Sports Entertainment Network New Zealand (SENZ), a subsidiary of its Australian parent company – ASX listed Sports Entertainment Group Limited confirmed today they have agreed to terms to acquire the licence for New Zealand National Basketball League (NZBL) team the Otago Nuggets.

SENZ Chief Executive Officer Jodie Simm confirmed today that this new expansion into the NZNBL means a greater connection for the growing radio network to the local community.

Simm said “Our business has long championed local content for local fans and that’s exactly our plan with the Otago Nuggets.

“We are committed to the Otago Nuggets team staying in Dunedin and maintaining a strong connection with the Otago community. We support the resurgence of basketball in the region and will continue to support grassroots participation with our involvement in the Nuggets.”

SENZ have great admiration for what the NZNBL has been able to achieve, especially in the last 12 months which has been such a turbulent time for live sport.

One of the focuses of the SENZ network is being an accessible radio network for every fan.

Sports Entertainment Network has existing experience in basketball club ownership having secured the phenomenally successful Australian National Basketball League team, the Perth Wildcats earlier in the year.

General Manager of the Otago Nuggets Angela Ruske is excited to welcome radio publisher SENZ onboard.

Ruske said “This new ownership will bring greater commercial opportunities and operational support to ensure the sustainability of the team in the league, which is great for our players and our fans.”

Basketball Otago Chair Andy Kilsby is enthusiastic about the opportunity this provides for the Basketball community in Otago. Kilsby said “SENZ have made a tangible commitment to grass-roots basketball in Otago. There will be fantastic opportunities for Otago talent to develop and progress, as well as a more sustainable provision of top level basketball in the region.”

Speaking on behalf of the Sal’s NBL, recently appointed Chief Executive of Basketball New Zealand, Dillon Boucher said “We’re really pleased to welcome SENZ to the competition and see yet another big lover of sport come and join the basketball family. Outgoing General Manager Justin Nelson and his team worked hard with the Nuggets and SENZ to bring this exciting opportunity to life, it’s a move that will further enhance the growth and coverage of the Nuggets, the League and basketball overall.”

SENZ own 28 radio frequencies throughout the North and South region of New Zealand including Dunedin 1206AM, Oamaru 89.6FM & 89.8FM and Alexandra 104.7FM.