now it’s our turn to help inspire the next generation,” Adams added.

The partnership will officially launch during the Warriors’ Round 23 NRL fixture against the Penrith Panthers at Go Media Stadium on Friday, August 7, 2026, with Adams and his family set to attend. Match-day activations will feature interactive skills challenges, exclusive giveaways, and supporter engagement opportunities.

To support the ongoing work of the Steven Adams Pathways Trust, New Zealand mobile account holders can make an automatic three-dollar donation by texting ‘Steven’ or ‘UptheWahs’ to 933.

Southern Cross Media Group Appoints Natalie Harvey as Chief Revenue Officer

Posted on July 21, 2026July 20, 2026 by Courtney

Southern Cross Media Group (SCA) has announced the appointment of Natalie Harvey to the newly created role of Chief Revenue Officer, effective September.

The establishment of this executive position comes with a streamlined operating model designed to accelerate growth opportunities and support SCA’s evolving commercial strategy, with an intensive focus on digital transformation.

Reporting directly to managing director and CEO of SCA, Rohan Lund, Harvey will spearhead SCA’s commercial strategy with a heavy in-market focus, driving premium revenue and active business development.

She arrives with more than 20 years of media experience across major publisher and agency sectors. Most recently, Harvey served as CEO of Mamamia after joining as chief revenue officer in January 2024, and previously spent years as National sales director at Seven West Media alongside senior leadership tenure at UM Australia and MediaCom.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the appointment, Rohan Lund, said: “As we evolve our operating model to bring decision-making closer to our products and customers, creating the Chief Revenue Officer role ensures we have single-minded leadership over our national commercial strategy.”

“Natalie brings an extraordinary depth of media experience and a proven track record across both publisher and agency sectors,” Lund said.

Expressing enthusiasm for her new post, Harvey, noted: “The business has an incredible opportunity to unlock the full potential of its combined strengths, creating even greater value for audiences and brand partners.”

“Rohan has a compelling vision for the future, and I’m excited to work alongside the team to help deliver on that ambition,” she said.

As part of these organisational changes, chief commercial officer, Seb Rennie, will be departing the business after guiding SCA’s audio sales teams through a period of substantial transformation since February 2023. SCA expressed sincere gratitude for Rennie’s leadership and contributions.