NAB has renewed its contract as the naming rights partner of the NAB AFL Women’s competition until 2028.

As part of the agreement, NAB will continue as naming rights partner of Auskick and major partner of AFL Men’s.

The six-year extension makes it one of the widest ranging and long-standing partnerships in the league’s history.

NAB has been naming rights sponsor of the NAB AFL Women’s competition since its inaugural season in 2017. It has supported an increase in all female participation, with women now representing 31% of players.

The partnership with NAB AFL Auskick has seen NAB support more than 2.8 million children develop their footy skills, with 250,000 young footballers taking to the field at their local centre each year.

NAB CEO Ross McEwan said the 20-year AFL partnership was an important way of supporting communities across the country.

“NAB’s partnership with the AFL is about committing to growing the game at all levels, from Aussie kids playing at their local footy oval right through to the elite level,” Mr McEwan said.

“It is also about supporting gender diversity in sport and each AFLW game brings much-needed awareness that competitive football is a game for all.

“Football brings communities together. It has been great this season to see the return of packed stadiums, and our cities and towns thriving with local hospitality businesses filled with supporters.”

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said the partnership extension marked a significant step forward for the AFL.

“The AFL is thrilled to extend its partnership with NAB and continue to work together to grow the game at all levels,” Mr McLachlan said.

“NAB’s contribution to our game has been significant and its ongoing support helps strengthen the league’s position to support the next generation of women and kids playing our game from the grassroots to the elite level.”

AFL Executive General Manager Customer and Commercial Kylie Rogers said the AFL was excited to further the league’s relationship with NAB.

“NAB has been a highly-valued partner of the AFL for two decades and this announcement demonstrates the commitment they have to supporting women and girls across Australia,” Ms Rogers said.

“The upcoming NAB AFLW Season will see all 18 AFL Clubs join the competition making our league stronger than it’s ever been, and it’s thanks to partners like NAB, that has enabled this growth both on and off the field.”