Crunch Time: The key Round 1 WNBL storylines

This six-game Opening Round slate features one massive WNBL debut and a highly-anticipated Championship Series rematch.

>> CHECK OUT THE FULL WNBL27 SCHEDULE HERE

All the action tips off on Thursday night with the Tasmania Jewels creating history against the 2026 TechnologyOne Townsville Tip Off champions Geelong at MyState Bank Arena from 7pm AEDT.

Courtney Ward takes a look at some of the key storylines ahead of Round 1.

>> How to watch WNBL27

The full schedule

Tasmania Jewels v Geelong Venom - Thursday, October 15, 7pm AEDT - MyState Bank Arena
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Southside Melbourne Flyers v Sydney Flames - Friday, October 16, 7pm AEDT - Victorian State Basketball Centre
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

UC Capitals v Bendigo Spirit - Saturday, October 17, 3pm AEDT - AIS Arena
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Lynx v Townsville Fire - Saturday, October 17, 7pm AEDT - Perth High Performance Centre
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Sydney Flames v Adelaide Ligthning - Sunday, October 18, 1pm AEDT - Quaycentre
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Adelaide Lightning v Townsville Fire - Tuesday, October 20, 7pm AEDT - South Australian State Basketball Centre
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – Jewels set to shine

Ever since they were granted the WNBL’s ninth licence and the 2026-27 schedule came out, Thursday, October 15 has been circled as a landmark moment for the state of Tasmania.

The Jewels, who are Tasmania’s first WNBL team since 1996, have already created history before even taking the court, breaking a League membership record and selling out their first-ever game.

It’s now on Claudia Brassard’s side, headlined by Opals Steph Reid, Darcee Garbin and Keely Froling, to embrace the moment, rise to the occasion and make this a game that Tasmanians talk about for generations.

All signs point to a massive season on and off the court for the Jewels.

Read more >> Comebacks and rivalries headline blockbuster Opening Round

2 – Championship Series rematch

The rivalry between the Townsville Fire and Perth Lynx has developed into arguably the League’s best, as shown by last season’s incredible Championship Series.

Dating back to February 29, 2024, the pair have locked horns on 12 occasions, with all but three of them being decided by a single-digit margin.

Both teams always step up against one another, and despite Miela Sowah and Anneli Maley not being available, I expect another absolute thriller at the Perth High Performance Centre.

3 – Biggest off-season of player moment to date

The most anticipated WNBL campaign to date was set up by arguably the busiest off-season to date.

Each and every team has revamped, as they chase the elusive 2026-27 crown.

From Sydney adding Ally Wilson, Jaz Shelley and Issy Bourne, to Zitina Aokuso and Amy Atwell joining Adelaide and Canberra respectively, numerous Opals have changed franchises.

Let’s not forget the four Chinese signings, including Han Xu in Geelong, Perth penning Georgia Amoore to a deal, and Jade Melbourne teaming up with Izzy Borlase in Bendigo.

To wrap it all up, a huge amount of WNBA talent is joining the League, including Tasmania’s Madina Okot and Gianna Kneepkens, Adelaide duo Shay Ciezki and Maddy Westbeld and Perth’s Teonni Key.

4 – New coaches in new places

The WNBL27 Season will see a new crop of coaches on the sidelines, including three newly appointed mentors.

They include Tasmania’s Claudia Brassard, Geelong’s Cheryl Chambers and Southside Melbourne’s Sam Mackinnon, who will all try to lead their team to the Playoffs in 2026-27.

Not only that, Sydney’s Renae Garlepp and Adelaide’s Aja Parham-Ammar will be in charge of their first full season in WNBL27, after taking over for their respective roles last season.

Read more >> How to watch the WNBL27 Season

5 – Closest MVP race incoming?

Reigning WNBL MVP Izzy Borlase will carry plenty of momentum into her second season in Bendigo, coming straight off a WNBA Finals appearance with Atlanta.

Based on that, and her form trajectory, the Opal will no doubt be in the mix for the Suzy Batkovic MVP Award.

Borlase’s teammate Jade Melbourne is sure to garner plenty of votes, as is Townsville’s Courtney Woods and Perth duo Anneli Maley and Georgia Amoore.

Could someone like an Ally Wilson or Zitina Aokuso also force their way into the debate if Sydney or Adelaide are having huge seasons?

There’s only one way to find out, and that’s watching WNBL, which all tips off on Thursday.