Historic week for Australian basketball in the WNBA

Eleven WNBL stars are set to take on the world’s biggest basketball stage, the WNBA, as the league’s global footprint continues to grow. 

The addition of the WNBA’s expansion franchises, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, has opened new pathways for elite talent, creating greater opportunities for Australian players to break into the biggest basketball stage. 

WNBL26 MVP Isobel Borlase headlined the movement, signing with the Atlanta Dream on a rookie contract. After a career-best season, the 21-year-old and one of the youngest MVPs in league history, will now take her first steps onto the WNBA stage. 

She is joined by Adelaide Captain Steph Talbot, who has signed with the reigning Champions, the Las Vegas Aces, while Canberra’s Jade Melbourne will return to Seattle. Geelong’s leading scorer Mackenzie Holmes has re-signed to Seattle alongside Melbourne, further strengthening the WNBL’s presence in the United States.

In the 2026 WNBA Draft, Townsville’s Saffron Shiels was selected with the 26th pick overall by the inaugural Toronto Tempo where she will join Opals Head Coach Sandy Brondello. Victorian junior Charlisse Dunn followed at pick 36 while Kristy Wallance and Maddy Rocci will both be on training camp contracts, further building out the Tempo’s Australian contingent. 

The New York Liberty selected Manuela Puoch with the 41st pick overall, joining fellow Australians Bec Allen and Anneli Maley who is currently on a training camp contract.  

In the expansion draft, Nyadiew Puoch’s rights were acquired by Portland, further enhancing the Puoch family legacy. Pouch will join Opal Chloe Bibby for the Fire’s inaugural season. 

Several more WNBL stars secured training camp opportunities, with another Perth superstar, Ally Wilson signing with the Washington Mystics and WNBL Champion Miela Sowah will stay in warmer climates with the Golden State Valkyries.

The WNBL’s growing international footprint is further highlighted by WNBL alumni Alanna Smith and Sami Whitcomb, who have both secured new deals with Dallas Wings and Phoenix Mercury, respectively.

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