One of WA’s most successful entrepreneurs and prominent philanthropists Jack Bendat has died aged 96.

American-born Dr Bendat owned and chaired the Perth Wildcats from 2007 until selling last year to Sports Entertainment Group, losing $8 million in the first three years owning the NBL franchise before transforming it to become the league’s most successful and popular team in history.

The prominent businessman had an estimated net worth of $640m last year, through construction and media businesses with longtime partner Kerry Stokes, establishing GWN and Bunbury Plaza, eventually developing 11 shopping centres across WA before focusing on philanthropic interests.

Dr Bendat also established WA’s national women’s basketball team, the Perth Lynx, the first female basketball squad in Australia paid full-time wages with free education, in total equity with the men.

Tap PLAY for 6PR reporter Jake Battrick’s report on Jack Bendat’s legacy.

Perth radio legend Gary Roberts and Liam Bartlett discuss Jack Bendat’s life.

Image: Former Wildcats captain Damian Martin and coach Trevor Gleeson with Bendat.