The WNBL season is arriving and we can’t wait for the action to start unfolding.
There are a host of new look teams, returning stars, and a new home grown WNBA champion set to battle it out for the chip.
So let’s run through all the key nuggets of information fans will need, as season 2023-24 tips off down under in the WNBL.
When does the WNBL season tip off?
November 1, 2023
Wednesday November 1st will see the opening game of the WNBL season, with the Adelaide 36ers playing host to the Melbourne Boomers. The round continues on Friday 3rd, with Perth Lynx taking on the Sydney Flames.
It’s certainly basketball primetime, with the NBL already underway and the NBA also getting going.
How to watch the WNBL
Every game of the 2023/25 WNBL season will be available to watch across multiple platforms.
The Wednesday night feature game will again be live on ESPN – including Foxtel, Kayo, Fetch and SkySport NZ – meaning the best streaming option is available for those with Kayo.
All other games each week will be live on 9Now.
For international viewers, the FIBA YouTube channel is the place to be.
Who are the superstars to look out for?
Cayla George, Alice Kunek, Sami Whitcomb, Aari McDonald, Lauren Jackson
Cayla George, new WNBA champion with the Las Vegas Aces, will hit the court in Sydney Flames colours after signing from the Melbourne Boomers in the off-season.
Aussie forward Alice Kunek returns to the WNBL after five years in Europe. She’s set to hit the court with the Townsville Fire and another of their huge signings, Opals and Seattle Storm guard Sami Whitcomb, who joins after playing two stints with the Perth Lynx.
Speaking of the Lynx, they’ve secured the services of Atlanta Dream guard Aari McDonald for the upcoming season. The 25-year-old import was the 3rd overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft and was named in the WNBA All-Rookie team in her first season in the W.
It would be remiss not to mention the goat Lauren Jackson, after the 42-year-old recently announced she’s committed to the Southside Flyers for another season. Jackson lasted just minutes last season before injuring her Achilles which kept her out for the entire season. It comes after her incredible comeback from retirement to play for the Opals at the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
Who’s the team to beat?
There’s no denying the Sydney Uni Flames‘ off-season recruiting has them right in the mix this season, with George, Opals captain Tess Madgen and last season’s championship winner Lauren Nicholson all signing on.
However, the Townsville Fire are the bookies favourites to go back to back. The side’s 16th consecutive win last season was a sweet one, beating the Southside Flyers to be crowned champions. They lost Nicholson to the Flames, but signed Whitcomb and Kunek, who join finals MVP Tianma Hawkins and a Aussie pocket rocket Steph Reid. They’re going to be tough to beat.
The Melbourne Boomers had a big exodus in the off-season, but have topped up and some. The signing of Opal and Indiana Fever guard Kristy Wallace is a huge coup, as is two-time WNBA champ Jordin Canada. Expect them to be one of the best backcourt duos in the league, and the Boomers to be there at the business end of the season.
Who won last WNBL season?
Townsville Fire
Townsville ended up taking down the Southside Flyers 2-0 in the Finals series, claiming last season’s championship. Here’s more.
