Free Agency Update
After a few delays, the WNBL Free Agency period officially kicked off on Friday 14 June at 11am, and therefore the last two weeks have seen the shaping of team rosters begin.
The leagues newest Club, Geelong United, kicked off the announcements with a bang, revealing the exciting signing of Victorian Jaz Shelley. The 5-foot 9 point guard joins Geelong off the back of a stellar college career, which resulted in her being selected by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2024 WNBA draft as the 29th overall pick.
Geelong followed up with Opals squad member, Keely Froling, who reunites with coach Chris Lucas, both part of the Melbourne Boomers last season. The Clubs third signing comes from their NBL1 team, Sarah Elsworthy rejoining the WNBL after previously spending four years with the Adelaide Lightning in 2016-20.
Earlier this week the Bendigo Spirit announced a huge signing, with Opals star and four-time WNBL champion Marianna Tolo returning to the WNBL after four years in Europe. Tolo joins long-time friend Kelsey Griffin at the Spirit, along with Abi Wehrung – both on multi-year contracts with the Club.
While the UC Capitals are yet to announce any athlete signings (they do have Nicole Munger and Jayda Clark already contracted for the upcoming season), they did reveal that Kristin Veal had decided to step away, and they welcomed back Paul Gorris to the Head Coach position. The move signaled a contract release for superstar Jade Melbourne who is now one of the hottest properties in the free agency market.
Likewise, the Southside Flyers farewelled their inaugural coach, Cheryl Chambers, who after five years at the helm (which included four Grand Finals and two Championships!), has decided to step away. Excitingly for Flyers fans they welcome new coach, Aussie basketball legend, Kristi Harrower.
The Townsville Fire wasted no time locking away one of the most exciting young athletes in the country, signing Saffron Sheils on a two-year contract. Sheils joins rising star Courtney Woods at the Fire, who also signed a two-year contract back in February.
No movement yet in Adelaide, although the Lightning do already have a superb core group of four contracted for 24/25, including Opals Steph Talbot and Izzy Borlase, along with Issy Bourne.
Finally, the Sydney Flames re-signed another rising star in Emma Clarke on a 2-year-deal. Clarke joins the incredibly talented trio of Cayla George, Lauren Nicholson and Shaneice Swain.
A number of WNBL athletes from last season have confirmed they’ll be heading over to Europe for the next season, including Steph Reid and Zitina Aokuso.
See all the Free Agency team lists and movement here.