Swyftx Enters New Zealand Market with First Crypto Sponsorship of a Professional Sports Team

Brisbane-based cryptocurrency exchange Swyftx has become the first crypto brand to sponsor a professional New Zealand sports team, signing a multi-year deal with the One New Zealand Warriors.

The partnership represents a commercial development in New Zealand sport, marking both the company’s local market entry and the first step in a multimillion-dollar strategy to support professional teams across multiple codes over the next two years.

Under the agreement, Swyftx will invest hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, with the partnership encompassing branding rights, corporate hospitality, player appearances, and reserved fan tickets for NRL home games at Go Media Stadium.

Swyftx chief executive officer, Jason Titman, said the deal reflects the company’s intent to grow its regional presence and establish a multi-code footprint that creates mutual value for sports organisations and their supporters.

“The Warriors are one of the country’s most recognised sporting brands and they represent passion, resilience and a loyal fan base.”

“There is a natural overlap between the energy of sport and crypto. Both are fast-moving spaces, and our research shows a strong connection between sports fans and digital asset investors,” Titman said.

The partnership comes as crypto adoption in New Zealand (estimated at 9–14%) lags behind Australia’s 20–25%, with Swyftx identifying sport as an effective entry point for consumer engagement.

The company recently acquired New Zealand’s largest digital assets platform, Easy Crypto, further solidifying its foothold in the market.

Warriors chief executive officer, Cameron George, said the agreement aligns with the club’s focus on commercial innovation and fan engagement.

“This sponsorship will not only provide important financial support for the club but also deliver new experiences and benefits for our members and fans.”

“Deals of this scale help us grow our fan base, make the sport more financially accessible, and provide critical funding that can be reinvested into pathways and programmes,” George said. 

Swyftx has already spent up to A$10 million annually on sponsorships in Australia, partnering with the Brisbane Lions, NRL, and several Big Bash League teams.

The company’s New Zealand country manager, Paul Quickenden, described the partnership as a catalyst for international investment in local sport.

“This partnership marks the beginning of a new era of investment in New Zealand sport.”

“These partnerships can help unlock new revenue streams, strengthen fan engagement and ensure our professional and grassroots programmes are competing on a level playing field,” Quickenden said. 

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