Charli Grant leads the next generation of SA’s most marketable sports stars

Matilda star Charli Grant is about to draw billions of eyeballs on the World Cup stage – and that could mean big sponsor bucks. We take a look at 10 of SA’s most marketable sporting stars.

South Australian Matilda star Charli Grant will step onto the global stage when the World Cup starts next week in Sydney in a tournament that will draw billions of eyeballs over the next four weeks.

The 21-year-old Grant is one of a new generation of homegrown SA stars attracting attention of sponsors, marketers and corporations as their careers blossom. Grant is already part of a global campaign for sportswear giant Puma and a successful World Cup will only increase her earning potential.

But for now, there is a World Cup to play in and Grant says in today’s SA Weekend just thinking about it gives her “goosebumps’’.

“It’s incredible and it’s going to be huge for women’s football in Australia. But for sport in general and Australia,’’ Grant says in SA Weekend.

South Australian Matilda Charli Grant in Puma gear. Picture: Supplied

Loren Renton is VP of partnerships at Pickstar, which links sport stars and celebrities to organisations looking for brand ambassadors and social media collaborations.

Mr Renton said it made sense for brands to attach themselves to athletes who were still forging a reputation.

“The younger they are, the hungrier they are in building the commercial side of their brand and the value,’’ he said.

Usually they won’t command the fees of other more established names, but Mr Renton said it was essential brands tap into the attributes of the athlete and their sport; not solely rely on their name and face to sell a product.

“The magic happens when a brand tells its story through a holistic lens of the athlete. If they can nail that, it’s highly authentic and effective’’ he said.

Grant is not alone in becoming a sporting marketing commodity – we take a look at the next wave of SA’s most marketable sports stars …

Connor Rozee

The 23-year-old Port Adelaide midfielder is building a reputation as one of the silkiest players in the AFL. Could develop into one of the best players in the competition.

Connor Rozee. Picture: Simon Cross

Izak Rankine

An excitement machine on his day. In his first season back in SA after spending the early part of his career on the Gold Coast, Rankine is already a favourite of Crows’ fans.

Izak Rankin. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Sarah Allan

The two-time premiership player and All Australian player has been a rock in the Crows’ defence. Still only 25, Allan is a leader at the club and respected around the league.

Sarah Allan. Picture: AAP/ Keryn Stevens

Gemma Houghton

A dual All Australian and a potent AFLW forward, Houghton’s pace and skills stand out and was Port’s first goalkicker in the AFLW and is also known for her work with Indigenous youth.

Gemma Houghton. Picture: Emma Brasier

Nestors Irankunda

The 17-year-old has been tipped by some to be Australia’s next men’s soccer sensation. The Adelaide United player has already been linked with a transfer to German giant Bayern Munich and has been called up to the Socceroos’ squad.

Nestors Irankund. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Tippah Dwan

The Adelaide Thunderbirds goal attack was an integral part of a team that last week won its first premiership in a decade.

Tippah Dwan. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images for Netball Australia

Travis Head

The South Australian captain has been around the national team for a number of years but is now really making strides and becoming known for his ultra-attacking batting style.

Travis Head. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Zak Butters

After a stellar season at Port, Zak Butters is an honorary South Aussie. Hinting at his massive potential in the early years of his career, Butters is now regularly dominating games and is being mentioned as a Brownlow Medal contender.

Zak Butters. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Alex Carey

The Australian wicketkeeper became internationally famous after his controversial stumping of England’s Johnny Bairstow. The kind of cheek and ingenuity that could appeal to Australian companies.

Alex Carey. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images