REPORT: WNBA star-backed bid leads expansion race

The historic ninth WNBL team, Tasmania, hasn't even hit the hardwood for its first-ever game, yet momentum continues to build for further expansion.

CODE Sports is reporting Brisbane has emerged as the preferred location for the growing League's next licence, beating out locations such as Newcastle, Cairns and Wellington (New Zealand).

Reports also suggest Brisbane's bid, backed by WNBA star Angel Reese, could be approved as early as this month, subject to certain conditions being met and signed off by League bosses.

The pitch, described to CODE Sports as "compelling", has been spearheaded by a consortium involving Bullets owners Jason Levien and Ben Haan and Atlanta Dream's Reese, and would see Brisbane follow in Sydney and Tasmania's footsteps of having a men's and women's team within the same franchise.

This reporting comes after WNBL Chief Operating Officer Justin Nelson told AAP the League was weighing up offers from Brisbane and New Zealand.

"I'd like to see Brisbane in the WNBL as early as next season," Nelson said in August.

"I never put timelines on when clubs are ready to enter a national league. I think it's always about infrastructure; it's about resources and vision, and it is a lot about location and what benefits the League as well.

"[But] I think Brisbane is an incredible hotbed for basketball participation, especially girls.

"[In saying that] women's basketball in New Zealand is exploding. We have a lot of Kiwis that play in the WNBL.

"I see New Zealand as being the future landing spot for a team in the WNBL as well."

The WNBL27 Season tips off on Thursday, October 15, when Tasmania hosts Geelong in its first-ever match from 7pm AEDT, live on 9Now and ESPN via Disney+.

Read the full story here >> WNBA star set to buy into new Brisbane team