27
Jun
Player Signing
WNB-Legacy: Kelsey Griffin back for sixth title
Captain Kelsey Griffin of the Spirit speaks at the podium after winning game two of the WNBL Grand Final series between Townsville Fire and Bendigo Spirit at Townsville Entertainment Centre on March 9, 2025 in Townsville. Photo: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
Australian-American Kelsey Griffin has re-signed with the Bendigo Spirit for 10th WNBL season
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Legacy and the pursuit of a sixth WNBL championship is why Bendigo Spirit captain Kelsey Griffin put pen to paper for the 2025-26 season, re-signing with the Victorian club on Friday, June 27, 2025.
“The decision to re-sign wasn’t about whether or not I’d play in Bendigo; that part was easy," Griffin declared.
"This community has given me and Erin so much, and we feel deeply connected here.
"What I really had to consider was whether it was time to retire or go around one more time.
“In the end, I felt like there was still more to do. With the new ownership of the League and SEN’s continued commitment to Bendigo, I saw an opportunity to be part of shaping what comes next, not just for the Spirit but for the future of women’s basketball in regional communities.
"I want to help build a sustainable club that keeps giving back to Bendigo long after I’ve finished playing.
"That is what this next chapter is about — creating a legacy and making sure I leave things better for the next generation."
Griffin, 37, signing a one-year deal for the 2025-26 season, which will be her 10th at Bendigo.
Spirit General Manager, Dan Jackson said: "Having Kelsey on board for next season is amazing for the club.
"We all know what a star she is on the court, but her leadership — both on and off the court — and how she immerses herself in the local community is what makes her a truly special individual.
"As a club, we are nothing without our community, and Kelsey does a great job at blending the on- and off-court seamlessly."
The Spirit roster is starting to stack. Griffin joins rising Australian Opals star Isobel Borlase, US women's college graduate Olivia Pollerd and Casey Samuels on the roster.
Griffin is an American-Australian, selected by the Minnesota Lynx with the third pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft. She became and Australian citizen in 2015 and has played for the Australian Opals.
She won the MVP Award at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup and is was a gold medallist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
Griffin has won five championships, is a Suzy Batkovic Medal for League MVP (2019), a three-time Grand Final MVP, and five-time All-WNBL Team member.
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