On April 3, 2026, Boomerang Partners, an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan, will kick off the third season of the Golden Boomerang Awards. This annual tournament for affiliate teams has become one of the industry’s largest competitions and consistently attracts hundreds of participants from around the world.

The status of the Golden Boomerang Awards

With the launch of the first season of the Golden Boomerang Awards in 2024, Boomerang Partners introduced a global platform for affiliate teams to showcase their expertise and gain recognition. The tournament mechanics motivate participants not just to compete for prizes, but to aim for leadership status and access unique experiences. This includes award ceremonies held at top-tier locations (Cyprus in 2024, and the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan in 2025), as well as participation in private networking events with industry leaders. In 2025, the second season of GBA saw participation from over 400 teams (compared to 226 in the first season). AC Milan Legend Andrea Pirlo attended the ceremony, where he presented 11 awards to the top teams. For the execution of the GBA ‘25 awards ceremony, Boomerang Partners received the Best Live Event Marketing Campaign award at the European iGaming Awards 2026. This award serves as confirmation of the tournament’s recognition by the industry and its significance for the sports affiliate marketing segment.

GBA ’26 concept

The third season of the Golden Boomerang Awards builds on what has already been established over the past two years. The tournament is no longer just a campaign – it has become a recognizable format that affiliate partners return to and plan around. While short-term mechanics drive growth and engagement, long-term performance is what ultimately defines status.

The 2026 season will take place under the concept “Beyond the Moment.” The idea is simple: short-term results matter, but only consistent performance over time proves real expertise. This season is designed for affiliate teams that can maintain that level across the full tournament, with 11 award categories recognizing different areas of performance.

Reaching the final is about showing consistency over five months and competing at the highest level. The strongest teams will be recognized at the final ceremony in Lisbon, where results turn into reputation and long-term status in the industry.

Participation terms

Participants will need to drive traffic that generates FTDs for brands in Boomerang Partners’ client portfolio during the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026 tournament. Teams will receive points for each FTD, with the number of points varying by tournament stage. There will be three stages in the third season of GBA:

• First Half (April 3 – June 9)
• Second Half (June 10 – July 19)
• Overtime (July 20 – August 31)

Participants can join at any stage and take advantage of various mechanics to not only catch up with but surpass the leaders. So, if affiliate teams missed the start of the tournament, it doesn’t mean they don’t have a chance to secure a prize-winning spot.

Prizes and nominations

At each stage of the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026, Boomerang Partners has prepared an interim prize. The First Half stage winner will get to attend the Wimbledon Championships (June 29 – July 12, 2026). The Second Half stage winner will be invited to attend the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monza (September 6, 2026). The grand prize will be an exclusive dinner with an AC Milan Legend (late September / early October, 2026).

The finale, featuring the top teams, along with the official awards ceremony for the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026 across 11 categories, will take place in late September in Lisbon. Further details will be announced soon, and the event is expected to surpass previous editions in scale and experience.

Anton Eshtokin, Chief Marketing Officer at Boomerang Partners, commented: “The Golden Boomerang Awards have evolved into a platform where real market leaders are defined. Each season raises the level of competition, and 2026 will be no exception. A packed global sports season, including the FIFA World Cup, will create additional opportunities for affiliates to scale and compete at a higher level. Alongside that, we’re elevating the overall experience — from high-value rewards to exclusive formats for top performers. The finale will be held in a top-tier international location and designed as a true industry highlight.”

Registration for the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026 opens on April 3. Don’t miss your chance to compete for unique experiences and industry legacy. Secure your Welcome Boost, drive traffic, and earn a status that lasts beyond the moment. It’s time to win the title.

About Boomerang

Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards – a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. Partners of the Agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.

The Agency’s client portfolio contains 10+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across 40+ markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide incentive programs and 24/7 multilingual support.