Australian Professional Leagues announce minority investment from Silver Lake

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Australian Professional Leagues (APL), the entity responsible for the operation, commercialisation and marketing of professional football in Australia, have today announced that Silver Lake, a global leader in technology investing, has made a significant minority investment in the organisation.

The investment will drive technology enhancements and innovation aimed at improving the fan experience and driving further development of the game in Australia. The transaction values APL at approximately USD$300m / AUD $425M.

Silver Lake’s investment aimed at supporting APL’s sustained, long-term growth strategy for the leagues, with a measured deployment of capital over the coming years. Funds will be used to drive enhancements widely across many aspects of the professional game.

APL’s digital first strategy will continue to evolve with a focus on marketing, product development and strengthening its direct-to-consumer execution.

Funds will also be allocated to support the on-field enhancement of the A-Leagues including increased investment in all competitions with a specific focus on extended growth in the Liberty A-League Women and A-League Youth competitions. Additional investment is planned to be deployed for development of unique community engagement propositions to further connect the game.

Silver Lake Managing Director Stephen Evans will become a Member of the APL Board.

Commenting on the announcement, A-Leagues Chair Paul Lederer said:

“Silver Lake is a world-class leader in technology and media investing and this partnership is a testament to the compelling opportunities for growth and even better, deeper fan engagement that our leagues are cultivating. This valuation recognises the latent potential that has long existed in the professional game in Australia, and the ability of our board and executive team to realise that potential.

“We welcome the opportunity to work closely with Silver Lake to harness the team’s experience, including around new technology adoption and other growth strategies critical to realising the potential of Australian football.”

Silver Lake Managing Director Stephen Evans added:

“The Australian Professional Leagues has a large, growing and passionate fan base across its 13 teams and the organisation has made great strides as it focuses on leveraging technology to strengthen Australian football and enrich the fan experience.

“We are excited to partner with the Board, Danny Townsend, and the entire executive team to help further accelerate APL’s digital transformation and support its continued momentum and ambitious vision for long-term sustainable and inclusive growth.”

The Silver Lake transaction has been approved by the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and Football Australia.

Wellington Phoenix and Gazley Motors continue partnership

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Image credit: Wellington Phoenix Instagram

Wellington Phoenix has confirmed that Gazley Motors will extend its partnership with the club for a fourth season.

Gazley is Wellington’s largest car dealership and has been servicing the local community for over 20 years.

The family-owned business has not only supported the Phoenix on the pitch but off it as well, supplying its players with premium vehicles from brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Alfa Romeo.

David Dome, general manager at Wellington Phoenix, said about the extended partnership:

“Myles and his team at Gazley are passionate about supporting Wellington businesses, and they’ve been a great partner of ours for the past three seasons,” he said in a media release on the club’s website.

“Gazley are agents for some of the world’s leading vehicle brands and I know our players love driving their cars.

“We’ve already achieved a lot together and we look forward to building on our partnership in the upcoming season.”

Myles Gazley, managing director at Gazley Motors, expressed his excitement to continue with the club for a fourth season:

“In a challenging time for Wellington, the Phoenix have lit up the community and we’re extremely proud to extend our partnership for another season,” he said in a media release on the club’s website.

“Being the driving force behind this remarkable team has been a rewarding journey and we’re excited to continue supporting a club that truly embodies the passion and spirit of Wellington.”

Gazley’s logo will again appear on the right sleeve of the men’s playing kit and has already been featured in their Australia Cup tie against South Melbourne.

Wellington Phoenix already has a long list of partners based in New Zealand such as Entelar Group, Comrad and the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS).

With the extension of Gazley Motors, the club are showing their full support for local businesses in the area and we may see more New Zealand-based partnerships along the way.

Football in New Zealand is reaching an exciting time as it continues to grow in both the men’s and women’s games.

We’ve seen the likes of Ben Old and Macey Fraser all making the move abroad and with the introduction of Auckland FC, New Zealand football fans should get excited about what lies ahead.

Brisbane Roar confirm deal with CSQ for 2024/25 season

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Image credit: Brisbane Roar website

Brisbane Roar have collaborated a new partnership with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), who will join the club as a Platinum Partner for the 2024/25 season.

CSQ, dedicated to training and developing the Queensland building and construction industry, is focused on inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in construction.

By partnering with Brisbane Roar, CSQ aims to engage with passionate young football fans and introduce them to the exciting opportunities within the construction industry.

This collaboration will be highlighted through CSQ’s sponsorship of the half-time heroes activation at both A-League Men’s and A-League Women’s matches.

Brisbane Roar CEO and Chairman, Kaz Patafta expressed his excitement for the future with this partnership.

“Brisbane Roar are delighted to welcome Construction Skills Queensland on board for the upcoming season as an official Platinum Partner,” Patafta said in a club statement.

“We’re very thankful to the CSQ team for supporting our club and look forward to growing this partnership over the next year.”

CSQ CEO Geoff Clare emphasised the importance of the partnership in extending the reach of their Construction Pathways campaign, which has primarily targeted high school students.

“We have been busy spreading the word about careers in construction through programs and campaigns targeting high schoolers and their teachers and families,” Clare said in a statement.

“It is exciting for us to broaden the reach of Construction Pathways messaging to include the younger fan base and young families through Brisbane Roar.

“We see great synergies between the dynamic energy of the game and the unparalleled opportunities to progress in a successful construction career.

“There has been a real shift in how construction is viewed by the community, with more smart young people choosing construction as their first choice after school.

“Conversations and opinions about future careers are happening from an early age and we are excited to be able to spark some new thinking about construction in young Roar fans.”

Brisbane Roar are always one of the busiest clubs in the A-Leagues in regards to their business dealings and they have expanded their corporate portfolio yet again.

This partnerships also provides a unique opportunity to engage their younger fanbase, offering them valuable insights into the construction industry while leveraging CSQ’s extensive national reach.

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