6
Oct
Explainer
Perth Lynx: Five things you need to know
The Perth Lynx bring back their high-octane offense and championship ambitions for WNBL26.
- The Perth Lynx have won one WNBL title
- The Lynx finished 2nd in the regular season in WNBL25
- The Lynx have a signed Chinese WNBA star Han Xu for the 2025-26 season.
The Perth Lynx are back for the 2025-26 WNBL season with a mix of continuity, experience, and exciting new talent ... as well as one of the biggest signings in the history of the WNBL.
The Lynx confirmed one of the worst keep secrets in the league by announcing they have secured Chinese WNBA veteran Han Xu to complete its WNBL26 roster.
Last season, the Lynx finished second in the regular season and made it to the semi-finals, showcasing their high-paced, three-point heavy style under coach Ryan Petrik. Based in Western Australia’s capital, the Lynx boast a passionate basketball community and play their home games at the Perth High Performance Centre.
2024-25 Season Summary
- Record (7-14)
- Finish 2nd (Eliminated in Semi-Finals)
- All NBL Selections: Alex Wilson (First team), Laeticia Amihere (First team), Miela Sowah (Second team), Anneli Maley (Second team)
Continuity was key for the Lynx, with the retention of Anneli Maley, Amy Atwell and Ally Wilson, while new addition Yemiyah Morris adds versatility and athleticism to the roster. Losing Miela Sowah is a setback, but Perth’s offseason has left them with enough firepower to reinstate Coach Petrik’s offensive system which was the best in the league last year.
Perth Lynx WNBL26 Roster
Head coach: Ryan Petrik
- Anneli Maley
- Kiara Waite
- Steph Gorman (re-signed on Friday, June 20, 2025)
- Alex Ciabattoni (re-signed on Friday, July 4, 2025)
- Ally Wilson (re-signed on Tuesday, July 8, 2025)
- Amy Atwell (re-signed on Wednesday, July 9, 2025)
- Tegan Graham (signed on Thursday, August 7, 2025).
- Alira Fotu (signed on Tuesday, September 23, 2025)
- Han Xu (signed on Saturday, October 11, 2025)
- Yemiyah Morris
Perth Lynx History
The roots of Perth Lynx go back to 1985 when the Western Australian Basketball Federation sent its senior women’s team to the Australian women’s club championships. Initially competing as the WAIS Rockets, the team quickly proved its competitiveness by winning the 1987 WBC title, a crucial step that secured entry into the WNBL the following year.
In 1988, the Rockets were rebranded as the Perth Breakers to avoid confusion with the North Adelaide Rockets, marking their official WNBL debut. Early years were tough for the team, but they soon found success after Hall of famer Michele Timms joined the club in 1991, sparking a jump to contention that resulted in winning the 1992 title.
The rest of the 90s contained many heartbreaking moments for the Breakers as they were so close to another championship on several occasions, but could never finish the job, including losing by 1 point in the 1993 grand final to Sydney.
The club rebranded to the Perth Lynx in 2001 and under this license began one of the worst stretches in WNBL history, as Basketball WA was unable to pay for many of the costs needed to run a decent team. The Lynx finished no better than 7th for 15 seasons in a row- which included a brief stint being known as the West coast Waves, before going back to the Perth Lynx - an abysmal run of form.
After they were renamed the Perth Lynx in 2015 and taken away from Basketball WA control, the franchise saw instant success with the next decade featuring stars like Sami Whitcomb, Courtney Williams and Katie Ebzery which allowed for grand final appearances in 2016, 2022 and 2024.
Five Fast Facts
- The Lynx had four players make an All-WNBL team last season, which only one team has ever done before
- The Lynx won just one game in the 2004 and 2005 seasons combined
- The most blocks in a single season belongs to the Lynx’s Jennifer Crouse in 2003
- Sami Whitcomb was the first ever import to lead the league in scoring in 2017
- The Lynx signed famous Chinese national basketballer Han Xu for the 2025-26 season.
Club Timeline
- 1987: WAIS Rockets win WBC title, securing WNBL entry.
- 1988: Rebranded as Perth Breakers; debut in the WNBL.
- 1992: Win first WNBL championship
- 1993: Narrowly lost the grand final to Sydney Flames by 1 point.
- 1999: Reach grand final again but fall short.
- 2001: Club rebranded as Perth Lynx under Basketball WA ownership.
- 2010-2015: Briefly known as West Coast Waves
- 2015: Licence taken from Basketball WA; Perth Lynx name restored
- 2016: Grand final appearance under Wildcats management
- 2022: Reach grand final under Ryan Petrik; finish runners-up.
- 2024: Second grand final in three years
Reenergised by recent success, the Perth Lynx enter WNBL26 determined to finally turn their years of near-misses into championship glory. With continuity across the roster and a clear offensive identity under Ryan Petrik, the Lynx have built one of the league’s most dynamic systems. Backed by a passionate Western Australian fanbase and a club culture that values resilience, Perth are no longer just chasing respect, they’re chasing redemption, and another banner to hang in the west.
WNBL Team Profiles
- Adelaide Lightning: Five things you need to know
- Bendigo Spirit: Five things you need to know
- Geelong Venom: Five things you need to know
- Perth Lynx: Five things you need to know
- Southside Melbourne Flyers: Five things you need to know
- Sydney Flames: Five things you need to know
- Townsville Fire: Five things you need to know
- Canberra Capitals: Five things you need to know
