Coinbase and the Cronulla Sharks Join Forces to Tackle Crypto in Australia
Tl;dr: Coinbase becomes the first-ever crypto partner of the Cronulla Sharks in the Australian National Rugby League. The partnership highlights our commitment to making it simpler and safer for Australians to enter the cryptoeconomy.
Coinbase is excited to announce we will be partnering with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in Australia for the 2025 National Rugby League (NRL) season. We’re committed to sharing with more Australians that the world’s most trusted crypto platform is available Down Under, and by joining forces with the Cronulla Sharks we’ll be able to spread this message even further.
Uniting fans with the future of finance
Australians are at the forefront of the crypteconomy, with roughly six million people (over 20% of Australia’s population) holding crypto. As the world’s most trusted crypto exchange, we’re committed to offering Australians a simpler, safer way to engage with digital assets. We’re thrilled to drive this message forward by integrating it in Australia’s most beloved sport.
The National Rugby League is the most-watched sport across Australia, with over 30% of the population supporting an NRL team. The Cronulla Sharks have been featured in the NRL since 1967 and have etched their foothold into Australia’s competitive rugby scene.
Coming off a top four finish in the 2024 season, the Sharks’ drive, momentum, and loyal fan base make them an excellent fit to help educate Australians about the uses of cryptocurrency in everyday life.
“Crypto has become a mainstream asset option in Australia, with almost six million Australians owning crypto and growing support from global political and industry figures. We’re extremely excited to be joining forces with the Sharks in what’s shaping up to be a huge 2025 season and look forward to bringing the Coinbase brand to one of the most active and engaged fanbases in the NRL,” said John O'Loghlen, Country Director of Coinbase Australia.
"It's tremendously exciting for the Sharks to join forces with an international brand like Coinbase, one of the world's most recognisable and secure cryptocurrency platforms," Sharks Group CEO Dino Mezzatesta said.
Look for us on the front of the Sharks’ shorts at every game this season, and learn more about what Coinbase offers Australians at coinbase.com.au and @coinbase_au on X.
Bringing crypto to sporting competitions around the globe
This partnership is a continuation of our global connection to the sporting world. Coinbase has partnered with a number of major sports organisations and leagues, including relationships across basketball in the NBA and WNBA, Formula One with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team, and esports with Team Liquid.
To learn more, please visit the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks newsroom here.
About John O’LoghlenRegional Managing Director APAC & Country Director AustraliaJohn O'Loghlen is the Coinbase Country Director, Australia. Prior to joining Coinbase, John led the expansion of Alibaba Group and Ant Group in Australia and New Zealand as well as overseeing the WorldFirst cross border payments business. Before relocating to Sydney in 2014, John spent the previous 11 years in China building businesses in the food delivery space following on from a career in investment banking with Goldman Sachs in London, New York and Beijing.
