Tassie sponsors the USAFL with 48 teams, 2000 players and is now in its 25th year
Heard of the Dallas Dingoes? How about the Wisconsin Wombats? These sports teams are now synonymous with Tasmania under a sponsorship deal with the USAFL. See how much it cost >>>
Tasmania will become the official partner of the United States Australian Football League (USAFL) for its 2022 season and 25th anniversary.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the sponsorship deal – for the “modest” investment of $20,000 – was a first for an Australian state or territory.
“The competition features 48 clubs, fielding more than 2000 players across both the US men’s and women’s competitions,” Mr Rockliff said.
“Importantly, this partnership will see the Tasmanian brand broadcast nationally on ESPN and Fox networks, putting more eyes than ever on our State and what we have to offer.”
USAFL Executive Director Doren James said the league was the largest Australian football tournament in the world.
“As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary we are very excited to partner with Tasmania. With Tasmania’s support we aim to continue to strengthen our business and government relationships to further the development of Australian football in the US for the next 25 years and beyond,” Mr James said.
Many recognised Australian AFL club names have been adopted in the USAFL, including the Baltimore Dockers, Chicago Swans, Hawaii Eagles, Milwaukee Bombers, Jacksonville Saints, Kansas City Power and New York Magpies.
However given the sheer number of US clubs, more creative Australian and non-Australian themed names are also in circulation.
These include Atlanta Kookaburras, Dallas Dingoes, Fort Lauderdale Fighting Squids, Grovetown Pirates, Las Vegas Gamblers, Minnesota Freeze, North Texas Devils, Seattle Grizzlies and Wisconsin Wombats.
Mr Rockliff said partnering with the USAFL was an innovative way to reach new consumers and markets in the US.
“Importantly, those participating in or following the USAFL tend to be professionals with extensive business networks, and the majority are not Australian expats, but Americans.
As an identified priority market in the Tasmanian Trade Strategy 2019-2025, this will strategically target these high-end consumers with Tasmania’s premium goods and as a destination of choice for high-end experiences,” Mr Rockliff said.
Trade between Tasmania and the US is currently around $290m a year, with key exports including beef, wine, seafood and tourism.
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