Page 6 – Ministry of Sport

Melbourne Storm Make History with Membership Record

Posted on August 22, 2025August 22, 2025 by Courtney

Melbourne Storm has achieved a remarkable milestone, officially signing 40,237 members, marking the largest membership tally in the Club’s illustrious 27-year history.

This landmark achievement comes as the Club prepares for two highly anticipated back-to-back home fixtures at AAMI Park over the next fortnight, signalling a significant moment for both the organisation and its supporters.

Expressing enthusiasm about the hailed the milestone as a testament to the unwavering loyalty of the Club’s supporters, Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski, said: “On behalf of the Club, our gratitude extends to every single one of our members who have backed us throughout 2025, helping us reach this historic figure.”

“The enthusiasm and support of our members is palpable wherever we play—whether we’re away in opposing territory or back home at AAMI Park. Our purple army is indeed the most dedicated and passionate in the league.”

“We are fortunate to play in the best rectangular stadium in Australian sport. Our members enjoy exceptional access to players and have developed a deep emotional connection with the Club,” Rodski mentioned.

A Thrilling Finish to the 2025 Season

In recent years, the rise in Storm’s membership numbers has been notable, reflecting a robust 40% increase over the past four seasons, culminating in this year’s record-breaking figures.

The total of 40,237 marks only the second instance the Club has exceeded the 40,000 member mark, surpassing the previous record of 40,161 set in 2022.

Looking ahead, the Club is excited about a thrilling finish to the 2025 season. The final two home games are set to draw large crowds, leading into an expectedly exciting finals series.

Following this blockbuster fixture, the Club will celebrate its supporters during Member Appreciation Round, collaborating with Major and Official Membership Partner RedZed to honour the commitment and loyalty of Storm’s 2025 members.

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Gold Coast SUNS and StreetSmarts Extend Partnership

Posted on August 22, 2025August 22, 2025 by Courtney

The Gold Coast SUNS have announced a three-year extension of their partnership with StreetSmarts, the Queensland Government’s road safety initiative operating under the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).

This renewal solidifies StreetSmarts’ role as the primary partner for the SUNS Academy through to 2028, aligning with Queensland Road Safety Week and a shared commitment to fostering responsible driving behaviours.

Direct Funding for Grassroots Clubs

A significant new element of the extended partnership is the introduction of a AUD 10,000 grant program in 2026, enabling local AFL clubs to apply for funding for their own road safety projects.

This initiative directly supports grassroots football, providing financial resources and empowering community clubs to become local advocates for road safety. This cascade effect extends the partnership’s impact and strengthens the broader AFL ecosystem in Queensland.

Leveraging Sport as a Communication Platform

Highlighting the unique power of sports in conveying crucial messages, Transport Minister, Brent Mickelberg, said: “Sport has a unique ability to connect communities, making it an effective platform for sharing vital road safety messages, especially with at-risk road users.”

The partnership, which commenced in 2021, has seen the Gold Coast SUNS actively advocate for road safety messages.

StreetSmarts’ elevated role as the inaugural Naming Rights Partner for the SUNS Academy since 2023 indicates a deeper integration of the initiative within the club’s development pathways.

The prominence of the StreetSmarts logo on academy apparel and the inclusion of road safety education within the academy’s programming highlight a direct, ongoing engagement with young athletes.

Paralympics Australia Appoints Dedicated Team of Advisors

Posted on August 22, 2025August 22, 2025 by Courtney

Paralympics Australia landscape is set for advancement following the appointment of a dedicated team of specialist advisors across the nation’s sports institutes and academies.

This initiative, comprising four new Para Sport and Classification Advisor roles, is an effort by Paralympics Australia, the Australian Sports Commission, and state-based Para Sport Units.

These units are now operational in five states and the Northern Territory, with further developments underway in Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.

This expanded network forms a core component of the newly launched Para Uplift program, an initiative stemming from Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy.

Its primary objective is to dismantle systemic barriers that have historically impeded the entry and progression of Para-athletes within the sporting system.

Investment in Human Capital and System Refinement

The introduction of these advisor roles represents a significant investment in human capital aimed at refining the complex classification system, which is fundamental to fair competition in Para-sport.

Highlighting the initiative of the collaboration, Classification Lead for Paralympics Australia, Kara Retford, said: “These Para Sport and Classification Advisor roles exemplify the collaborative effort to mitigate the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in sport, as well as facilitate their progression towards elite-level competition.”

Advisors are tasked with educating athletes and the allied health community, simplifying navigation of the classification framework, and leveraging data for talent identification and transfer.

This direct support is critical for optimising athletes’ competitive prospects and enhancing Australia’s medal opportunities for Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

Broadening Participation and Operational Efficiency

The geographical distribution of these advisors – covering Western Australia; Queensland and the Northern Territory; New South Wales and the ACT; and Victoria and Tasmania.

Emphasising the practical benefit, Para Unit Lead at the Western Australian Institute of Sport, Brad Scott, said: “There is significant confusion and misconceptions about classification.”

“This role will not only provide education but will also support athletes in their preparation for classification events.”

Demystifying this process can reduce barriers to entry, making Para-sport more accessible and streamlining athlete pathways.

The local impact of these appointments is particularly evident in emerging Para-sport hubs.

Noting the challenge of limited local classifiers and expressed optimism for the future, Manager of Para Pathways for the Northern Territory’s new Para Sport Unit, Jodie Zanini, added: “These new positions will elevate awareness, build local capacity, and provide essential support for athletes, coaches, clubs, and sports throughout the Territory.”

Brisbane Broncos Expand Girls Academy program

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Courtney

The Brisbane Broncos have expanded their Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy program to include new mentoring initiatives at Cherbourg and Murgon State Schools, marking the first time the program will extend into primary school education.

Designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls, the expansion introduces tailored mentoring for students in years four to six at Cherbourg State School, with a focus on easing the transition into secondary education at Murgon State High School.

The program, which operates in over 50 schools across Queensland and northern New South Wales, aims to improve school attendance, retention, and leadership outcomes among Indigenous youth.

Local community member and Wakka Wakka woman, Wy-Larra Duncan, has been appointed as a Student Support Officer to lead delivery at Cherbourg.

Having grown up in the region and experienced the schooling system firsthand, Duncan said her role is grounded in providing the type of support she lacked as a student.

Underscoring the program’s focus on community-embedded mentorship, Duncan mentioned, “There used to be nothing for the girls and now there’s something we can do to help them stop dropping out of school and keep pushing forward,” she said.

The Queensland Department of Education is a key stakeholder in the program, with representatives including Helen McCullough present at the launch.

While funding details have not been publicly disclosed, government involvement indicates alignment with broader public policy objectives related to Indigenous education and regional youth engagement.

WNBA Record-Breaking Year of Attendances

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Courtney

With three weeks remaining in the WNBA 2025 regular season, the league is on track to close out a record-breaking year in terms of attendance, drawing attention from broadcasters, sponsors, and stakeholders across the global sports business landscape.

The WNBA has already exceeded its previous full-season attendance record of 2.36 million, set in 2002. As of mid-week, the league’s 13 teams had collectively attracted 2.49 million fans through the gates, with the final total projected to approach 2.86 million.

Average attendance has also reached new highs, with the league currently averaging 11,009 fans per game, up 12.2% from last season’s record figure of 9,807. This growth comes amid broader momentum in women’s sport, with the WNBA capitalising on high-profile player storylines, venue upgrades, and a recalibrated media strategy.

Several teams are significantly contributing to the surge. The Golden State Valkyries, an expansion side debuting this season, have sold out all 17 home games at San Francisco’s 18,064-seat Chase Center.

Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever and New York Liberty, both averaging over 16,400 per game, are emerging as key drivers of commercial success and fan engagement.

Strategic Implication

The league has shifted key matchups to larger venues to accommodate rising demand. For example, the Washington Mystics will relocate an upcoming home game against the Fever to CFG Bank Arena (capacity 14,000+), more than tripling the capacity of their regular venue, CareFirst Arena. Similarly, the Las Vegas Aces will host the Minnesota Lynx at T-Mobile Arena, which drew over 18,500 fans earlier in the year for a marquee matchup.

From a commercial standpoint, these numbers carry implications for rights negotiations, sponsorship valuations, and the league’s expansion strategy.

Strong gate performance not only enhances match day revenue but strengthens the WNBA’s case for improved broadcast deals and broader investment in infrastructure and market growth.

Harvey Norman Renews GIANTS Partnership Through 2027

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Courtney

Harvey Norman has confirmed a two-year extension of its partnership with the GWS GIANTS, committing to both the AFL and AFLW programs until the end of the 2027 season.

The renewed agreement continues a relationship that began in 2016 and later expanded to include the men’s program in 2021.

The extension was announced during a formal event at GIANTS HQ in Western Sydney, attended by Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page and GIANTS CEO David Matthews, alongside players from both squads.

Commenting on the partnership, GIANTS CEO David Matthews, said: “Harvey Norman’s continued investment, particularly in our AFLW program, reflects confidence in the commercial and cultural trajectory of women’s sport.”

“Their support has helped underpin our growth beyond just the on-field product,” Matthews said.

The partnership includes a series of strategic initiatives aimed at fan engagement and leadership development, such as the Harvey Norman Heroes campaign, which recognises volunteers in local football, and an upcoming leadership program for emerging female athletes, set to launch in 2026.

For Harvey Norman, the move consolidates its positioning as a prominent brand in Australian sport, with a specific focus on women’s sport and grassroots development.

Highlighting the company’s focus on value alignment, Harvey Norman General Manager of Sponsorships, Samantha Waters, noted: “Our support for the GIANTS isn’t just transactional. It’s about fostering leadership, community connection, and the long-term growth of women’s sport.”

Strategically timed as the club marks its 10th season in the AFLW, the deal reaffirms the retailer’s long-standing investment in the development of women’s football and the GIANTS’ broader community engagement agenda.

Commercially, the renewal strengthens the club’s sponsorship portfolio at a time when the GIANTS are actively working to expand their supporter base and community footprint in Greater Western Sydney.

WNBL CEO Jennie Sager joins Women in Sport Summit 2025

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Courtney

The Women in Sport Summit, returning to The Star Gold Coast on 27–28 August, is set to feature WNBL CEO Jennie Sager as one of its headline speakers — bringing both expertise and urgency to the discussion on the future of women’s sport.

Building the Future of the WNBL

Since stepping into the role earlier this year, Sager has been focused on building a sustainable future for the WNBL. For her, the biggest opportunity lies not just at the elite level, but in bridging the gap between grassroots and the professional stage.

“You don’t have a professional league without grassroots community programmes,” Sager said. “There’s a big gap for all leagues and codes in creating pathways, from five- and six-year-olds right through to teenagers. The alarming reality is how many young girls drop out of sport around the age of 14 or 15. If we want thriving professional leagues in this country and globally, we need those girls to keep playing.”

A Challenge That Resonates Across Sport

It’s a message that resonates beyond basketball. Across sports, the challenge of participation and retention is central to ensuring the next generation of athletes can see a pathway forward and that professional women’s leagues continue to flourish.

The Summit Platform

Sager will join more than 20 leaders across sport, business, and media at the Summit, which opens with a High Performance Day on 27 August (supported by Griffith University and Vald) before the main program on 28 August. Together, speakers will explore the cultural, commercial, and structural shifts driving women’s sport, while offering practical strategies to turn momentum into lasting impact.

Women’s sport is at a tipping point, and voices like Sager’s are helping ensure its future is built on strong foundations. Tickets are still available. Join Australia’s most influential sports leaders and help shape the future of women’s sport.

STEP ONE sign as Supporting Partner of Ford Aussie Hoops

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Courtney

Australian athletic underwear brand Step One has announced a multi-year partnership with Ford Aussie Hoops, the national grassroots basketball program for children aged 5-10.

This collaboration reflects a strategic alignment between the growing participation in Australian basketball, which currently involves over 350,000 child participants, and Step One’s brand values focused on fostering physical activity and confidence.

The partnership designates Step One as a Supporting Partner of Ford Aussie Hoops, involving a direct investment into the program’s Grants initiative.

This financial commitment is designed to support the expansion of grassroots basketball, serving as a critical entry point for young athletes into the sport.

Commenting on the importance of this collaboration, EGM of Game Development at Basketball Australia, David Simpson, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Step One as a part of Ford Aussie Hoops.”

“Their commitment to community, building confidence and getting people moving aligns perfectly with our vision for grassroots basketball.

“Contribute significantly to getting more kids playing basketball, getting active and discovering a lifelong love of the game,” Simpson said.

Brand Integration and Target Market Access

For Step One, this partnership offers direct access to a valuable demographic: families and young participants in community sport. By associating with a national grassroots program, the brand can embed itself within the lifestyle of active Australians from an early age.

Investment in Participation and Sport Development

Step One’s financial contribution to the Aussie Hoops Grants program provides support for increasing participation at a foundational level.

This directly benefits Basketball Australia by enabling more children to engage with the sport, which is vital for developing future talent pathways, expanding the overall fan base, and ensuring the long-term health and commercial viability of basketball in Australia.

Authenticity Through Athlete Investors

The partnership is further boosted by existing relationships between Step One and prominent Australian basketball players, some of whom are athlete investors and shareholders in the brand.

Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership, Founder of Step One, Greg Taylor, commented: “Our relationship with Australian Basketball has grown steadily over the past few years.”

“It began with many NBL players choosing to wear Step One and even becoming shareholders in the brand,” Taylor mentioned.

Long-Term Brand Investment

By aligning with a national participation program and leveraging authentic athlete connections, Step One aims to secure long-term market presence while actively contributing to the growth of Australian basketball.

In addition, Step One will also be joining the long awaited Women in Sport Summit at The Star on Gold Coast 27-28 August, to further solidify their investments not only in grassroots but also women in sports.

Bundesliga Pioneers Live Broadcast Rights for Content Creators

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Courtney

The Bundesliga has taken a notable step in its broadcasting strategy for the UK market by awarding live rights to content creators, including Mark Goldbridge’s YouTube channel That’s Football.

This move, which commences with the new season, will see Goldbridge and Sky Sports’ The Overlap sharing coverage of 20 Friday night matches.

These fixtures will also be accessible free-to-air on the BBC and the Bundesliga’s official YouTube channel.

This decision marks an important deviation from conventional sports broadcasting models, with the German top-flight actively embracing digital-first platforms and personalities.

While Sky Sports retains rights for Saturday evening games and Amazon secured exclusive Sunday fixtures on a pay-per-view basis, the inclusion of YouTube channels like That’s Football reflects a deliberate attempt to connect with younger, digitally native audiences.

Fan Engagement Through Diversification

By partnering with prominent YouTube personalities such as Mark Goldbridge, who commands substantial subscriber bases, the Bundesliga is directly addressing the evolving media consumption habits of younger demographics.

This aims to broaden the league’s viewership beyond traditional linear television, tapping into highly engaged online communities that value interactive and personality-driven content, such as “watch-along” formats.

New Revenue Streams and Brand Exposures

While the immediate financial terms for content creators are not detailed, this model opens potential for new revenue streams through digital advertising, integrated sponsorships within content creator broadcasts, and potentially direct fan monetisation through platform features.

For the Bundesliga, it means enhanced brand exposure in a competitive market, leveraging the built-in audience and authenticity of established online figures.

De-risking and Experimentation in Media Rights

This multi-layered distribution approach, combining established broadcasters with digital platforms and content creators, demonstrates the Bundesliga’s willingness to explore with media rights.

Chief Executive Officer of Bundesliga International, Peer Naubert, said: “Our approach is as diverse as our supporters… This multi-layered strategy allows us to connect with more audiences across the UK and Ireland, giving every supporter the chance to engage with football as it’s meant to be in the way that suits them best.”

Influence of Digital Personalities

The involvement of Mark Goldbridge, despite his divisive reputation, highlights the growing influence of independent content creators in the sports media landscape.

Their ability to cultivate pull through audiences makes them valuable partners for rights holders seeking to bridge the gap between traditional media and digital fan engagement.

Cricket Ireland Hosts Cricket Connect

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Courtney

Cricket Ireland recently hosted its Cricket Connects Camp at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont, bringing together over 150 young individuals from Belfast, the North West, and Donegal.

The initiative, designed as a one-day event, focused on promoting physical activity, teamwork, and community cohesion by engaging participants from diverse sporting backgrounds, including Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), hockey, and rugby. For many, it marked their initial exposure to cricket.

This camp aligns with Cricket Ireland’s strategic imperative to foster grassroots participation and collaborate with other sporting bodies. By welcoming participants from traditionally different sporting codes, Cricket Ireland has diversified its reach beyond existing cricket demographics.

This cross-sport engagement can serve as a conduit for introducing cricket to new audiences, potentially expanding the sport’s future participant and fan base.

Articulating the sport’s collaborative ethos, Chair of Cricket Ireland, Brian MacNeice, said: “Cricket is one of the most welcoming sports in Ireland, and we have a long, proud history of working collaboratively with other sporting bodies and community groups to encourage kids to get involved in physical activities.”

The event’s success was underpinned by stakeholder support, notably from Sport NI and the Northern Ireland Government, alongside the venue provider, NICSSA, and numerous volunteers.

This public and private sector collaboration is crucial for funding and executing large-scale community initiatives.

Emphasising the broader societal returns, Junior Minister Aisling Reilly, stating: “Through sports, children learn valuable life lessons about competitiveness, resilience, and coping with both victory and defeat.

Today’s Cricket Connects Camp showcases how sports can unite young individuals from diverse backgrounds and foster new friendships.”

Commercial Perspective

Sustained grassroots engagement through programs like Cricket Connects contributes to the long-term viability and growth of the sport.

Introducing cricket to a new generation builds future fan loyalty, creates a larger talent pool, and enhances the sport’s appeal for potential sponsors seeking to align with community development and youth engagement.

This commitment to supporting future improvements at the multi-sport NICSSA precinct further demonstrates Cricket Ireland’s long-term vision for infrastructure utilisation and community benefit.

Women’s Rugby World Cup Final Sells Out Twickenham

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Courtney

The upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup final is assured to set a new benchmark for attendance at a women’s rugby match, with organisers confirming a sold-out Twickenham Stadium expecting over 80,000 spectators.

This announcement, made on August 19, 2025, ahead of the tournament’s kickoff, signals a commercial milestone for women’s rugby.

Tournament officials revealed that more than 375,000 tickets have been sold across the 32 matches, which are being held at eight venues.

This figure represents three times the ticket sales of the last Women’s Rugby World Cup and over ten times the attendance seen when England last hosted the final in 2010, which drew 13,000 spectators at the Twickenham Stoop.

High attendance figures directly correlate with increased viewership potential, making the Women’s Rugby World Cup an increasingly attractive proposition for media rights holders and corporate sponsors.

A larger, engaged audience offers enhanced brand exposure and a more compelling platform for marketing campaigns, which can translate into more lucrative commercial agreements for future tournaments and the sport at large.

Hosting matches in regional cities like Brighton, Bristol, Exeter, Northampton, Salford, and York not only spreads the economic benefit of the tournament but also helps to grow the sport’s footprint beyond traditional rugby strongholds, cultivating new fan bases.

The record-breaking attendance at Twickenham establishes a new benchmark for major women’s sporting events globally.

Reflecting on the historical significance, Chair of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, Gill Whitehead, shared: “I started playing women’s rugby 30 years ago, and the prospect of girls running out of the tunnel, with three tiers of the Allianz packed to the rafters, is something I never thought I would witness.”

The pre-tournament commercial success of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 positions it as a landmark event in the global sports business calendar, underscoring the accelerating momentum and commercial appeal of women’s sport.

NBL and ESPN Extend Partnership

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Courtney

The National Basketball League (NBL) has announced a multi-year extension of its media rights deal with ESPN, ensuring every game of the NBL26 season, including finals, will be broadcast across Australia and New Zealand.

Effective from the season tip-off on 18 September 2025, the agreement also introduces direct integration of NBL content onto Disney+ via the ESPN tile. It marks the first time the league will appear on a mainstream entertainment streaming service, significantly broadening accessibility and positioning the NBL in front of millions of new and existing subscribers.

NBL programming will remain available on ESPN networks through Foxtel, Kayo Sports, and Fetch TV in Australia, as well as Sky in New Zealand. A renewed partnership with Network 10 will also continue to provide free-to-air coverage of Sunday games, maintaining reach across casual sports audiences.

NBL Group CEO David Stevenson credited ESPN’s support as pivotal to the league’s record growth: “We are extremely grateful to ESPN for their partnership and loyalty, which has been instrumental in us being able to achieve another record-breaking year for basketball across Australia and New Zealand.”

Kylie Watson-Wheeler, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand, and Head of ESPN Asia-Pacific, said the deal reinforced ESPN’s basketball offering: “The NBL is key to our Home for Hoops offering, with NBL26 set to be the biggest season yet.”

The agreement underscores the NBL’s ambition to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive sports media landscape. By combining domestic competition coverage with ESPN’s extensive portfolio of US leagues, the broadcaster cements its role as the region’s leading destination for basketball content.

The extension reflects confidence in the NBL’s growth trajectory and ensures the league continues to benefit from global visibility, deeper fan engagement, and enhanced commercial opportunities.

WNBL Welcomes Ninth Team

Posted on August 20, 2025August 19, 2025 by Courtney

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.

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

Posted on August 20, 2025August 19, 2025 by Courtney

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.

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

Posted on August 20, 2025August 19, 2025 by Courtney

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.