Ford Australia joins Newcastle Jets as major partner for 2026/27

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The Newcastle Jets have secured Ford Australia as a major partner for the 2026/27 season. This brings one of the country’s most established automotive brands onto the club’s A-League Men’s playing shirts.

Announced on 16 October, the partnership will see Ford Australia feature on the sleeve of the Jets’ men’s jerseys throughout the season.

The agreement connects Ford with a club that has a strong identity in the Hunter region. In addition, it provides a platform to engage with local supporters, families and the wider community through football.

Ford Australia Marketing Director Ambrose Henderson said the partnership would help the company connect with Jets fans across the region.

“Sport brings people together, and the Jets are an important part of the Hunter region,” Henderson said. “We’re looking forward to sharing that connection with the club’s fans and families – and helping them make the most of every journey, from match day to weekend adventures.”

For the Jets, the deal adds another major brand to their commercial portfolio as the club enters the 2026/27 campaign. Executive Chairman Maurice Bisetto welcomed Ford’s involvement.

“It is fantastic to have a partner on jump on board with enormous calibre such as Ford Australia,” Bisetto said.

The partnership also provides Ford with a connection to a growing football audience following a hugely successful 2025/26 season through a club whose reach extends beyond matchday, creating opportunities to engage with supporters through the season.

Financial terms and the duration of the agreement beyond the 2026/27 season were not disclosed.

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Australian Sports Group reveals ambitious blueprint for Canberra United

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Image Credits: Canberra United

New Canberra United owners, Australian Sports Group, have outlined an ambitious investment blueprint for the future of the club.

The plans centre around strengthening the club’s foundations, establishing elite academy pathways, and the introduction of an A-League Men’s team. More broadly, it aims to create a stronger football ecosystem that connects players, clubs and communities across the Australian Capital Territory.

A key pillar of the strategy is the development of an elite academy. The proposed pathways will create opportunities for emerging talent to progress towards professional football, strengthening the connection between grassroots participation and the elite game. The academy would form an important foundation for the proposed A-League Men’s team. ASG are targeting an entry into the Men’s competition from 2028/29, pending required process.

The introduction of a men’s team would expand the club’s professional offering and create additional opportunities for players, coaches and football staff. It would also give local talent a clearer pathway towards senior football without having to leave the region.

Infrastructure investment is another central component of the blueprint. The group plans to improve football facilities and secure a long-term home for the club. These developments would support the women’s program while laying the groundwork for future expansion.

The strategy also prioritises stronger engagement across the ACT football community. The ownership group plans to work with local stakeholders and government to align the club’s growth with broader priorities for sport and community development.

The immediate focus remains on stabilising the women’s program and building the structures needed for long-term success. This approach provides a foundation for the club to expand its operations while maintaining its existing identity and community connections.

The investment blueprint signals a broader ambition for Canberra United. By combining elite player development, improved infrastructure and the potential introduction of a men’s team, the group aims to establish a sustainable professional football model for the capital. The vision positions Canberra United as a platform for growth across the region, with a pathway to connect grassroots participation, academy development and professional competition.

A-Leagues partners with Champion Data to enhance broadcast experience

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Image Credit: Shutterstock

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has appointed Champion Data as its official broadcast graphics partner in a three-season agreement designed to enhance coverage of the Isuzu UTE A-League Men and Ninja A-League Women. The partnership will introduce Champion Data’s live graphics technology across broadcasts on Network 10 and Paramount+, delivering real-time statistics, scores and visual insights to help fans follow the action.

Champion Data will use its proprietary GGi platform to connect match data with broadcast graphics and production workflows. The system will support the delivery of clear, engaging information throughout matches, giving viewers greater insight into key moments and performances. The agreement also strengthens the APL’s commitment to improving the broadcast presentation of women’s football. Champion Data will bring the Ninja A-League Women’s production standards into alignment with the men’s competition, supporting a more consistent viewing experience across both leagues.

The APL expects the partnership to enrich its broadcast offering as audiences seek deeper insights and more engaging ways to follow Australian football. The new graphics package will help viewers understand match developments, track statistics and connect with the stories unfolding on the pitch. Champion Data will manage technical delivery, train broadcast operators and provide live matchday support throughout the agreement. This end-to-end approach will help production teams deliver accurate information and consistent graphics across both competitions.

The partnership builds on Champion Data’s experience in sports data collection, analytics and broadcast technology. They currently provide statistics for the AFL, V8 Supercars and Tennis Australia alongside many others. By integrating live match information with on-screen graphics, the company will help bring the tactical detail and drama of A-Leagues football to television and streaming audiences.

As the APL continues to develop its broadcast product across television and digital platforms. The partnership positions Champion Data as a key technology provider for the next three seasons. The collaboration will combine data expertise and broadcast innovation to improve how fans experience Australian football, bringing greater clarity, context and insight to every match.

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