Sunshine Coast Lightning News: change of ownership

Established as a start-up team in partnership with the University of Sunshine Coast in 2016, Lightning has become one of the most successful sporting teams in the country.

The team has developed a strong local presence and connection with the Sunshine Coast region and is one of the most recognised elite women’s teams in Australia.

Why Storm have passed the ball

Storm Group CEO, Justin Rodski, said the decision was not an easy one to make.

“We have been really humbled by the enormous support of our members, fans and partners who have been with us from day one and who have helped to make our Club so successful,” Mr Rodski said.

“There is a genuine passion for Lightning across the Sunshine Coast region. Our supporters have been on this incredible ride from the memorable back-to-back premierships in our first two seasons to the family days and school clinics that give young girls and boys the chance to play netball.

“We have been very lucky to have had the support of the Sunshine Coast Council and University of the Sunshine Coast, as well as many commercial partners along the journey, building a professional and highly sought after commercial program that has set the benchmark in the competition.

“We are incredibly proud of our staff, coaches and players at the Lightning and what we have been able to achieve in such a short period of time, both on and off the court.

“Our focus through this period has always been on our people and the community, ensuring our players and staff are supported, and that the Sunshine Coast would continue to have a team to follow.”

Lightning won their first Suncorp Super Netball Premiership in its inaugural season of 2017 and went on to claim back-to-back Premierships the following year. They narrowly missed out on playing in yet another finals’ series in 2025 having reached the finals in six of their previous nine seasons.

Mr Rodski said the further expansion of the men’s and women’s NRL competitions has meant Storm Group will now concentrate its investment in women’s sport on rugby league.

New goals for new licence holder

Global Sports Fund Management co-owners, Justin Pascoe and Lee Hagipantelis, said it was a privilege to officially join the Sunshine Coast Lightning family.

“Personally, the Sunshine Coast has been part of my life since I was four years old,” Mr Pascoe said.

“I’ve got family here, I’ve spent much of my life connected to this community, and more recently I’ve been lucky enough to call it home.

“To now have the opportunity to contribute to the growth of sport here, and to lead a franchise as special as the Lightning, is something I feel both excited and humbled by.

“We want to acknowledge the Melbourne Storm organisation, who have done an outstanding job in establishing this club and setting such strong foundations.

“Our responsibility now is to build on that legacy.

“We are committed to ensuring the Lightning continues to shine, not only as a leading netball franchise in Australia, but also as a club that the Sunshine Coast community can proudly call their own.”

Co-owner Mr Hagipantelis said what excited him most was the opportunity to combine their expertise in sport with the incredible passion of this community.

“Local ownership matters, it ensures decisions are made with the Sunshine Coast at heart,” Mr Hagipantelis said.

“We’re committed to investing in women’s sport, building deeper connections with fans and partners, and ensuring the Lightning remains a source of pride for this region for many years to come.”

GSF has a strong track record of revitalising and growing professional sports franchises. The organisation is focused on building a franchise that delivers excellence on the court, expands pathways for local talent, and creates an unmatched fan experience on the Sunshine Coast.

This move follows GSF’s recent acquisition of the Ottawa BlackJacks in Canada and the Newcastle Jets in the A-League, further demonstrating the organisation’s growing global footprint and commitment to investing in sport.

Long term community benefits

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli extended a warm Sunshine Coast welcome to the club’s new ownership group - Global Sports Management.

“This is a new chapter in the club’s journey, and we look forward to building a strong and collaborative relationship with the new leadership team,” Mayor Natoli said.

“From the very beginning Council has been a strong supporter of our only national sports team based on the Sunshine Coast.

“Their continued success has been a great source of pride for the region, as the team continues to showcase community spirit, resilience and excellence in sport.

“They’ve built a loyal fan base, inspired countless young athletes, and brought national attention to our region.”

Mayor Natoli thanked the Storm Group for their investment in Sunshine Coast Lightning and the region.

“Our door is now open to discuss how we can best support Global Sports Management’s vision for the Sunshine Coast Lightning,” Mayor Natoli said.

Keeping momentum for next phase

Netball Australia CEO Stacey West also thanked the Storm Group for their valuable partnership and shared her excitement about the new path forward with Global Sports Fund Management Group.

"The Suncorp Super Netball League is the most attended female sports league in Australia, and we also had further record-breaking viewership growth last year,” Ms West said.

“We have a strong foundation and new momentum, and I can't wait to see the next phase for the Lightning to be built by Global Sports Management.

“Justin Pascoe and his leadership team are highly capable, highly experienced, and locally aligned.

“The Lightning are going to go from strength to strength.     

“I would also like to acknowledge the wonderful partnership Netball Australia and the Storm Group have built over close to a decade.

“I extend my deep thanks to all the members of the Storm Group team and I wish them every success with their new priorities.

“The Lightning would not be the valuable asset they are today without the incredible stewardship of the Storm Group," Ms West said.