'Love to have a team here': Expansion on WNBL radar

As excitement continues to build ahead of the Tasmania Jewels' official WNBL debut, there is already talk of potential spots for the League's 10th team.

The Jewels, the competition's ninth licensed franchise, will tip off their exciting existence during the fast-approaching WNBL27.

But during Tuesday's media event in Brisbane to unveil TechnologyOne as the naming rights partner of the League's pre-season tournament, the Townsville Tip Off, questions were asked if South East Queensland were in the equation for a team in the future.

"A place we'd love to be in the future with a team is here in Brisbane," WNBL Chief Operations Officer Justin Nelson said.

"It is definitely a hot spot for basketball.

"The growth of basketball through South East Queensland has been extraordinary over the last decade, and it's definitely in our sights in the WNBL to have a team here in the future.

"A lot of work, a lot of building to do, but at the same time we see it as an extraordinary opportunity.

"Heading into the 2032 Olympics and with the number of fantastic young players coming through this region, we believe it's a region that is set up for a future WNBL team, so watch this space."

The 2026-27 WNBL campaign tips off on October 15, when Tasmania takes on Geelong in their historic first clash.

Prior to that, the TechnologyOne Townsville Tip Off will run from September 17-20, with tickets still available here.