BREAKING NEWS: Panthers signs on as platinum partners for Slalom World Championships

 

 

BREAKING NEWS: Panthers Sign On as Platinum Partners for Slalom World Championships

July 31, 2025 – Penrith, Australia

In an exciting crossover between elite water sport and professional rugby league, the Penrith Panthers have officially signed on as Platinum Partners for the 2025 Slalom World Championships, set to take place at the iconic Penrith Whitewater Stadium later this year.

The announcement was made at a joint press conference on Wednesday morning, uniting representatives from the International Canoe Federation (ICF), the Australian Canoeing Federation, and senior executives from the Panthers organization. The landmark partnership marks one of the most significant collaborations between an NRL club and a major international sporting event in recent memory.

Bridging Two Worlds: League and Water Sport

The Penrith Panthers, reigning NRL powerhouses and one of the most successful rugby league franchises of the last decade, have long been champions of community engagement and cross-sport support. With this partnership, the club is expanding its influence beyond the footy field and into the realm of international competition.

Speaking at the unveiling, Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher shared the club’s motivation behind the move:

“Penrith is not just a rugby league town—it’s a sports town. We’re proud to support excellence wherever it’s found, and the Slalom World Championships bring the best of the best right to our backyard. Partnering with this world-class event reinforces our commitment to community, global sport, and putting Penrith on the map.”

Why It Matters

The 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships, scheduled for October, are expected to draw over 300 of the world’s top paddlers from more than 50 countries. The event is also a key Olympic qualifying tournament for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games, adding a layer of intensity and global significance.

Penrith Whitewater Stadium, built for the 2000 Sydney Olympics and widely regarded as one of the premier artificial whitewater venues in the world, will host the event. With the Panthers’ backing as platinum partners, organizers say the Championships are set to break new ground in terms of reach, attendance, and community impact.

ICF President Thomas Konietzko welcomed the partnership:

“The support from the Penrith Panthers gives our event a powerful platform. It connects us directly with one of Australia’s most passionate sporting communities. This partnership will allow us to amplify visibility, increase engagement, and ensure a legacy far beyond competition week.”

What the Partnership Includes

As Platinum Partners, the Panthers will have a major presence throughout the Slalom World Championships:

• Branding and visibility throughout the venue, live broadcasts, and digital streams

• A Panthers Fan Activation Zone, where fans can experience interactive exhibits and meet Panthers players

• Cross-promotional content through NRL and ICF channels, helping both sports reach new audiences

• Support for local youth paddling initiatives in Western Sydney

• Joint marketing campaigns focused on wellness, teamwork, and sporting excellence

This collaboration will also include a “Panthers on the Rapids” exhibition event, where selected NRL players and coaches will attempt to navigate the rapids alongside professional canoeists in a fun, charity-focused crossover challenge.

Community, Legacy, and Local Pride

Penrith’s involvement in hosting global events has long been a point of civic pride. From Olympic history to national championships, the city has proven time and again it can deliver at the highest level. With the Panthers on board, organizers say the 2025 Slalom World Championships are shaping up to be the most attended and widely viewed in the competition’s history.

Local Mayor Todd Carney spoke at the launch:

“This partnership unites two of Penrith’s greatest sporting landmarks—the Whitewater Stadium and the Panthers. Together, they’re sending a message that our city is ready to host the world.”

In addition, proceeds from the partnership will help fund new aquatic and sports programs in local schools, ensuring the event’s impact extends far beyond its five days of racing.

Fans and Athletes React

The announcement has already created buzz on social media. Panthers fans, known for their loyalty and passion, have shown overwhelming support for the club’s involvement in promoting other elite sports.

Olympic kayaker and local favorite Jessica Fox, who is expected to compete at the event, praised the move:

“The Panthers are legends in this city, and their support means everything. It’s amazing to see different sports lifting each other up. This partnership will bring more eyes to our sport and more energy to the event.”

Looking Ahead

With just months to go before the world’s best paddlers descend on Penrith, preparations are in full swing. Volunteers, tourism operators, local vendors, and now, the Penrith Panthers, are all contributing to what promises to be a world-class sporting spectacle.

As sport continues to evolve, partnerships like this reflect a broader trend—one where clubs, leagues, and disciplines support one another not just for profit, but for purpose, community, and legacy.

Final Thoughts

The Penrith Panthers’ decision to step up as Platinum Partners for the 2025 Slalom World Championships isn’t just a sponsorship—it’s a bold statement about unity in sport, the power of community, and the importance of investing in the future.

Congratulations to the Panthers and the organizers of the Slalom World Championships. Penrith is ready. The world is watching.