Swans swoop as MUFG locks in three-year Premier play

The partnership will be activated across both AFL and AFLW competitions.

MUFG Pension & Market Services has announced a new three-year Premier Partnership with the Sydney Swans.

The agreement brings together MUFG Pension & Market Services – a member of global financial group MUFG – and the Swans ahead of the 2026 AFL and AFLW seasons.

Aligning with high-performance culture

The partnership reflects what both organisations describe as a shared commitment to discipline, leadership and sustained success.

The Sydney Swans are Australia’s most supported sporting club, with more than 2.2 million supporters nationwide and a reputation for consistency across both the AFL and AFLW competitions.

As a Premier Partner, MUFG Pension & Market Services will secure prominent brand presence across Swans assets, along with access to premium match-day experiences, professional development initiatives and curated leadership events aimed at fostering connection and shared learning.

The partnership will also be used to engage employees, clients and partners through experiential activations aligned with the club’s high-performance culture.

CEO and Managing Director of MUFG Pension & Market Services comments

While major sports sponsorships are often associated with consumer-facing brands, MUFG Pension & Market Services said the move is a deliberate investment in long-term brand equity and trust, particularly among institutional clients and senior decision-makers.

Vivek Bhatia, CEO and Managing Director of MUFG Pension & Market Services, said the partnership follows the organisation’s rebrand in 2024 after its acquisition by MUFG.

“Following our acquisition by MUFG, and rebrand to MUFG Pension & Market Services in May 2024, we were very deliberate in seeking the right partner that could help elevate our brand in an authentic way,” he said.

“The Sydney Swans are a high-performing organisation defined by discipline, commitment and strong leadership. They have succeeded across different eras and circumstances, and that resonates deeply with us.

“This partnership allows us to showcase who we are alongside a club that reflects our values, while strengthening connections with the broader community we are part of.”

Sydney Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich comments

Sydney Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich welcomed the partnership ahead of the 2026 season.

“We are thrilled to welcome MUFG Pension & Market Services to the club ahead of the 2026 season,” Pavlich said.

“MUFG aligns strongly with our club’s values and vision, and we’re looking forward to working with the team at MUFG and building a strong partnership in the years ahead.”

The partnership will be activated across both AFL and AFLW competitions, with further initiatives expected to be announced throughout the season.

Top Image: Vivek Bhatia & Matthew Pavlich

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