Entertainment factor: Stars to shine at Townsville Tip Off

Ahead of this week's TechnologyOne Townsville Tip Off, fans are building anticipation to see their favourite WNBL players in their new colours.

Speaking on Triple M Townsville Breakfast with Cliffo and Kate, WNBL Chief Operations Officer Justin Nelson highlighted what fans can expect to see at the annual event, taking place from Thursday, September 17 to Sunday, September 20.

"It's all nine teams having a hit-out," Nelson said on Triple M Townsville Breakfast with Cliffo and Kate.

"It's their official hit-out before the season starts, so it's really important for coaches, especially new coaches, and a lot of player movement in this past off-season as well, so new teammates, new colours, [and] new instructions.

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"All of that plays out before everybody's eyes over four days in Townsville.

"Of the current World Cup team, there are nine Opals in the competition this year.

"There are four Chinese national players. There's loads of Americans, WNBA talent as we always get, and I think we'll start to see a sprinkle of those players come through in Townsville this week before the season starts on October 15."

Nelson also spoke about the importance of holding an event like the Townsville Tip Off, and how great it is for the communities where it's held.

"Teams need to play practice games in order to prepare for the season, and of course we're spread right across the country, so it's a great way to bring everybody together in one place," Nelson said.

"The fans want basketball so it's important that we take it to them."

Heading into the WNBL's biggest season yet, Nelson also outlined the different ways that the League will look to engage fans throughout the year.

"There's 1.4 million players across the country, and there's loads and loads of basketball fans," Nelson said.

"So we know that they're out there, but we need to entertain them.

"We can't always play it safe. We need some heroes and villains. We need some controversy. We need stories. We need to take those storylines out to the fans and bring them into the game."

The Tip Off gets underway on Thursday with a Grand Final replay between Townsville and Perth from 7pm AEST.

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