What you need to know going into Round 1

WNBL26 is set to tip off with the biggest season opener in league history, with the Southside Melbourne Flyers hosting the UC Capitals at John Cain Arena this Saturday 18 October. 

Every game this season will be streamed live and free via 9Now, and for the first time in history, on WNBL.com.au or via the WNBL App.

For everything you need to know for Round 1, check out the breakdown below:

Southside Melbourne Flyers vs UC Capitals

Broadcast information: October 18 - Saturday, 2pm AEDT Live on 9Go and ESPN

Why you need to watch: 

• Biggest season opener in WNBL history
• UC Capitals star Jade Melbourne will make her return to WNBL courts after a season with the Washington Mystics.
• Sara Blicavs' returns to the WNBL after major back operation last season.
• WNBL superstar Cayla George is back in Melbourne with her new look Southside Melbourne Flyers.
• Sisters Nyadiew (UC Capitals) and Manuela (Southside Melbourne Flyers) Pouch will face off in the WNBL26 season opener.

Venue:  John Cain Arena

Tickets: BUY NOW

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Geelong Venom vs Sydney Flames

Broadcast information: October 18 -Saturday, 7pm AEDT Live on ESPN2

Why you need to watch: 

• College teammates Mackenzie Holmes (Geelong) and Grace Berger (Sydney) go head-to-head after winning Championships together at Indiana University.
• Geelong Venom to debut a completely new look.
• WNBL debut of college sensation Alissa Pili, the 5’11” American spent last WNBA season with the LA Sparks.
• Jaz Shelley’s first game since winning the NBL1 South MVP, arguably the strongest women’s domestic competition in winter. Will she have a breakout season in her second run with the new-look Venom? 

Venue: Geelong Stadium

Tickets: BUY NOW

Bendigo Spirit vs Townsville Fire 

Broadcast information: October 19 -Sunday, 12:30pm AEDT Live on 9Go

Why you need to watch: 

• A Grand Final rematch will see a new-look Bendigo take on the Townsville Flame who are celebrating their 25th year in the WNBL. 
• Miela Sowah’s first game as a Fire. A WNBL25 All-WNBL Second Team member with Perth last year, Sowah averaged a career-high in points per game and will be the perfect fit for Townsville. 
• Isobel Borlase’s debut for Bendigo, coming in to replace reigning MVP Sami Whitcomb. The 21-year-old Olympian is in for a big season ahead, starting against the Grand Final runners-up. 
  

Venue: Red Energy Arena

Tickets: BUY NOW

Adelaide Lightning vs Perth Lynx 

Broadcast information: October 19 - Sunday, 6:00pm ACDT Live on ESPN

Why you need to watch: 

• A new look Adelaide Lightning will make their debut in a brand new stadium, under new ownership.  
• Young gun Tayla Brazel will make her return to the courts after back-to-back ACL injuries.
• It will be Ally Wilson’s WNBL game since the Opals won gold in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, single-handedly swinging the game in Australia’s favour against Japan. Off the back of that success, the Paris Olympian is expected to carry the Perth Lynx once again in 2025/26. 
• Adelaide imports Sania Feagin and Serena Sundell will suit up for the Lightning on Sunday. With 19 games of WNBA experience between them. 

Venue: SA State Basketball Centre

Tickets: BUY NOW

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