New Perth Wildcats owner Mark Arena joins the podcast to break down the intricate details behind purchasing an NBL team and his vision for the club's future. As a lifelong Wildcats fan and successful tech entrepreneur, Arena shares insights on the business side of sports ownership and how he plans to elevate the Wildcats’ brand, both locally and internationally.

In this episode, Mark discusses:

• What makes owning a sports team financially advantageous (2:30)
• The complex process of buying the Wildcats and how NBL approvals work (12:00)
• Why is his focus on winning championships and not purely on financial gain (19:00)
• Why expanding into Asia, including partnerships with Japan’s B.League, is a priority for the Wildcats (24:00)
• Views on NBLxNBA format and why he wants to hold an international preseason tournament every year instead (26:00)
• How does he see a potential second NBL team in Perth impacting the Wildcats (28:00)
• The plans to rebranding the Wildcats (39:00)
• The long-term vision for the Wildcats, including facility upgrades and community initiatives (42:00)
• What he's learnt from the first 90 days as owner of the Wildcats (44:00)

Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring:

• Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley
• Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff, Tanner Krebs
• Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer
• NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton
• The NBL's Greatest Imports: Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch
• The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

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