On Sunday, 25 January 2026, Qudos Bank Arena, owned by TEG and proudly operated by Legends Global, turned pink to honour the life of the amazing Tiana Mangakahia, for Pink Hoops Day.
A passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness, Mangakahia helped organise the first WNBL’s Pink Game to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation. This year marked the 4th Annual Pink Hoops Day, and we thank the 16,846 fans who attended — not only for their generous fundraising efforts, but for coming together to celebrate her enduring legacy and extraordinary career.
An exceptional player on and off the court, Mangakahia was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. After recovering, she made an inspiring return to basketball with Syracuse University before breaking into the Australia Opals, where she was part of the bronze medal-winning squad at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup. She returned to the WNBL in the 2022/23 season with the Sydney Flames.
At the end of that season, Mangakahia received the heartbreaking news that her cancer had progressed, ultimately leading to her retirement from playing. She transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of assistant coach with the Flames.
In support of the game, we are proud to share that cloakroom proceeds from Sydney Kings games throughout January, totalling $5,295, will be donated to the McGrath Foundation. In preparation for the games, Qudos Bank Arena staff members assisted the Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames team by placing three-point signs on every chair throughout the venue, helping bring the Pink Hoops Day experience to life. The Arena was filled with love and support as fans enjoyed the special double-header. Click here to see how Qudos Bank Arena turned Pink.
Qudos Bank Arena Deputy General Manager, Michael Cox added,
“We were truly honoured to host Pink Hoops Day at Qudos Bank Arena. As a venue, we understand the power of bringing people together, and this event was a perfect example of uniting fans, and the wider community for a cause that matters deeply.
From the venue being dressed in pink, to our team helping place 18,000 pink three-point signs around the Arena, and contributing to the McGrath Foundation, we’re grateful to have played a role in making the day so memorable.”
Hoops Capital Chief Executive Officer, Mark Thompson said,
“Pink Hoops Day holds deep significance for the entire Hoops Capital organisation, and even more so this year as it was our first game since the passing of Tiana Mangakahia, who so powerfully established Pink Hoops.
We were proud to deliver the event in partnership with Qudos Bank Arena, who went above and beyond in their support — from helping place banners on every seat, to turning the entire venue pink, and making a generous financial contribution to the McGrath Foundation.”
Sydney Flames Head Coach, Renae Garlepp has said,
“Thanks so much to Qudos Bank Arena for your incredible support Pink Hoops Day. Something that’s so special to our hearts, we really appreciate you all. Thank you.”
Qudos Bank Arena looks forward to the next Pink Hoops Day next year and remains committed to making a positive impact year-round through ongoing support of our three charity partners: Starlight Children’s Foundation, FoodBank, and Gotcha4Life.
ABOUT QUDOS BANK ARENA
Qudos Bank Arena is Australasia’s number 1 venue for live entertainment and largest indoor arena, located in Sydney Olympic Park. As a world-class venue, it hosts concerts, sports events, comedy and family entertainment experiences, attracting over 1 million patrons annually.
ABOUT LEGENDS GLOBAL
Legends Global is the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services, including feasibility and consulting, project development, sales, partnerships, venue management, hospitality, merchandise, and content and booking. Our white-label approach ensures our partners remain front and centre while we harness the power of our global network – including over 450 venues, 20,000 events, and 165 million guests annually – to enhance their business and guest experience. To learn more, visit us at www.LegendsGlobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
LEGENDS GLOBAL (APAC and MENA)
From its APAC regional headquarters in Brisbane, Australia, Legends Global operates, manages and books a network of venues that includes:
Stadiums – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane; Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium, Hong Kong; and 50% ownership of VenuesLive, the operator of Optus Stadium, Perth ;
Entertainment and Indoor Sports Arenas – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney; RAC Arena, Perth; Brisbane Entertainment Centre; Newcastle Entertainment Centre, TikTok Entertainment Centre; Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Great Hall; Cairns Arena, Bangkok Arena (under construction); Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai; and Kai Tak Sports Park Indoor Arena, Hong Kong;
Live Performance Theatres – Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Sydney, Bahrain, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur;
Convention & Exhibition Centres – Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Newcastle, Sydney, Christchurch, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Bahrain, and Riyadh.
ABOUT TEG
Ticketek Entertainment Group (TEG) is a Fan Experience Group, powered by digital, data, and technology, united by our purpose – We Partner to Make Life Better Live. With the Fan as our Star, TEG brings together Ticketek, TEG Touring, TEG Sport, TEG Experiences, and Ovation to create, promote, and power world-class live entertainment.
From global concert tours and major sporting events to immersive family and cultural experiences, TEG makes it easier for Fans to find, and attend unforgettable events.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Qudos Bank Arena acknowledges that we are on Wangal land. This land connects us all to the past and the future. We respect Wangal Country, recognise Elders past, present and emerging as Traditional Custodians of it, and celebrate the ongoing deep cultural connection of the people who continue to carry its language, song, dance, and stories.
