Page 7 – Ministry of Sport

Brisbane Roar Confirms Partnership with Transport Leader Cannon Logistics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Courtney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sky Media Reports Record Premier League Sponsorship Deal

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Courtney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASC and Port Adelaide Join Forces in New Partnership

Posted on August 19, 2025August 18, 2025 by Courtney

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

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

Shared Values and Community Focus

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

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

ASC’s Commitment to the Region

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

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

Boosting Women’s Sport

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

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

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

Posted on August 19, 2025August 18, 2025 by Courtney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

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

ODI Jersey – A Nostalgic Tribute with Modern Performance

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

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

T20I Jersey – Dynamic and Fearless

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

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

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

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

Geelong Cats partner with PILLAR Performance

Posted on August 19, 2025August 18, 2025 by Courtney

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

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

Elevating Performance

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

Innovation in Sports Nutrition

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

Science-Backed Solutions

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

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

Kayo Sports and Foxtel Cement US Sports Dominance with ESPN Extension

Posted on August 18, 2025August 18, 2025 by Courtney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beyond Live Game Coverage

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

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

Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Introduces Venue Naming Rights

Posted on August 18, 2025August 18, 2025 by Courtney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WA Government Boosts Regional Sport with Infrastructure Funding

Posted on August 18, 2025August 18, 2025 by Courtney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on August 18, 2025 by Courtney

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

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

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

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

CRM Takes Centre Stage in Sports Revenue Strategies

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

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

Commercial Implications for the Industry

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

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

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

Strategic Takeaways

Behaviour-based segmentation can increase conversion rates.
Align campaign timing with high-emotion fan moments.
Embed CRM at the heart of revenue strategies, not just as a communications tool.

West Coast Eagles partner with Bar Health and Hygiene

Posted on August 18, 2025 by Courtney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on August 18, 2025August 18, 2025 by Courtney

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

Natalie Cook: Athlete, Advocate, Leader

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

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

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

A platform for Impact

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

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

Ticketing

Combined Access (High Performance Day + Summit) – AUD $790
High Performance Day only – AUD $395
Summit only – AUD $550

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

PGA Tour Finale Revamp Brings Career Earnings Back in Play

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Courtney

The PGA Tour has confirmed that part of the US$40 million purse at next week’s Tour Championship will once again count towards players’ official career earnings. This marks the first time since 2018 that the event will contribute to the official money list, altering a system in place from 2019 to 2024 where payouts were solely treated as FedEx Cup bonuses.

From 2007 to 2018, the Tour Championship purse was classified as official money while FedEx Cup bonuses were not. The separation allowed for the possibility of different winners for the tournament and the FedEx Cup. That distinction disappeared in 2019, when the Tour adopted the starting strokes format, consolidating the season-long title and tournament result.

Return to Traditional Format

This year, the PGA Tour is abandoning the starting strokes system in favour of a conventional 72-hole stroke-play event. The winner will receive USD10 million and be crowned FedEx Cup champion. The change follows criticism of the starting strokes format, which some argued diminished the integrity of the competition’s final round.

The revised payout model at East Lake Golf Club will allocate USD25.33 million as FedEx Cup cash, and USD14.67 million as deferrals, which do not contribute to official totals. Players finishing higher on the leaderboard will see a larger proportion of their payout classified as official money.

For example, the winner will receive USD9 million in cash and USD1 million in deferrals, while the last-place finisher will collect USD100,000 in cash and USD255,000 in deferrals.

Impact on Career Earnings

For players like Scottie Scheffler, who earned USD62.2 million in 2024 with more than half coming from bonuses, the reclassification will modestly increase official career totals. Scheffler’s career earnings currently stand at USD92.15 million, with USD33 million from 2024 bonus payouts excluded from that figure.

While the new approach will not dramatically alter most participants’ lifetime earnings, the US$25.33 million in official money now available slightly exceeds the Players Championship purse, the PGA Tour’s largest regular-season prize fund.

Future Adjustments Expected

The PGA Tour is also modifying the timing of FedEx Cup bonus payments, with one distribution after the regular season and another following the BMW Championship. Further structural changes to the Tour Championship are anticipated by 2026, which may lead to additional refinements in prize money allocation and FedEx Cup scoring.

NBA Board of Governors Approves Boston Celtics Sale

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Courtney

The NBA Board of Governors has unanimously approved the USD6.1 billion (AUD9.3 billion) sale of the Boston Celtics, confirming one of the largest franchise transactions in professional sport.

The deal, first announced in March, is expected to close within days. Bill Chisholm will assume the role of lead governor, replacing Wyc Grousbeck, who will stay on as alternate governor and CEO until 2028.

The transaction initially set a record as the largest in global sport, before the Los Angeles Lakers surpassed it with a USD10 billion sale.

Deal Structure and Investor Group

The Celtics sale attracted scrutiny over reports that private equity firm Sixth Street Partners was contributing a larger stake than Chisholm. NBA rules require the lead owner to invest at least 15% of the purchase price and prohibit a private equity firm from being the majority shareholder.

Chisholm addressed these concerns earlier this year, securing the necessary funding by May. ArcelorMittal CEO Lakshmi Mittal is contributing USD1 billion (AUD1.5 billion), alongside Sixth Street, existing minority owner Robert Hale Jr., and Bruce A. Beal Jr., president of Related Companies.

Extended Closing Period

The sale process has taken about five months — considerably longer than recent NBA transactions, such as the Mavericks, Hornets, and Suns, which finalised in under six weeks. The extended timeline fuelled speculation of structural and funding challenges before final approval.

Leadership Transition

Chisholm, a relatively low-profile figure prior to this acquisition, is purchasing the team in his personal capacity rather than through his firm, Symphony Technology Group. His arrival marks a significant leadership change for one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, with Grousbeck stepping back after more than two decades at the helm.

Adelaide United and AMES Announce Partnership to Boost Community Engagement

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Courtney

Adelaide United has announced a new partnership with migrant and refugee settlement agency, AMES Australia, aimed at enhancing integration and support for newly arrived communities in South Australia.

The agreement will run through the 2025/26 A-League Men’s and Women’s seasons and focus on using football as a tool for social connection, youth engagement, and cultural inclusion.

Under the arrangement, the two organisations will deliver initiatives including multicultural matchdays during Harmony Week, pre-match citizenship ceremonies, junior development clinics, youth engagement events, and volunteer pathways. The program is designed to promote participation and cultural understanding while providing opportunities for community involvement.

Focus on Female Participation and Respect Initiatives

A central component of the partnership is the development of female-focused football programs. These will aim to foster leadership, confidence, and participation among girls and young women from diverse backgrounds.

The programs will also integrate AMES’ “Sport for Respect” initiative, which uses sport to address domestic and gender-based violence, promote respect, and highlight positive role models.

Commenting on the partnership, Adelaide United CEO, Nathan Kosmina, said: “Our purpose extends far beyond the pitch. This partnership with AMES is a natural extension of our values of inclusion, respect, and empowerment.”

Broader Settlement and Engagement Outcomes

Emphasising the importance of football as a unifying force, noting the agreement’s potential to deliver access to sport, education, and employment opportunities for migrants and refugees, AMES CEO, Catherine Scarth, added: “Football is the world game, and it has the power to bring diverse communities and people together.”

Framing the initiative within the state’s broader strategy for inclusive sport, South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Emily Bourke, noted: “This partnership sets out to provide opportunities for girls and women to achieve their goals on and off the pitch.”

Infrastructure and Resource Sharing

As part of the collaboration, Adelaide United will make its facilities available for AMES-led programs, including youth workshops, community meetings, and collaborative planning sessions.

This arrangement provides a professional and accessible environment for engagement activities and reinforces the club’s position as a community hub.