Borlase re-signs: league MVP stays put with Spirit

REIGNING WNBL MVP Izzy Borlase has declared Bendigo Spirit as the right fit for her to continue her rapid ascension in basketball, signing a one-year deal to stay on with the club for the 2026-27 season.

An ecstatic Spirit general manager Dan Jackson declared retaining the league’s most dominant and rapidly rising young player as a ‘major coup’ for the Spirit.

Borlase first joined Bendigo ahead of the 2025-26 season in what was described as one of the biggest free–agency moves of 2025, a decision driven by her desire to grow her basketball IQ and prepare for a sustained WNBA career.

Playing under head coach, Kennedy Kereama, and learning from senior players such as Kelsey Griffin and Marianna Tolo were a key part of her decision.

That choice paid off spectacularly.

In her debut season with the Spirit, Borlase delivered a historic and electrifying campaign, being crowned the league’s MVP after averaging 22.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, while shooting an elite 46 per cent from the field and an exceptional 90 per cent from the free–throw line.

Her performances included a 42–point masterclass in round 15, making her just the 11th player in WNBL history to reach the 42–point mark in a game, and the first to do so since Penny Taylor in 2002.

Testament to her dominance, Borlase polled 99 votes in the MVP award, finishing 41 ahead of her nearest rival, Perth Lynx’s Anneli Maley.

The star guard was instrumental in the Spirit, who started the season as reigning champions, reaching the semi-finals.

Borlase – who is currently involved in the Australian Opals campaign at the FIBA World Cup Qualifying tournament in Türkiye (formerly Turkey) – said she felt a deep connection to Bendigo and was excited to build on what she and the club have created.

“It feels right to come back,” Borlase said.

“Bendigo has helped me grow so much on and off the court, and I love playing in this environment with this group.

“I’m grateful to be part of it for another season, and I hope I can contribute to the point where we can go that extra step in finals next year.”

Jackson said securing Borlase for another season was a massive statement of intent.

“Izzy has become one of the most impactful and electrifying players in Australian basketball, and retaining her is enormous for our club,” he said.

“Her growth since arriving in Bendigo has been extraordinary.

“She’s developed not just as a scorer, but as a leader and all–round competitor.

“She elevates everyone around her, and she embodies exactly what we stand for as a program.

“We are thrilled she’s returning and can’t wait to see what she brings to the court next season.”

Borlase became the fourth Spirit player to take out the league MVP honour, following in the footsteps of Kristi Harrower (2009-10), Maley (2021-22) and Sami Whitcomb (2024-25).

At 21, she also became the youngest Spirit player ever to win the WNBL’s top individual award, and placed herself among legends such as Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor, Alison Cook and Liz Cambage, who all won the same award at the same age, or younger.

Beyond the numbers, Jackson said Borlase’s growth during her first season at Bendigo was widely recognised.

“Her game expanded significantly, including her decision–making, strength, leadership and versatility, all elevating in an environment built to challenge and support her,” he said.

With her re–signing, Borlase joins Casey Samuels and Kelsey Rees as the Spirit’s current contracted players for the 2026-27 season.