SEN’s parent company, Sports Entertainment Group, has completed the sale of NBL Basketball team Perth Wildcats.

The remaining tranches of the ownership transaction were complated today, giving the new owner,  tech entrepreneur Mark Arena, full control of the company.

Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) Chief Executive, Craig Hutchison and Chief Operating Officer Jodie Simm, resigned from the Perth Wildcats Board this morning, as Arena’s 100 per cent ownership of the basketball franchise took hold.

SEG owned the club from July 1, 2021, until today, and was part of three finals campaigns for the Wildcats.

Hutchison congratulated Arena on the transition and expressed SEG’s thanks to all stakeholders for the support during its ownership era:

“Owning and growing the famous Perth Wildcats has been the biggest honour in our business’ 20-year history This team is so loved and supported and such a huge part of the Western Australian community and broader Australian sports landscape.

“We’d like to thank NBL owner Larry Kestleman for his vision and stewardship of the NBL; and the incredibly passionate Wildcat fans for their commitment and support. Thanks also to our staff, all sponsors, and broader stakeholders who’ve made the journey so enjoyable and rewarding.

“While we exit as owners, we remain as Wildcat fans as a business, and wish Mark Arena every success on the pursuit of an 11th Championship. Our ongoing ownership of the Perth Lynx WNBL team – itself also on the verge of a potential finals campaign – means we can continue to support and be a part of the rich history and fabulous future of Western Australian basketball.”

SEN Teams remains shareholders and operationally responsible for three franchises: Perth Lynx (WNBL), Bendigo Spirit (WNBL) and Melbourne Mavericks (Suncorp Super Netball).

Photo composite: Perth Wildcats PR photo & Craig Hutchison Instagram