SEN get SSN licence

Craig Hutchison’s Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) has been awarded a Super Netball license for a Victorian-based team in the league in 2024.

As detailed by Fox Netball, Hutchison has struck a bespoke arrangement with Netball Australia, which runs the league. It will see Netball Australia “operate the team throughout 2023 before fully transitioning to SEN in 2024.”

It’s believed this will see players contracted to Netball Australia in the first instance, not the yet-to-be-named club, which is raising eyebrows in clubland.

In a press release issued at 11.30am, Super Netball said SEN was granted the license after a competitive tender process run by Netball Australia, overseen by a subcommittee that included consultants Colin Smith and David Gallup.

Hutchison said acquiring the team was the first of many steps into netball, a sport the business believes in.

“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,” he said.

“The 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,” Hutchison said.

Ryan congratulated SEN. “This is an exciting development for the competition and shows the future of Super Netball is bright as a successful tier one sport,” she 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 broadcast 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 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 Super Netball teams to make next season the biggest and best yet,” Ryan said.

Netball Victoria’s chief executive Andrea Pearman welcomed the decision. She said the retention of a second Victorian team is “important for the health of the game and strength of the Super Netball competition.”

“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,” Pearman said.

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Original Article: Fox Netball