PERTH, Australia — Perth Lynx and Rio Tinto have strengthened their long-standing relationship, signing a new three-year agreement that will see Rio Tinto continue as a Major Partner of the club through to the end of the 2028/29 WNBL season.
The renewed partnership builds on a shared commitment to supporting women’s sport, engaging communities across Western Australia and creating meaningful opportunities for young people through basketball.
As part of the agreement, Rio Tinto will continue as naming rights partner of the Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy and Draft Combine, supporting the development of aspiring female basketballers through a clear pathway from grassroots participation to elite competition.
The Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy has become an important pillar of the club’s player development framework, helping identify and nurture emerging talent while creating additional opportunities for young athletes to pursue their basketball aspirations.
Rio Tinto will also be the presenting partner of the club’s Mental Health Round – held in Round 8 when the Lynx take on the Sydney Flames on 4 December – which supports initiatives that raise awareness of mental health and encourage important conversations within basketball and the broader community.
The partnership’s community focus will remain a key priority, with Rio Tinto continuing to support the club’s ‘Community Bay’ initiative, providing more Western Australians with the opportunity to attend Perth Lynx home games and experience elite women’s basketball firsthand.
The agreement will also further strengthen the club’s commitment to regional Western Australia through continued investment in regional basketball initiatives, including plans to deliver a pre-season game in Karratha during the partnership term, alongside player appearances, open training sessions and community engagement activities.
A new feature of the partnership will see Rio Tinto, the Perth Lynx and Perth Wildcats collaborate on a range of co-designed water bottles made from Rio Tinto aluminium. Featuring Perth Lynx colours and the names of every player to have represented the club, the bottles celebrate the history of the Lynx while promoting sustainability and community engagement. The range will be available for purchase, with a number also distributed through community initiatives.
Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) Chief Executive, Craig Hutchison – whose organisation majority owns the Perth Lynx license – said the renewed partnership reflected the strong alignment between the two organisations and their shared commitment to creating positive outcomes across Western Australia.
“Rio Tinto has been an incredible supporter of the Perth Lynx and women’s basketball, and we are thrilled to continue this partnership for another three seasons,” Hutchison said. “What makes this relationship so valuable is the impact it has beyond the basketball court. Together, we’re creating opportunities for young athletes, supporting regional communities and delivering programs that make a genuine difference across Western Australia.”
“The continued support of initiatives such as the Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy, Mental Health Round and Community Bay demonstrates a shared commitment to growing the game and ensuring more people have the opportunity to connect with basketball.”
Perth Lynx co-owners, Christian Hauff and Jodi Millhahn, added that Rio Tinto’s ongoing support played an important role in the club’s long-term vision.
“Rio Tinto shares our belief that sport can have a lasting and positive impact on communities.
“This partnership supports participation, development and engagement programs that reach well beyond game day, helping us create meaningful opportunities for young people across metropolitan and regional Western Australia. We are proud of what we have achieved together and excited about what the next three years will bring.”
Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, Matthew Holcz, said the company was proud to continue supporting the Perth Lynx and the growth of women’s basketball.
“The Perth Lynx are an important part of Western Australian sport, inspiring young athletes and communities across the state.
“Through the Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy, community programs, Mental Health Round and regional engagement activities, this partnership creates opportunities for participation, development and connection. We look forward to continuing our work with the Perth Lynx and supporting initiatives that make a positive impact across Western Australia.”
The Lynx will commence their WNBL27 campaign on October 17 at Perth High Performance Centre when they host reigning champions Townsville Fire in a Grand Final rematch.
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