The Finocchiaro CLP Government, through Study NT, has partnered with Cricket NT as naming rights sponsor of the Top End T20 Series to grow international student numbers in the Territory.
The two-year partnership provides a highly visible platform to promote the Territory as a study destination of choice across key markets in Southeast Asia and North America.
The 2025 Series attracted a global audience of more than 53 million viewers, with international students contributing an average of $50,448 each to the Territory economy in 2024.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is harnessing the power of cricket to grow the Territory’s international education sector, with Study NT announced as naming rights partner of the Top End T20 Series for the next two years.
Cricket is a powerful cultural connector across Southeast Asia and emerging markets, and with more than 2 billion fans globally it offers an unparalleled platform to promote the Territory into the markets that form the backbone of its international education sector – including Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.
The 2026 Series will also feature a team from the United States, with broadcasting into the US and Canada and a marketing campaign targeting North American cities including Chicago, Houston, Dallas, and San Francisco.
International education is a significant economic driver for the Territory – the second-largest services export and sixth-largest revenue sector – generating $287.1 million in export revenue and supporting more than 1,700 jobs in 2024.
“Cricket is a cultural connector, and the Top End T20 series provides an opportunity for the Northern Territory to strengthen trade, education and strategic ties with other cricketing nations,” Minister for International Education, Migration and Population, Robyn Cahill said.
“The Northern Territory has a world-class higher education and training sector, and we want to increase the number of international students studying with our Territory providers.
“The Study NT partnership with Cricket NT provides an unparalleled global platform to promote the Northern Territory into key international education markets across Southeast Asia and North America.”
NT Cricket Chief Executive Officer Gavin Dovey welcomed the partnership.
“The Top End T20 Series has quickly become recognised as the second-best T20 competition in Australia, behind the Big Bash League,” Mr Dovey said.
“We are thrilled to welcome Study NT as Naming Rights Partner for the next two years and look forward to working together to showcase Darwin to key Southeast Asian markets and support the growth of the local international education sector.”
The Top End T20 Series takes place from 20-30 August 2026.
