The WNBL starts a new era on 18 October and as always, a core of past and present Seven Consulting Opals will heavily feature across the lineups.
With a combination of recent Olympians, Asia Cup champions and emerging stars interlocked with elite international talent – a hyper-competitive environment is expected.
The dynamics ahead of Season 25-26 will ultimately continue a positive progression of the WNBL as an elite pathway for women’s basketball in Australia.
Lauren Jackson AO OLY, Basketball Australia’s GM of Women in Basketball, reflected on the league’s enduring impact, saying:
“The WNBL continues to be the heartbeat of women’s basketball in Australia, and Season 25-26 will be no different. With Olympians, Asia Cup champions, emerging young stars and world-class international talent all on court, fans can expect one of the most competitive seasons yet,” said Jackson.
“The league’s strength is not only in the calibre of its athletes, but also in the way it prepares the next generation to step onto the global stage. We’re entering a new era that reaffirms the WNBL as a premier pathway for women in our game”
A flurry of player movements occurred in the off-season, particularly amongst the Opals cohort.
One of the notable and potentially impactful shifts involved Opals rising star Isobel Borlase, who transferred from her hometown Adelaide to the reigning champions, Bendigo Spirit.
“I never really wanted to leave Adelaide because that’s home.” Borlase said. “But once I wrote down my goals and what I wanted out of the next few years, Bendigo just felt like the right fit,” said Borlase.
At just 21 years of age, Borlase is an upcoming star of the next generation.
With an Olympic bronze debut in 2024 and an Asia Cup championship in July, Borlase jumped at another opportunity to challenge herself with a relocation to Victoria.
“I haven’t really lived out of home like this before, so it’s been a big adjustment. What makes Bendigo special is the people. Not all the girls are from Bendigo so we hang out a lot off the court which I really appreciate,” she said.
“They’ve got things in place to create a successful team – from ownership all the way down,” she said.
“It’s a whole, new group this year so it will be a little bit different to what Bendigo were like last year, but with Tolo and KG around it’ll be a good vibe.”
Borlase will be in good company in Bendigo with veteran leaders Marianna Tolo, Kelsey Griffin and championship winning coach Kennedy Kereama – but she isn’t the only Opal embracing a change of scenery.
The Southside Flyers strengthened their lineup after a down year and welcome the additions of Cayla George and Isabelle Bourne.
The rebranded Geelong Venom, formerly known as Geelong United, secured 24-year-old guard Shyla Heal and the Sydney Flames added veteran presence with Keely Froling.
Darcee Garbin returns to the WNBL fold for Townsville alongside dynamic young guard Miela Sowah and a stack of Opals stars including Asia Cup MVP Alex Fowler.
In Canberra, the UC Capitals headlined their off-season with the acquisition of Zitina Aokuso and Sara Blicavs.
The WNBL is set to tip off with the Jayco Southside Flyers vs UC Capitals at John Cain Arena on Saturday the 18th of October
