WNBL stars named among world's best

Two of the WNBL's top stars have been rewarded for their exceptional play at the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup in Berlin, being named in the All-Second Team.

Adelaide Lightning's Opals star Steph Talbot and Geelong Venom's Chinese sensation Han Xu were among the five players honoured for their performances across the September 4-13 tournament, joined on the All-Second Team by Belgium's Emma Meesseman, Germany's Nyara Sabally and France's Janelle Salaün.

Talbot averaged 13.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game, while helping the Opals reach the quarter-finals.

Xu powered China to a quarter-final appearance too, by averaging 11.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.

Former Perth Lynx guard Jackie Young, who helped the United States win gold, was named in the All-First Team, alongside fellow US star and tournament MVP Breanna Stewart, as well as France's Gabby Williams, Spain's Iyana Martin and Germany's Leonie Fiebich.

The WNBL27 season tips off on Thursday, October 15 when Tasmania hosts Geelong at MyState Bank Arena.