This is not exactly sponsorship, but of interest, apparently the AFL leads all sports in Australia for tax-deductible donations to sport via the ASF for the last financial year (in fact, it received almost half of all such donations and about 40 times more than what the NRL received):
From brisbanetimes.com.au
NRL in a league of its own – sadly
The AFL has pocketed almost $20 million more than the NRL from fundraising, leaving rugby league lagging behind even equestrian when it comes to tapping into a rich source of revenue.
Just a week after we revealed Greater Western Sydney will oppose plans to transform ANZ Stadium into a rectangular venue, Australian rules football has enjoyed a big financial win over rugby league.
The Australian Sports Foundation, the only body that offers donors tax-free donations, has just released its funding figures. Top spot was taken out by the AFL, which attracted $20 million of the record $44.75 million splurged on sport. While league doubled its funding to $429,312, the sum places it as the 12th-ranked sport, behind 11th-placed equestrian. Several AFL clubs raised more than $1 million each – more than double what rugby league raised as a code.
At a time when NRL clubs are lobbying for government grants for high-performance centres, stadium upgrades and junior development, the figures show league officials are ignoring a potentially lucrative revenue stream. The discrepancy with Australian rules should be a huge concern.
"Given the popularity and profile of [league], we believe further substantial growth is possible to assist the game at all levels," said foundation chief executive Patrick Walker.