Stars praise WNBL's unprecedented growth

The WNBL has experienced record growth over the past 12 months, with an unprecedented number of fans watching the League both in person and via broadcast.

Not only that, the level of talent in the WNBL has powered it to heights it's never seen before, attracting the top talent from all over the world.

One of those stars is Tasmania Jewels' marquee signing Steph Reid, who returns to the League after two seasons in Europe.

This growth is a big reason why she decided to come home and play in the exciting nine-team competition.

"It's [honestly] unbelievable; the League is just getting really exciting to be a part of, and that was a huge reason why I wanted to come home," Reid said on The Loop.

"I've just seen it going from level to level to level, and you know we're genuinely building super teams in the WNBL, which is so freaking exciting to be a part of.

"To be away and be in Europe and China, and I was getting up every morning while I'm away watching WNBL games because it's accessible to me.

"No matter where you are in the world, you can follow this League and enjoy it. It got me through a lot of my European days.

"Being able to watch the WNBL and the high quality that it is, while seeing the incredible brands that want to partner with the League, highlights how much it is growing day in, day out.

"Clearly, the only way is up from here."

Fellow Australian Opal and Flames recruit Issie Bourne, who is entering her sixth season in the League, echoed Reid, while explaining how exciting that the WNBL could attract top international talent.

"It's such a special time for women's basketball," Bourne said on The Loop.

"You see what happens in the WNBA and the crowds that they're drawing.

"To get players from over there like our Australians coming back, but other imports, I think it's amazing for women's basketball and to see it growing every year is really special.

"The more eyes we can get on it, the more the League will grow.

"There's something special about this season, particularly with all the imports and signings that we've got going."

On the WNBA, Reid believes the WNBL is the perfect launching pad for players to achieve their dreams.

For example, Australians Ezi Magbegor, Bec Allen, Sami Whitcomb, Jade Melbourne and Steph Talbot, as well as Americans Jackie Young, Jordin Canada, Naz Hillmon and Marina Mabrey all developed their games in the WNBL before becoming WNBA stars.

"With the time frame of the League, the way they're building it now, and the depth of teams, I feel like it [the WNBL] is going to be the perfect place for people to have their off-season from WNBA and where people want to grow their game and get to the WNBA," Reid said.

"It's going to be a destination point because there are so many great things this League.

"This country has a lot to offer that now I've played overseas in different places and different continents.

"It genuinely is the best place to grow your game and to get looked at in order to get to the WNBA."

All nine WNBL teams will compete at the TechnologyOne Townsville Tip Off, from September 17-20, before the regular season tips off on October 15 when Tasmania hosts Geelong.