Statement from Netball Victoria in response to Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) being granted the 8th SSN licence in Melbourne:
Netball Victoria welcomes the decision to keep two Super Netball teams in Victoria.
Netball Australia’s decision aligns with our strong view that retaining the eighth SSN licence in Victoria is the best outcome for the competition and the overall welfare of the game.
Victoria is a strong netball state. A second team is essential to ensuring the necessary pathway for our state’s many elite players, umpires, coaches and administrators, as well as encouraging emerging talent and growing grassroots participation.
Netball Victoria’s own bid for the eighth licence reflected our belief in the potential for an exciting new Victorian team with a hybrid regional/metropolitan presence. However, we understood that a second metropolitan Melbourne team was preferred given the current broadcast terms.
We will continue to develop the case for a future expansion licence that reflects the strength of the game in regional Victoria and the enormous opportunity in Melbourne’s fast-growing outer north-west corridor. This includes supporting the establishment of the high performance facilities required for a regional SSN team and growing the fanbase.
“While we presented our own strong bid, our primary goal throughout the search for the Collingwood Magpies’ replacement was to keep the licence in Victoria,” said Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman.
“With that goal achieved, we have extended our support to Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) and look forward to working with them to ensure both Victorian teams are successful.”
“While we assist with the establishment of the new team, we will not waver from our focus on the Vixens and their ongoing success, particularly as we prepare for the 2024 season.”
