Newcastle Jets have confirmed Maverick Sports Partners as the club’s new ownership group, on what has been described as “a hugely significant day for this club” by Jets CEO Shane Mattiske.
The consortium, led by former Western United CEO Maurice Bisetto, will take control of the Jets from a group of fellow A-Leagues clubs that has funded the club since 2021.
Maverick Sports Partners’ acquisition of the Jets is subject to necessary approval processes by the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and regulatory processes by Football Australia – including fit and proper person tests.
Bisetto, who played a key role in Western United’s foundation and Isuzu UTE A-League introduction in 2019, is Director of Maverick Sports Partners.
He says Newcastle’s new ownership group will focus on strengthening the club’s connection to the local region, growing attendance figures, securing financial backing from corporate and government partners and fostering young, local talent through the club’s academy to shine in the Liberty A-League Women and Isuzu UTE A-League Men.
“We believe in this club, the A-Leagues and its players and we’re determined to build success for the Jets and this region,” Bisetto said.
“We have been impressed by the strength of football here in this region. We know there is a strong historical fanbase and a strong participation base here and we want to bring all of these people together for our Men’s and Women’s games.
“We want to work hard in the community to build a stronger connection to the Jets and in addition to continuing to grow our base of young fans and families, we want to encourage the whole football community to get behind our team – whether that be by becoming a member, attending games or even just buying a gold Jets jersey.
“We have a focus on building a strong and sustainable club, however we can’t do this by ourselves. For the club to be strong, the community has to get behind us. Being at games, supporting the team and becoming members is critical in terms of creating a strong club.
“We know that there is a thriving economy here in Newcastle and the Hunter and this was important element in our decision to commit to the Jets.
“We will make a commitment to a competitive football club however for us all to have a strong and sustainable club we need the backing of corporate and government partners from the region.
“In terms of talent, we have been impressed with the local players that are coming through the development systems throughout Northern NSW and through the Jets Academy.
“As we now take control, you’ll see an even stronger focus on bringing through local talent and investing in trying to develop them into top A-League Men’s and Women’s players. We will also make sure our elite coaching and football structures support this talent development.
“Our team at Maverick Sports Partners are absolutely committed to, and very excited, about the opportunity that exists here at the Newcastle Jets. We see this as the beginning of a new era for the Newcastle Jets and look forward to building a truly great club with the support of this community.”
Upon the confirmation of Maverick Sports Partners’ acquisition, Jets CEO Mattiske took the opportunity to thank the outgoing ownership group for believing in the importance of the club to the local community.
“Today is a hugely significant day for this club and this community, as we confirm Maverick Sports Partners as the new owners of the Jets,” he said.
“Over the last three years, we have built a strong foundation for the future of this football club, and it is exciting to be beginning a new era with incoming owners who believe in the opportunity that exists with this club, with this community and with Football as a whole.
“Throughout our process, Maurice Bisetto, the consortium representative, and his partners have demonstrated a deep understanding of football and how to bring success. They also understand this community and their plans are very much aligned with the work that is already underway.
“I know the Group will bring positive new thinking, new connections and a wealth of experience that will drive the growth of this club moving forward,” expressed Mattiske.
“With this transition to a permanent ownership structure, it is important to acknowledge the support that the outgoing ownership group has provided to the club over the last three and a half years. These owners believed in the importance of this club to this community and to the A-Leagues’ competition as a whole.
“They have played a hugely significant role in the history of this club and on behalf of all fans and stakeholders of the Jets I want to acknowledge the commitment and contribution they have made to us all. Their huge support of this club will forever be remembered.”