The Giants Super Netball team's licence will be taken over by Sports Entertainment Group (SEG), headed by Craig Hutchison, marking the end of football codes' involvement in the league.
SEG, which also owns the Melbourne Mavericks and multiple basketball franchises under the SEN Teams banner, has acquired the eighth licence from Netball NSW. The company is expected to announce the addition of the Giants to its Super Netball stable.
Ownership change details
According to the AAP, players and staff were briefed on Monday about the impending ownership change, with the final sign-off flagged as a formality. The GWS Giants are believed to be supportive of the sale, recognising the need for more resources in the struggling netball program.
The Mounties Group had previously been linked with a deal. SEG/SEN, NNSW, Netball Australia and GWS Giants have all been contacted for comment.
Historic move
This will be the first time two Super Netball teams are owned by the same private operator, as distinct from a state association. NNSW will continue to own and operate the NSW Swifts, while ceding control of the Giants-branded team.
The Giants have played in the AFL club's orange and charcoal colours as part of a strategic alliance since the expansion netball club's inception.
Background and impact
Super Netball's 2017 debut season also featured teams owned by Collingwood and the Melbourne Storm Group. Collingwood surrendered its licence in 2023 amid criticism, and the Storm Group established the Sunshine Coast Lightning, which claimed two premierships.
The Magpies' exit led to a new licence being awarded to SEG, which established the Melbourne Mavericks for the 2024 season. The Mavericks contested their first finals series this year.
Hutchison has spoken of economies of scale in administration, marketing and sponsorship across multiple SEG-owned teams. He has ambitions to add more netball teams, with suggestions of a clause in the Victorian deal providing priority consideration in case of expansion or licence sales.
In Queensland, the Global Sports Management Group took over the state's second licence from the Melbourne Storm Group last October.
Team performance and player contracts
Giants Netball made a strong start under foundation coach Julie Fitzgerald, featuring in the inaugural grand final and again in 2021, while crowned minor premiers in both 2018 and 2021.
But the team has won a single game in 2026 under coach Nerida Stewart, whose contract, and that of assistant Jen Wright, has been extended until the end of 2027. The Giants have finished in the bottom three for the past four seasons.
All Super Netball players remain unsigned for 2027 as terms have yet to be agreed on a new Collective Player Agreement with the Australian Netball Players' Association. The dispute means expansion of the league is on hold until at least 2028, despite a new five-year broadcast deal starting in 2027.
