ONE of Australia's biggest companies has jumped on board to sponsor the inaugural AFL Women's League as momentum builds for the ground-breaking competition.
The National Australia Bank will expand its significant support of the AFL to be the naming-rights partner of the NAB AFL Women's League next year in an announcement made on Tuesday morning.
The NAB will also extend its partnership of Auskick and the AFL player pathway program for the next six years until 2022.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said having the NAB on board was a massive boost ahead of the AFL Women's Draft, to be held in Melbourne on Wednesday.
“The inaugural national Women’s League announcements have captivated the sporting public this year," McLachlan said.
“I thank (NAB chief executive) Andrew Thorburn and his team for extending their support of NAB AFL Auskick, the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program and for being the inaugural AFL Women’s League naming-rights partner.
“NAB has been, and continues to be, a great sponsor of the AFL and the game’s grassroots.
"NAB shares our passion to grow the game at all levels and I look forward to the exciting years ahead.”
The NAB has been associated with the AFL for the past 14 years.
It is the naming-rights partner for NAB AFL Auskick, the NAB AFL Women's League, the NAB AFL Women's Rising Star, the NAB AFL Rising Star program, the NAB AFL Trade Period, the NAB AFL Draft and the NAB AFL Women's Draft.
“We don’t just sponsor football, we grow it, and we want to make it a better game for all Australians,” Thorburn said.
“That’s why we are backing the AFL Women’s League.
"It gives footy fans, especially young girls and boys, inspirational role models to help nurture their passion for the game."
The eight-team AFL Women's League will take place in February and March next year.
The Brisbane Lions have the number 2 selection in Wednesday's AFL Women's Draft.
