In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Moana Pasifika placed into liquidation as doubt over Super Rugby future grows
2. RUGBY — ‘No problem, no pain’: Liquidation of Moana Pasifika could have been avoided – Atiga
3. RUGBY — Nakavulevu leads Fiji into new era with wheelchair rugby launch
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs pay queried, Tax-free incentive worries MP Bird
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — AJ’s 10 straight shots. Chiefs 002 cements legendary status, betters Blake mark
6. RUGBY — Rowati returns to Drua Women in new coaching role
7. ATHLETICS — Athletes return positive results. National records broken, PBs at Oceania championship
8. FOOTBALL — The boy who saw his future in football
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Moment of destiny: Koula walking familiar path to Olympic Stadium
10. IOC — “I don’t believe in paying athletes”: IOC President Coventry
PAC – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 27 May 2026
Moana Pasifika placed into liquidation as doubt over Super Rugby future grows
AUCKLAND, 27 MAY 2027 (PMN)—-Moana Pasifika has been put into liquidation after shareholders voted to appoint liquidators to the holding company of the Super Rugby Pacific team.
Teneo Financial Advisory was appointed as liquidator late on Monday.
The move comes after the franchise announced last month that it would likely disband unless new investors could be found to keep it afloat.
RNZ has reported that, in a statement, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), one of the key backers of the team, said it could no longer continue funding the franchise.
“The boards of directors of both PMA and Moana Pasifika have resolved to appoint liquidators,” the report said. “We are proud to have supported the franchise over the past two years and are deeply disappointed to have reached this point.
“We acknowledge the dedication of the players, staff, and supporters, and we sincerely thank everyone who has been part of the Moana Pasifika journey.”
On 15 April, the club had already confirmed it would disband at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season unless fresh investment was secured.
“After five years of competing in the Super Rugby competition and engaging with communities, Moana Pasifika have made the difficult and heartbreaking decision to disband their Super Rugby franchise following the conclusion of the 2026 season,” the club said in a statement.
It said the call came after “extensive consideration” of the financial, operational and strategic realities facing the franchise and professional rugby in New Zealand.
“Despite the tireless dedication of players, staff, and supporters, it is no longer viable to continue the franchise at this level of competition,” the club said.
Chairman Dr Kiki Maoate said at the time it was one of the hardest decisions the organisation had faced.
“Our commitment now is to ensure a smooth transition for everyone affected and to celebrate our legacy by finishing the season strong.”
Moana Pasifika was founded in 2021 through the Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust, established by Savae La’auli Sir Michael Jones and Tuifa’asisina Sir Bryan Williams, with the goal of creating the first professional Pacific rugby team.
On the field, the side has struggled for consistency in the 2026 season. Coached by former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, Moana Pasifika sits at the bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific table, with its only win this year coming against the Fijian Drua in the opening round.
Last season, the team showed stronger form under All Blacks star Ardie Savea, finishing seventh after six wins. But in 2026, they were unable to repeat that performance.
The liquidation comes just days before the final round of Super Rugby Pacific, and follows months of uncertainty over the club’s financial future.
Earlier, PMN News reported interest from potential rescue efforts, including talks involving Kanaloa as part of discussions around a possible bid to support or restructure the franchise.
Unless a new owner is found to take over the licence, Super Rugby Pacific is expected to be reduced to 10 teams….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 27 May 2026
‘No problem, no pain’: Liquidation of Moana Pasifika could have been avoided – Atiga
AUCKLAND, 27 MAY 2026 (PMN)—Moana Pasifika’s future is back under the spotlight after the Super Rugby Pacific club entered liquidation, a move Kanaloa Rugby believes could have been avoided.
Teneo Financial Advisory was appointed liquidator on Monday, prompting fresh questions about the future of the Pacific franchise and who now controls its direction.
For Kanaloa Rugby CEO Tracy Atiga, the news was difficult to take.
“In our opinion, [it’s] really disheartening to see that it’s gone into liquidation when we made an offer… in October last year, which would have seen none of this occur,” Atiga said.
“No heartache, no problem, no pain.”
Kanaloa’s proposed rescue package was reportedly worth $15 million (US$8.75 million) and aimed at stabilising the club, which has faced estimated yearly operating costs of around $10 million (US$5.83 million).
Atiga said previous discussions between Kanaloa, the PMA, and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) had been in “really good traction” before the liquidation announcement.
Now she says the process has become uncertain.
After speaking with Chris Lendrum outgoing NZR General Manager on Tuesday morning, Atiga said Kanaloa is seeking clarity on what happens next.
“We’d obviously like to discuss New Zealand Rugby’s plans or their intentions regarding the liquidation. And how this now affects the process that we’re currently undergoing with New Zealand Rugby.”
According to Atiga, Lendrum redirected Kanaloa’s queries to NZR’s Chris Noakes, the Contracting and Relationship Manager, and Tom Turton, the General Counsel.
But Atiga says concerns remain around the “process and how we might proceed… if there’s really no legal entity”.
The liquidation has also reopened frustrations around Moana Pasifika’s original Super Rugby licence arrangement.
Atiga says Kanaloa still does not fully understand what New Zealand Rugby is offering the consortium.
“We are still no closer to understanding what it is that New Zealand Rugby are actually selling… and this is the same problem we had six years ago when we originally bid for a licence.
“We were told it was going to be a minimum of five years and potentially a perpetual license and then at the 11th hour, we were told that it was a one-year licence because they didn’t actually have the rights to sell beyond one year.”
Moana Pasifika officially joined Super Rugby in 2022 after first coming together in 2020 for a one-off exhibition match. The side played its first Super Rugby game on 4 March 2022, marking a major moment for Pacific rugby.
It was also a breakthrough moment for Pacific rugby, giving players from across the islands and diaspora a dedicated Super Rugby team.
For Atiga, the liquidation reflects deeper concerns about how Pacific rugby pathways are being managed.
“When you’re six years down the track, and you’re 10 million dollars worse off and no traction for our Pasifika island nations… we feel like we [Kanaloa] have a duty to stand up.”
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters told Radio New Zealand there is “good news” ahead for Moana Pasifika’s future but he did not give any details, saying only, “you have to wait”…..PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 27 May 2026
Nakavulevu leads Fiji into new era with wheelchair rugby launch
SUVA, 27 MAY 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—At just 23 years old, Fiji’s first wheelchair rugby head coach, Makarita Nakavulevu, is already making history.
The Fiji National University sports science student stood proudly at the French Residence in Suva last night as wheelchair rugby was officially launched in Fiji under the umbrella of the Fiji Rugby Union.
For Nakavulevu, the launch marked the end of a journey that began nearly two years ago in France, where she was introduced to the sport while part of the France Volunteers Programme.
“I remember it was exactly at this same residence, nine months ago, when I mentioned that I wanted to make it my project to introduce wheelchair rugby as a sport in Fiji. What started as just a thought became something real after many meetings, support from the French Embassy and a committed team behind the scenes.”
Nakavulevu admits she was initially unsure about the sport when she first encountered it in France while expanding her knowledge in strength and conditioning coaching.
However, after taking part in competitions overseas, she quickly fell in love with wheelchair rugby and saw its potential in a rugby-mad nation like Fiji.
“I remember telling my French wheelchair rugby team, rugby is the heart of Fiji, why don’t we have this sport at home?”
That dream has now become reality, with Fiji becoming the first Pacific Island nation to formally establish and structure wheelchair rugby at a national level.
An emotional Nakavulevu says the achievement did not come easy.
“There were so many challenges. I had to juggle my education and my mission while I was in France. We did not expect the launch to happen this soon, maybe next year, but with the support of the French Embassy we managed to do it earlier.”
Now appointed as Fiji’s head coach, Nakavulevu says the focus shifts towards growing the sport and reaching out to Fiji’s disability communities.
The newly formed interim committee has already started outreach programmes around the country, encouraging people living with disabilities, as well as able-bodied individuals, to try the sport.
“Wheelchair rugby is a sport for everyone. We are officially inviting all disabled persons to come and try out the sport. It’s fun, inclusive and the team will be mixed with both men and women.”
Nakavulevu also revealed plans are already underway for Fiji’s first international competition, which could see a New Caledonian team visit in November.
“I promised my team back in France before I left that I would form a wheelchair rugby team in Fiji, and one day we will come back and beat you.”
Despite her young age, Nakavulevu is embracing the responsibility of leading the sport’s growth in Fiji and hopes to eventually build a competitive national team….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 27 May 2026
PNG Chiefs pay queried, Tax-free incentive worries MP Bird
PORT MORESBY, 27 MAY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has questioned the long-term benefits of the tax-free incentives linked to the future of the PNG Chiefs, which is creating debate in Australian rugby league circles.
“It’s a contentious issue. The Australian clubs are raising it, and I think they have some justification in doing that,” he said.
Bird, an Opposition MP, pointed out that the 10-year tax exemption deal had already created debate among some National Rugby League (NRL) clubs on whether the arrangement gave the Chiefs an unfair advantage in attracting players.
Two top NRL players – West Tigers captain Jarome Luai and South Sydney Rabbitohs’ top try-scorer Alex Johnston – have already signed for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs operate under the same standard NRL salary cap as other clubs –which is AUD$12.1 million to AUD$12.5 million (about K37 million to K38 million) – but they possess a massive financial advantage due to tax-free concessions.
Bird said the concerns raised by Australian clubs were understandable, and warned that the issue could continue to divide opinions in the competition.
He believes the matter may eventually force the NRL to step in and review the arrangement in order to maintain fairness across the competition.
“At the end of the day, this is their game,” Bird said.
“They manage it.
“From their perspective, they will try to keep it fair across the board.”
Bird also questioned whether the Government’s priorities were balanced, as the country still faced major challenges in healthcare, law and order, education and unemployment. He said he would prefer to see more hospitals built around the country than directing major funding towards football projects.
“I’d rather see a nice hospital for our mothers, so they don’t give birth on the floor,” he said.
Bird clarified that his comments reflected his opinion.
He acknowledged that the agreement between the PNG and Australian governments had already been made.
“And now the game is upon us,” Bird said.
He admitted that there was little value in continuing to fight a decision that had already been locked in, saying attention must now shift towards managing the realities expected to come with the NRL project.
On the national front, he believes that PNG must remain focused on its major national issues.
“I’d rather focus more on law and order, jobs, hospitals and better education for our kids,” Bird said….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 27 May 2026
AJ’s 10 straight shots. Chiefs 002 cements legendary status, betters Blake mark
PORT MORESBY, 27 MAY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)–Alex Johnston has now equaled Phil Blake’s 1983 record of scoring tries in 10 straight matches, further cementing his place among rugby league’s greatest finishers in the National Rugby League (NRL).
“It’s pretty cool getting tries in 10 games in a row,” Johnston said.
“But every time I throw in a game now, I get messages saying I broke the all-time record again. That’s pretty cool too, but I’m just trying to do my job for the team.”
The NRL all-time leading try scorer is currently in Papua New Guinea alongside teammates Sean Keppie and Peter Mamouzelos as part of a community visit.
The Rabbitohs flyer admitted South Sydney’s season had been inconsistent so far, but he hopes his strong try-scoring form can help lift the side in the coming weeks.
“We’ve had a bit of an up-and-down season, so hopefully I can keep those tries coming,” he said.
While Keppie has visited Papua New Guinea before, Johnston said it was important for Mamouzelos to experience the country and its culture for the first time.
“I like bringing the boys across to experience the culture and see what PNG is really about,” Johnston said.
“They get to meet the people, see the land and give back to the community. I think they’re excited to be here.”
The PNG Kumul No.294 also brushed aside ongoing concerns about safety in Papua New Guinea, saying he had only ever experienced warmth and respect from the people during his visits.
“Safety’s not my concern at all,” he said.
“Every time I come here, everyone is welcoming.
“People just want photos, signatures and to show support.
“You’ve got to come and see for yourself. Once players come here and experience it, they realise safety is not really a concern for us.”
Johnston also spoke emotionally about his pride in his Papua New Guinean heritage and the entry of the PNG Chiefs in 2028.
As the first player of Papua New Guinea heritage to achieve so much in the NRL, Johnston said the moment meant a lot to his family.
“My family was over the moon,” he said. “My mum was tearing up and saying if only my grandmother was alive to see it.
“She’s smiling from above.”
Johnston said he was already looking forward to the historic arrival of the PNG franchise.
“I can’t wait for 2028,” he said.
“It means a lot to me,” he said…PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 27 May 2026
Rowati returns to Drua Women in new coaching role
NADI, 27 MAY 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—New Fijian Drua Women assistant coach Tavaita Rowati believes the rapid growth of women’s rugby in Fiji is creating stronger pathways and producing more quality players for the future.
Rowati previously worked with the Drua Women during the club’s early years in 2022 and 2023 as a strength and conditioning coach before returning this season in an assistant coaching role.
The former strength and conditioning coach described the move into coaching as another major step in his rugby journey.
“It’s a pretty big step to step into as an assistant coach now.”
Rowati says the women’s game in Fiji has grown significantly in recent years, with increased interest following the success of the Fijiana sides, Drua Women, and Fiji’s participation at the Rugby World Cup and Olympic level.
“There’s a lot of interest around that, and we’re definitely getting a lot more girls interested in coming into the game.”
He also praised the continued development of pathways for young female players through school and club competitions.
“The inclusion of the Raluve competition, secondary school competition, and the Under-16 and Under-18 grades has been really good.”
Rowati acknowledged Fiji Rugby and local unions for helping strengthen the women’s game through expanded provincial and club competitions.
“That’s been really good in terms of strengthening and building quality players coming through the system.”
The Drua Women’s side will face the Waratahs on June 6 in Australia to open their 2026 Super W campaign….PACNEWS
PNG – ATHLETICS: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 27 May 2026
Athletes return positive results. National records broken, PBs at Oceania championship
PORT MORESBY, 27 MAY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—The 2026 Oceania Athletics Championship concluded in Darwin on Saturday, bringing to a close six days of competition which saw two national records broken, a host of personal best performances and a very positive experience overall for the Papua New Guinea team.
Leading the way were Lakona Gerega, who broke the national javelin record for the 10th time in his career by a significant distance (3.35-metres), and the men’s 4×100 relay team of Pais Wisil, Timothy Tuna, Leroy Kamau and Daniel Baul, who further improved on the record they set at the Mini Pacific Games in Palau last year.
“Attending the Championships was never about medals,” said Athletics PNG president Tony Green.
“Due to the significant costs involved, with the falling value of the PNG kina increasing the cost of visas, travel, accommodation and meals the team was much smaller than the team which attended the 2024 Championships.
“With Australia and New Zealand sending a strong team, we selected athletes who could compete, and benefit from the competition.
“Some of the female members of the national squad are not eligible for the Under-20 or U18 division or ready to compete at this level, so a more appropriate competition is being targeted for them next month,” Green said.
Apart from Gerega and the men’s relay team there were many other performances for the team to be proud of, including a superb 800m run by the fearless Jiuteis Robinson, who competed really well with more experienced Australia athletes and was rewarded with a personal best of 1min 50.26 seconds.
Young sprinter Hephzibah Romalus made a big breakthrough in the 100m and veteran Robert Oa competed well in a quality field and posted a significant personal best time of 14.40secs in the 110m hurdles.
Baul once again rose to the occasion, posting an excellent time of 47.82 secs in what was by far the highest quality men’s 400m race ever seen at the Oceania Championships with the first four runners breaking the previous championship record.
“Considering this was Daniel’s first real race of the season, it was a great effort” Green said.
Newcomer and Brisbane-based 17-year-old sprinter Ethan Asimba also made his mark on the championships with a personal best 10.99 secs in the 100m which earned him a bronze medal competing against older athletes in the U20 division.
Several members of the squad preparing for the Commonwealth Games will have another good competition at the Philippine Open at Clark City from 10-14June…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 27 May 2026
The boy who saw his future in football
AUCKLAND, 27 MAY 2026 (OFC)—Despite his mother’s wish for him to concentrate on his education at school, a young Phillip Mango always saw a future in football.
Kicking the ball around in his local village for the first time, Mango quickly fell in love with the beautiful game that would lead him to captain his beloved Solomon Islands on the international stage and in the OFC Pro League.
“My mother told me to focus on my education,” recalls Mango. “But I decided to play football, I could see that it had a pathway for me.”
It was in the villages of his home Malaita Province where Mango grew up playing football, building friendships with other children his age.
“I loved playing football with friends and family. I played in the villages. It really helped me have fun with the other kids.”
The sport was all around him in the football-crazy Solomon Islands and finding a ball to play with was never difficult.
His daily routine revolved around the game, playing with friends during school, and continuing the ‘kick-around’ outside the classroom.
“The Solomon Islands is a football country. Football is everywhere. Even when we went to school in the province, football was what entertained us.”
“With our friends and families in the Solomon Islands, we talk about football and we play football.”
Mango took the first big step in his football career in 2010, signing for Honiara-based club Marist FC in the Solomon Islands S-League.
16 years later, the 30-year-old has now completed his first season as a professional player, captaining his nation’s first professional football club – Solomon Kings FC – in the inaugural season of the OFC Pro League.
“I’m honored to be part of this professional environment,” he says. “It’s a dream come true for me. Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a professional player.”
Mango captained and started in 14 of the Kings 17 fixtures this season – only missing three games because of a suspension he picked up in Round 3.
The goalkeeper has impressed between-the-sticks this season, but despite helping produce some standout results, Solomon Kings missed out on both a Leaders Group and a semi-final playoff spot by just a point.
As well as his club exploits, Mango is also the Solomon Islands highest-capped international goalkeeper of all time, with 44 appearances.
He made his debut at the OFC Men’s Nations Cup in Papua New Guinea in 2016 and has firmly cemented himself as his country’s number one shot-stopper, also recently featuring for the Solomon Islands at their FIFA Series campaign in Indonesia.
“It’s also a great honor to be part of the Solomon Islands national team. International competitions provide pathways for players to show their talent.”
Having had his life shaped by the sport, it is a testament to the character of Mango that he is also giving back to football as a Goalkeeping Development Officer in the Solomon Islands, helping to grow the next generation of goalkeepers in his country.
The young boy who became infatuated with the game back home in Malaita Province remains very evident within Mango’s demeanor, and as he reflects on the life that football has given him, he shows his gratitude.
“Football means a lot to me. When times are hard or when I struggle, football encourages me to keep going and stay motivated.” …PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 27 May 2026
Moment of destiny: Koula walking familiar path to Olympic Stadium
SYDNEY, 27 MAY 2026 (NRL)—NSW debutant Tolu Koula is ready to fulfil a destiny 26 years in the making when he runs on to Accor Stadium for the opening game of the State of Origin series tonight.
Koula’s parents represented Tonga at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, his mother carrying the nation’s flag for the Opening Ceremony before competing in the shot put and his dad contesting the 100-metre sprint.
It’s fitting the biggest moment of the 23-year-old’s young rugby league career will come at the same venue his parents achieved their sporting dreams and Koula is determined to make the most of the chance to perform at the Olympic stadium.
“It’s pretty crazy to make my Origin debut here where my parents competed at the Olympics,” Koula said. “It’s pretty special.
“I’ve seen a few clips of them competing, there’s not too many going around. I’ve watched clips of dad running and it’s cool to watch.”
A star sprinter growing up, Koula still holds the GPS record for the 100m and toyed with the idea of pursuing his athletics ambitions. In an alternate reality, the youngster is currently lacing up the spikes in search of a start at the 2028 LA Olympics.
Instead, the Blues are set to unleash Koula’s devastating speed on the Maroons defence as they look to open their series with a victory.
Speed has always held currency in rugby league but it has taken on even greater importance in the hyperdrive version of the game being played in 2026.
The outside back has scored five tries, with 10 line-breaks and five try assists as the Sea Eagles have surged up the ladder this season.
NSW Coach Laurie Daley has made no secret of his desire to score points throughout the series and Koula is eager to ensure his Manly form translates to the Origin arena.
“There was some thought to pursuing athletics but honestly all through high school I just wanted to play footy,” Koula said. “I just wanted to play in the NRL and I’ve been lucky enough to do so.
“Laurie told me he liked what I’ve been doing so far this season when he said I’m in the team. I’m grateful he’s had that faith in me and I look forward to paying him back and doing the state proud.”
Koula’s maiden Origin appearance caps a rapid rise from teenage sprinter to NRL debut in 2022 and now a NSW call up four years later.
He will, however, line up in the unfamiliar position of wing on the left edge outside centre Stephen Crichton.
The entirety of Koula’s NRL career has been spent at centre or fullback, with the youngster’s experience on the wing consigned to five games in NSW Cup prior to his first grade debut and four Tests for Tonga.
While some have questioned whether the selection leaves the Blues exposed, Daley has no doubts about the youngster’s ability to star in his new role.
“We know he’ll handle it,” Daley said. “When you’ve played in the centres, there is some difference between centre and wing, but he’s also played fullback so he understands what a defensive system looks like.
“He understands when a winger needs to drop back and when he needs to stay up in the line so that won’t be an issue for him.
“When you’re playing in a different position, decisions that need to be made are crucial but speaking to Kieran Foran at Manly, he’s got no doubt in the world that if given an opportunity, then he was going to handle it. That was enough for us to make the call with him.”…PACNEWS
PAC – IOC: INSIDE THE GAMES PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 27 May 2026
“I don’t believe in paying athletes”: IOC President Coventry
AUCKLAND, 27 MAY 2026 (INSIDE THEGAMES)—The president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently argued in remarks reported by the outlet Sport Nation that the Games must uphold their solidarity model and not introduce direct payments for participating or winning.
The Zimbabwean official thus placed one of the Olympic movement’s most sensitive debates at the centre of her first stage at the head of the organisation, at a time when the IOC is reviewing how the Games should evolve under the ‘Fit For the Future’ approach.
“I don’t believe in paying athletes”, Kirsty Coventry told the New Zealand outlet, also linking her position to her own experience as an athlete from a small country and from a sport without major salary structures.
“I come from a small country, I came from a sport that doesn’t necessarily pay athletes very well and I still don’t think we should be paying athletes at the Olympic Games,” she added.
Coventry’s argument did not deny the financial difficulties faced by many Olympic athletes, but shifted the response onto different terrain.
According to Sport Nation, the new head of the IOC said the organisation must “find more ways to directly impact athletes and find ways to help them on their journey to becoming Olympians and while they’re Olympians”, with measures linked to talent identification, scholarships, preparation and professional transition.
The president drew on a personal reference. “I was an Olympic solidarity scholarship holder without that money. I’m not sure I would have been as successful, and so I’m so grateful for that,” Coventry said as she defended a system that prioritises support channelled through national Olympic committees and Olympic Solidarity programmes rather than direct payments for participation or results.
The IOC’s official model is based on redistributing its revenue to the Olympic movement, organising committees, federations, national committees and development programmes. The organisation itself says it distributes 90 percent of its revenue to support athletes and sports organisations around the world, while Olympic Solidarity is defined as a mechanism that helps national Olympic committees with athlete development programmes.
The debate, however, has intensified since World Athletics broke a historic barrier by announcing prize money for Olympic athletics champions at Paris 2024, with US$50,000 (€43,000) for each individual gold and the same amount to be shared among relay teams, subject to the ratification of the result and anti-doping checks.
A similar discussion is also unfolding in tennis, where French Open Director Amélie Mauresmo has ruled out changing Roland Garros prize-money standards this year despite pressure from leading players, who argue that they receive only 14.3 percent of the tournament’s revenue and want that share raised to 22 percent.
The Grand Slam has confirmed a 9.5 percent increase in total prize money to €61.7 million, including €2.8 million for each singles champion, while the French Tennis Federation defends its model by pointing to grassroots investment, operating costs and the indirect commercial value the event generates for players.
Against that trend, Coventry argued that resources are already transformed into services, infrastructure and a competitive experience. “Well, they get beautiful venues. They get beautiful villages. They get a beautiful experience. And all of that comes from the money that we raise,” she told Sport Nation during the part of the conversation devoted to criticism over the use of athletes’ name, image and likeness without direct financial compensation.
The president also rejected transferring to Olympism a model similar to that of the United States’ National Collegiate Athletic Association, which since 2021 has allowed college athletes to benefit from commercial deals linked to their profile. In her view, accepting a more direct payment logic could alter the distribution of resources within the movement and affect the breadth of countries, sports and participants that characterises the Games.
“So again, what I challenge athletes, international federations, that are always asking for more money, national Olympic committees, the solidarity model is very particular,” Coventry said, before warning that a profound transformation would have structural consequences. “Now, if the entire movement wants us to change, we would have not as many countries, we’d have not many sports, we’d be very particular on what that would look like. I don’t think that’s the Olympic Games and I don’t think the Olympic movement thinks that’s the Olympic Games.”
Coventry accepts that the IOC must improve its support for athletes, but not through direct payments for participating or winning at the Games. Her position, at least for now, is to preserve the solidarity model and strengthen channels of assistance in a sporting ecosystem where the debate over compensation and the commercial value of athletes is gaining weight….PACNEWS
