just let LK take ownership of the entire league already!! Plus, what difference does it make whether the Boomers are located at Parkville or Geelong?

Interesting - I'd like to see NBL takeover WNBL and see more alignment - see if they can find efficiencies like resourcing, digital infrastructure, see if they can use it to get sponsors across both leagues plus NBL1 and juniors to broaden the value proposition and demographic reach. Maybe that extends into the broadcast rights arena eventually too.

And then ofcourse there’s alignment with things like a potential gather round.

There's so much to be done behind the scenes to bring this to fruition in time for next season, but I'm getting mostly positive vibes from the snippets I'm hearing so keep your fingers crossed everyone.

Since every day matters, everyone should also get behind the Lynx to sweep the GF series 2-0, thus allowing 100% focus to be on next season with minimal delay ;)

The location of the Boomers is a massive deal when it comes to broadcast deals, that would be a major sticking point.

If you only have the one team in Melbourne it'll be impossible to get Kayo/ESPN to have a broadcast deal, which is what they’re after (same as NBL). If Kestelman is in talks to buy the league, he wouldn’t allow only one Melbourne franchise if it can be avoided.

On next season - there’s rumours flying around that A LOT of players are moving to Europe to chase the $$. The league may be missing almost all of their big names next year.

BigD - where are these rumuors coming from? and what players?

On next season - there's rumours flying around that A LOT of players are moving to Europe to chase the $$. The league may be missing almost all of their big names next year.

LK will want to align all teams or atleast most of them in a few years if he takes it over.

Bendigo ain't gonna survive, Tassie license surely.
Canberra will likely have a future men’s team, so they should be fine.
The rest already are aligned apart from

-Cairns/townsville
-Brisbane/no brisbane, easy fix
-Nz/no nz
-illawarra/no Illawarra

I think the aim might be 10 teams for a while before nz and Illawarra come in.

Yeah, I'm not sure if they're included in the immediate expansion plans but it would be great to get NZ back in the league.

Brisbane already have a team coming don't though? Although latest I heard is that was delayed as well.

One of the local podcasts was hyping up the prospects of a women's NZ team play in the comp. Hopefully that would mean the league is run more professionally though. Some long flights, especially to and from Perth!

Expansion plans were for Brisbane and Newcastle but that was years ago.

Lynx arent aligned with the Wildcats . The license was given back to BWA by Bendat due to their viability a few years ago. Hutchy should have bought that license back when he bought the Wildcats but bought the Bendigo Spirit instead because of his strong country Victoria roots and didnt want to see them go under.Could have potentially had a NBL Game 3 semi and a WNBL Game 2 GF at RAC Arena on the same if they had both.

Aligned by location.

Hearing the Geelong venture is not going to happen.

Also, Geelong does not align with a possible NBL takeover model so cannot see it working unless LK starts a Geelong NBL franchise.

I too am hearing a plethora of WNBL stars are looking to head to Europe post Olympics.

Newcastle are still keen, but it's contingent on a replacement for Broadmeadow Stadium being built, and that's currently a bureaucratic mess.

Geelong venture is indeed not happening.

Now up to 5 teams might be handing back their licence in boycott of BA running the league.
This is becoming such a mess.

Forcing the hand of BA who are incompetent.

It really is getting messy for BA...

Any decent reporting on this anywhere?

Lynx arent aligned with the Wildcats . The license was given back to BWA by Bendat due to their viability a few years ago. Hutchy should have bought that license back when he bought the Wildcats but bought the Bendigo Spirit instead because of his strong country Victoria roots and didnt want to see them go under.Could have potentially had a NBL Game 3 semi and a WNBL Game 2 GF at RAC Arena on the same if they had both.

So... have Southside got a game 3 push in them? I kinda suspect not, but hope so, coz more basketball.

All WNBL clubs not interested in BA revamp of league.

It's really saying something for all eight clubs to boycott BA having anything to do with the league.

"As it stands right now, I'm told that the Melbourne Boomers are out (of the WNBL competition) for next year"
- Shane Heal


--


WNBL also posted today that the free agency period officially starts on 10/5/24

out completely Luuuc? Or now Geelong?

I don't see anything about this on the WNBL or BA websites that I can link to (shock), but the Pick & Roll tweeted this update today:

I also saw that post from TP&R and can't find the statement anywhere else. Perhaps it was distributed to media outlets, and they've published before the WNBL/BA got their shit together? (shock)

LK has a lot of bargaining power with WNBL clubs giving BA an ultimatum. This is pure conjecture, but I imagine he's offered effectively zero capital for controlling interest in the league. Neither factor of which would sit well with BA given they're clinging to relevancy.

I'll be interested to learn what sort of capital they can raise for a product that will lose money for 5-10 years at a minimum. At least a LK-owned WNBL could consolidate resources with NBL franchises and/or the league office.

Sounds like a step in the right direction

Seems like they still want to keep majority ownership and decision making control, but want others to subsidise it for them?!

Probably unlikely to happen, but it'd be great if they were able to attract investors who are already involved in women's bball, such as WNBA ownership groups or current /former players (similar to how NBA players have bought stakes in NBL teams). Imagine if WNBA power couple Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor (or one/some of the cashed up young stars such as Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese!) bought a minority stake!

older players may have some $ but newer ones still establishing themselves and getting set up. Would be multiple leagues looking for investors.

how much are they trying to raise? So LK is keen to absorb the WNBL but pay nothing and run under the NBL banner? What assurances has he given?

If BA let go of the wnbl then they would have to lay off quite a few people. Those at the top would also see big hits to salaries.
These people still think the nbl being sold to lk was a mistake.

Would they though?
Have you seen how low the number of people they actually employ for the WNBL?

WNBL is dead, - More local players to head off overseas next season.

Time to consider NBL1 women becoming the premier competition by gaining EOI's from 2-3 clubs in each state to form a Super League and build from there.

Or kestleman creates nbl (women/men) and let BA fail with wnbl.

Yeah, exactly. What's to stop LK starting his own women's league?

Limited to no Financial benefit for LK Group to join the men/women competitions. WNBL needs to be a Non-profit set up, even playing field in terms of player budgets and share expense as much as possible. Any profit from commercial sponsorship after expenses invested back into the league. Must be run at a worst case breakeven every year.

The WNBL as a competition is the longest running professional league for women (regardless of what that looked like at the start) in Australia, you would hope they'd be able park their egos enough to work out how to keep it going.

Quokka, you cracked me up on that last one. Love your optimism.

That's what I think needs to happen not necessarily what I think will happen. Honestly, for how big a grass roots sport basketball has become it surprises me how insular it is at every level (club, nbl1, BA etc). No idea how you'd even attempt to fix that.

A few random snippets from the Code Sports article "Inside the fight to save ailing WNBL from oblivion"

Gerry Ryan and Robyn Denholm have joined powerhouse NBL owner Larry Kestelman in expressing interest in taking ownership of the WNBL as Basketball Australia ramps up its move to attract investors to revive the ailing league. And, in the wake of a Geelong consortium's bid to relocate Melbourne Boomers, CODE can reveal Hutchison’s SEN — which already owns WNBL club Bendigo — has been in talks with Basketball WA about acquiring the Perth licence.
--
Basketball Australia boss Matt Scriven claims there have been "10-15" potential buyers reach out with interest in investing in the women’s league.
--
Ryan revealed he faces a bill of close to three-quarters-of-a-million dollars, despite his Flyers winning the 2024 WNBL title
--
Scriven said commercial sensitivities prevented him from revealing details but he was confident of having a deal sealed with a new owner or owners within the month.

Hopefully scriven and co do the right thing. Lk / Denholm / Ryan net worth is over 2 billion between them.

Seems like those at BA are ... self serving.

Seems like those at BA are ... self serving.

truer words have never been spoken Weedy.

Anyone able to share a summary of the Code Sports article just posted re: future of Melbourne Boomers?

DH scriven wants to move boomers to Geelong.
Trying to push it through quickly before May 10.

Well, after Scriven did such a great job at Hawthorn that he was picked to run BA, I'm sure that whatever he comes up with will be for the good of the sport and will prove a great investment.

DH scriven

WNBL surely must have some concerns about the WNZNBL? Another competition throwing coin around, at least not at AFLW levels.

Apparently teams have a $200k salary cap with 5 import slots ,each team is required to sign two of these imports as Aussies, can see some of the fringe younger players moving across.

Game Over for Boomers as BA Relents on Geelong Bid

The WNBL's oldest club has bounced its last ball with BA set to approve Melbourne Boomers' move to Geelong.
Following Code Sports' recent reports of growing frustration at a protracted process, multiple sources confirmed BA's management team, led by chief executive Matt Scriven, has notified all clubs of its intent to recommend the Boomers' licence be transferred to a high-powered consortium that includes Geelong United Basketball Association.
The Boomers will cease to exist in their current form and the new team will enter the league from the 2024-25 season. It will be branded Geelong United and play in the navy blue and white club colours, similar to the AFL Cats.
...

Swain to be the first player signed?

United sucks as a name unless they affiliate with Melbourne United NBL side.

Otherwise isn't there an ability to make them Geelong Supercats?

The new club will move quickly. It's understood to already have agreements in place with some players

... Basketball Australia edges closer to locking in a group if investors to revive the ailing league, while media magnate Craig Hutchison is set to acquire the Perth Lynx license. Hutchison is closing on a deal with the Lynx, which will see the SEN boss take ownership of his second WNBL franchise alongside the Bendigo Spirit.

We can reveal potential investors in the league will, this week, receive documents outlining the sale's prospective details.
This will allow interested parties to review the plan to reignite the WNBL before making any formal commitment.

Basketball Australia currently has multiple interested parties, including NBL boss Larry Kestelman, Tesla Australia boss Robyn Denholm, and Southside Flyers owner and Jayco head honcho Gerry Ryan.

What will become of the existing GU NBL1 South team? Will they still compete in the secondary comp as well as the WNBL?

This has failure written all over it. More rumours of more players headed to Europe.

Bit worried about what it means with one ownership group owning 2 teams, the two Melbourne clubs now rebranded and relocated. League is limping along.

This has failure written all over it. More rumours of more players headed to Europe.

Email from Melbourne Boomers-

The owners of the Melbourne based WNBL club - the Deakin Melbourne Boomers has announced today they will transfer their WNBL license to a Geelong based consortium.

The Deakin Melbourne Boomers has been a powerhouse club in the Women's National Basketball League for 40 years having won two Championships and supported the careers of many successful female basketballers and Australian Opals representatives.

Speaking on behalf of the current ownership group, who assumed control of the license in 2016 from the Bullen and Templestowe Basketball Association (after it faced closure), the Chair, Tony Hallam shared that this is a sad day for all involved with the Boomers especially its loyal and passionate fans and members. Hallam noted that the Boomers have been funded by its private owners for 8 seasons to the tune of $1.5m and the owners are unfortunately not in a position to continue underwriting the significant investment required.

"We have pursued many options over the past 18 months to continue in our current form in the WNBL to secure new investors and other sources of funding, including from Basketball Australia, State and Local Government and private investors", Hallam stated. “However unfortunately we have not been successful in securing future funding to support the ongoing operations of the Club. As we pursue equality in elite women’s sport, there is quite rightly an increasing expectation by our wonderful athletes and coaches in terms of remuneration and working conditions (enjoyed by their male equivalents) – however these significant rising costs cannot continue to be absorbed just by the private owners, without the support of the current league owner, Basketball Australia.”

Hallam stated that “sadly this outcome reflects the very real financial challenges which professional women’s sport faces, and in particular the WNBL, where the current funding structure of the League requires that Club operations are fully funded by Club owners.
 
While we all hoped it would not come to this, the 'Boomers family’ including our members, fans, sponsors, and partners who have packed our game days through the good and tough times should feel immensely proud of what we have collectively achieved, including:

7 consecutive WNBL Finals appearances since 2017
2 WNBL Grand Final appearances
WNBL Champions in 21-22
9 players who have represented the Australian Opals
67 players given opportunity to play professionally in the WNBL
Widely recognised as delivering the best game day experience in the WNBL
Creation of the Melbourne Boomers Academy
Deakin university pilot - ‘Deakin Live’ broadcasting of Boomers home games.
Creation of legacy community programs such as Mamma Ball and “WNBL in Gippsland”
Release of the ground-breaking documentary series “Sidelined-The Fight for Equality in Women’s Basketball”

Hallam continues “We would like to formally recognise and thank our naming rights sponsor Deakin University for enabling us to achieve so much over the last 10 years, and to our many other sponsors and partners who have enabled the Deakin Melbourne Boomers to make a significant contribution to professional women’s basketball.”

The Boomers will work closely with the new Geelong ownership group to transition the license leading into the 24-25 WNBL season, which will ensure there remains three WNBL clubs in Victoria.

In addition, the Deakin Melbourne Boomers legacy community programs such as Mamma Ball and the Melbourne Boomers Academy will continue.

Hallam emphasised that although it is a very sad outcome for the Deakin Melbourne Boomers after such a long and successful era, it is important that we continue to provide our female athletes with the opportunities to compete at the highest level in Australia. The transfer to Geelong will continue to provide a direct pathway for our up-and-coming Victorian athletes.

Aokuso --> OGM Ormanspor (Turkey) next season

Well worded email from the Boomers. Interesting that Aokuso is leaving Townsville, wonder if it's partly from the strange benching she received in the 2nd half of the 2nd SF?

Aokuso is leaving because $$. The benching was because she was injured.

Half of the league is heading off to Europe next season, with talk that some others are seriously considering NZ, all because of $$.

There's a very real scenario that some NBL1 teams could be considered to have more talent than what some WNBL rosters may have with the amount of players leaving for Europe.

"Aokuso is leaving because $$. The benching was because she was injured"

She was not injured.

Steph Reid going to Europe too!

There is always a but of an exodus to Europe in the season after an Olympics. Hopefully the league will recover in time to have them swing back for the WC / Olympic cycle

Code Sports have just tweeted that Flyers & coach Chambers have parted ways! I can't read it so don’t know the story. Surely her choice though? You can’t win the GF & get sacked can you??

Nup, her decision.

Must be off to Europe or the WNBA then, good on her! Who will be the replacement?

The 56-year-old - fresh off leading the Flyers to a 2-1 grand final series win over Perth - has decided she needs a break after more than a decade coaching in the WNBL, and another looming Olympic campaign as an assistant with the Opals in Paris.

She might be up for the NZ job.

I think I saw that Hurst has been appointed for NZ?

Dam that's was fast. Heard 3 Aus candidates.

https://nz.basketball/natalie-hurst-appointed-2degrees-tall-ferns-interim-head-coach/

I was surprised that Carmino was on the Opals bench before Hurst tbh. Seems Opals have missed their chance on her, at least for now.

Hurst has a terrible record as a HC.

The next opals coaching cohort should have Seebohm at the top with the rest leaving with sandy.
I said Veal as assistant but now I'm not so sure. A poor 3rd season and I doubt she remains at Canberra.

Maybe a vet like harrower, mcintyre with her exp or mills who has done the hard yards.

Who's Mills?

Liz mills.

The NBL1 is a broad and deep association-based league that truly represents the community. When players reach a high enough level, they're often scouted for the WNBA or European leagues.

Is there a way to transform the national finals of the NBL1 into a women's NBL, extending the competition over a longer series? Each state already has certain stacked teams, and I believe this trend will continue as players seek competitive environments. This transformation wouldn't require external ownership and could operate with community-level sponsorship structures. Given the depth of teams across so many communities, it would create a compelling entry into the national league finals, spanning weeks rather than just a weekend.

Couple of pre free agency rumours

Little Heal and Jaz Shelley to Geelong

Tolo to Bendigo

Loads of fringe and lower bench players heading to the NZ League, short season and I believe they are paying all players at WNBL minimums. Interesting to see how WNBL teams fill their rosters.
NZ league will probably be at a NBL1 standard or just below.

According to Matt Logue in The Australian, a Bryan Colangelo + Dorry Kordahi syndicate has entered the WNBL ownership chat.
It's nice to know there is some competition happening behind the scenes while we wait patiently.

Harrower is the new Flyers coach

@wombat

Correct on Shelley, she's heading to Geelong

Heal heading to Turkey

I won't pretend to understand how it works, but where does the money go from whomever buys the WNBL? This doesn’t seem to be a capital raising as such, so I imagine it just goes to BA?

I’m not sure what is gained by there being a bidding war tbh.

Not to be disrespectful, but its hard for the NBL to be profitable and the NBL clubs aren’t by and large profitable, so the WNBL and the clubs, unless its stripped down badly, is never really going to be profitable.

That tells me it’s most valued and best suited as a loss-leader run by the NBL.

If run by the NBL, a lot of the robust structure is already in place and can be extended to the WNBL including the digital infrastructure. Take into account reduced costs of de-duplication and leverage existing relationships to form broader sponsorship agreements that expand more into the female demographic via the WNBL, it’s really the way to go to maximise the WNBL.

They could come to an operations agreement like with NBL1 I guess if all else fails.

If groups like SEG, Pelligra, Jayco, Kordahi, Denholm want to invest into the WNBL that would otherwise lose money without the NBL anyway, why don’t they put more into their existing investments in Perth, Bendigo, Adelaide, Southside, Sydney etc or other ailing WNBL clubs in the case of Kordahi?

That would be especially helpful if the NBL did take over, then there would be a lot more stability!

nothing the WNBL do makes sense. Free agency is expected to start on the 10th, am assuming that will get pushed back again.

WNBL FREE AGENCY UPDATE

The WNBL Free Agency period was set to commence tomorrow - Monday, 10 June. As there is a club license transfer currently in progress, Free Agency is unable to open as planned.

It is anticipated the transfer will be complete in the coming days, and therefore the WNBL Free Agency Period open date and time has been revised to Friday 14 June, 11am (AEST), to enable this to occur.

Terms of the CBA for the upcoming season will be announced prior to this date.

4 days doesn't seem much of a push back, but at least we have news of confirmation it's still going ahead!

The delay is due to the Lynx licence being transferred.
Sounds like the new owners are 2 of the people involved in the Wildcats ownership bid.
Hope they've got deep pockets!

The WNBL is pleased to announce the transfer of the Perth Lynx WNBL License from Basketball Western Australia (BWA) to new holder Perth Lynx Basketball Pty Ltd.

Over the past four seasons, BWA has held the Perth Lynx License and has been the only State Sporting Association in Australia operating a Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) team. BWA has steered the Lynx through a journey marked by on-court success (three finals appearances in four seasons), increased membership, growing ticket sales, and enhanced sponsorship opportunities.

Understanding the importance of keeping a strong WNBL team in WA, BWA has transferred the Licence to new Licence holder, Perth Lynx Basketball Pty Ltd, which is owned by Western Australian family and strong basketball supporters, Jodi Millhahn and Christian Hauff.

Perth Lynx Basketball Pty Ltd will be provided management and operational support to operate the team by Sports Entertainment Network (SEN), providing the team with every opportunity for enhanced support and further growth. The Lynx name, colours and branding will all remain, and they’ll continue to play out of the Bendat Basketball Centre for the upcoming WNBL season.

Head of WNBL Christy Collier-Hill says this is great for the league and the Lynx.

"This is an exciting new chapter for the Perth Lynx, and basketball in WA. BWA have done a wonderful job of delivering the Lynx program over the past four years, and they therefore now move it on in a position that is primed for future growth and success."

thanks for posting that luuuc, does impact the coaching staff at Lynx?

I doubt it. Petrik's previous contract extends into next season and I doubt they'd want to change anything there anyway. Sounds like they're retaining some front office staff as well.

I could see it maybe shaping the recruiting policy, although I hope it doesn't too much because I feel like the recent so-called moneyball approach isn't just delivering good value for money, but the emphasis on local players has also got more fans into the stands.

New 1-year-only CBA for the league

The WNBL is pleased to announce the successful agreement and implementation of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which will be valid for the 2024/25 season only*.

The new CBA, reached through dedicated collaboration between the WNBL, Clubs, Australian Basketball Players Association (ABPA) and players, represents a collective commitment from all parties for league growth, while balancing Club and League financial sustainability.

The agreement provides financial uplifts in a number of areas, as well as improved professional standards to enhance working conditions for athletes.

Notable financial uplifts in the CBA include:

Minimum Wage uplift by 15%, from $20k to $23k;
Development Player honorarium doubled, from 2k to 4k;
Increase in daily per diems; and
Increase in monthly private health insurance stipend.
The salary cap will be $532,331.11 (an uplift of 9.5%), and the salary floor will be $479,102.79 (an uplift of 6.2%). Both salary cap and floor will include superannuation for 24/25 - previous seasons it did not. To ensure accurate comparison, the increase percentage is based on previous season cap and floor plus superannuation.

The cap remains a 'soft' cap, with teams exceeding the limit liable for tiered luxury tax.

Increased and improved physiotherapy services provided for athletes around training aims to ensure all athletes are able to receive care and rehabilitation as needed. This will assist in improving athletes physical wellbeing, and optimising performance – which is also benefit for Clubs and fans.

WNBL thanks all involved parties for their efforts in reaching this important milestone and look forward to an exciting 2024/25 season.

There is a reason it's only 1 year....

*The CBA is for one-year only due to the impending ownership change of the WNBL from BA to a new entity post 24/25 WNBL season.

Veal steps down at the Caps

"Ongoing medical issues following major knee surgery prior to last season, unfortunately impacts my ability to coach and I've made the difficult decision to stand down," said Veal. “Whilst disappointing, I realise the need to make health a priority and wish the Caps every success for season 2024/25.

I wonder if that is the real reason for Veal's departue? Anyone heard any rumuours?

Jade Melbourne to depart the caps. I haven't heard any teams that she is certainly ging to yet, but clearly most sought after player. She has been killing it in the WNBA - great to see.

Sounds like (per Matt Logue) the NBL bid is the successful one to "take over" the WNBL, and will be made official later this week.

Veal removed herself from the Canberra job because of injury but another terrible season would have probably ended her pro coaching career, the dust will settle, the pressure is now off and then she will return in the future with people forgetting she went 6-36. A similar third season avg, her record could have been 10W-55L.. would be very hard to get re-hired.

I wouldn't say that most people "forget" her W-L record. But I'd suggest that they evaluate it in the context of the playing talent available to her, compared to the talent available to most of her opponents, and calibrate their expectations accordingly.
If a player like Jade Melbourne had a specific Veal out clause in her contract then I think that reflects pretty positively on the impact she is having.

I'd actually suggest that when it comes to younger emerging players, a coach having too much focus on W-L record can be a negative thing for aussie basketball overall.
I don't want a league where more players like Puoch stay nailed to the bench all season.

WNBL should not be a development league where young teams are given a free pass.
It's the top tier and you are payed to win.
Both Veal and Hurst would be fired with those records if in the nbl.

That is a similar sentiment to what former Melbourne Boomers GM Justin Nelson (who was instrumental in setting up the NZ Tuaihi League) said in a podcast a while ago- that part of the reason the WNBL isn't working as a commercially viable sports entertainment product is because BA want it to be a 'development pathway' as well and that trying to be two things at once means it ends up falling short on both fronts.

WNBL set for historic new era

The Wollemi Capital Group Syndicate (WCGS), and the National Basketball League (NBL), have formed a consortium to acquire a majority interest in the WNBL following the completion of the 2024/25 season. Basketball Australia will maintain a minority interest in the League.


A term sheet has been signed which provides up to 60 days to finalise the proposed transaction and allows any conditions to be met.


"Women's Basketball in Australia has a phenomenal history and an even brighter future; we are excited to be a major part of the syndicate that will guide the future direction as well as provide the right level of support and investment needed in the sport for decades to come. There is much work to be done to transform the League into a platform that our amazing female players, clubs, fans and all involved richly deserve," Robyn Denholm, Founder of Wollemi Capital Group, said.


“We are proud to be part of a group that will now have an opportunity to rethink what the best version of the WNBL can look like, and set the direction for the future as we did for the NBL. We believe this is a truly exciting proposition for us, the players, the fans, and everyone involved,” NBL Owner Larry Kestelman said.


“The female athletes in the sport, as well as younger girls aspiring for greatness, deserve better and we believe we can, with time, deliver something to be proud of, but do not underestimate the work and challenges ahead.”


Under the new ownership structure, the consortium will take control of the league, with the NBL to operate the WNBL, from April 2, 2025.


“We will spend the next few months and beyond listening and learning as much as we can from the clubs, players, fans and key stakeholders to ensure we make the appropriate changes for long term sustainability and the establishment of a world-class League,” NBL CEO David Stevenson said.


“We are excited and feel privileged to be the new custodians of Australia’s oldest women’s professional sports competition, and we believe this group is best placed to bring sustained success and unprecedented growth.”


John Carey, Basketball Australia Chair, confirmed that WCGS and the NBL are the successful consortium following a rigorous and thorough selection process.


“We are delighted to welcome WCGS and the NBL to the WNBL, we are all committed to working together to ensure the success of the League for the players, clubs and fans. This is a very exciting time for the League and women’s basketball and we look forward to working closely with Robyn, Larry and David,” Carey said.


Matt Scriven, CEO of Basketball Australia, looks forward to a close working relationship with WCGS and the NBL.


“The announcement today is a commitment by all parties to elevate the WNBL and ensure the future of women’s basketball in Australia,” Scriven said.

Positive moves. While I appreciate the efficiencies gained by having co-located NBL and WNBL teams, I hope the teams without current co-located partners are not adversely affected (Townsville, Cairns, Brisbane, Illawarra, Canberra, Bendigo, Geelong). I hope the identity of these teams, and the WNBL can be maintained.

Tassie too!

Capitals teasing on their socials a big signing announcement coming tomorrow-
Jade returning? (same club but on a bigger deal)
Nadiew Puoch? (for more court time and to be mentored by an Atlanta Dream assistant coach)
Any other guesses?

Punch is a great guess!

It is Melbourne back to the caps. Smart move to use the clause to renegotiate if nothing else but to get the increased terms from this years' CBA.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8680885/jade-melbourne-returns-to-canberra-capitals-for-wnbl-season/?cs=14280

Adelaide - Hurst
I.Borlase
T.Brazel
S.Talbot
I.Bourne

Bendigo - Kereama
A.Wehrung
K.Griffin
M.Tolo

Canberra - Goriss
J.Melbourne
N.Munger
J.Clark

Geelong - Lucas
S.Elsworthy
J.Shelley
K.Froling

Perth - Petrik

Southside - Harrower
R,Cole
C.Ernst

Sydney - Molloy
S.Swain
L.Nicholson
E.Clarke
C.George

Townsville - Seebohm
C.Woods
S.Shiels

Fire have added Alex Fowler & (former WNBA player) Lauren Cox

2 good ins for Fire, Cox is 6,7 from memory? Fowler will be able to play to her strengths more with Cox by her side

Good podcast on The Pick and Roll this morning with Christy Collier-Hill.

is alice kunek playing wnbl this season ?

Perth Lynx v3.0 finally have a player, with Maley signing up.

Think A.Wilson will go to Perth if atwell remains.

Yeah that's the hope that came to my mind too when Bendigo announced her departure.
First things first, of course: get Atwell signed up ASAFP!

What are the chances Lynx get Aari back?

they've gotten some gun imports recently but haven't managed to bring any back after 1 season. I think that continuity is needed to get over the last hurdle to winning the championship.

As a neutral, I'd love to see Aari back at Perth. She’s dynamite to watch.

Good podcast on The Pick and Roll this morning with Christy Collier-Hill.

I got the impression she wasn't trying to be funny when she mentioned getting Caitlin Clark out here! It'd be great if they introduced some kind of rule where the league paid for one marquee import per team outside of the salary cap, but even still I reckon the chances of landing Caitlin would be about 0%.

They may aim for 25/26 season with the reboot.

So the FIBA Asia Cup for women wasn't reset to a four year cycle?

It is still every 2 years but may change post 2025.

AIS arena upgrade complete.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-03/ais-arena-reopens-for-first-time-after-15-million-upgrade/104055278

4,800 seats.

Excellent news (assuming the Caps are able to play there)

That's the plan for this upcoming season. Hopefully nbl team coming soon.
Brisbane wnbl team getting more buzz, likely 25/26 or 26/27.

I'm good with that. I'd kinda like the Caps to have a bit of time to really establish themselves in WNBL v2.0 before a men's team arrives to take the focus away from them.

I think an nbl team will elevate both quicker.

Spirit part ways with Alicia Froling
Lynx part with Ash Hannan

Geelong sign college returnee, Elissa Brett

Will we finally see both Frolings on the same team??

Will we finally see both Frolings on the same team??


No

Spirit sign Hannan

Where to for Afrol?

AFrol = TVille (Heading Home)

Why is AFroling asking to be released early?

Think A.Wilson will go to Perth if atwell remains.

Cochrane to the Fire.

I think Perth Gangurrus will be an very apt term this coming season!

Celeste Taylor to the flames.

There's no broadcast news for the wnbl next season is there?

Jacy Sheldon joins the Fire
Great get!
Prepare for buckets.

Link

No more McDonald.

Pretty much expected. WNBA-caliber imports who stick around are an exception to the norm. Unfortunately this league doesn't have the cash to bring back superstars in most cases. Especially hard in this weird disorganised transition season.
Hopefully from next season onwards things look better in that regard.

Perth has been a good springboard for quite a few players over the years so I think the league still has appeal for young players on the rise. Kind of like the next phase after "Next Stars".

Atwell back at Perth.

Lauren Mansfield signs with Townsville


(There go my hopes of having the entire Gangurrus team at the Lynx this season)

Is Morrell still an import?

It said somewhere today that she will be playing for Perth as a local this season.

Mansfield very disappointed with Nat Hurst as she wanted to play 1 more season in the WNBL with Lightning & then retire. Owners of Lightning wanted Mansfield back for sure but Hurst wanted to go in a different direction & said no to Mansfield who was the Lightning Captain last year.

Abbey Ellis to Townsville. I have big wraps on her after a stellar college career at Purdue.

has struggled a bit in NBL1 South

Mon Conti signs with Geelong

Signed so far:

Adelaide
Tayla Brazel
Isabelle Bourne
Isobel Borlase
Stephanie Talbot

Bendigo:
Kelsey Griffin
Marianna Tolo
Abigail Wehrung
Ashlee Hannan

Canberra:
Nicole Munger
Jayda Clark
Jade Melbourne
Nyadiew Puoch
Ella Tofaeono

Geelong:
Jaz Shelley
Keely Froling
Sarah Elsworthy
Elissa Brett
Gemma Potter
Hannah Hank
Monique Conti

Perth:
Anneli Maley
Ally Wilson
Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard
Amy Atwell
Teige Morrell

Southside:
Bec Cole
Carly Ernst

Sydney:
Lauren Nicholson
Cayla George
Shaneice Swain
Emma Clarke
Celeste Taylor
Sherie Calleia
Didi Richards
Mikaela Ruef

Townsville:
Saffron Shiels
Courtney Woods
Alex Fowler
Lauren Cox
Lucy Cochrane
Alicia Froling
Jacy Sheldon
Lauren Mansfield
Abbey Ellis
Nya Lok

"Jayco Melbourne Flyers" was lodged as a trademark in May, and the Flyers social accounts have just posted some graphics which include Purple/Pink with their traditional Teal.

Not entirely surprising as I'm sure the league isn't keen on not having a "Melbourne" club, but as a SEM based Flyers fan I'll be quite disappointed if the club sheds a substantial amount of it's current identity to fill that gap and absorb some of the Boomers characteristics.

Deas to Flames, great young pickup. 1 year deal.
Amateur player so could go to college after.

Surely Jackson is done now isn't she ????

Goodchild & Gorman have both signed up with the Lynx again.

:D

So
?/Goodchilde
Wilson/?
Atwell/Gorman
Maley/Hoycard
Morell/?
I'm guessing Chibba for the last local spot. An import big and an Import pg

Import pg/local pg
Wilson/Goodchild
Atwell/Gorman
Maley/Hoycard
Import c/Morrell

Geelong - Hannah Hank is a name I haven't heard of for a few years - wasn't she in the USA at college at some stage ?

And Adelaide - will Brazel play or rehabbing with a knee ?

Geelong have a fair few college returnees already. Townsville too, and that doesn't include some of the imports like Sheldon or Taylor. League going with the grad school vibe, not against it.

That Perth lineup including imports looks fairly settled. Finals will depend on the qualiy of those imports again. I guess Whitcomb really is going to Bendigo.

Speaking of, them having trial days for open roster spots doesn't exactly smack of confidence for ongoing season. Hopefully just short-term for this season and not anything to do about sustainability of the team in regional Victoria.

Note that in 2 weeks, Miela Goodchild will be Miela Sowah

Mangakahia with a comeback?, just listened to a pod where she wanted to play wnbl 24/25 but was told no and instead will play next nbl1 season.
Maybe 25/26 wnbl season is a possibility? What a story that would be.

Not just Bendigo struggling, Adelaide, Canberra & Southside are also struggling to just fill out their roster, especially as there's little to no bigs available.

It was always going to be a down season with players going to Europe and it being the final season before the revamp.

All teams have 6+ signed as far as I'm aware. add 1-2 imports, it’s those last 1-2 local contracts that are.hard to get right.

Whitcomb to Bendigo, where'd you hear that one?

BigD, at least one of those clubs have had their roster filled out for weeks. They just haven't publicized the signings (for whatever reason).

Whitcomb and Madgen to Bendigo were rumours last month, seen nothing since though.

Had thought Mangakahia wasn't able to come back at all. Great news if she can play basketball again.

I don't think there's a quality issue in roster spots 8-12 in Australia, the best NBL1 players should be more than ok to fill that (team specific need for bigs notwithstanding). I guess it does show its hard to sell those players on moving to wherever the WNBL team is, just to potentially play 10 minutes a game, or ride a bench all season when used to starring. Still, you'd think some players would take the opportunity to step up another level and showcase themselves. Potential expansion on horizon too.

I can't recall if they did it when playing as Dandenong but Southside have always been weird with player signings, always very late and then drip fed. We just got Rocci announced the other day. Not exactly a huge surprise.

Whitcombe ===== > France

Take that back

Whitcombe ===== > France

just been told that

Whitcombe ===== > Bendigo

Bendigo was the rumour, which surprised me - in a good way - that they have the cash to land such a marquee player.
Is that official now?

WNBL teams are not sending their full teams to pre-season in Perth?
Just heard that Townsville sending DPs + juniors.

A lot of WNBL teams will not have all their players back in time for Hoopfest.

Hoopfest is pre-season, not the opening rounds? Have we had any actual news about fixtures?

QuokkaWoylie
Last week

Whitcomb and Madgen to Bendigo were rumours last month, seen nothing since though.

Had thought Mangakahia wasn't able to come back at all. Great news if she can play basketball again.

I don't think there's a quality issue in roster spots 8-12 in Australia, the best NBL1 players should be more than ok to fill that (team specific need for bigs notwithstanding). I guess it does show its hard to sell those players on moving to wherever the WNBL team is, just to potentially play 10 minutes a game, or ride a bench all season when used to starring. Still, you'd think some players would take the opportunity to step up another level and showcase themselves. Potential expansion on horizon too.


WNBL dont pay players enough play n their home state let alone move interstate , most good nbl1 players would have full time jobs that they wouldn't/ couldn’t give up for a few months of basketball , especially not to sit around on the bench

Geelong have apparently signed Haley Jones (Atlanta Dream)

Bendigo rolling out a team avg age 34 atm.

Was expecting more girls that have exited college to be announced by now.

According to WNBL the average age of the 6 players so far confirmed for Bendigo is 28.5 because the stupid website lists Ash Hannan's BD as 21/3/2024!!!!

Haley Jones is a good get for the ex-Boomers. For such a weird season been impressed by import signings so far.

WNBL site still only confirming 4 players? Given KG played the 5 at times last year, with Tolo and Hannan they're already going to be much taller next season.

@Weedy - who are the other college returnees you're looking out to be signed?

Palmer etc

9Go to show games Sundays at 12:30pm (assume Sydney/Melbourne time). Fits in nicely with the NBL games on 10/10Bold later in the afternoon.

https://wnbl.basketball/blog/news/wnbl-gets-ready-to-go/

The Spirit team page does have Casey Samuels and Kelly Wilson listed as there has been press releases confirming their signing in addition to the 4 listed on the tracker page of the WNBL.

I'm just catching up on some (rather overdue) news ...

WNBL/BA, that's Grand Final end March 2025.

lol Weedy. Pre-season starts on the 18th & Hoops fest is the 19th??? How does that make any sense??

Thought the season was short but it's basically the same as last season.

Glad we finally have dates. Though same with signing news - hope the revamped competition next season is more on top of things than they are now.

2 April 2025 is the most important date.

Japreece Dean to the Lightning.

Fills a need at PG for Adelaide. US import who was playing in 2nd division France?

Ah, see full fixtures announced. Despite the improved coverage on 9GO, still have only one game each finals series on fta.

Plenty of travel for Perth. Their last home games will be down the road too at HBF arena.

Story Link - WNBL Fixtures Released

Direct Link to Fixture PDF

Japreece Dean to the Lightning.

My immediate reaction was, who? Could be a good budget signing, but playing in the French second division does not instil confidence.

Not exactly dominating French second division either.

Tess Madgen has announced her retirement via Instagram. What a career. Congratulations Tess

Coaching maybe in her future.

So far.. officially

Adelaide - N.Hurst
G 5'7 J.Dean(I) (96)
G 5’10 B.Basham (97)

G 5’11 I.Borlase (04)

F 6’0 T.Brazel (04)
F 6’0 M.Freer (03)

F 6’2 S.Talbot (94)

F 6’2 I.Bourne (00)
>
PG-Dean
SG-Borlase/Basham
SF-Talbot/Brazel
PF-Bourne/Freer
C-

Bendigo - K.Kereama
G 5’7 K.Wilson (84)

G 5’10 A.Wehrung (95)
F 6’0 C.Samuels (94)

F 6’2 K.Griffin (87)
C 6’4 A.Hannan (01)

C 6’5 M.Tolo (89)
>
PG-Wilson
SG-Wehrung
SF-Samuels
PF-Griffin
C-Tolo/Hannan


Canberra - P.Goriss

G 5'10 J.Melbourne (02)

G 5’11 N.Munger(I) (97)

G 6’0 J.Clark (05)
F 6’3 N.Puoch (04)
C 6’3 E.Tofaeono (98)
>
PG-Melbourne
SG-Munger/Clark
SF-Puoch
PF-
C-Tofaeono


Geelong - C.Lucas
G 5’5 M.Conti (99)

G 5’7 S.Elsworthy (98)

G 5’9 J.Shelley (00)
G 5’11 E.Brett (00)
F 6’1 G.Potter (02)
F 6’1 H.Jones(I) (01)
F 6’2 K.Froling (96)
F 6’2 H.Hank (01)
>
PG-Conti/Elsworthy
SG-Shelley/Brett
SF-Jones/Potter
PF-Froling
C-Hank


Perth - R.Petrik
G 5'10 M.Goodchild (00)
G 5’11 S.Gorman (00)
G 5’11 A.Wilson (94)
F 6’0 A.Atwell (98)
F 6’1 A.Maley (98)
F 6’3 M.Hoycard (98)

C 6’3 T.Morrell (95)
>
PG-
SG-Wilson/Goodchild
SF-Atwell/Gorman
PF-Maley/Hoycard
C-Morrell


Southside - K.Harrower
G 5’6 M.Rocci (98)

G 5’10 R.Cole (92)

C 6’5 C.Ernst (94)
>
PG-Rocci
SG-Cole
SF-
PF-
C-Ernst


Townsville - S.Seebohm
G 5'6 A.Ellis (01)
G 5’6 J.Mcdowell-White(DP) (00)
G 5’7 L.Mansfield (89)
G 5’10 J.Sheldon(I) (00)
F 5’11 N.Lok (03)

F 6’0 C.Woods (97)
F 6’1 M.Carey(DP) (00)

G 6’2 S.Shiels (06)
F 6’2 A.Fowler (01)
C 6’3 A.Froling (96)
C 6’4 L.Cox(I) (98)
C 6’6 L.Cochrane (00)
>
PG-Mansfield/Ellis/Mcdowell-White
SG-Sheldon/Shiels
SF-Woods/Lok/Carey
PF-Froling/Fowler
C-Cox/Cochrane

Great work Weedy.

One thing Brazel has done her ACL and will miss the WNBL season. Are the Lightning bringing their big import back?

Is that the 2nd recon for Brazel ?

Chantel Horvat to Caps

My favourite detail on the fixture is in the venue abbreviation list-

TBA = TBC

So helpful!

@Weedy, already written off Sydney? Their signings will make them finals favs again. Taylor*/Nicholson/Richards*/Ruef/George and Swain/Clarke/Callelia off bench one of the only teams with Townsville that seems to have depth.

Other than Whitcomb to Bendigo I think the other big rumour that hasn't been announced yet is Kunek to Southside, but they don't want to announce anything. Their season hinges on their import signings, like Perth.

Kinda surprised it seems Wallace isn't coming back? Only team lacking a starting PG would be Perth but they may have already locked in an import.

We must have 10+ playing in Europe this season not including what the WNBA crew do. Essentially 2 rosters worth of talent.

Nah... just forgot to copy n paste.


Sydney - G.Molloy
>
PG-Swain/Calleia
SG-Nicholson/Deas
SF-Taylor/Clark
PF-Richards/
C-George/Ruef

Sydney - G.Molloy
>
PG-Swain/Calleia
SG-Nicholson/Deas
SF-Taylor/Clarke
PF-Richards/
C-George/Ruef


Not sure if swain is playing pg but hard to see her coming off the bench behind Nicholson.

Celeste Taylor is a PG. Can't see Swain starting above Nicholson either, but should still get plenty of minutes.

Taylor is a sg/sf, was at texas, duke and Ohio state. Sydney calling her a pg is a bit odd.

Haylee Andrews to Lightning.

Maybe her aim is to be a pg and develop over here, 5'11 is quite small for the other positions.

Possibly...
CG Swain
CG Taylor
G/F Nicholson
F Richardson
C George

Ah, yeah I read the Sydney release and new she was one of the best defensive guards in college. Maybe it is a development thing. Leaving out Ruef in starting line up seems unbalanced, but 3-guard lineups are somewhat common. The league to do it in. DiDi Richards is probably the best of the imports so far but the 1-2 year WNBA pros are quite exciting. Sheldon leading scoring would be no surprise. OSU reunion when facing Taylor will be a matchup to watch. Jones was also a pretty big name at her time at Stanford she'll enjoy more time on the ball.

Still waiting on Perth and Southside to name their imports, could be anyone. I swear I read somewhere Turner coming back to Adelaide. No expectations about Bendigo will get anyone.

Didi Richards out for Sydney due to injury.

That really sucks! Big test for Sydney too now testing their connections.

Georgia Pineau to Adelaide. I think Turner/Another Import is their last signing to make now. Still a young list but if all fit their should be an improvement. Give the ball to Talbot/Borlase is a simple strategy on paper.

Southside still laggin but have recently announced Loughridge and Reed.

Southside will be another guard heavy team.

Just wanted to note all the social media stuff from team mates and coaches about Tess Magden. Clearly leaves a huge legacy and I hope she stays around the game in some capacity.

Bird to Bendigo as an amateur. 6'2-6’3 forward...
Another Coe spot opens up, interested to see which 3-4 they bring in.

6'8 Portlock also might be an amateur on the flyers team with the rest of the Coe team filling in for Canberra at hoopfest.

Smith from Tasmania would be my choice.

To be honest, don't see either Bird or Portlock having a decent pro career. Hope they prove me wrong.

college still another year away. Good to get some pro exp.

Clearing out the 06s
Shiels 06 left last year to Townsville pro
Deas 06 - Sydney amateur
Bird 06 - Bendigo amateur
Portlock 06 - possibly Southside amateur

If the other 06s leave
Harvey - Geelong would be a good fit
Bobongie - Canberra or Townsville would be a good fit
Williams - signed Vanderbilt 2025 - Perth would be a good fit


08s to COE
Maybe Gardiner, Smith, Nousis, Bond - not sure.

I know amateur contracts are so they can still be college eligible but are they classed as normal WNBL roster spots or do they come under the DP banner?

I believe an amateur can have a full roster spot.