WNBL26 tips off in style at John Cain Arena

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The WNBL will tip off its boldest season yet with a blockbuster opening clash at John Cain Arena.

On Saturday 18 October, the Southside Melbourne Flyers will take on the University of Canberra Capitals in front of what is expected to be a packed Melbourne crowd, marking the beginning of a new chapter for women’s basketball in Australia.

Fans will see some of the nation’s best talent on court, including Opals great Cayla George suiting up for Southside, alongside the return of young star Jade Melbourne for the Capitals after her breakout WNBA campaign.

“This isn’t just the start of a new season – it’s the start of a new era for women’s basketball in Australia,” WNBL CEO, Jennie Sager said.

“To open at John Cain Arena, one of Melbourne’s biggest and best venues, signifies the momentum behind women’s basketball. With participation numbers at an all-time high, there’s no denying that basketball is having a moment that’s long deserved. Australia is home to some of the best athletes in the world, and we want to make it easier than ever before for fans of all ages to come see them play.”

The match at John Cain Arena caps off a waive of momentum for the WNBL ahead of their season launch in October, with the announcement of the Townsville Tip-off, the first WNBL pre-season held in one location, and also the new TV broadcast agreement announced with all games being available live and free for the first time in WNBL history.

Tickets for all WNBL games are now on sale, with the game at John Cain Arena seeing tickets starting at $25 for adults, $55 for a family of four, and $6 for kids.  

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