Melbourne Victory and Maple Living extend collaboration

Avatar
Melbourne Victory
Image credit: Shutterstock.com

Melbourne Victory has confirmed that Maple Living will continue to be a premier partner for the upcoming season.

Based out in Westmeadows, Maple Living has grown to be one of Australia’s premier home builders and has worked with Melbourne Victory since 2022.

Now entering their fourth season of the partnership, the construction business will become a significant part of enhancing the A-League Men’s match day, delivering the new Maple Living Pitchside Experience.

This exclusive package allows fans to be truly immersed in the match-day experience and the benefits include:

  • Sitting on the pitch behind the Melbourne Victory coaches’ bench
  • Food and beverages served pitch side
  • A group photo opportunity on the pitch and a chance to meet the team
  • Access to seats for a round of your choice
  • Toblerone branding around low pitch side seats
  • Your own dedicated Melbourne Victory host
  • Opportunities to enjoy the unique and exclusive view from the Players’ Tunnel

In addition, this extended partnership will see Maple Living featured on LED and printed ground signage at AAMI Park as well as assisting in corporate hospitality and networking events.

Caroline Carnegie, Melbourne Victory Managing Director, said about the extended partnership:

“We’re incredibly pleased to have Maple Living back as a Premier Partner for the upcoming season,” she said in a media release on Melbourne Victory’s website.

“Our relationship started in early 2022 and has continued to grow ever since. This season, Maple Living will be on the sidelines at AAMI Park with the Maple Living Pitchside Experience that will bring fans closer to the game than ever before.”

Anthony Wardan, Maple Living Director, said he is excited to continue working with clubs and offer Victory fans a unique experience:

“At Maple Living, we’re thrilled to continue our strong partnership with Melbourne Victory,” he said in a media release on Melbourne Victory’s website.

“This collaboration has been an incredible journey, and we’re excited to provide fans with a truly priceless experience through the new Maple Living Pitchside Experience. We look forward to this year’s partnership and beyond.”

Melbourne Victory fans will be able to experience the Maple Living Pitchside Experience this coming season, for more information visit the club’s website.

Previous ArticleNext Article

APL and PFA remain without agreement as bargaining tensions continue

Avatar
Image Credit: A-Leagues

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) remain without a new collective bargaining agreement, with negotiations continuing less than three months before the start of the 2026–27 A-Leagues season.

The APL presented the players’ union with a new one-year interim proposal on August 5, which included an increase to the A-League Women salary cap and a commitment to establish a pathway towards full-time professionalism for the women’s competition within 12 months.

The proposed agreement would provide an interim framework while the two parties continue discussions over a longer-term collective bargaining agreement.

APL chief executive Steve Rosich said the proposal reflected the league’s commitment to reaching a sustainable agreement with players following eight months of negotiations.

However, the PFA criticised the APL for publicly announcing the proposal shortly after presenting it to the union, arguing that the approach had further damaged trust between the two parties.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch also said players had overwhelmingly rejected the APL’s previous final offer, citing a lack of trust in the league’s ability to ensure its future.

Full-time professionalism for the A-League Women remains a key priority for the PFA, with players seeking improved conditions and greater investment in the competition.

The A-League Men and A-League Women seasons are both scheduled to begin on 16 October 2026.

With the new season approaching, both parties face pressure to resolve the dispute and establish the framework governing player conditions across the A-Leagues.

 

 

Jeff Bezos consortium set for $2.7 billion Liverpool investment

Avatar
Image Credits: Fortune

Liverpool could soon welcome one of the world’s richest men into its ownership structure.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium in advanced talks to buy a 30% stake in the club.

The proposed deal values Liverpool at around $8.6 billion (4.5 billion pounds). Bezos has a personal fortune estimated at $363 billion.

The investment would give Fenway Sports Group (FSG) a major financial return. It would also allow FSG to keep control of the club, which they bought in 2010.

The proposal has attracted attention across football. It has also created concern among sections of the Liverpool fanbase.

FSG set for major return

FSG bought Liverpool for $573 million (300 million pounds) in 2010. The ownership group later provided further funding through loans. In the last 16 years, the club has undergone major growth.

Liverpool ended a 30-year wait for a league title in 2020. The club also won the Champions League in 2019. Another Premier League title followed in 2025.

Stadium redevelopment and a new training centre have also increased the club’s value. FSG could cash in on $2.7 billion (1.4 billion pounds) if the 30% share is sold.

The deal would therefore represent a huge return on its original investment. However, whilst the investment would provide a massive cash out for the owners of Liverpool, due to Financial Fair Play there won’t be increased investment in the transfer market.

Why Bezos wants Liverpool

Bezos has explored sports investments before. He has been linked with major American franchises such as the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

Liverpool would give him a stake in one of football’s biggest global brands. The club also has a large following in the United States. The New York Times has also reported Liverpool has 26 million fans in America.

That makes the investment attractive for investors looking to expand their reach in global sport. American businessmen Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia are also reportedly involved in the consortium.

The deal would add to the growing American influence across English football.

Fans remain cautious

Liverpool supporters have not automatically welcomed the proposal.

The club’s previous experience under Tom Hicks and George Gillett still influences the fanbase.

Supporters also want greater clarity over the consortium’s intentions. Questions remain over board representation, control and the long-term purpose of the investment.

For many fans, ownership must involve more than financial ambition. The Bezos proposal could strengthen Liverpool’s commercial position. It could also deliver a huge payday for FSG.

But until the consortium reveals more about its plans, supporters are likely to treat the deal with scepticism.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend