Townsville Fire hit the jackpot with lucrative Morris Group sponsorship

The largest contribution from the private sector in club history has secured the immediate future of the Townsville Fire in the wake of wider concerns over the viability of the WNBL.

The Townsville Fire has secured its immediate financial future after reaching a landmark sponsorship arrangement with the owners of The Ville Hotel and Casino.

The Morris Group will inject $1.5m in funding to the Fire over the next three years.

It is the largest contribution to the club from the private sector in its history.

The cash injection of $500,000 per season will bring stability to the community-owned club in the wake of wider concerns over the viability of the league.

The WNBL recordeded losses of $5m in 2023, prompting Basketball Australia to engage NBL saviour Larry Kestelman to revitalise the nation’s elite women’s league.

Basketball WA put its Perth Lynx WNBL franchise up for sale amid spiralling losses.

Townsville Fire players Sami Whitcomb and Steph Reid with the Ville CEO Michael Jones. Picture: Evan Morgan

Morris Group has been dubbed Townsville’s ‘Hero Partner’ for securing the financial fate of the club through the 2025/26 season.

James Cook University will relinquish its naming rights agreement but has extended as a ‘Foundation Partner’ through 2025.

Townsville Fire players Sami Whitcomb and Steph Reid at the Ville. Picture: Evan Morgan

The partnerships follow another $1.5m windfall in Queensland Government funding intended to facilitate the Fire’s community support work.

Marquee recruit Sami Whitcomb - a former captain of the Perth Lynx - welcomed the news.

“It’s amazing. Anytime someone comes in and wants to back the team and players, support us by providing resources that not every team here (in the WNBL) has, I think it is really incredible,” Whitcomb said.

“It speaks to stability. Every year we know we can show up and play and you know they’re doing what they need to do behind the scenes. All you have to worry about is the basketball side, which isn’t always the case in certain places. It’s really great that we get that opportunity. It’s a privilege.”

Morris Group founder and executive chairman Chris Morris. Picture: Supplied

Morris Group founder and executive chairman Chris Morris said the company was proud to help keep the club in the hands of the community.

“We’re proud that we can play a role in supporting the team and the continuing development of professional women’s sport in North Queensland,” Morris said.

Fire general manager Sam Pascoe said the deal has been a “game changer”.

“We have worked with the Ville closely since 2020, and to have them come on board in such a significant way, as the new Hero Partner, is truly a game changer for the club,” Pascoe said.

“It means we remain competitive not just in the WNBL but in the entire sporting landscape. We can continue to set the bar and grow our organisation, along with providing a real genuine opportunity to focus on junior pathways and our local region.”

Stephen Motti, chairman of the Townsville Fire Board of Directors, with Suzanne Wilson, deputy chair. Picture: Evan Morgan

Fire chairman Stephen Motti said the significance of the Morris Group and JCU partnerships could not be overstated.

“We are delighted to have Morris Group and JCU back this community-run club and we are incredibly grateful for their support” he said.

“Each have shown themselves to be winners in their own right. Both understand the importance of setting the pace, leading in their field, and being of and for the community.

“We look forward to continuing to raise the standard given their assistance.”

The landmark deal is a welcome boost for the Fire after losing import Tiana Hawkins for the season.

The power forward signed on to return for the Fire’s premiership defence but has withdrawn injured.

Originally published as Townsville Fire hit the jackpot with lucrative Morris Group sponsorship