Sports Entertainment Network secures licence for eighth Super Netball team

Prominent media group Sports Entertainment Network (SEN), the owner of NBL franchise the Perth Wildcats, has been awarded the licence for the Suncorp Super Netball League’s eighth team.

Announced this morning, SEN was granted the licence after a competitive tender process run by Netball Australia, overseen by a sub-committee including consultants Colin Smith and David Gallop. In granting the licence, Netball Australia will operate the team throughout 2023, before fully transitioning to SEN in 2024.

The team will be based in Melbourne’s south-east, with a name to be unveiled ahead of the upcoming season.

SEN already has full or part ownership of four basketball teams.

Advising that acquiring this team was the first of many steps into netball, a sport the business believes in, SEN Chief Executive, Craig Hutchison stated “we see an opportunity here to step up and ensure the Victorian netball community gets the second team it deserves.

“We believe firmly in the direction of the Netball Australia Board, its Chief Executive Kelly Ryan and the leadership team.

“The Suncorp Super Netball standard is the best in the world and inspires so many young Australians.

“It is an outstanding entertainment product and continues to grow on the back of a fantastic season.

“We can’t wait to play our role running the new team and supporting Netball Australia’s overall vision.”

Welcoming SEN to the sport, Netball Australia Chief Executive, Kelly Ryan stated “this is an exciting development for the competition and shows the future of Suncorp Super Netball is bright as a successful tier one sport.

“We know Victoria has a passionate netball community and we look forward to seeing that translate into support and success for our newest team.

“As a successful club owner, national broadcaster and publisher, SEN has a proven track record in the sporting landscape of enhancing sporting coverage and connecting brands to fans. We are excited by Craig Hutchison’s vision and can’t wait to see the new side in action next year. 

“We thank Netball Victoria for the support it has provided through this process and we look forward to working with all eight Suncorp Super Netball teams to make next season the biggest and best yet.”