THE Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) has announced the new launch date of its upcoming season, with a later starting date matched with a massive new broadcast deal.
The season was set to start at the beginning of November on the 6th, but a new opening night was revealed over the past few days, with the 2021/22 season scheduled for a December 2 start. The full fixture is yet to be released, with an announcement expected in the next couple of days.
Last season was heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown and restrictions that came of it. The season resumed but took place in a hub in North Queensland, as sides embarked on a campaign unlike any other they had faced in the past.
This season will look to regain a feeling of normality following the disruptions of the pandemic. With restrictions likely to be eased around the country, teams will be optimistic about their chances of hosting their matches in their own stadiums.
Crowds will also be a welcome return if announced to make a comeback, with the prospect of fully vaccinated crowds set to ignite the atmosphere.
For those who cannot attend the games, a ground breaking TV rights deal was also announced, which showcases the growth of the league in recent years. Each game is set to be broadcast on Kayo, with one game covered on FOX and ABC per week. The WNBL has reached its widest audience in the past few seasons, and this should see this reach new heights with more accessibility than ever.
It was also announced round one will feature a clash between a pair of traditional rivals, with the Canberra Capitals and the Sydney Uni Flames set to lock horns when the season begins in December.
The clash will feature the clash of the Froling twins, with Alicia lining up for the Capitals for the first time, while Keely will be suiting up for the Flames in what should prove enthralling viewing. The time and venue will be announced when the full fixture is released in the coming days.
Following 18 months of disruptions, compromises and obstacles, the WNBL will be looking to get their season back on track with a ‘normal’ 21 game season for each team. The delayed start date demonstrates the league’s desire to go through with the season in the most ideal conditions possible.
Photo: Ministry of Sport
Lynx, Wildcats get wins over weekend
JUST ONE game each was played by the Western Australian sides over the weekend for the first time all year, and it came as a success as both teams had convincing victories. For the Perth Lynx, Thursday night welcomed the bottom-placed UC Capitals to Bendat as the home side looked to bounce back from their […]
Collier shows her class in tough loss
ALTHOUGH it may not have been the ideal result for her UC Capitals, import Charli Collier delivered her best performance at Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) level in the loss to the Adelaide Lightning over the weekend. Collier and the Capitals travelled to Adelaide 36ers Arena to take on the Lightning and were looking to […]
George guns it to lead Flames past Lynx
A STARRING performance from Cayla George has helped the Sydney Flames claim an 11-point win over the Perth Lynx in Round 6 of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) over the weekend. Two top four contenders locked horns at Quaycentre on Saturday night in an exciting clash given the recent form of the sides. The […]
Lynx slip after back-to-back losses
AFTER winning both of their games last weekend, hopes were high for the Perth Lynx as they each sought to push themselves towards top spot on the WNBL ladder. It wasn’t to be however as the Lynx dropped both games in Round 6 and now sit 6-3 on the season. On Thursday night the Lynx […]
Conti debuts for Geelong as United strike Lightning
GEELONG United made it two from two against Adelaide Lightning in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) yesterday, with the league’s newest side overcoming the last placed South Australian team by 10 points. A big name making her debut in the match was talented guard Monique Conti now her AFLW commitments – including yet another […]
Flyers look to quell Lightning
SOUTHSIDE Flyers face a must-win contest against WNBL slow starters Adelaide Lightning in order to remain in contention with the top three sides. A victory in tonight’s clash against the Lightning will edge the Flyers back to an even 4-4 win-loss keel, while also handing their opponents a sixth loss in the 2024/25 season. The […]
Western teams looking to follow up winning weekend
FOLLOWING a successful weekend that delivered four wins from four games for the Western Australian sides, the Perth Lynx and Perth Wildcats will both again face two opponents this weekend. For the Lynx, who reside second on the WNBL table after five consecutive wins, their round kicked off on Thursday night in a blockbuster, with […]
Woods wonders as Fire catch Lightning in a bottle
AN EXCELLENT performance and game-winner from Townsville Fire star Courtney Woods has led her side to a thrilling one-point win over the Adelaide Lightning at Adelaide 36ers Arena on Friday night. The Fire had been one of the better sides in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) to start the season, but sustained a hefty […]
Lynx make it two on the trot in terrific weekend
IT WAS a wild weekend in Perth that saw four wins in four games for the Western Australian sides. Things kicked off on Wednesday with the Perth Lynx hosting the Townsville Fire and it was all Lynx in this one as the home team led from start to finish. Though Alicia Froling proved tough to […]
