THREE POINTER:

• Tech Giant’s Big Move: Mark Arena to acquire a 90% stake in NBL team Perth Wildcats.
• Staged Purchase: Deal structured over multiple stages, totaling AUS$40 million.
• Local Ownership: Arena aims to boost the team and community with local leadership.

A New Era for Perth Wildcats

In a significant shake-up in the National Basketball League (NBL), tech entrepreneur Mark Arena has inked a deal to buy a major stake in the Perth Wildcats. This move not only underscores the growing interest in Australian basketball but also marks a pivotal shift towards local ownership.

The Deal Breakdown

Arena’s family trust, MT Arena Capital Investment Pty Ltd (MTACI), has signed a binding share purchase and shareholders agreement with the current owner, Sports Entertainment Group (SEG). Here’s what the deal looks like:

• Initial Stake: Arena will take a 52.5% majority share by the 2024/25 NBL season.
• Full Control: His stake will increase to 90% by 2026, aiming for full ownership by 2028.
• Valuation: The total transaction values the Wildcats at AUS$40 million (US$20.8 million).

Arena’s Vision for the Wildcats

Mark Arena expressed his enthusiasm and strategic vision for the Wildcats:

> “I absolutely love this team and I see huge potential for both basketball and for the city of Perth with the return of local ownership,” said Arena.

All PostsHe further elaborated on his plans to integrate his tech expertise to enhance the fan and sponsor experiences, aiming to revive the authentic basketball culture he admired in the ’90s.

What’s Next?

The completion of the first stage of MTACI’s acquisition hinges on some necessary group restructuring. As the team gears up for the 2024/25 season under new leadership, all eyes will be on how these changes will influence the team’s strategy and performance on the court.

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