ASC Unveils Historic Investment in Australian Sport
By Liam Jennings
Australian athletes are poised for a golden start on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) announcing a record-breaking funding boost for sports across the nation.
The funding increase sees 95% of Olympic and Paralympic summer sports receiving significant boosts, with an average annual rise of 64% compared to the lead-up to the Paris Games. In total, $385 million will be invested into 70 sports over the next 18 months, supporting the development of Australian athletes from grassroots participation to elite performance.
This marks the first time the ASC has implemented funding initiatives encompassing all levels of sport, aligning with its sector-wide strategies: High Performance (Win Well) and Participation (Play Well).
Win Well Funding: Supporting Elite Success
Following a year-long consultation with sports organizations on strategies and performance goals for LA2028, the Win Well initiative highlights include:
- Broader support for sports: Funding has expanded to include 68 Olympic and Paralympic programs, up from 54.
- Para sports funding doubled: An additional $54.9 million will be allocated to para sports over two years.
- Newly funded teams: Seven teams, including Lacrosse, Flag Football, Goalball, and Blind Football, will receive support.
- Addressing sector needs: Over $25 million has been earmarked for two one-off investment streams focusing on workforce planning and staff development.
Play Well Funding: Building Inclusive Participation
The Play Well initiative will fund 63 sports, focusing on increasing participation and creating inclusive environments. Key elements include:
- Record funding reach: More sports than ever are now supported by the ASC.
- Community-focused investments: $43.9 million will be allocated to develop safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for sports participation.
- Support for emerging sports: Five organizations, including Australian Dragon Boat Federation, Handball Australia, and the Gaelic Football and Hurling Association of Australasia, will receive funding for the first time.
- Workforce expansion: The number of personnel dedicated to participation activities will more than double.
Timeline for Funding Allocation
All funding under the Win Well and Play Well programs will be distributed from 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2026.
This sweeping investment package reflects the ASC’s commitment to fostering excellence and inclusion in Australian sport, ensuring a robust pathway from playgrounds to podiums.
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