Prominent media group Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) will field a Suncorp Super Netball team having been awarded the eighth licence.
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.
The SEN group already own four sports teams, all in basketball. Chief Executive Craig Hutchison said acquiring this team was the first of many steps into netball, a sport the business believed in.
“We see an opportunity here to step up and ensure the Victorian netball community gets the second team it deserves,” Mr Hutchison said.
“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.”
Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan congratulated SEN on joining the Suncorp Super Netball League family.
“This is an exciting development for the competition and shows the future of the Suncorp Super Netball league is bright as a successful tier one sport,” Ms Ryan said.
“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.”
Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman welcomed Netball Australia’s decision to retain a second Victorian team.
“This is important for the health of the game and the strength of the Suncorp Super Netball competition in our state,” Ms Pearman said.
“We extend our support to SEN and look forward to working with them to ensure both Victorian teams are successful on and off the court.
Foxtel Group Executive Director – Commercial, Sport Rebecca McCloy, expressed her support for the appointment.
“Brilliant news today that a new Victorian team is joining the Suncorp Super Netball competition on the back of a record-breaking season. This is an inflection point in Netball history in taking it to greater heights,” she said.
“This year viewing on Foxtel and Kayo Sports was up 10 per cent on 2022, as we delivered our 3 million sports subscribers unparalleled access to players, coaches and behind-the-scenes action on game days and via our weekly magazine shows in addition to the live on-court action.
“We look forward to working with Netball Australia to continue to build on this success to bring more netball and more incredible athletes to Australians around the country.”
