After more than 8 years as owner of the Lightning, Vince Marino today conveyed the news to the team. The Marino family bought the Lightning licence in 2006 after a restructure of the Basketball Association of South Australia. Their ownership ensured that one of the most iconic female sporting teams in Australia could continue to participate in the WNBL, providing an elite pathway for South Australian players.
Under the Marino family ownership the Lightning won the WNBL Championship in 2008; made the finals in another four seasons and has provided opportunities for current South Australians playing in the WNBL incuding Mia Newley, Steph Talbot, Alex Wilson, Angela Marino and Opals players Laura Hodges, Jenni Screen, Erin Philips, Cayla Francis and Abby Bishop.
Both Basketball Australia and Basketball South Australia acknowledge and thank the Marino family for their considerable investment in the Lightning and for playing an important role in providing an inspirational pathway for young South Australians. The broader contribution the Marino family has made to South Australian basketball is significant and should be acknowledged by the entire basketball community.
Basketball Australia CEO Anthony Moore said “The Adelaide Lightning are one of the iconic teams in the Wattle Valley WNBL and we thank the Marino family for their outstanding contribution over many years. Basketball Australia and Basketball SA both recognize the importance of a South Australian team in the Wattle Valley WNBL and we have been working together to explore a number of options for the Lightning to continue under a new ownership model in 2015/16 and beyond.”
“The Wattle Valley WNBL is an important pathway to the highly successful Opals national team program and we will shortly be releasing the Australian Sports Commission review on the future structure of the competition. We are very confident about the direction of the League and look forward to continuing the tradition of a strong Adelaide team in the competition.” Moore added.
For more information contact:
Anthony Moore
Basketball Australia
Chief Executive Officer
03 9697 4316 or anthony.moore@basketball.net.au
Kate Hilton
Basketball SA
Communications and Marketing Manager
8345 8618 or khilton@basketballsa.com.au
