The Sharks have unveiled a landmark three-year naming rights deal that will rebrand their home ground as Ocean Protect Stadium from 2026, replacing PointsBet Stadium after a multimillion-dollar agreement with the national stormwater treatment company.<\/p>\n
The shift comes as the federal government prepares to introduce stricter rules on gambling advertising in sports \u2014 a move that has prompted several codes and clubs to reassess partnerships with wagering companies. <\/p>\n
PointsBet, which has held naming rights since 2019, will remain a club sponsor, but the stadium name change marks the beginning of a new era for Cronulla.<\/p>\n
The Sharks say the partnership is a natural fit, aligning the club\u2019s identity with Ocean Protect\u2019s two-decade mission to stop stormwater pollution from entering Australia\u2019s waterways. <\/p>\n
Both organisations emphasised their shared commitment to protecting the Sutherland Shire\u2019s beaches, bays and coastal ecosystems, the heart of the Sharks community.<\/p>\n
The deal was officially launched on Tuesday with a beachside event at Cronulla attended by Sharks Group chief executive Dino Mezzatesta, Ocean Protect chief executive Michael Wicks, NRL coach Craig Fitzgibbon, NRL stars Blayke Brailey and Toby Rudolf, NRLW players Emma Verran and Jada Taylor, and club legend Andrew Ettingshausen.<\/p>\n
Mr Mezzatesta described the agreement as a major milestone for the club.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a significant day as we join forces with Ocean Protect, emphasising our commitment to collaborating with impactful and innovative organisations,\u201d Mr Mezzatesta said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur stadium is surrounded by iconic waterways, so we feel strongly about Ocean Protect\u2019s incredible work to ensure our beaches, bays and rivers are kept clean for all to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sharks general manager \u2013 partnerships and hospitality Kylie Lucas said the club was looking forward to celebrating \u201cplenty of on-field success at Ocean Protect Stadium\u201d throughout the long-term partnership.<\/p>\n
For Mr Wicks, the moment is deeply personal.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a full-circle moment for me and for Ocean Protect. I\u2019ve been a lifelong Sharks supporter, growing up in the Sutherland Shire and playing in the junior rugby league for years, including some games at Ocean Protect Stadium,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe company started here in the Shire 23 years ago and to have our name on the stadium now feels surreal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ocean Protect director and NSW\/ACT general manager Harout Tcherkezian said the partnership brings together the company\u2019s environmental work and the spirit of local sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a significant and meaningful milestone in Ocean Protect\u2019s journey, bringing our love for healthy waterways together with the spirit of sport,\u201d Mr Tcherkezian said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m proud of our mission and even prouder to share it with the Sharks, whose passion and energy match our own.\u201d<\/p>\n
Signage for Ocean Protect Stadium will be installed soon, with the new name officially debuting during the Sharks\u2019 round 1 clash against the Titans on March 7, 2026.<\/p>\n