| Is Tennis West Building State League—or Building Its Own Revenue?
Tennis West Board Director Mark Scatena, alongside Shane Smedley, has reportedly visited State League clubs to present a revised competition model.
But the proposal is not entirely new.
Its foundations were developed approximately four years ago under former Tennis West CEO Brett Patten and Board Director Nick Gray, following months of club consultation. That work was ultimately shelved amid the leadership and governance upheaval surrounding then-President Rod Van.
Scatena deserves credit for reviving the conversation and personally engaging clubs. However, the reported proposal to move all State League matches to the State Tennis Centre represents a significant departure from the competition’s club-based tradition.
State League is more than an elite competition. It gives clubs an opportunity to attract spectators, engage members, showcase leading players and build the next generation of supporters.
Centralising matches may improve presentation, scheduling and commercial control. It may also create greater revenue opportunities for Tennis West. But what do participating clubs gain after investing in players, coaching and team administration?
The choice facing Tennis West is fundamental:
| Centralised model |
Club partnership model |
| Matches at the State Tennis Centre |
Home-and-away matches at clubs |
| Greater control for Tennis West |
Greater community connection |
| Centralised commercial opportunities |
Membership and hospitality opportunities for clubs |
| Clubs provide teams |
Clubs build audiences and local participation |
Mark Scatena has brought new energy to an old idea. Now Tennis West must explain whether State League is being redesigned to strengthen its clubs—or to strengthen its own venue and revenue.
Mark Scatena’s Tennis West Board profile confirms his role, while Tennis West continues to describe State League as WA’s premier club competition.
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4 Responses
I can understand the attraction of centralising State League, but clubs have to be at the centre of any decision. They invest in their teams and players, and home matches give members and juniors an opportunity to watch their club’s best players. That connection shouldn’t be underestimated.
Credit should be given for reopening the discussion about State League. However, before making major changes, Tennis West should clearly explain what the participating clubs gain from the proposed model. State League should strengthen both Tennis West and its clubs, not one at the expense of the other.
Why not look at a hybrid model? Have home-and-away matches at clubs throughout the season and then create a major finals series at the State Tennis Centre. That could preserve club culture while also creating a showcase event that Tennis West can properly market and promote.
I can understand the attraction of centralising State League, but clubs have to be at the centre of any decision. They invest in their teams and players, and home matches give members and juniors an opportunity to watch their club’s best players. That connection shouldn’t be underestimated. The challenge is finding people who have played at the elite level and understand what it means to players and clubs. I suggest Mark Scatena is neither!