Waverley Council, Sydney Roosters in discussions for corporate sponsorship deal

One of the oldest and most successful clubs in rugby league could soon ink a sponsorship deal with a Sydney council, as talks are under way about entering into a “mutually beneficial” partnership.

An eastern suburbs council is in talks with one of rugby league’s most decorated clubs about entering into a “mutually beneficial” sponsorship deal for the next three seasons.

Discussions have recently taken place between the Sydney Roosters and Waverley Council about inking a “community partnership” or “corporate sponsorship” for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 seasons, it can revealed.

According to council documents, the deal would involve “financial and or in-kind contributions” to “achieve mutual benefits and address community needs” through fostering economic development and business opportunities.

While anything is yet to be inked, it is understood the council would likely reach the status of official partner status, and have its logo included in club promotions.

Other potential components of the partnership, subject to future discussions, include jointly facilitated coaching clinics, outreach events and cultural programs.

The Sydney Roosters legends mural at Bondi. Picture: Richard Dobson

A key focus would be encouraging local participation in the sport, specifically promoting increased recognition of the women’s league following the NRLW team’s 2024 premiership win.

According to a source close to the Roosters, the prospective partnership was “long overdue”, citing new leadership and increased focus on women’s league as helping “bring this to a head”.

Roosters celebrate after scoring a try during the NRLW Grand Final in 2024.

“We’ve worked collaboratively with many councils for decades so the opportunity to formalise the relationship between both organisations is long overdue,” the source said.

“It wouldn’t be remiss to draw parallels between new leadership and a new mayor, and community support of the women’s team coupled with their success, as why this has been brought to a head.’’

Councillors will be asked to vote on the item at next Tuesday’s council meeting, as a mayoral minute by Mayor Will Nemesh.

If passed negotiations will kick off, and both parties will come to the table and outline their respective expectations for any future working relationship.

Roosters fans celebrate the 2019 Grand final win.

It is expected negotiations would be finalised by the end of May, with a report prepared outlining a draft memorandum of understanding and potential budget impacts.

In a statement, Cr Nemesh told this masthead, if reached, the partnership would be “a great win” for the broader eastern suburbs community.

“This partnership will be a great win for the community, the Roosters are more than just a sporting team; they are an essential part of the eastern suburbs community,” he said.

“The much-loved Roosters have had an enduring connection to Waverley since the club was founded in 1908 and we are proud that the Roosters are headquartered in Bondi Junction.”

Originally published as Waverley Council, Sydney Roosters in discussions for corporate sponsorship deal