It’s official, Australian media giant Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) has taken the licence for Suncorp Super Netball’s eighth team.
Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan and SEN Chief Executive Craig Hutchison announced the inclusion of the south-east Melbourne team at midday inside SEN’s Melbourne studios.
“After a really competitive, compelling process we are incredibly delighted to now form what will be an incredible partnership with Sports Entertainment Network,” Ryan said to media.
"It was critically important to us that we took the necessary time to set up the structures and
sub committee to make the decisions that we needed to.
"To bring SEN into our sporting family is a huge credit and something we are proud of."
A subsidiary business of Netball Australia will be stood up to assist with the early stages of the new club until full ownership is transitioned to SEN as of January 1, 2024.
Hutchison, who already owns four sporting teams across Australia and New Zealand, made his intentions in the netball landscape clear.
“We’re here for the long haul,” he said.
“It’s fresh start, a fresh opportunity and we’ll bring our version of energy to the sport. We are an incredible sporting nation and netball has led the way for years.
“The opportunity to be a part of the landscape is sensational. This city deserves two teams and the energy around netball in this city is magnificent.
“We’re incredible believers in the power of women’s sport and the caliber of the athletes.
“We will be all in.”
Super netball fans and supporters for women’s sport were quick to express their excitement for the south-east team, jumping to social media after weeks of suspenseful speculation.
Information around the team name, location and coaching line-up is set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Hutchison hinted to one of the first action items.
“An experienced and established coach is a huge priority,” he said. “We are confident that we have a couple of options that we can proceed with.
“It’s very rare that you get to build a sporting team from the ground up and with a fresh set of eyes and a fresh perspective.
“This is an incredible league and an incredible opportunity to showcase the many athletes in this country that exist.”
