North Queensland's two elite national sporting teams have joined forces to create opportunities and expand their social and economic contribution through a strategic alliance.

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys and JCU Townsville Fire have worked together for several years, and now the two-year Memorandum of Understanding will formalise their partnership and strengthen already close ties.

With both clubs enjoying finals success in recent years, the agreement identifies key areas of opportunity to work together, expand their understanding of each other and build on the momentum of their individual growth.

Key joint project areas include:

Community engagement – further expanding the clubs' contributions to the social and economic wellbeing of the region

Elite performance – sharing research, training, education, resources and facilities to optimise individual and team fitness and health

Laurence Lancini, Chair of the Cowboys welcomed the agreement, as the club continues its growth trajectory and transition towards a new stadium for the start of the 2020 season.

"We've had the pleasure of witnessing the incredible and sustained success of the Fire these past few years, and this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about their approach," Mr Lancini said.

"Our goal is to work together for the benefit of all North Queensland, and this two-year partnership will put us in a better position to understand what a longer-term relationship and its results could look like."

With WNBL defending champions Townsville Fire commencing their pre-season in September, Michelle Morton, Chair of the Fire, said the announcement was an important and timely one.

"The Cowboys play a wonderful leadership role across North Queensland through their community engagement programs. We look forward to expanding on our current relationship and benefiting the region by collaborating together," Ms Morton said.