Game-changing partnership takes Spirit to regions

SPORTS Entertainment Network (SEN) – through its WNBL team, Bendigo Spirit – has announced a landmark partnership with the State Government to deliver a series of elite women’s basketball matches and community engagement events across regional Victoria.

Supported by the Significant Sporting Events Program, the agreement will see the Spirit host multiple regional events across the 2025–26 and 2026–27 WNBL seasons, including upcoming WNBL matches in Traralgon, Ballarat and Geelong, alongside pre-season games that have already been held in Warrnambool and Shepparton.

The initiative aims to grow basketball participation, celebrate diversity and inclusion, and strengthen community connections while showcasing regional Victoria as a premier destination for sport and tourism.

“This partnership is a game-changer for women’s sport and regional communities,” said CEO of SEN Craig Hutchison.

“We’re proud to work with the Victorian Government to bring elite basketball to new audiences, tell the stories of our incredible athletes, and inspire the next generation of players and fans across the state.”

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, said it was great to see the Spirit inspiring the next generation of basketball players.

“Thanks to the Significant Sporting Events Program, people all over regional Victoria will have the chance to enjoy elite basketball,” he said.

“Showcasing women’s basketball and beautiful parts of our state means backing the future of women’s sports in Victoria, while also backing local tourism, jobs and local businesses.”

As part of the partnership, the Spirit will deliver a comprehensive community engagement program in each host city, including open training sessions, school visits, coaching clinics, junior development programs and business networking events.

The Spirit have already held 2025-26 pre-season matches in Warrnambool and Shepparton, where the team’s players and coaches also delivered a range of clinics to different segments of the local community.

For the remainder of the events being hosted throughout the 2025-26 season, clinics and events will be held in conjunction with five regular-season Spirit matches hosted outside of Bendigo.

These include:

TRARALGON

Round 6: v Perth Lynx on Sunday 23 November.

BALLARAT

Round 8: v Geelong Venom on Friday 5 December.

Round 13: v Southside Melbourne Flyers on Friday 9 January.

GEELONG

Round 9: v Geelong Venom on Saturday 13 December.

Round 13: v Geelong Venom on Friday 30 January.

All matches will be broadcast nationally via 9Now, ESPN and Disney+, with additional content produced by SEN’s television production arm, Rainmaker, to amplify the reach and impact of the events.