VICTORIA will retain the eighth Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) team for the 2024 season, following the announcement that media group Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) had been awarded the open licence.

The licence became available following Collingwood Magpies’ choice to withdraw from the SSN at the conclusion of the 2023 season. After Netball Australia ran a competitive tender process for the eighth licence, it was announced today that SEN would take over the team in 2024. Netball Australia will operate the team for the remainder of the year.

The team, which will be based in Melbourne’s south east suburbs, will have a name unveiling closer to the upcoming season. SEN Chief Executive Craig Hutchison, whose group already owns four sports teams in basketball, said it was the first of many steps into netball.

“We see an opportunity here to step up and ensure the Victorian netball community gets the second team it deserves,” 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.”

Ryan congratulated SEN on successfully being awarded the licence.

“This is an exciting development for the competition and shows the future of Suncorp Super Netball is bright as a successful tier one sport,” 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 Chief Executive Officer 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,” 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.”