Sports fans have been immersed in news all week long. There have been no shortage of stories on the field and off it. Even if you don’t follow sport, it’s been almost impossible to escape this week’s chaos. From on-field performances to off-field headlines, the news cycle hasn’t missed a beat.
If you were driving over the Sydney Harbour Bridge yesterday and saw cameras and some smart green outfits, that is because R.M. Williams had athletes Cam McEvoy and Delta Amidzowski scale the bridge to show off the new Commonwealth Games outfits.
The 2026 Glasgow Games makes the third year the Aussie clothes manufacturer has designed and provided Team Australia’s outfits.
One of the biggest sporting stories of the week came off the field, with South Sydney Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell ending his self-imposed media ban after a year. Gate crashing a press conference at his NRL club’s training, he opened with “welcome to Trellavision”.
It’s not exactly clear to why he took himself off the self imposed media ban. But, he did tell the media he would like to speak on special occasions, and proceeded to talk about teammate Campbell Graham playing in his 150th NRL match on the weekend.
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Welcome back to B&T’s Spotlight on Sponsors series, where we break down all the major sponsorship news from inside the sporting world.
Staying off the field, New Balance will continue to be in St Kilda’s corner until 2030, Myer has entered the AFL via the Collingwood Magpies, Woolworths has brought back its 2026 Netball Grants program and Under Armour has recruited AFL rising star Finn Callaghan as a brand ambassador.
Commonwealth Games x R.M.Williams’
As the 2026 Commonwealth Games approach, Australia will step onto the global stage wearing ceremonial and village uniforms designed by Australian heritage brand R.M.Williams, in partnership with Commonwealth Games Australia.
The collaboration marks a continuation of R.M.Williams’ commitment to supporting Australian sport and culture. It also reinforces its role as a legacy uniform partner to Commonwealth Games Australia. The uniforms celebrate national identity, craftsmanship and unity, designed to represent Australia with confidence on the world stage.
Created to be distinctly Australian, the uniform draws on the country’s green and gold sporting heritage, alongside Indigenous design elements woven through graphics and detailing. At its core, the design reflects a sense of togetherness, with artwork symbolising athletes coming together as one team.
Balancing form and function, the collection has been designed to meet the practical needs of over 500 athletes and team members travelling to Glasgow. Layered and versatile pieces respond to the city’s changing summer climate, with options spanning both formal and casual wear, from tailored blazers and signature boots to puffer jackets, t-shirts and sneakers.
Sustainability and craftsmanship are central to the collection, with the use of recycled nylon, organic cotton and recycled linings, alongside select pieces crafted in the R.M.Williams workshop. Inclusive sizing ensures the uniform is accessible to all members of the team.
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As Team Australia prepares for the Games, the ceremonial uniform represents a significant moment of pride, unity and anticipation ahead of competition.
Reflecting on the significance of the uniform and what it represents for athletes, long jump world junior champion Delta Amidzowski said, “I think R.M. Williams have done an incredible job with the whole design of the uniform and it definitely represents much more than just putting on a piece of clothing. It’s our culture, it’s our heritage, so it’s definitely going to give all us athletes a lot of confidence heading into the Games.”
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will bring together athletes from across the Commonwealth to compete across a diverse program of sports, celebrating international competition and connection.
St Kilda x New Balance
St Kilda Football Club has extended its long-standing partnership with New Balance, in collaboration with its teamwear partner Belgravia Apparel, through to the end of 2030.
The announcement also marks a significant evolution of the partnership, with the Saints’ AFLW program officially wearing the New Balance brand for the first time.
Having first partnered with the club in 2021, the extended agreement will see New Balance and Belgravia Apparel continue as the club’s premier apparel partner, supplying all on-and-off field apparel across its men’s and women’s programs, as well as selected club merchandise ranges worn proudly by the Saints faithful.
Further strengthening its investment in the club’s future, the collaboration will also continue to provide apparel support for St Kilda’s Next Generation Academy (NGA) and Elite Academies, backing the development of the next generation of future Saints talent.
“We’ve proudly worn one of the world’s most iconic brands in New Balance on our uniforms since 2021 and we’re so thrilled to continue this iconic partnership alongside a brand committed to success, high performance and innovation,” said chief customer and commercial officer Mike Scott.
“To now have our AFLW program officially join the New Balance crew is another exciting milestone, strengthening the alignment across our entire club and growing the connection between the brand and the Saints family.
“We’re building something exciting at St Kilda, and it’s fantastic to have New Balance aligned with our long-term vision and growth.”
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By the end of 2030, the agreement will mark a decade-long partnership between St Kilda, New Balance and Belgravia Apparel, marking a significant milestone, reflecting shared ambition and commitment between the two organisations.
“We’re incredibly proud to extend our partnership with St Kilda Football Club through to 2030,” added New Balance Australia regional manager Dean Howard.
“We strongly believe in the direction the club is heading and are excited to expand our support across the entire AFLW program in partnership with Belgravia Apparel.
“The passion of the Saints community is something we deeply value, and we’re proud to continue strengthening our connection with supporters while celebrating the red, white and black.”
Collingwood Magpies x Myer
Myer has laced up with the Collingwood Football Club as a major partner across both AFL and AFLW programs.
For over 125 years, Myer has been Australia’s leading department store, operating 56 stores nationwide alongside its online platform, myer.com.au.
The partnership will be brought to life through instore activities, social storytelling and game‑day experiences, alongside select Collingwood players featuring in upcoming Myer marketing campaigns, strengthening the connection between the two brands.
Collingwood defender Isaac Quaynor said he was excited to team up with the retailer to showcase his style and inspire others.
“Myer has been a staple of the Australian fashion scene and is an iconic national retailer,” Quaynor said.
“Beyond being an athlete, I express who I am through what I wear and I look forward to working with Myer to share more insight into my personal style and inspire Magpie fans through fashion.”
Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly said the partnership reflects the shared values of both organisations.
“When you think of Myer and Collingwood, there are many more similarities than just the colours in our logos,” Kelly said.
“With their customers at the centre of everything Myer does and our members integral to our Club, we look forward to working with Myer to bring this partnership to life.”
Myer’s chief customer officer Amanda McVay said the partnership was a powerful opportunity to reach new audiences through an integrated social and marketing campaign as the business continues its transformation.
“Collingwood is one of the most culturally influential clubs in Australia and its impact goes well beyond football,” said McVay.
“As we continue to evolve and look for new ways to connect with more customers, we’re focused on being part of the cultural moments that matter to Australians.
“This partnership strengthens our ability to reach new audiences and grow the next generation of Myer customers.”
Netball x Woolworths
Woolworths is bringing back its 2026 Netball Grants program, unlocking $100,000 in funding to support clubs nationwide with participation growth and facility upgrades.
New Woolworths research has reinforced the hugely positive impact of sport, with nearly nine in 10 parents stating it builds their child’s confidence, and three in four saying it’s an important way for their child to make friends.
However, the research also reveals participation is being challenged in the digital age, with children spending over twice as much time on screens (outside of school) as organised sport (12.7 hours per week vs 5.8 hours). Thirteen per cent of kids are also not playing any sport, highlighting the opportunity to improve access and engagement in Australia.
The 2026 grants program will provide 40 grants of $2,000 each, plus a single $20,000 People’s Choice grant. These funds are intended to create more chances for children to participate in netball, remain active, and establish healthy habits for life.
“As a coach and a parent, I’ve seen firsthand the impact sport can have on a child’s confidence and sense of belonging,” said Cath Cox, former Australian Diamonds player and Woolworths NetSetGo ambassador.
“It’s so encouraging to see initiatives like the Woolworths Netball Grants continuing to invest in local clubs because when clubs have the right facilities and support, more kids can get involved, have fun and stay active for longer.”
Since 2019, Woolworths has donated more than $1.1 million to 322 local netball clubs across Australia, helping communities grow participation and improve access to the sport.
To mark the launch, Woolworths welcomed new netball ambassadors Teigan O’Shannassy, Jamie-Lee Price and Georgie Horjus.
“We’re excited to be back for another year of the Netball grants program – it’s game on. Local clubs are the heart of our communities, and we want to help make sure they’ve got the gear and facilities they need to keep kids moving,” added Sarah De La Mare, head of community and partnerships at Woolworths.
“It’s great to have some fresh faces joining the team this year; our new ambassadors are going to help us champion grassroots sport and show kids how much fun it is to be part of a team.”
Clubs and associations across the country can apply via the Woolworths website.
Finn Callaghan x Under Armour
Under Armour has signed AFL rising star Finn Callaghan, marking a major milestone as the brand’s first men’s AFL athlete in Australia.
The partnership reinforces Under Armour’s commitment to supporting grassroots and world-class athletes at every stage of their careers, while continuing to expand its presence in Aussie rules.
At just 22, Callaghan has emerged as one of the AFL’s most exciting young midfielders. Since being selected third in the 2021 AFL Draft, he has played 75 games for the GWS Giants, earning the nickname “Flying Finn” for his explosive speed and long-range kicking. Named in the 2025 All-Australian squad and the AFL Players Association’s Top 25, he has continued to elevate his game,
averaging a career-high 30.5 disposals in 2026 and claiming Goal of the Week in Round 6, cementing his status as one of the competition’s brightest young stars.
As part of the multi-year partnership, Under Armour will support Callaghan with performance gear, and he will debut the next-generation UA Magnetico Elite 6 boots from the 2027 season. The collaboration will also see Callaghan feature in key brand campaigns and play an active role in Under Armour’s grassroots and community engagement initiatives.
“Finn represents the next generation of elite Australian athletes. His performance, professionalism and drive to continually improve make him a perfect fit for Under Armour. As our first male AFL athlete, Finn will play a key role in our growth within the sport, and we’re excited to support him as he continues to elevate his game and inspire young athletes across the country,” said Fernando Reani, Under Armour’s general manager, Pacific.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Under Armour family. It’s important to me that I align with a brand that genuinely supports performance and development. Under Armour’s focus on innovation and helping athletes get the most out of themselves is the perfect fit to support my own aspirations. I’m looking forward to working together and seeing what we can build over the next few years,” said Callaghan on becoming an ambassador.
His signing signals Under Armour’s continued investment in AFL, building on its existing partnerships across the sport, including teamwear support for the Hawthorn Football Club and a
growing roster of emerging talent.
