Basketball On The Internet.

HAVE no qualms about the sustainability or future of regional WNBL dual-champion Bendigo Spirit, the club purchased this month by the Sports Entertainment Network (SEN), growing its connection to basketball. The Spirit finished fifth this season and gave the league its MVP in Anneli Maley.

It parted ways with coach Tracy York after the club went 12-38 over the past three years, including 0-13 in the 2021 season.

As a multi-platform content and entertainment group, SEN’s acquisition will deliver significant
benefit to the club and the overall growth of women’s sport throughout the network.

This includes all Spirit games being broadcast within the SEN Bendigo app, meaning increased coverage, analysis and discussion, creating compelling content for regional Victorian audiences.

SEN already plays a role in the promotion of the WNBL, having worked directly with the league as a broadcast production partner for all games since the 2020 season.

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,” he said.

“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.”