Jack Bendat

Jack Bendat AM was an American-born businessman and philanthropist, and the former owner of the Perth Wildcats basketball team.

He made his fortune in property development in the 1970s, building shopping centres in partnership with Kerry Stokes, and later invested successfully in radio (the top-rating 96FM, followed by 92.9 and 94.5), television (Golden West Network) and wine (Goundrey Wines).

He was an active philanthropist for many years, supported many causes including the Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre at St John of God Hospital Subiaco.

He was also a supporter of basketball. In 2006, Mr Bendat bought into the Perth Wildcats and took full ownership a year later. The Wildcats has won 6 NBL championships under his ownership. In 2015, he purchased the Perth WNBL team, changing their name from West Coast Waves to Perth Lynx. In May 2015, on his 90th birthday, the WA Basketball Centre was renamed the Bendat Basketball Centre in his honour. In July 2021, Mr Bendat sold Perth Wildcats to Sydney-based Sports Entertainment Group.

Mr Bendat was recognised as WA Citizen of the Year in 2002 and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2009 for his services to the community through philanthropic contributions to a range of charitable and cultural organisations.

He passed away in February 2022, aged 96.