It’s been an epic week of sports and sports sponsorship news. The Wallabies stunned the Springboks defeating the Proteas 38-22 for the first time in 62 years at Ellis Park, Johannesburg. What makes this record breaking victory even the more sweeter for the Green and Gold is the fact that they were down 22-nil before five second half tries led to an incredible 18 point victory.
Capturing the emotion perfectly of the stunning 22-poinbt comeback was commentator Sean Maloney.
It didn’t take the Proteas too long to hit back against the Aussies however, defeating the men’s cricket team by 98 runs.
Australia were tasked with the difficult task of chasing down the target set by the South Africans of 296. The chase was going in favour of the Aussies scoring 131 runs at the loss of only one wicket.
Then the South African’s introduced left arm orthodox bowler Keshav Maharaj into the attack, who ripped through the Aussies taking an impressive five wicket haul for only 33 runs. The Australians would then subsequently get all bowled out for 198, 98 runs short.
Welcome back to B&T’s Spotlight on Sponsors series, where we break down all the major sponsorship news from inside the sporting world.
On the sidelines, the action is heating up as well.
This week’s Spotlight on Sponsors features a powerful Indigenous artwork displayed on an MG, the NFL announced a multi-year licensing agreement with Crocs, Rugby Australia expanded its partnership with Ukrainian vodka brand Nemiroff, Tangerine extended its partnership with Olympic gold medallist swimmer Mollie O’Callaghan, Dabble became the naming rights partner of the Darts PDC ANZ Premier League, and Brisbane Roar partnered with Cannon Logistics for its upcoming season.
South Sydney Rabbitohs x MG
MG has showcased the South Sydney Rabbitohs powerful 2025 Indigenous jersey design wrapped on an MG HS SUV—celebrating the strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of First Nations people.
The 2025 Indigenous jersey, created by proud Wahlabul man Uncle Joe Walker and his daughter Destinee Walker, is a meaningful tribute to smoke and fire—symbols of cleansing, renewal, and the strength passed down through generations. This deeply significant artwork has been brought to life on the MG HS, in celebration of uniting sport, culture, and community in a unique collaboration.
L:R – Cody Walker, Alex Johnston & Latrell Mitchell.
Uncle Joe, a lifelong Rabbitohs fan, shared his inspiration: “I’ve been a devoted South Sydney Rabbitohs fan my whole life—my bond with the Club runs through generations of shared pride and passion. That deep-rooted connection inspired me to create something meaningful, something that reflects kinship, family, and Country.
“Having my daughter by my side gave this jersey a deeper, shared significance. To be able to channel that hope, creativity, and intergenerational connection into this artwork means the world to me.”
“Uncle Joe and Destinee’s design is a powerful celebration of Indigenous culture and community. We’re honoured to feature this meaningful artwork on our vehicle as part of the NRL Indigenous Round. Like the Rabbitohs, MG proudly recognises and respects the rich contributions Indigenous Australians continue to make to our country,” said Peter Ciao, CEO of MG Motor Australia.
Fans experienced the 2025 Indigenous jersey design and the MG HS in action during the Rabbitohs’ last two rounds, which were Indigenous Round matches. These jerseys ended up being the change the Bunnies needed.
Before the Gold Coast Titans game two weeks ago, the Bunnies had lost 10 consecutive games, staring down the barrel of an 11th. Remarkably, in both the following weeks, when the famous cardinal and myrtle played in the Indigenous Jersey, they came away with two victories.
MG has proudly supported the South Sydney Rabbitohs since 2021 and will continue through to at least the end of the 2026 season.
NFL x Crocs
The National Football League (NFL) and iconic comfort footwear brand Crocs have announced a multi-year licensing agreement that will transform fandom with a fresh design perspective with the first-ever NFL x Crocs Collection.
Offering fans globally a premium comfort experience, the collection will feature team-inspired footwear and Jibbitz charms that capture the passion and personality of NFL team fandom.
“The Crocs brand has made a significant impact on footwear culture with its shoes becoming synonymous with ease and comfort,” said Ryan Samuelson, vice president of consumer products at the NFL. “Collaborating with Crocs allows us to give fans expanded options that will keep them stylishly comfortable for gameday and every day.”
“We’re excited to join forces with a brand that shares the same passion and loyalty from its fans as we do,” said Matias Infante, vice president of global marketing at Crocs. “This collection goes far beyond product—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences that bring our communities even closer to the game they love.”
The initial drop of the NFL, Crocs collection will include footwear for 14 teams; Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans and Denver Broncos—with the full 32-team lineup rolling out throughout the collaboration. Fans can also look for expanded designs and categories, including bags, as part of the agreement.
The classic clogs, one of Crocs’ bestselling shoes, will be a marquee product in the collection and has been crafted with team-centric elements that celebrate the essence of gameday, from team colours to mascots and logos.
The NFL Crocs collection will be available during the 2025 NFL season at the NFL shop, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Fanatics, and select international retailers.
Wallabies x Nemiroff
Rugby Australia has expanded its partnership with Ukrainian vodka brand Nemiroff as the official vodka partner of the Wallabies.
The multi-year partnership unlocks a wide array of premium rights and activations, designed to offer high-impact brand visibility and deepen the connection between Nemiroff and Australia’s passionate rugby supporters. From digital channels to stadium experiences, the collaboration is built to resonate strongly with consumers and bring the bold Ukrainian spirit to life on and off the field.
The agreement follows Nemiroff’s recent partnership with the Wallaroos, marking a bold step forward in the brand’s expansion into the Australian market. Known for its heritage dating back over 150 years and its uncompromising commitment to quality, Nemiroff was recently named Vodka Brand Champion 2025 and Supreme Brand Champion 2025—the first vodka brand in history to earn the top distinction across all spirits categories.
“We’re excited to extend our relationship with Nemiroff as they join the Wallabies family. Their global standing, commitment to the highest standards, and passion for performance align seamlessly with the Wallabies’ values. With a golden decade here for Australian rugby, we look forward to delivering unforgettable experiences for our supporters through this unique partnership,” said Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh.
Phil Waugh.
“Joining forces with the Wallabies is a powerful next step in our journey with Australian rugby. This team reflects the values we hold close: strength, pride, and an unwavering will to win. For us, this partnership is about building meaningful fan experiences and celebrating the spirit of sport together with a nation that knows how to rise to the challenge,” concluded Nemiroff CEO Yuriy Sorochynskiy.
Mollie O’Callaghan x Tangerine
Australian internet and mobile data challenger brand Tangerine has extended its partnership with Olympic gold medallist swimmer Mollie O’Callaghan through to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Eight-time Olympic medallist O’Callaghan, who has been part of the Tangerine family prior to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, has positioned herself as one of the greats of the sport, when she equalled Ian Thorpe’s World Championship gold medal haul of 11, the most by any Australian.
Mollie O’Callaghan.
The ambassador announcement is unique in supporting an individual athlete through the run-up to an Olympic campaign and continues Tangerine’s commitment to female athletes through its sports sponsorship strategy.
CEO of Tangerine, Andrew Branson, said the brand was committed to setting the standard for working with Australian athletes, who often find it difficult to achieve commercial support outside of major Olympic years.
“It has been a delight to have Mollie as part of our Tangerine family over the last twelve months, and we are excited to announce her longer-term partnership with us off the back of the incredible Singapore 2025 World Aquatics Championships,” he said.
“We have seen first-hand the dedication and long-term planning that is required to deliver the results that Mollie does in the pool, not just in Olympic years, but in between the moments of Olympic glory, and we have seen that recently in Singapore.
“For us, it is important to recognise that and hopefully lead other brands to provide longer-term certainty to our athletes as part of their partnerships.”
Mollie was generous enough to find time in her busy schedule surrounding the World Aquatics Championships to film a video announcing her long-term role with Tangerine.
“Coming off the back of the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, I’m feeling incredibly proud and more motivated than ever,” said O’Callaghan.
“It means so much to know I’ve got the continued support of Tangerine by my side all the way to Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
“This partnership has been such a constant through training, competitions, and everything in between. No matter where I am in the world, Tangerine helps me stay connected to the people who lift me up—my family, my friends, and my team. I’m so excited to keep building this journey together.”
Tangerine has invested heavily in supporting Australian sports, signing on as the official internet partner to the National Basketball League in a multi-year deal and supporting the Melbourne Renegades men’s and women’s teams.
Tangerine’s sports strategy has prominently featured female athletes and will continue to focus on this in the future as further investments are made. Renegades and Australian cricket favourite Milly Illingworth led Tangerine’s recent social and online campaign, and Mollie has featured extensively across Tangerine’s channels.
The Professional Darts Corporation x Dabble
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and TEG Sport have joined forces with betting app Dabble to become the naming rights partner of the Dabble Darts PDC ANZ Premier League.
As part of the partnership, Dabble will roll out some exciting elements to turn Dabble Darts into a big sporting party, including cash prizes for best costume (more announcements to follow on this) and an exclusive $100k 9-Dart Finish promotion at each of the league’s Australian events, giving fans the chance to share $100,000 if a perfect nine-darter is thrown.
The league will see eight of the best players from Australia and New Zealand compete this October and November in Melbourne, Newcastle, Canberra, Hobart, Adelaide, Wellington, Gold Coast, and Brisbane, with the champion earning a coveted place in the 2025/26 World Darts Championship in London.
Former PDC World Cup Winner and fan favourite Simon “The Wizard” Whitlock will feature at every event, bringing his trademark flair, precision, and crowd-pleasing showmanship to the oche. A true legend of Australian darts, Whitlock’s experience on the world stage and passion for the game make him a must-watch as he takes on the best in the region.
“At Dabble, we thrive on bringing our community together, whether it’s through shared bets or moments like this $100k 9-Dart Finish. We believe that sport is best enjoyed when it’s social, inclusive, and packed with excitement,” said Emilie Jirsch, Dabble CMO.
“With a $100k up for grabs for the crowd at the Dabble Darts, everyone’s part of the action, and if it goes off, you better believe it’ll be an experience no one will forget!”
Emilie Jirsch.
“The introduction of Dabble Darts PDC ANZ Premier League is a huge development for professional darts in Australia and New Zealand,” commented PDC chief executive Matthew Porter.
“We want to use it as a platform to encourage the next generation of stars to come through and emulate the likes of Simon Whitlock, Damon Heta and Haupai Puha in making their mark at the top level and are delighted to have Dabble Darts on board to help elevate the event and bring the excitement to the fans across all 8 weeks.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Dabble as the naming rights partner of the PDC ANZ Premier League. There’s a fantastic alignment between the high-energy, fan-first experience Dabble creates and the type of live entertainment we deliver at TEG Sport,” said TEG Sport managing director Rachael Carroll.
“Dabble Darts is going to bring a whole new level of excitement to audiences across Australia, and we can’t wait for fans to be part of what will be an unforgettable series.”
Brisbane Roar x Cannon Logistics
Brisbane Roar has partnered with Cannon Logistics for the upcoming 25/26 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season. The partnership will see Cannon Logistics featured on the back of the playing shorts for the Roar’s men’s team this season.
Cannon Logistics, who specialise in general road freight, refrigerated transportation, and cold and dry storage services, will be coming on board with the football club not for the first time, having been a proud sponsor over the year.
“It is fantastic to welcome Cannon Logistics back to the Brisbane Roar family, who have supported the wider Brisbane football community for many years,” said Brisbane Roar chief operations officer, Zac Anderson on the announcement.
“As a leader in its field, our new partnership with Cannon Logistics exemplifies where we are heading as a football club and we wish to thank Zac Popov and Cannon Logistics for coming back on board for the 25/26 season.”
“We are pleased to be sponsoring Brisbane Roar for the 2025/2026 A League season,” concluded Cannon Logistics director, Zac Popov.
“I felt it was important to partner with Brisbane Roar at this time, as I, like many in the Queensland football community would be excited to have a successful Brisbane Roar.
“My company Cannon Logistics is doing its bit to help this come to fruition. I look forward to watching coach Michael Valkanis and his team of players having a successful campaign this season.”
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