Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) have further enhanced their strong connection to the sport of basketball, today announcing the purchase of their first WNBL team, the Bendigo Spirit.
As a multi-platform content and entertainment group, SEN’s acquisition will deliver significant benefit to the team and the overall growth of women’s sport throughout the SEN network.
This includes all Spirit games to be broadcast within the SEN Bendigo app, giving increased coverage, analysis and discussion that creates compelling content for regional Victorian audiences.
SEN already play a key role in the promotion of the WNBL, having worked directly with the league as Broadcast Production Partner for all games since the 2020 season. Additional support and presence for the sport has also been amplified via the production of the NBL show Overtime and various radio rights.
The acquisition of the two-time WNBL champions accelerates SEN’s ownership portfolio, having also purchased 100 per cent stake in the Perth Wildcats (NBL) along with the men’s and women’s teams of the Otago Nuggets (NZNBL) within the last 12 months. SEN also previously owned a 25 per cent stake in Melbourne United prior to the Wildcats acquisition.
Richard Simkiss, CEO Ballpark, Rainmaker & Publishing at Sports Entertainment Network, said the purchase provided an exciting opportunity to help grow the sport and provide compelling content to regional sports fans.
“The WNBL is one of the fastest growing leagues in Australia, and we are confident our acquisition of the Bendigo Spirit will help promote the game to new and existing audiences.”
“We sincerely value being part of local communities throughout regional Victoria and remain committed to this connection via platforms including the SEN Bendigo app, where the Spirit will play a key role in providing engaging content to local fans.”
Bendigo Stadium Limited CEO Dennis Bice said the acquisition would have a significant benefit to the growth of the organisation.
“We are committed to the success of Bendigo Spirit and this agreement will ensure the longevity of the team. Bendigo Stadium Limited will continue to support elite women’s sport in Bendigo and the pathways it makes available for our younger basketball community.”