BREAKING: The Bendigo Spirit has just announced a groundbreaking partnership with the State Government to elevate women’s basketball across regional Victoria. This collaboration will feature a series of elite matches and community events aimed at boosting participation in basketball and promoting diversity.
The agreement, backed by the Significant Sporting Events Program, will see the Spirit host multiple games during the 2025–26 and 2026–27 WNBL seasons. Upcoming matches are scheduled for Traralgon, Ballarat, and Geelong, with pre-season games already held in Warrnambool and Shepparton.
This initiative is more than just basketball; it aims to strengthen community ties and showcase regional Victoria as a premier sports and tourism destination. “This partnership is a game-changer for women’s sport and regional communities,” stated Craig Hutchison, CEO of SPORTS Entertainment Network (SEN). “We’re proud to work with the Victorian Government to bring elite basketball to new audiences and inspire the next generation of players and fans.”
Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of inspiring young athletes. “Thanks to the Significant Sporting Events Program, people across regional Victoria will enjoy elite basketball,” he remarked. “This showcases women’s basketball and supports local tourism, jobs, and businesses.”
As part of this transformative partnership, the Spirit will implement a comprehensive community engagement program in each host city. This includes open training sessions, school visits, coaching clinics, junior development programs, and business networking events. The Spirit recently held pre-season matches in Warrnambool and Shepparton, where players and coaches engaged with local communities through various clinics.
Looking ahead, the Spirit’s regular-season matches will also feature community events. Key fixtures include:
- TRARALGON – Round 6: vs. Perth Lynx on Sunday, November 23
- BALLARAT – Round 8: vs. Geelong Venom on Friday, December 5
- BALLARAT – Round 13: vs. Southside Melbourne Flyers on Friday, January 9
- GEELONG – Round 9: vs. Geelong Venom on Saturday, December 13
- GEELONG – Round 13: vs. Geelong Venom on Friday, January 30
All matches will be broadcast nationally on 9Now, ESPN, and Disney+, with additional content produced by SEN’s television production arm, Rainmaker, to maximize audience reach and engagement.
This landmark partnership is set to redefine the landscape for women’s sports in Victoria, fostering community spirit and providing unparalleled access to elite basketball. Stay tuned for more updates as the Spirit continues to inspire and connect with fans across the state.
