Western Province Cricket launches the Western Province Cobras

For generations, Western Province and the Cape Cobras have each played a defining role in South African cricket.

Now, Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) officially brings those two stories together with the launch of the Western Province Cobras, a new professional identity that honours the history of both brands while creating a platform for the future.

The Western Province Cobras will unite the province’s men’s and women’s professional teams under a single identity built on excellence, ambition and a deep connection to the Cape Metropole cricket community.

Rather than choosing one legacy over another, Western Province Cricket has chosen to build on the strengths of both, ensuring that the history of Western Province and the achievements of the Cape Cobras remain central to the next chapter of professional cricket.

The Western Province Cobras identity has been built around a simple belief: great brands don't leave their history behind, they build upon it.

Western Province remains one of the most celebrated names in South African cricket, while the Cape Cobras represented one of the most successful periods in the region's professional history, winning multiple domestic titles during the franchise era and thehearts of local fans, the Newlands Faithful. Rather than choosing one legacy over another, the new identity brings both together.

The official team name will be Western Province Cobras, while WP Cobras becomes the team's distinctive public-facing identity across supporter communications, merchandise and apparel. WP Cobras will also serve as the team’s primary marketing and commercial brand, creating a clear and consistent identity for supporters and partners alike.

The move also brings Western Province's professional identity in line with South Africa's leading domestic teams, creating a clear, distinctive brand that proudly competes alongside the likes of the Lions, Titans, Dolphins, Warriors, Knights and North West Dragons.

This brand development also coincides with the exciting announcement that YesPlay will be the new team and stadium title sponsor for the next four years. In formal press, broadcast and brand communication the team will be referred to as YesPlay WP Cobras. To this end, the team have developed a WP monogram that will remain a permanent feature of the brand, ensuring Western Province’s heritage is always represented and remains an enduring symbol of the province’s proud cricketing history.

The new identity follows an extensive consultation process involving stakeholders from across Western Province cricket, including current players, former players, coaches, supporters, administrators, commercial partners and the media.

The consultation reaffirmed two important truths: that the Western Province name carries enormous emotional value and remains central to the region's identity, and that the Cape Cobras established a successful and respected professional era that deserved to remain part of the story.

The visual identity reflects that thinking. While introducing a contemporary expression for the future, the logo intentionally retains the recognisable typography associated with the Cobras, with the forward-pointing “fang” giving the brand mark a modern edge and reflecting the team’s ambition to push the game and the province forward.

Corrie van Zyl, Chief Executive Officer, Western Province Cricket Association said: "Western Province Cobras represents the best of where we've come from and where we're going. We weren't looking to choose between Western Province and the Cobras, we wanted to bring together the best of both traditions and create a platform for future success. We would also like to thank Civils 2000 and Much Asphalt for their support in making this brand-building project possible. We also welcome YesPlay to the team and their YesCares social outreach initiative through a four-year partnership expertly brokered by MegaPro. This is an exciting time to be part of our team!"

Johannes Adams, President, Western Province Cricket Association added: "This is an important moment for Western Province Cricket. It respects our heritage while creating a modern platform that will inspire players, supporters and commercial partners for generations to come. ‘Faithful and Forward’ perfectly captures what this brand stands for: remaining proud custodians of our history while continuing to build a stronger future for cricket in the Cape Metro area."

Ashwell Prince, Western Province and Cobras legend stated: "Western Province has always meant something special to generations of players. I like that this identity doesn't forget the past. It respects the Western Province legacy, acknowledges everything the Cobras achieved during the professional era and creates something future generations will be proud to represent."

Faye Tunnicliffe, WP Cobras Women's batter commented: "Bringing our men's and women's teams together under one professional identity is an important step for the future of cricket in our province. It's a brand built on heritage but it's also looking forward. As players, we're proud to represent both where Western Province cricket has come from and the exciting future it is building."

Tebogo Makamo, Chief Executive Officer of YesPlay said: “Being part of this pivotal moment in the evolution of Western Province Cricket is something we’re incredibly proud of. The launch of the Western Province Cobras brings together two proud cricketing legacies, creating a bold new identity that honours the past while looking firmly to the future. For YesPlay, this partnership is an opportunity to support that ambition and help create a brand that is relevant, connected to its supporters and built for the next generation, while preserving the heritage that makes Western Province cricket so special. We’re excited to stand alongside the Western Province Cobras and create meaningful experiences for players and supporters as well as the broader cricket community with our YesCares CSI initiatives.”

The YesPlay WP Cobras identity and communication will be introduced as part of the 2026/27 domestic season.

The YesPlay WP Cobras brand has been purposefully designed to provide a strong and enduring platform for future commercial partnerships while ensuring that the heritage of Western Province cricket remains permanently visible at its heart.

The launch marks the beginning of a new chapter for professional cricket in the Cape Metropole, one that honours the province's rich history while creating opportunities for future generations of players, supporters and commercial partners.

Few sporting venues in the world are defined as much by their setting as Newlands. Framed by Table Mountain, shaded by its famous oak trees and shaped by more than 135 years of unforgettable moments, Newlands has earned its place among the world's most iconic sporting venues.

Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) has unveiled the new identity for Newlands Cape Town, celebrating everything that has made the venue special while positioning it as a world-class destination for sport, entertainment, hospitality, business and lifestyle experiences.

For generations, Newlands has been synonymous with world-class cricket and the stage for some of the most unforgettable cricketing moments, but its story extends far beyond the boundary rope. It is a place where communities gather, businesses connect, celebrations unfold and visitors from around the world experience one of Cape Town's defining landmarks.

The new identity reflects the broader role of the venue, strengthening Newlands as a world-class destination while remaining true to the heritage, character and sense of place that have made it one of South Africa’s most treasured sporting venues.

The announcement follows the recent launch of the Western Province Cobras brand, with both initiatives reflecting renewed energy, investment and commercial ambition within Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) as it continues strengthening two of South Africa's most iconic brands. The continued efforts behind the scenes and front of house have led to YesPlay signing as the stadium title sponsor for the next four years, as well as title sponsor of the WP Cobras, expertly brokered by MegaPro.

YesPlay, as well as their YesCares social outreach initiative, are going to bring new energy to Newlands. The stadium will now be formally referred to as YesPlay Newlands.

Every summer, Newlands welcomes the WP Cobras, The Proteas and MI Cape Town and is a bucket-list experience for both local and global fans alike. But Newlands has always been capable of more. Over the years it has welcomed international music legends, conferences, weddings, corporate events and community celebrations, proving that its unique setting elevates every experience it hosts.

The new identity embraces that broader opportunity, positioning Newlands as a venue where world-class occasions, whatever their nature, become even more memorable. Because when the setting is as extraordinary as Newlands, every occasion is elevated. This is summed up in the campaign line: ‘Majestic Happens Here’.

The new identity draws inspiration not from the stadium itself, but from the timeless qualities that have made Newlands globally recognisable. The logo elegantly combines the silhouette of Table Mountain with the form of an oak leaf, paying tribute to the famous oaks that have become synonymous with the ground while celebrating the natural beauty that defines the Newlands experience.

Rather than relying on traditional sporting imagery, the identity was intentionally designed to feel timeless and sophisticated; equally at home on premium merchandise, hospitality experiences, venue signage or alongside the world's leading brands. It reflects the premium character of Newlands without ever losing the warmth, character and accessibility that have made it such a beloved part of Cape Town.

The refined colour palette draws on the familiar greens of Newlands, the heritage colours of Western Province Cricket and the understated elegance associated with world-class hospitality, creating an identity that feels unmistakably Newlands.

The new identity is accompanied by continued investment in the venue itself. Recent improvements include upgraded hospitality suites with motorised retractable awnings, new lift infrastructure and enhanced seating with extra wheelchair seating. A new secondary scoreboard will be installed, complemented by upgrades to the sound and EVAC system and the refurbishment of food and beverage kiosks to further enhance the fan experience. Player and match officials have not been forgotten, with further improvements planned as Newlands continues its evolution. These include upgrades to player and umpire changing rooms, an improved scorers’ enclosure and enhanced net practice facilities. Finally, the President and Oaks Pavilions have received a fresh coat of paint.

These investments reinforce WPCA's commitment to ensuring that one of the world's most iconic cricket grounds continues to deliver an experience worthy of its reputation. Supporters will experience these improvements during an exciting international season that includes tours by Australia, Bangladesh, India (Women) and England as well as in the SA20 and an improved domestic cricket offering.

"Newlands is one of the world's great sporting venues, and we believe its future is every bit as exciting as its past,” said Van Zyl.

"Our ambition is to strengthen Newlands as a year-round destination while continuing to celebrate the cricket that has made it famous. At the same time, we're investing in the venue itself to ensure the experience continues to match its global reputation. We would also like to thank Civils 2000 and Much Asphalt for their support in making this brand-building project possible. We also welcome YesPlay to the team and their YesCares social outreach initiative. This is an exciting time to be part of our set-up!"

"Newlands has always been much more than a stadium. It is part of the identity of Cape Town and a place where generations have gathered to celebrate unforgettable moments.

"This new identity celebrates everything people already love about Newlands while creating an exciting platform for its continued growth and commercial success," Adams added.

"Newlands stadium is one of those rare places where the setting, the history and the experience come together to create something truly special. For YesPlay, being part of its next chapter is an incredible opportunity and one we take very seriously.

"We’re proud to become the title sponsor of YesPlay Newlands Cape Town and to play a role in the continued progression of this iconic venue. This is about more than putting our name on a stadium. It is about helping create new experiences, new memories and new reasons for people to connect with a place that already means so much to so many. We believe the best partnerships become part of the story they are helping to build, and we’re excited to be part of the next chapter of Newlands,” Makamo stated.

Michael Cook, Co-founder, Workbench commented: "It was a privilege to work on a brand with such remarkable heritage. We wanted to create something timeless, beautiful and iconic that reflected the natural setting and unique character of Newlands, while creating an identity sophisticated enough to stand alongside the world's great destination brands, yet warm and approachable enough to be true to the heart of Newlands."

For generations, Newlands belonged to its people. It is home to the Newlands Faithful, who return year after year to support the WP Cobras, The Proteas and MI Cape Town, while welcoming visitors from around the world to experience one of cricket's most iconic settings. That connection between place and people remains at the heart of the Newlands story and always will.

The Newlands Cape Town identity will be introduced progressively across the venue over the coming months.

Together, the launches of Newlands Cape Town and Western Province Cobras represent more than new identities. They signal a renewed ambition for Western Province Cricket Association to invest in two of South African sport's most recognisable brands, strengthen their commercial appeal and ensure they continue inspiring supporters, partners and visitors for generations to come.

One is the home. The other is the team. Together, they tell the next chapter of Western Province cricket.