72 NBL1 players signed for WNBL season

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basketball.com.au

Piper Anderson, who played for the Sydney Comets in the NBL1 East, signed as a development player for the Sydney Flames. Photo: Will Russell/Getty Images

NBL1 building solid reputation as WNBL talent pipeline

72 NBL1 players signed to WNBL rosters for 2024/25 season
NBL1 South dominates with 30 players, followed by North with 14
Waverley Falcons' National Championship win bolsters South's competitiveness

There are 72 NBL1 players from various conferences suiting up Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) teams for the 2024-25 season.

NBL1 South Leads the Charge

The NBL1 South has emerged as the premier talent pipeline for the WNBL, contributing an impressive 30 players to the league's rosters for the 2024/25 season.

This dominance is a testament to the conference's growing reputation as one of Australia's most competitive women's basketball competitions. The National Championship victory by the Waverley Falcons over the Bendigo Braves has further cemented the South's status as a breeding ground for elite talent.

Sarah Elsworthy of United drives at the basket during the round two WNBL match between Bendigo Spirit and Geelong United at Red Energy Arena on November 10, 2024 in Bendigo, Australia. Photo: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Following the South's lead, the NBL1 North has produced 14 players for WNBL rosters, while the West and East conferences are tied with 11 players each. The NBL1 Central rounds out the list with six players making the jump to the WNBL.

"The NBL1 South has really stepped up as a pathway to professional basketball," said Sarah Elsworthy, who made the move from Geelong United to the WNBL.

"The level of competition we face week in, week out prepares us well for the national stage."

WNBL Teams Benefit from NBL1 Talent

All eight WNBL teams have tapped into the NBL1 talent pool, with some clubs heavily relying on these players to bolster their rosters. The Perth Lynx and Southside Flyers lead the pack, each signing 10 players from NBL1 conferences. The UC Capitals and Sydney Flames have also made significant additions, with 10 NBL1 players each joining their ranks.

Looking ahead to rest the WNBL Season

As the WNBL season progresses, fans will be eager to see how these NBL1 stars adapt to the heightened competition. The influx of talent is expected to raise the overall standard of play and create exciting matchups across the league.

"We're thrilled to see so many NBL1 players making the leap to the WNBL," said WNBL Commissioner Christy Collier-Hill.

"It's a clear indication that our pathway system is working and that the NBL1 is fulfilling its role in developing the next generation of Australian basketball talent."

With the season underway, all eyes will be on these NBL1 graduates as they look to make their mark in Australia's premier women's basketball competition. Their success could pave the way for even more NBL1 players to transition to the WNBL in future seasons, further strengthening the link between the two leagues.