About the New Adelaide University
In 2025, the University of South Australia (UniSA) and the University of Adelaide merged to create Adelaide University – a single, national‑scale institution designed to deliver world‑class research, teaching and industry engagement. The new university will open in 2026 and will be headquartered in Adelaide, with a campus network that spans the city, Mawson Lakes, Roseworthy, and other regional sites.
Formation and Mission
The merger brings together more than 14,000 students and 2,300 staff members who specialise in fields ranging from business and engineering to the arts and medical science. The university’s goal is to combine existing strengths into a cohesive system that can attract research funding, support student experience, and generate employability outcomes that match Australian workforce needs.
Academic Offerings
Adelaide University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees. Its emphasis on contemporary curriculum and flexible learning pathways—online, on‑campus and hybrid models—makes it appealing to both domestic and international students. The institution has also committed to ensuring inclusive access, through scholarships, disability support and culturally responsive learning environments.
The Crows‑AU Partnership
Previous Collaboration with UniSA
Since 2017, the Adelaide Football Club (the “Crows”) has maintained a close relationship with UniSA. That collaboration has produced joint initiatives such as the 12‑month Diploma in Sports Management, which counts toward a Bachelor of Business (Sports Management). The partnership helped build strong ties between the university community and the sporting sector.
New Four‑Year Deal
With the establishment of Adelaide University, the Crows have signed a four‑year premier partnership covering the 2025‑2028 seasons. Under this agreement, the university’s logo and branding appear on both the AFL and AFLW team guernseys, in the club’s change rooms, during hospitality sessions, and across its game‑day LED displays at Adelaide Oval. The partnership is slated to coincide with the club’s rebrand and upcoming move to a world‑class training facility at Thebarton Oval.
Benefits for Students and the Club
For students, the partnership expands academic pathways and real‑world exposure. Crows staff and athletes become learning partners, providing mentoring, internships and project work that students can showcase in portfolios. For the club, the relationship offers access to cutting‑edge research in sports science, data analytics and business strategy delivered by university faculty and graduate students.
Impact on Sports Management Education
Diploma in Sports Management
The Diploma remains a core element of the partnership. Students work on applied projects in areas such as marketing, operations, financial planning and community engagement for the club. The diploma also prepares students for immediate entry into roles that support the club’s operations or broader sports organisations.
Pathways to a Bachelor of Business (Sports Management)
Graduates of the Diploma receive credit toward the Bachelor of Business (Sports Management). The bachelor’s program blends core business principles—accounting, economics, law—with specialised sports modules covering athlete welfare, performance science and sports governance. This combination equips graduates for high‑level positions in clubs, leagues, and governing bodies.
Industry Collaborations and Career Paths
Adelaide University’s strong industry links mean that students can engage in research projects funded by national sports bodies, private sponsors, and government agencies. The Crows partnership expands networking opportunities: students can attend club strategy meetings, observe sponsorship negotiations and learn first‑hand about the business side of professional sport.
Community and Sustainability Engagement
Social Inclusion and Well‑being
Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice Chancellor for International and External Engagement, emphasises how sport serves as a vehicle for social inclusion. Through joint community initiatives—such as local school clinics, sports camps and health workshops—students and club personnel collaborate to promote fitness, mental health and community cohesion in South Australia.
These programs also tie into the university’s sustainability agenda. The club’s new training facility at Thebarton Oval incorporates solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling, and acts as a living laboratory for students studying environmental engineering and sport facility management.
Environmental and Sustainability Projects
Students are invited to co‑design sustainability strategies for the club, such as waste‑reduction plans for match days, carbon‑neutral travel options for visiting teams, and technology‑driven fan engagement that reduces paper use. These projects provide measurable experience that can be highlighted on resumes and LinkedIn profiles.
The Future of Adelaide Sport and Education
New Training Facility
With the club’s move to Thebarton Oval, Adelaide University will have access to advanced training infrastructure. Students in sport science and facilities management can test new training methods, injury prevention protocols and energy‑efficiency measures in a real‑world, high‑performance environment.
Global Opportunities
Adelaide University and the Crows also plan to expand international visibility. The university’s existing global learning programs—semester exchanges, short‑term workshops and joint research projects—will now include sport‑centric modules. Students may compete in international competitions, engage with overseas clubs or study sports management trends in different cultural contexts.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Sport Professionals
- The partnership gives students hands‑on experience with a professional AFL club.
- The Diploma in Sports Management serves as a gateway to a full bachelor’s degree.
- Students gain exposure to cutting‑edge facility technology and sustainability practices.
- Networking opportunities span athletes, coaches, marketers and business executives.
- Community projects enhance social responsibility skills and build local impact.
Next Steps for Interested Students
Explore Adelaide University’s degree comparison to see how the Sports Management pathway fits your goals. If you’re ready to apply, check the application guide and submit your materials before the next intake. For further insight into the partnership’s career prospects, schedule a free campus visit or consult a student adviser.
Ready to join a university that sits at the intersection of academic excellence and professional sport? Submit your application today and start building a career that combines learning with real‑world impact.
