Here’s a bold statement: the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) is quietly becoming the secret weapon for WNBA players looking to level up their game. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the competition; it’s about transformation. WNBL is earning a reputation as the league that turns WNBA bench players into stars, and that’s no small feat.
UC Capitals star Jade Melbourne couldn’t agree more. She calls it the ‘coolest thing’ that the WNBL is gaining recognition from WNBA heavyweights. Melbourne, a standout player herself, highlights how the league provides a unique platform for players to refine their skills and step into the spotlight. ‘Girls who might be warming the bench in the WNBA come here and get the chance to truly shine,’ she explains. ‘We’ve seen players leave here and go on to have their best seasons in the WNBA. It’s all about exposure—to the Australian style of play, to our intensity, and to what we bring to the court.’
This season, kicking off on Saturday with a blockbuster clash between the UC Capitals and Southside Melbourne Flyers at John Cain Arena, promises to be historic. With at least 10 players who competed in the 2025 WNBA season joining the ranks, the WNBL is poised to showcase its growing influence. Take Jackie Young and Kayla Thornton, for example—both WNBL alumni who went on to dominate in the WNBA, with Young even clinching a championship title. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the WNBL becoming a more effective development ground than some WNBA teams themselves? It’s a question worth debating.
The Capitals are pulling out all the stops this season, recruiting seasoned veterans like Opals Sara Blicavs and Zitina Aokuso, along with former Phoenix Mercury forward Kadi Sissoko. Coach Paul Goriss set the tone early, telling Melbourne during the pre-season tournament, ‘We’re going to be so good this year.’ Those words resonated deeply with the 23-year-old star, who believes the team—holders of a record nine WNBL titles—can make a finals return for the first time since 2022. ‘Paul sees potential in us that we might not even see in ourselves,’ Melbourne shares. ‘Last year was a rebuilding phase, but now we’re back where we belong—contending for the finals and reconnecting with our fans.’
Meanwhile, the Bendigo Spirit are aiming for back-to-back championships, a feat they last achieved 11 years ago. However, co-captain Marianna Tolo admits it won’t be easy without key players like 2024 league MVP Sami Whitcomb, WNBA’s most improved player Veronica Burton, and Kelly Wilson, who is expecting a child. ‘It’s a challenge,’ Tolo admits. ‘You can’t replace players like that, but we’ve gained incredible talent in Izzy Borlase, Kelsey Rees, and Olivia Pollerd—players 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 forever since I’ve played,’ she admits. ‘The meniscus injury wasn’t career-threatening, but it required surgery, and there was no way around it. Now, I’m just hungry to get back on the court.’
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: As the WNBL continues to elevate players and gain global recognition, could it eventually rival the WNBA as a premier basketball league? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this evolving basketball landscape.
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