The Chinese automotive manufacturer, Great Wall Motors (GWM), has announced its first-ever cricket sponsorship through a landmark multi-year partnership with Big Bash League (BBL) franchises Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers.
Under the deal, GWM will serve as the co-major partner of the Thunder and official automotive partner of the Sixers, marking the brand’s debut in professional cricket. The collaboration includes prominent GWM branding on team kits, digital platforms, and matchday environments, as well as fan activations and community outreach initiatives across New South Wales.
The partnership reflects GWM’s growing commitment to the Australian market as part of a broader sports and lifestyle strategy. The automaker is also set to become a major partner of the Richmond Football Club in the AFL from 2026, leveraging sport as a key platform to build brand visibility and engage Australian consumers.
John Kett, CEO of GWM Australia & New Zealand, said, “Cricket is at the heart of Australian culture, and this partnership reflects our long-term commitment to engaging and supporting fans, players, families, and communities. Cricket and car travel go hand in hand, and we’re excited to bring fans closer to the action, from match-day travel to ensuring teams arrive ready to perform.”
Trent Copeland, Sydney Thunder General Manager, added, “GWM’s support will help us nurture internationally renowned talent and deepen our community ties, while delivering an even better game-day experience for fans.”
Echoing these sentiments, Rachael Haynes, Sydney Sixers General Manager, said GWM’s brand philosophy aligns closely with the Sixers’ values and ambitions.
The sponsorship comes on the heels of GWM’s brand presence during the recently concluded Asia Cup 2025, where the automaker partnered as an associate sponsor, a move that expanded its reach across Asian cricket audiences. The addition of Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers partnerships strengthens GWM’s growing global sporting portfolio, extending from Asia to Australia and reinforcing its ambition to connect with fans through shared sporting passion.
The collaboration will also support GWM in promoting its expanding vehicle lineup, including hybrid and electric models. Both clubs will work with GWM on fan engagement initiatives, local activations, and promotional campaigns designed to strengthen ties with cricket supporters.
GWM aims to increase annual vehicle sales in Australia from approximately 50,000 units to 75,000 units by 2027. By associating with cricket, one of Australia’s most-watched sports, the brand seeks to reinforce its presence in the market while connecting with families and communities nationwide.
As the 2025–26 BBL season approaches, GWM’s partnership with the Thunder and Sixers is poised to bring fresh energy to Australian cricket, combining sporting passion with automotive innovation. With its sponsorship portfolio now spanning cricket, AFL, and regional tournaments like the Asia Cup, GWM continues to strengthen its “Go With More” philosophy on a global sporting stage.
For both Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers, the collaboration offers enhanced resources, stronger brand alignment, and expanded fan engagement opportunities ahead of the upcoming BBL and WBBL seasons.
