Here’s a bold statement: the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) is quietly becoming the secret weapon for WNBA players looking to transform their careers. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some see it as a stepping stone, others argue it’s becoming a powerhouse in its own right. This Saturday, the WNBL tips off with a blockbuster clash between the UC Capitals and Southside Melbourne Flyers at John Cain Arena, hyped as the most anticipated season opener in league history. And this is just the beginning.
This season, the WNBL will showcase at least 10 players fresh off the 2025 WNBA season, proving its growing influence on the global basketball stage. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about star power; it’s about transformation. Players like 2025 WNBA champion Jackie Young and All-Star Kayla Thornton honed their skills in the WNBL before dominating in the U.S. Opal Jade Melbourne, Capitals captain, puts it perfectly: ‘The coolest thing about the WNBL is it gives WNBA players real exposure to work on their game.’ It’s a league where bench players become starters, and starters become stars.
Melbourne explains, ‘Girls who come off the bench in the WNBA are coming here to seek opportunities and elevate their game. We’ve seen players have career-best years after spending time in the WNBL.’ It’s a two-way street—WNBA players gain exposure to Australia’s unique style of play, while the WNBL showcases its talent to the world. But is this a symbiotic relationship, or is the WNBL outpacing its American counterpart? That’s a debate for another day.
The Capitals are pulling out all the stops this season, recruiting veterans like Opals Sara Blicavs and Zitina Aokuso, along with former Phoenix Mercury forward Kadi Sissoko. Coach Paul Goriss set the tone during the pre-season tournament with a simple yet powerful message: ‘We are going to be so good this year.’ For Melbourne, those words reignited her belief that the team—holders of a record nine WNBL titles—can return to the finals for the first time since 2022. ‘He cares, and he wants to see the best for you,’ she says of Goriss. ‘He sees potential in you that you might not see in yourself.’
Last season was a turning point for the Capitals, as they fought to restore Canberra’s reputation as a finals contender. ‘We put Canberra back in a position we wanted it to be,’ Melbourne reflects. ‘Getting the crowd and support back on track was huge.’ Meanwhile, the Bendigo Spirit are eyeing back-to-back championships, a feat they last achieved 11 years ago. But here’s the catch—co-captain Marianna Tolo admits it won’t be easy without 2024 league MVP Sami Whitcomb, WNBA’s most improved player Veronica Burton, and Kelly Wilson, who is expecting a child. ‘Every player is different, and you can’t expect someone to fill another’s shoes,’ Tolo notes. However, the Spirit have gained fresh talent in Izzy Borlase, Kelsey Rees, and Olivia Pollerd, all returning from the grueling college basketball circuit.
On the other side of the country, Sydney Flames’ import Keely Froling is eager to return to the court after a knee injury sidelined her for most of last season. ‘It feels like a really long time since I played,’ she admits. ‘The meniscus injury wasn’t major, but it required surgery—something we couldn’t avoid.’ Her comeback adds another layer of excitement to an already thrilling season.
So, here’s the question: Is the WNBL just a training ground for the WNBA, or is it emerging as a dominant force in women’s basketball? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—agree or disagree, the conversation is just getting started.
