Why is Woodside sponsoring Fremantle’s AFL team – and will the climate crisis shift the relationship?
This article examines why fossil fuel company Woodside Energy sponsors Fremantle's AFL team despite not selling consumer products. It explores how such sponsorships help energy companies build social capital and goodwill to influence policymakers and counter public backlash.
Why it matters
Highlighting corporate sponsorship strategies illuminates how high-carbon industries maintain public influence and social license to operate through sports.
Kevin Parker of Tame Impala wearing a Fremantle Dockers shirt with tape covering the Woodside Energy logo. Photograph: Sam Sirann/Glide Magazine Kevin Parker of Tame Impala wearing a Fremantle Dockers shirt with tape covering the Woodside Energy logo. Photograph: Sam Sirann/Glide Magazine Woodside Analysis Why is Woodside sponsoring Fremantle’s AFL team – and will the climate crisis shift the relationship? Jonathan Barrett Dockers supporters cannot buy a barrel of Woodside oil – but the fossil fuel company hopes to buy into fans’ loyalty
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When an oil and gas company buys logo space on an AFL jersey, it isn’t trying to convince fans to buy its products.
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