Adelaide Thunderbirds and Netball SA

Fuelling female futures in sport

Our powerful partnership with the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Netball South Australia, launched in 2025, brings together two formidable South Australian forces united by ambition, community and a commitment to elevating netball across the state.

Together, we invest into netball at every level—from grassroots participation through to elite performance—championing the netball community in South Australia and beyond. We share a purpose for passion and discovery, nurturing individual growth and team success to lift entire communities.

As Principal Partner, we proudly support regional netball through our presenting rights to Netball SA’s largest annual carnival, the Adelaide University Country Championships. This role strengthens our connection to regional athletes, families, and volunteers who form the backbone of the sport.

Our partnership also deepens our engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Through presenting partner rights to the Adelaide Thunderbirds’ First Nations Round and our collaboration with Netball SA on an education-based scholarship for First Nations netballers, we help create pathways that celebrate culture and foster inclusion.

This partnership reflects the power of pairing education and sport to launch bright futures. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Netball SA and the Adelaide Thunderbirds—championing inclusion, empowering emerging talent, and shaping the next generation of netballers and leaders.

Adelaide University Netball SA First Nations Scholarship

Launching futures through netball

The Adelaide University Netball SA First Nations Scholarship empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with strong ties to the netball community to pursue their study goals while staying connected to the sport they love.

Offering up to $22,000 in support over four years, this scholarship opens doors to university programs while recognising the dedication of players, coaches, umpires and administrators across Netball SA.

Recipients gain more than financial support. They’re welcomed into a partnership committed to inclusion, opportunity and cultural celebration, with potential access to unique experiences such as work placements with Netball SA or the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

This scholarship champions education, strengthens community, and helps First Nations netballers take their next step with confidence—on and off the court.

Explore the scholarship

Supporting excellence on and off the court

30 for 30: Celebrating culture, community, and the next generation of Thunderbirds Fans

To mark the Adelaide Thunderbirds’ 30th anniversary in 2026, Adelaide University gifted 30 tickets to local students for the Thunderbirds’ First Nations Round on 31 May—creating a memorable experience for young people who may not typically have access to elite sport.

In collaboration with the Northern Adelaide State Secondary Schools' Alliance, students from several northern schools were selected for their passion for netball, commitment to personal growth, respectful representation, engagement with First Nations culture, strong attendance, ability to balance responsibilities, and aspirations in sport.

This initiative offered students the chance to witness elite netball, take part in a culturally significant celebration, and be recognised for the positive impact they make within their school communities.

The Adelaide Thunderbirds playing on the court

Half-time hype at First Nations Round 2026

As Presenting Partner of the Adelaide Thunderbirds’ (Tarntanya Karntu) First Nations Round on 31 May 2026, our very own Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music student and proud Arrernte hip-hop artist, Myles Turner (aka Bousta), electrified the court with a live performance at half-time.

We are delighted to be able to showcase and provide platforms for our incredibly talented students.

First Nations Round is all about connection — through sport, culture, language and community. We are proud that our partnership helps celebrate and strengthen culture, participation and community.

Myles Turner performing at the half time show