Why is Woodside sponsoring Fremantle’s AFL team – and will the climate crisis shift the relationship?

A major Australian oil and gas company has secured a high-profile sponsorship deal with an AFL team, despite its products being unavailable to fans at local service stations. The arrangement highlights how fossil fuel firms leverage sports branding to associate themselves with community loyalty and team spirit. While supporters won’t find the company’s oil or gas products at their nearest station, the partnership still positions it as part of the club’s identity. Critics may question whether such deals align with growing public scrutiny over corporate ties to environmental industries.

Dockers supporters cannot buy a barrel of Woodside oil – but the fossil fuel company hopes to buy into fans’ loyaltyFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastWhen an oil and gas company buys logo space on an AFL jersey, it isn’t trying to convince fans to buy its products.Fremantle Dockers supporters cannot, for example, go to their local service station to buy a barrel of Woodside Energy oil or a canister of its liquefied natural gas. Continue reading...