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 a powerhouse in its own right, reshaping the global basketball landscape. This Saturday, the WNBL tips off with a blockbuster season opener between the UC Capitals and Southside Melbourne Flyers at John Cain Arena, promising to be the most anticipated start in league history. And this is the part most people miss: this season alone, at least 10 players fresh from the 2025 WNBA season will grace the WNBL courts, proving its growing influence.
Take, for instance, WNBA champion Jackie Young and All-Star Kayla Thornton—both 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.’ Players who barely see court time in the WNBA are flocking here to take center stage, and the results speak for themselves. Is the WNBL just a training ground, or is it outshining its American counterpart in player development?
Melbourne explains, ‘Girls who come off the bench in the WNBA are coming here to seek that opportunity and really get on their game. We’ve seen players have career-best years in the WNBA after a season here.’ It’s not just about individual growth—it’s a cultural exchange. WNBA players get exposed to Australia’s unique style of play, while the WNBL showcases its talent on a global stage. This mutual benefit is what’s building the league’s reputation as a game-changer.
The Capitals are pulling out all the stops this season, recruiting Opals stars 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, these words reignited her belief that the team, already a record nine-time WNBL champion, 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. ‘We put Canberra back in a position we wanted it to be—finals contention, with the crowd and support back on track,’ Melbourne reflects. 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, rising star Veronica Burton, and Kelly Wilson, who’s expecting. ‘Every player is different, and you can’t expect someone to fill another’s shoes,’ Tolo notes. Yet, the Spirit have gained fresh talent in Izzy Borlase, Kelsey Rees, and Olivia Pollerd, all returning from the grueling college basketball scene.
Over at the Sydney Flames, Keely Froling is eager to make her mark after a knee injury sidelined her for most of last season. ‘It feels like a really long time since I played,’ she admits. Her meniscus injury required surgery, a setback she couldn’t avoid. Now, she’s ready to prove herself on the court once again.
So, here’s the question: Is the WNBL just a stepping stone for WNBA players, or is it becoming a dominant force in women’s basketball? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—agree or disagree, the debate is wide open!
