Spirit and Tangerine unite to champion change on and off the court

AS the countdown winds down to the start of Bendigo Spirit’s WNBL season opener against Townsville Fire this Sunday 19 October, the club has committed to driving change off and on the court by championing awareness of domestic violence through a new commercial partnership.

The national league’s defending champions have announced a new two-year alliance with Australian telecommunications company Tangerine, in a collaboration that will drive impact both on the court and in the community.

As part of the agreement, Tangerine will feature prominently on the left and right sides of the Spirit playing strip.

Central to the partnership is a shared commitment to social impact.

Tangerine will be the game day partner of Bendigo Spirit’s association with the Orange Ribbon campaign, which raises awareness of domestic violence and supports victim-survivors.

Orange – also Tangerine’s brand colour – is globally recognised as a symbol of hope and a future free from violence against women and girls, as part of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

This commitment will be highlighted during the Spirit’s round seven clash against Adelaide Lightning at Red Energy Arena on Sunday 30 November.

The match will raise awareness and funds for Annie North, a Bendigo-based organisation providing crisis refuge and transitional support to women, children and young people escaping domestic and family violence.

The partnership also includes game night sponsorship, a player partnership with club legend and five-time WNBL champion Kelsey Griffin, and a four-part content series designed to engage fans and highlight the values shared between the two organisations.

Tangerine chief growth officer Rick van Emmerik said the telco was proud to partner with the Spirit and stand alongside them in their efforts both on the court and in the community.

“The Orange Ribbon match is a powerful initiative, and we’re honoured to help raise awareness and support those impacted by domestic violence,” he said.

“This partnership naturally builds on our work with the Telco Together Foundation to tackle domestic and family violence, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to extend that support through our collaboration with Bendigo Spirit.

“We believe in the power of sport to unite and inspire and this partnership is a reflection of that belief.”

Spirit general manager Dan Jackson said the partnership was a powerful alignment of purpose and passion.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tangerine to the Bendigo Spirit family. This partnership goes beyond the game – it’s about standing together for something bigger,” he said.

“Tangerine’s support of our Orange Ribbon match and their commitment to raising awareness around domestic violence shows true leadership.

“We’re proud to work with a brand that shares our values and is ready to make a real difference in our community.”

For the Spirit, the 2025-26 season begins the same way that it ended, with a clash against their grand final rival from last season, the Fire.

A partial makeover of the roster includes the additions of Paris Olympian Isobel Borlase and former US college star Megan McConnell, who spent time on Phoenix Mercury’s WNBL roster this past season.

The departures are headed by 2024-25 season MVP Sami Whitcomb (playing in Europe) and Veronica Burton (focusing on her WNBA career with Golden State Valkyries).

WNBL games record-holder and Spirit fan favourite Kelly Wilson will also miss the championship defence in preparation for the birth of her second child.

Back from US college stints, Olivia Pollerd and Kelsey Rees are other new faces in the line-up.

The Spirit rounded out their pre-season commitments with a 10-point loss to Geelong Venom in Warrnambool last Saturday.

Abbey Wehrung led the way with 19 points, while five-time WNBL champion Marianna Tolo contributed 16 points and four rebounds.