Melbourne's Rugby Club Re-Signs Crown Casino As Its Jersey Sponsor

National Rugby League club Melbourne Storm's "cash windfall for the week" has risen $1.5M with Crown Casino signing as a major sponsor for a third year, according to Russell Gould of the HERALD SUN. Thursday's renewal "of Crown's only team sponsorship" is believed to be worth around $1M. The financial injection joins the $500,000 that Australian Rugby League Commission Chair John Grant confirmed "would be given to all clubs" before Oct. 31, following the recent NRL media rights deal. The Storm still needs to find a back-of-jersey sponsor before the finals, which could allow them to "collect another cheque" (HERALD SUN, 8/31). As part of the partnership, the Crown logo will continue to be displayed on the front of the club's jersey for all Melbourne Storm's playing apparel. In addition, extending the agreement will provide Melbourne's only NRL club with an off-field home for its extensive national fan and membership base (Melbourne Storm).