New team in Victoria will replace the defunct Magpies in Super Netball

There will be an eighth team in Super Netball next season, with a surprise bidder winning the race to replace the Collingwood Magpies.

The race to replace the defunct Collingwood Magpies in the Super Netball competition has been won by Craig Hutchison‘s Sports Entertainment Group.

Hutchison, who runs SEN radio and also has an interest in NBL team the Perth Wildcats, beat out a bid from Netball Victoria, with the yet-to-be named team set to be based in Melbourne’s southeast.

The eighth Super Netball franchise will enter the 2024 season with a name and colours to be unveiled closer to the season starting ensuring Victoria again has two teams in the competition.

It replaces the Magpies, who folded after seven season as the end of the 2023 competition in a decision that rocked the sport.

“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.

Craig Hutchison’s SEN will run the eighth Super Netball team. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“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 called confirmation of the new team an “exciting development for the competition”.

“And shows the future of Suncorp Super Netball is bright as a successful tier 1 sport,” she 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.

Prominent media group @SportsEntNet has been awarded the eighth Suncorp Super Netball licence.

Details 👉 https://t.co/vftLaHop1dpic.twitter.com/NYRVfLzCaA

— Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) July 21, 2023

“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.”

The Magpies folded after Collingwood officials opted to streamline investment in the club’s AFL and AFLW programs.