Commonwealth Bank signs on as FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Official Supporter

Matildas

Over the weekend, FIFA announced that Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) has signed on as a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Official Supporter for next year’s tournament, with the bank further affirming its commitment and investment into women’s football.

By supporting the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, Commonwealth Bank becomes one of the largest brand investors in women’s sport in Australia – which only further highlights the growth and trajectory of the game not only locally, but across the globe.

CommBank and FIFA will work together on many initiatives and activations as the countdown to the largest women’s sporting event on the planet continue, most notably the CommBank FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Player Escort Programme, which will see 1,500 children aged 6-10 accompany players onto the pitch before matches in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Sarai Bareman, FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer, said in a Football Australia statement:

“Through their investment in Australian football since 2021, Commonwealth Bank has demonstrated a genuine commitment to growing women’s football participation, creating opportunities, and championing leadership. These goals are closely aligned with the objectives of FIFA’s own women’s football strategy, so this partnership truly is an exceptional fit. We look forward to working closely with Commonwealth Bank over the coming months as together we aim to inspire kids and communities through the power of women’s football.”

Monique Macleod, Group Executive Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Commonwealth Bank, said via press release:

“This is an exciting time for women’s sport in Australia and around the world. With 64 games taking place in Australia and New Zealand, the FIFA Women’s World Cup is the biggest women’s sporting event in the world. Following almost 25 years of investing in women’s sport through our partnerships with Football Australia and Cricket Australia, this partnership reinforces our commitment to supporting Australian football from the grassroots to the elite level.”

Sam Kerr OAM, Captain of the Matildas, Australia’s senior women’s national football team, added via press release:

“When I was growing up, women’s football didn’t have the visibility and support it has today. To have a partner like CommBank supporting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 shows how far we’ve come. I want to use the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 as a way to show all Australian girls that they can achieve great things through football.”

Under the arrangement, ASB in New Zealand will be actively involved in leveraging the rights in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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Mbappé move from Nike to On signals new battle for Football’s sponsorship market

Kylian Mbappe UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier

Kylian Mbappé’s decision to leave Nike after almost 20 years has opened a new chapter in the commercial battle for football’s biggest names. The Real Madrid and France star has joined Swiss sportswear brand On, a significant boon for the company on entry into the football market.

Mbappé’s departure is a significant commercial loss for Nike. The forward joined the company as a nine-year-old and grew into one of its leading football figures. His loss compounds the recent transition of Spanish star Lamine Yamal to long-time rival Adidas.

On built its reputation in running, before expanding into tennis via Roger Federer. It will now use Mbappé’s experience as it develops football products, with its first boots expected to become widely available in the near future. Former France star Thierry Henry has also joined On as its football director and is a shareholder.

On has confirmed that Mbappé’s agreement includes both cash and equity, although the financial details have not been released, gives the partnership a deeper commercial connection than a traditional endorsement deal. Nike still holds significant football contracts, including long-term partnership with numerous national teams.

However, Mbappé’s move gives On an opportunity to challenge the established order, including Nike, Adidas, Puma and other emerging competitors. But will they turn this prized signature into lasting football credibility? To do so, the brand must now deliver products that can compete on performance, design and price.

Mbappé’s switch is therefore more than a sponsorship change. It signals an increasingly competitive fight for football’s most influential athletes and the billions of fans who follow them.

SBS expands Australian Championship broadcast coverage for 2026

The Australian Championship will enter its second season with an expanded broadcast partnership between Football Australia and SBS. The 2026 competition will feature two live SBS broadcasts in every round, marking an increase from the tournament’s debut season.

Thursday night football will form a key part of the new broadcast schedule. The opening match will see Preston Lions face Wollongong Wolves on October 15th, with the game broadcast live on SBS2 and SBS On Demand. Saturday football will also remain part of the free-to-air schedule; first up, Sutherland Sharks’ clash with South Melbourne on October 17th will be shown live on SBS and SBS On Demand.

The expanded agreement gives the competition a greater presence across SBS’s linear channels while retaining its full streaming coverage, with every match across the 2026 Australian Championship available live on SBS On Demand. The platform also provides full replays and highlights for viewers to access at their discretion.

In addition to SBS’ coverage, Football Australia will also stream the competition via YouTube.

The Australian Championship consists of a six-round group stage, finals beginning at quarter-finals from November 26, and a Grand Final scheduled currently between December 10-12.

It features 16 clubs from seven states and territories. The broadcast schedule places several historic fixtures in front of a national audience: South Melbourne will meet Sydney United 58 in a repeat of the 1999 NSL Grand Final, and Sydney Olympic and Marconi Stallions will also renew a rivalry that includes NSL Grand Final meetings in 1989 and 1990.

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