Craig Hutchison always wanted SEN Teams to own Perth Lynx but had to complete Perth Wildcats deal first

Craig Hutchison has revealed the timing of his sale of the Perth Wildcats prevented his SEN Teams business from completing a deal to own the Perth Lynx earlier in 2024 but said he always had a desire to add the club to his sporting portfolio. SEN Teams became the majority owners of the Lynx on Tuesday after agreeing to a partnership with WA business couple Christian Hauff and Jodi Millhahn. Hauff and Millhahn took over the Lynx licence from Basketball WA in June, just weeks after Mark Arena made a $40million offer to buy the SEN-owned Wildcats. The couple held a minor share in SEN Teams and quickly appointed the media company to manage the club’s commercial operations. Hutchison said he’d have loved for his company to have owned the Lynx sooner. “Timing was a bit tricky for everyone,” he told The West Australian. “Our priority clearly was finalising the Wildcats in a way that suited everybody and supporting Mark. It was a very difficult time to do a second deal. We started talking about the Lynx before we sold-down on the Wildcats but there were a lot of things happening at the one time. “There was a pressing need to shore up the Lynx and to make it clear they would be an ongoing, viable and sustainable part of the season. We made one move with a view to making a second move. We put the wheels in motion.” While the ownership change has occurred midway through the season, Hutchison said the team will barely notice any differences. The Lynx are second on the ladder behind SEN-owned Bendigo Spirit and have played in two of the last three grand finals as they chase their first WNBL title since 1992. The club is attempting to expand its audience and will play three games at the larger HBF Stadium during the school holidays with a view to making the venue its permanent home. Hauff said combining with SEN Teams would make the club stronger. “It aligns us with our operating partner to get the further investment and focus that this club needs to realise its success,” Hauff said. “SEN Teams has a breadth of experience which complements the local operations. I’ll co-chair and ensure the local priorities, opportunities and strategies will build our club. “We will look to make even more investments. Jodi and I are committed to doing that for the pursuit of short term and long term opportunities.”