The Santos Tour Down Under is thrilled to announce long-term naming rights partner Santos has extended its sponsorship of the flagship event for another three years.
Proudly South Australian, Santos has become synonymous with Australia’s greatest cycling race since becoming naming rights sponsor in 2010.
Santos started its journey as a pioneer of South Australia’s resources sector just over 70 years ago to become South Australia’s biggest company, directly employing around 1,000 South Australians.
Santos provides jobs to almost 3,900 people across its global operations, plus thousands more though its supply chain.
In 2024 in South Australia, Santos spent over $392 million on goods and services and invested over $2.4 million on local community partnerships, grants and sponsorship.
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said the ongoing support of Santos is vital to the event’s continued growth.
“The partnership between Santos and the Tour Down Under is now entering its 16th year. Over that period, we have seen the introduction of the UCI Women’s WorldTour event with equal prize money as the men’s event, plus recognition as Australia’s best sporting event last year.
“The support of Santos is truly invaluable and by continuing as naming rights sponsor, they are making a vital commitment to ensuring South Australia continues to enjoy the benefits of this terrific event.”
Santos Managing Director and CEO Kevin Gallagher revealed the commitment at Legends’ Night Dinner presented by Telstra as part of the event’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
“Santos has been the proud naming rights sponsor of the Tour Down Under since 2010, and it has been fantastic to see our support allow the race to grow to what it is today – one of the greatest sporting events in Australia’s calendar,” Mr Gallagher said.
“The signing of a new three-year naming rights sponsorship deal reaffirms our commitment to this world-class event, and our ongoing support of the men, women and para-cyclists who come here from all over the world each year to start the annual World Tour.
“Since Santos became the naming rights sponsor of the event, the race has pumped almost $740 million into the South Australian economy, with nearly 8 million people attending the race over that time.
“The Santos Tour Down Under is something every South Australian can be proud of. It provides a significant contribution to the state’s tourism industry and showcases South Australia to the world.
“I am excited to see the event continue to grow in the coming years. Santos will be there every kilometre of the way.”
Founded in 1954, Santos first developed resources in South Australia, before expanding across Australia, throughout the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
