AFL
- PLAYERS will pocket a minimum of $1.8 billion over the next six seasons under last week’s breakthrough pay agreement. The monster pay day equates to 28 per cent of total AFL industry revenues and sees the average player wage climb to $371,000. The AFL has agreed to pay players the equivalent of 11.2 per cent of all unbudgeted club revenues across the next six years. Another clause ensuring player wages do not decrease — even if industry revenues fall — will also be written in to the collective bargaining agreement.
- The Western Bulldogs have announced a ground-breaking three-year partnership with global automotive manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia. It is the first time the Bulldogs have aligned with an automotive manufacturer, and the first partnership with a major sporting club for Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia. The Mercedes Benz-Vans logo will feature on the back of the Bulldogs’ AFL guernsey, with Mission Foods remaining on the front of the guernsey as the major partner of the Club. The Mercedes-Benz Vans logo will also be prominent on the Club’s apparel and official media backdrop from next season.
A-league
- South-East Melbourne’s seven biggest clubs endorse A-League bid, while the region’s bid to become Melbourne’s third A-League club further materialised on Thursday when three local councils signed an historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Dandenong’s Harmony Square.
NRL
- As the major sponsor the NSW Blues for this year’s State of Origin NRL series, The Star Sydney has taken the experience for fans to the next level with the launch of an innovative new wig. The Blatchys SMARTWiG is fitted with an LED antenna to light up when the lights go down and an in-built headphone connecting wearers to SMARTWiG radio – six hours of customised radio programming, including Triple M’s commentary and live call of the on-field action during the game.
Rugby Union
- The Australian Rugby Union’s chief operating officer has resigned in a blow that threatens to further delay the removal of an Australian Super Rugby side. Rob Clarke announced his sudden resignation to staff on Thursday.
Other
- The ICC have announced the prize money for this year’s women’s World Cup will increase to US$2 million, 10 times what it was in 2013.
- The Rise And Rise Of Esports Down Under
- How Australians watch cricket on screens in the future could depend on what happens with the Nine Network’s current discussions with Cricket Australia over the 2018-23 media rights.
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The EFL has today unveiled iFollow, an innovative digital live streaming and content platform that will revolutionise the way football fans overseas can follow their EFL teams. Kicking off at the start of the 2017/18 EFL season, overseas subscribers will pay the equivalent of £110 per season for the service which will provide coverage of up to 46 live games per club.
