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WNBL releases 2026/27 schedule for biggest season yet
SENZ • July 1st, 2026 1:42 pm
The Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) has today unveiled its schedule for the upcoming season, with 109 games live and free on the Nine Network and on ESPN.
History will be made on Thursday, 15 October, when the League's newest franchise, the Tasmania Jewels, makes its highly anticipated debut at MyState Bank Arena against the Geelong Venom. Led by Opal Steph Reid, the Jewels will launch their inaugural season in front of a passionate home crowd.
The season also features the return of two-time WNBL Champion Bec Cole, who will make her long-awaited return, this time in a Venom uniform.
Fans will be treated to an early Championship rematch on Saturday, 17 October, when Anneli Maley joins forces with Sami Whitcomb as the Perth Lynx look for redemption against the Townsville Fire. Whitcomb will be fresh off another season with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, while Maley was listed as a development player at New York Liberty.
After claiming the WNBL26 Championship, Townsville Fire were quick to lock in their core players with Alicia Froling, Alex Fowler, Miela Sowah, Abbey Ellis and Chloe Forster returning for the Fire, led by WNBL Championship Series MVP Courtney Woods.
Among other opening-round highlights, Chinese superstar Rainy Wang will make her debut with the Southside Melbourne Flyers against the Sydney Flames at the Vic State Basketball Centre on 16 October before Manuela and Nyadiew Puoch step out for the UC Capitals, hosting the Jewels at AIS Arena on 17 October.
Nyadiew is coming off a breakout season with one of the WNBA’s newest franchises, Portland Fire while her sister is soon to follow in her footsteps having been drafted by the New York Liberty.
Bendigo Spirit will begin their WNBL27 campaign with a blockbuster trip to Canberra, where Seattle Storm guard and Opal Jade Melbourne will make her highly anticipated return to the League. Facing her former club, the UC Capitals, Melbourne's first game back is set to be one of the marquee matchups of Opening Round.
The Adelaide Lightning will tip off their WNBL27 campaign at the SA State Basketball Centre on 20 October, hosting reigning Champions the Townsville Fire in a blockbuster opening clash. Opal Steph Talbot will return to lead the Lightning after another impressive season with the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces.
WNBL Chief Operating Officer Justin Nelson said the schedule is designed for fans and will build on the recent momentum and growth of the competition.
"This season is already being fuelled with a tremendous amount of excitement and anticipation. We have the Jewels joining, some big names returning and some fresh faces that will take things up another level on and off the court,” he said.
"This schedule has been built for the fans. We’ve prioritised blockbuster matchups and maximised the opportunities for supporters to see their teams live with some new fan-friendly tip off times and fixturing.
“The schedule is again bolstered with several themes, including Indigenous Round (21-24 November), Mental Health Round (3-8 December), Pride Round (7-12 January) and HoopsFest in Perth (13-17 January).
“In a move to include more fans and games during the finals, the playoffs this season will feature five teams and an elimination final.
“WNBL27 promises an unforgettable season filled with blockbuster clashes, emerging stars, the return of some big names and must-see moments for fans across Australia,” Nelson added.
With every game available live and free on 9Now, live on ESPN via Disney+, and streamed through the WNBL website and app, WNBL27 will be the league's most accessible season yet. Fans across Australia will be able to follow every game, every rivalry and every defining moment, making it easier than ever to experience the best women's basketball talent in the country.
