Bendigo Bank extends proud Spirit sponsorship

Bendigo Bank's Chris Dows, Annie Spear, Louis Banfield and Archer Patterson with Spirit players Jade Melbourne Georgia Booth and Olivia Pollerd. Photo: Bendigo Bank.

Bendigo Bank will continue its long-running major sponsor partnership with Bendigo Spirit for the 2026–27 WNBL season.

Speaking ahead of the Spirit’s season opener against Canberra Capitals last Saturday night in Canberra, Bendigo Bank’s chief marketing officer Sarah Bateson said she was looking forward to cheering on Bendigo Spirit when they hit the court again this year.

“We’re proud to support women’s sport at every level in Australia. Bendigo Bank is passionate about backing initiatives that support and uplift women’s sport,” Bateson said.

“Bendigo Bank and Bendigo Spirit have a lot in common.

“We are both proudly regional and committed to having a positive impact on our community.

“By supporting Bendigo Spirit, we are also providing opportunities for female athletes to shine on and off the court.

“It’s a win-win for both organisations.”

A proud sponsor of sporting clubs and leagues, Bendigo Bank also sponsors the Bendigo Football Netball League, Adelaide Football Club and AFL Central Victoria.

During the 2026 financial year, Bendigo Bank’s unique community bank model supported over 110 grassroots basketball clubs across Australia, with sponsorships worth more than $560,000.

This sponsorship extension follows the recent announcement that distributions from Benefit Bendigo had exceeded $160,000, following donations to the Maiden Gully Marist Cricket Club All-Abilities Team.

Sports Entertainment Network’s teams, ballpark, rainmaker and publishing CEO Richard Simkiss welcomed Bendigo Bank’s ongoing support.

“The Bendigo Spirit holds a special place in Victorian sport and remains a vital part of the Bendigo community,” Simkiss said.

“Together with Bendigo Bank, we’re proud to be leading the club’s next chapter and are excited for a new WNBL season as the league continues to go from strength-to-strength.

“The addition of more talent with WNBA and international experience to our roster has created enormous excitement.

“We can’t wait to see the team take the court while continuing to build meaningful connections with our fans, partners and the wider Bendigo region.”

An exciting preseason was highlighted by the signing of Australian Opals star and WNBA-affiliated guard Jade Melbourne.

The 24-year-old made her Spirit debut against her former long-time club Canberra, coming off a stellar WNBA season with Seattle Storm.

The Spirit will play their first home game against last season’s premier’s Townsville Fire at Red Energy Arena on Tuesday 27 October. Tip-off is at 7pm.

Bendigo Bank is a community focused organisation and one of the largest employers in the region.

The bank is the only ASX100-listed company with its headquarters based in a regional city and operates Australia’s second-largest regional branch network.