Matt Rowley

For Arena Football, the 3rd time is not the charm. The current troubles of the #ArenaFootballLeague (AFL) can be traced to key factors contributing to the AFL's precarious situation. If we learn anything, it is the importance of a strategic and focused business model cannot be overstated ☀ Financial Mismanagement and Payment Issues: Several teams reported severe financial issues, leading to teams halting operations mid-season. ☀ Leadership and Communication Failures: The league's commissioner, Lee Hutton, has been criticized for availability and lack of communication has exacerbated the financial and operational problems ☀ Operational Disruptions and Unstable Infrastructure: The AFL has experienced several logistical issues impacting the league's ability to maintain a professional environment ☀ Expansion and Team Viability: The rapid expansion to 16 teams for the 2024 season overextended the league's resources, while some franchises lacked proper organizational backing complicating the league's stability​. The AFL's history of financial instability, a 2009 bankruptcy filing and ceasing operations in 2019 contributed to a fragile foundation of poor planning. Strong business practices and fiscal management are critical to the success of individual teams and the overall health and sustainability of the league. Conversely, failures in these areas can have detrimental effects on the sport from operational disruptions to the abrupt cessation of team operations. Such failures erode trust among stakeholders, including players, fans, and investors, leading to a loss of credibility and potential long-term damage to reputation #Sportsbiz #Learning #Leadership #Management #Success

3

6 Comments

opportunity

44

4 Comments

THE MOST POPULAR SPORTS WITH GEN ZS IN AUSTRALIA Partner with us Articles Research 0 Sports, Health, and Fitness THE MOST POPULAR SPORTS WITH GEN ZS IN AUSTRALIA words by  Year13  12 Dec 2021       2 min read Go back Busted. When The Sun-Herald in 2019 reported that Cricket Australia inflated their sport participation numbers to appeal to sponsors, the public became more skeptical of such numbers across all sports. Thankfully, for Year13’s latest Wellbeing Check 2021 report, we’ve asked young Australians themselves what sports and exercises they do and found which are actually the most popular. Drumroll. The top three. At number one, the most underrated form of exercise: walking (83%). In second, good ol’ running, which almost half of them said ‘yes’ to (48%). And in third, 41% said they’re lifting weights. Next up, bush walking at 24%. One whole quarter of Gen Zs. How’s that for Australian culture? If rage-against-cyclists-people are still around, then they’re pissed off at almost a quarter of Gen Zs who cycle (23%). For those arguing that cycling is un-Australian – looking at these stats, pedalling is essentially as popular as hiking for young people. Swimming Australia once said, “Swimming is an important part of our national identity and as a Nation surrounded by water, it is in our DNA.” How much has this narrative shaped us? Coming in sixth place, 19% of Gen Zs told us they swim. The ancient mind-body connection practice from India made its way to The West, widely transforming into a more physical fitness offshoot: yoga, which 17% of Gen Zs told us they do.  The eighth most popular sport or exercise is dancing (14%), and we wonder how much of this is TikTok-influenced. At 13% is soccer, which is approximately twice as popular as Australian Rules Football, three times more than cricket, and six times more than Rugby Union Rugby League. Finally, at equal tenth place is basketball and – to which our international neighbours may be shocked to know – netball, at 11%. Here are the rest. 11. Boxing 9% 12. Skateboarding 8% 13. Pilates 8% 14. Tennis 7% 15. Surfing 7% 16. Australian Rules Football 6% 17. Athletics 5% 18. Indoor rock climbing 5% 19. Martial arts 5% 20. Cricket 4% 21. Skiing 4% 22. Touch football 4% 23. CrossFit 3% 24. Canoeing/kayaking 3% 25. Golf 3% 26. Rowing 2% 27. Squash 2% 28. BMX 2% 29. Outdoor rock climbing 2% 30. Rugby Union 2% 31. Rugby League 2% 32. Snowboarding 2% ×

2

With 100 days to go until the Paris Olympics, it's time to capitalise on the impact that hosting the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games will have by investing in a comprehensive legacy program that will benefit community sport throughout NSW for generations. Beyond the thrill of Australia hosting the world’s premier multi-sport event, the Games present a unique chance for governments and sports to invest in comprehensive legacy programs that will benefit community sport throughout the nation for generations. That is why Sport NSW produced Impact 2032 - a report that recognises Australia’s hosting of the Games represents a momentous opportunity. By investing in programs, facilities, leadership, capability building and events, Government's can support and encourage people of all ages and abilities to be active participants in sports. https://lnkd.in/gzqsYGF8

90

8 Comments

A very interesting TV discussion on the A-Leagues and the future for clubs. While the sporting environment may be challenging, Australia has a tremendous opportunity to increase interest and fan engagement across all leagues (men's, women's, and youth). By implementing best practices and innovative solutions, the product can be transformed, establishing a solid financial foundation to reinvest in all aspects of club football. ⚽️ St Prex Consulting provides solutions through comprehensive club management, upskilling club staff, enhanced fan engagement strategies, and the implementation of best practices, all aimed at sustainable growth and strong community connections. Financial stability is crucial for enduring sporting success, and St Prex Consulting can transform clubs, making a lasting positive impact on Australian football.

1

2 Comments

🏀 Networking Playbook: It’s like preparing for a game—strategise, practice, and execute. Heading to the NBA Summer League with our Deakin University crew is always a highlight of the year. It's not just about the games, and learnings at Sports Business Classroom but about mastering the art of networking. The team at Deakin THIS summarised my approach to building connections in a fun article. Whether in Vegas or back home, remember that every encounter is an opportunity. Dive into the article https://lnkd.in/gTGd7t-i

15

Interesting thing about the fixes for youth sport 1. Most are hiding in plain sight having been configured & delivered by those with boots on the ground vs those presiding over it 2. Most are proven effective by actually doing shit and then fine tuning vs hypothesizing in a vacuum and then failing to achieve real-time-relevance 3. Most are implemented expeditiously outside of the communities & countries they originated in vs being celebrated as the innovation standard at home 4. Most have been architected by people, on their own dime vs not for profit entities beholden to grant funding and it’s prohibitive conditions 5. Most have been configured to be rolled out in someone else’s brand, because we’ve all come to understand that optics, in most cases, are more important than actual impact We’re doing our part. Largely outside of a system that desperately needs our (and many others) expertise & intellectual property. And every club, contract, community and country we have been fortunate to engage, was because of an ABUNDANCE mindset in a decision making seat To fix youth sports, requires MORE OF THOSE MINDSETS in MORE OF THOSE SEATS

34

7 Comments

The landscape of professional women's sport in Australia has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years,spotlighting the growing recognition,respect & investment in female sport.This evolution represents not just a significant leap in the march towards gender equity in sports,it also uncovers an array of untapped opportunities for businesses looking to innovate in their branding & community engagement strategies.  We have seen a phenomenal increase in the visibility & commercialisation of women's sports,the increased visibility has provided a platform for female athletes to showcase their talents & significantly boosted the audience & media interest in women's sports.This upward trend is punctuated by increased attendance at games, higher television viewership & amplified engagement on social media platforms. The participation rates in female sports have also seen an encouraging uptick. Young girls across the nation are inspired by professional athletes.This positive shift is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of sport in fostering physical health, mental well-being & social connections among women & girls.Why, then, should businesses direct their attention towards supporting & partnering with women's sporting teams and female athletes? The answer lies in a multitude of compelling reasons that extend beyond mere corporate social responsibility.  👀 Expanding Brand Visibility: Women's sports are capturing ever-greater audiences,presenting an invaluable opportunity for brands to broaden their reach.Partnering with female teams & athletes can unlock access to diverse, engaged & loyal fan bases eager to support those who back their sporting heroes.  💫 Innovative Marketing Opportunities:The evolving landscape of women's sports in Australia offers fresh & unique marketing avenues.From digital content creation featuring athletes to community engagement activities,businesses can leverage creative strategies to connect with audiences in meaningful ways.  💸 Return on Investment:The commercial potential of women's sports is on a steady rise.As visibility and interest grow,so do the opportunities for businesses to see a substantial return on their investment through increased brand engagement & loyalty. The burgeoning growth of professional women's sport in Australia presents a golden opportunity for businesses to pioneer in their support & partnership strategies.By aligning with female sport,businesses not only contribute to the positive trajectory of women's sports but also unlock a wealth of benefits ranging from enhanced brand visibility & loyalty to reinforcing their commitment to gender equity.As women's sports continue to ascend,the partnership between sport & business becomes increasingly crucial in shaping a more inclusive & equitable sporting future. The Fire have limited partnership opportunities for the upcoming WNBL season.Contact our commercial team for more information merissa@townsvillefire.com.au  

57

1 Comment

An important day for Para-sport in Australia, Paralympics Australia and the sports sector. An historic $283 million investment in sport announced by the Federal Government. This unprecedented funding, which includes an additional $54.9 million for Paralympic sport, represents a monumental shift in the recognition and support of Para-sport in Australia. Thanks to the leadership and unwavering support of the Federal Government, who have set a new benchmark for the advancement of Para-sport, and we are profoundly grateful for your commitment. This investment is the single largest increase in Paralympic spending by an Australian Government. It signifies not only a significant financial boost but also a renewed dedication to addressing the systemic barriers that Para-athletes face. #ImagineWhatWeCanDo

144

12 Comments

This is such a brilliant story - founders and CEO's what hidden talents and passions do you have hiding, that you haven't shared before? While you answer, play this in the background: https://lnkd.in/ghjKrthA #founder #CEO #music #passion #Spotify #tech #data Vinay Samuel, Zetaris

3

Introducing Common Ground, a series of panel discussion brought to you by Andpeople that brings business and cultural leaders together to talk about a new era of brand relevance. We're inviting some of the country's most accomplished professionals to explore how brands and culture can not only co-exist, but thrive together. If you're interested, RSVP via the link or hit me up!

24

2 Comments

The National Ticketing for Public Transport is nearly here. This is the new tap-on and tap-off system that will eventually be used for all Public Transport in New Zealand. And it is starting in Timaru from December. And it has been given the creative name, Motu Move! So, what exactly is Motu Move? It's a new payment system that allows you to pay for your bus, ferry, train rides using contactless debit/credit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, or prepaid Motu Move cards that will be available at various retailers, like sim cards are now. No more fumbling with cash or worrying about topping up your Metrocard; you can do it all from one account. The roll out is going to be: 1. Timaru on demand MyWay by Metro services will launch Motu Move in December 2024. 2. Timaru Metro school buses and the Temuka service will follow suit in January 2025. 3. Christchurch, Selwyn, and Waimakariri (everyone else) will transition to the new system early in 2025 once it is tested in the smaller area. Some routes will start before others, with details to come. As mentioned, Motu Move is part of a larger National Ticketing Solution (NTS) programme that aims to create a unified payment system for public transport across the entire country. That means you'll eventually be able to use the same convenient payment methods whether you're in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland or anywhere else in New Zealand! As we prepare for this transition, you will start to notice some changes on our buses, like new poles and boxes near the front and rear doors. These will house the readers you'll use to tag on and off with your card or device. Tagging off is a new concept for many of us, but it's crucial for accurate fare calculations and service planning. There will be plenty of support and information to help adjust to this new system. Better information will mean we can have a more efficient service that is fit for purpose and grows in the places it is needed.

188

67 Comments

Check out the fourth article in our exclusive series with SportsPro highlighting our unique partnership focused on understanding #leadership in #sport. Learn more about the collaboration between SportsPro and The University of Queensland This work was inspired by my graduate studies in Organizational Leadership at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gC_jkhR2 #sportbusiness #sportmanagement

8

As the Co-founder of Anytime Fitness Australia, Jacinta McDonell achieved the kind of success that most entrepreneurs only dream of. Alongside her brother Justin, they meticulously nurtured the growth of Anytime Fitness into Australia's premier health club chain, establishing an impressive network of over 500 clubs nationwide. After a decade of relentless dedication, celebrating their success seemed effortless. Wearing the cap of Co-founder became a validation of identity and place in the world. But what happens when that identity evolves? When the purpose that once drove you no longer aligns with your inner compass? For Jacinta, this pivotal moment arrived when she recognised the necessity of leaping from the summit of Anytime's success, choosing to exit in order to pursue a new calling in the world. Yet, in order to navigate this profound transformation, Jacinta found herself wandering into the wilderness of the 'unbecoming'—the liminal space where identity becomes blurred and the path forward is obscured by uncertainty. In this video, Jacinta talks about her personal journey through the unknown, where one must confront the unsettling reality of not knowing who they are or what they truly desire in order to give birth to a new purpose. Today, she provides Brave Spaces for other leaders and leaders in life to navigate the journey of self-discovery. Download The DNA Of Purpose Podcast at your favourite podcast hangout! https://lnkd.in/gK_er8Da #bravespaces #purpose #messymiddle #transformation #leadership #entrepreneurship #meaning #selfdiscovery #connection #selfawareness 

17

2 Comments

I've absolutely loved working on this report with the team at ASTN - Australian Sports Technologies Network. What an incredible group of women, and uncovering their inspiring stories has been a highlight the past few months! The sportstech space is growing rapidly, and the women leading the charge show exceptional leadership and resilience in a male-dominated industry. A few key takeaways from the report that stood out to me: ⭐ Find mentors and allies that are willing to support and amplify the voices of women (regardless of gender). ⭐ Empower women through education and advocacy - there is a need for targeted initiatives to help support skill development and promote leadership opportunities. ⭐ Recognise the value of partnerships, mentorship programs and networking opportunities to nurture talent. ⭐ Recognise and appreciate diverse cultural values, and norms to help break down the barriers. ⭐ Trust in your own ability to challenge the status quo! ⭐ Question traditional norms and push for change to foster more equitable and inclusive environments. ⭐ Cultivate resilience and preserve despite obstacles. Now, let's work towards ASTN's goal of having 30% of sportstech firms be women led or co-founded 🙌

12

The trickle-down effect that major sports events can offer as a sport participation legacy is very pertinent to policy makers and event managers as we prepare ourselves for the biggest ever sporting event - the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Our study showed that younger people with no formal education and people who are not in a relationship are more likely to take up a new activity. Older people, females, and the locals are more likely to gain a positive attitude toward sport overall! These among other results in the study inform policy makers and sport event managers. #sporteventlegacies #sportsparticipation #DEIA #DiversityEquityInclusionAccessibility #Brisbane2032 

31

1 Comment

Football Australia or the APL 🤔 In my latest Front Page Football piece I explore the future of the A-Leagues, discussing which organisation is best suited to take the league forward ⏩👔👇

3

It's fair to say reports of the A-Leagues death have been greatly exaggerated. While the professional game in Australia faces many challenges ahead, the turnaround from the lows of 3 COVID impacted seasons and the events of December 2022, all navigated by a startup business launching from almost scratch should not be underestimated, and we've had some amazing results this season: ✅ Men's average attendances up 7% to the highest level since pre-COVID ✅ Women's average attendances increased a staggering 71%, becoming the most attended women's domestic sports season in Australian history of any code ✅ Transfer fees of over $17m, up a staggering 79% YoY, with world class talents like Bayern Munich-bound Nestory Irankunda continuing to emerge ✅ Record broadcast audiences on our streaming platforms Paramount+ and 10 Play, for both men's and women's ✅ Locked in a new club with Auckland FC, a strategically important step for us in the NZ market, securing a major investment into the league and NZ football ✅ Social media audience explosion with video views up 208% ✅ An incredibly successful finals series on and off the pitch, with sellout crowds and 3 amazing matches going to extra time, including last night's special Grand Final How did the league and clubs get the competition back on track? ⚽ Continued investment into academies and talent development as the engine room for our product, a growing revenue stream and the driver of international success for our national teams 🗣 Put fans back at the centre of decision making, including setting up a Fan Representative Group governance structure, integrating club and league groups to give fans a direct voice with senior leaders in the game ⭐ Leveraged the Women's World Cup phenomenon by elevating our female athlete heroes and forming direct relationships with female participants through the Liberty Pass and a 611% increase in A-League Women's specific memberships 🤝 Went deeper with our partners (football, broadcast, commercial and government) who continue to back the game in this country to bring more value to them and secure our financial future We have a long way to go to address the big questions our game faces, but the headwinds are strong for football in Australia and NZ and we should be optimistic about what comes next.

323

16 Comments