Former MVP Whitcomb returns to Lynx for WNBL27

The Perth Lynx announced on Thursday that Australian Opals captain and two-time WNBA Champion, Sami Whitcomb, has committed to the club on a two-year deal, subject to WNBL review and approval.

Whitcomb returns to the WNBL with a resume and experience that will be the envy of the rest of the League.

Her most recent outing in the WNBL, during her 2024-25 season with the Bendigo Spirit, saw her lead the team to the title (including winning Finals MVP), while being named the Suzy Batkovic Medal (MVP) winner and to the All-WNBL First Team.

Following her WNBL success in 2024-25, Whitcomb opted to continue her career overseas, signing a one-year deal with Beşiktaş JK in Türkiye.

This is on top of a host of international experience already possessed by the guard, who most notably has played for the Seattle Storm (2017-2020, 2023-2024), winning Championships in 2018 and 2020, the New York Liberty (2021-2022), and, most recently, the Phoenix Mercury (2025 to present) in the WNBA.

Also, a decorated Australian Opal, Whitcomb was recently named captain of the national team during their campaign at the FIBA Qualifying Tournament in Türkiye, reinforcing her leadership and status in Australian basketball.

In her time with the Opals, she’s played and medalled at a FIBA Asia Cup (2021 - bronze), two FIBA World Cups (2018 - silver, 2022 - bronze), and, most notably, was a part of the bronze medal-winning team at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Whitcomb is no stranger to the Lynx, having previously represented the club from 2015-18 and 2021-23, and said she is excited to return and be based near her young family for WNBL27.

“Committing to the Lynx and being based in Perth, with my family around me, is a dream scenario,” Whitcomb said.

“It's great to come home and join a club that I know has such a rich history, strong culture and plays really exciting basketball.”

“Our roster for next season is shaping up to be really exciting, and I’m excited to link up with Ryan and the team when I get back from my time with the Mercury in the WNBA and get stuck in.”

Perth Lynx General Manager, Chris Earl, said Whitcomb’s return to the Lynx was an exciting prospect for both the playing group and fans alike.

"Sami is one of the most accomplished players in women's basketball, so to add someone of her calibre and with her basketball IQ to the roster is a real coup for us,” Earl said.

“Her winning pedigree across multiple leagues, her experience with the Opals, and her ties to Perth make her return hugely exciting for our program and fans, and we can’t wait to see her back out on the WNBL stage in a Lynx jersey again.”

Whitcomb joins Anneli Maley, Alex Ciabattoni and Nya Lok as players confirmed for the Perth Lynx roster for WNBL27.