Cronulla Sharks announce three-year stadium naming rights deal with Ocean Protect
The Sharks are preparing to rebrand their home stadium next season as the club aligns with a non-gambling corporate partner.
The Sharks have unveiled a landmark three-year naming rights deal that will rebrand their home ground as Ocean Protect Stadium from 2026, replacing PointsBet Stadium after a multimillion-dollar agreement with the national stormwater treatment company.
The shift comes as the federal government prepares to introduce stricter rules on gambling advertising in sports — a move that has prompted several codes and clubs to reassess partnerships with wagering companies.
PointsBet, which has held naming rights since 2019, will remain a club sponsor, but the stadium name change marks the beginning of a new era for Cronulla.
The Sharks say the partnership is a natural fit, aligning the club’s identity with Ocean Protect’s two-decade mission to stop stormwater pollution from entering Australia’s waterways.
Both organisations emphasised their shared commitment to protecting the Sutherland Shire’s beaches, bays and coastal ecosystems, the heart of the Sharks community.
The deal was officially launched on Tuesday with a beachside event at Cronulla attended by Sharks Group chief executive Dino Mezzatesta, Ocean Protect chief executive Michael Wicks, NRL coach Craig Fitzgibbon, NRL stars Blayke Brailey and Toby Rudolf, NRLW players Emma Verran and Jada Taylor, and club legend Andrew Ettingshausen.
Mr Mezzatesta described the agreement as a major milestone for the club.
“It’s a significant day as we join forces with Ocean Protect, emphasising our commitment to collaborating with impactful and innovative organisations,” Mr Mezzatesta said.
“Our stadium is surrounded by iconic waterways, so we feel strongly about Ocean Protect’s incredible work to ensure our beaches, bays and rivers are kept clean for all to enjoy.”
Sharks general manager – partnerships and hospitality Kylie Lucas said the club was looking forward to celebrating “plenty of on-field success at Ocean Protect Stadium” throughout the long-term partnership.
For Mr Wicks, the moment is deeply personal.
“This is a full-circle moment for me and for Ocean Protect. I’ve been a lifelong Sharks supporter, growing up in the Sutherland Shire and playing in the junior rugby league for years, including some games at Ocean Protect Stadium,” he said.
“The company started here in the Shire 23 years ago and to have our name on the stadium now feels surreal.”
Ocean Protect director and NSW/ACT general manager Harout Tcherkezian said the partnership brings together the company’s environmental work and the spirit of local sport.
“This is a significant and meaningful milestone in Ocean Protect’s journey, bringing our love for healthy waterways together with the spirit of sport,” Mr Tcherkezian said.
“I’m proud of our mission and even prouder to share it with the Sharks, whose passion and energy match our own.”
Signage for Ocean Protect Stadium will be installed soon, with the new name officially debuting during the Sharks’ round 1 clash against the Titans on March 7, 2026.
Originally published as Cronulla Sharks announce three-year stadium naming rights deal with Ocean Protect
