Grand final rematch to kick off Spirit campaign

BENDIGO Spirit’s WNBL championship defence will start almost right where last season ended – at home against Townsville Fire.

In a blockbuster rematch of last year’s grand final series, the Spirit will host the Fire at Red Energy Arena on Sunday, October 19.

The Spirit defeated the Fire 63-55 in Townsville in March to clinch the series 2-0, claiming their first title since going back-to-back in 2012-13 and 2013-14.

Spirit general manager Dan Jackson said the Fire clash would mark the start of a campaign filled with ambition and hunger to go back-to-back.

“This is more than just the release of a fixture — it’s the first step in our Championship defence,” he said.

“We’re building a squad that’s ready to compete at the highest level again, and there’s no better way to start than with a grand final rematch in front of our home fans.

“The support in Bendigo is already building off the back of our championship win last season, and we can’t wait to get back on court.”

Missing for the Spirit will be 2024-25 season and grand final MVP Sammi Whitcombe, who has signed to play in Europe next season.

The Spirit have so far announced two new signings – Opals guard and Paris Olympian Isobel Borlase and former US college standout Olivia Pollerd, who has returned to Australia.

From its championship-winning roster, the Spirit has announced the re-signing of its much-loved captain Kelsey Griffin and Casey Samuels.

The 2025-26 WNBL season will see each team play 23 games across 17 rounds, including 11 home games, 11 away games, and one showcase game during HoopsFest Perth – a four-day celebration of basketball from January 15 to 18, where the Spirit will face home team, Perth Lynx, at RAC Arena.

The Spirit will play six double-header rounds, including a tough road stretch in round five with games against Perth and Adelaide, and a home-and-away series against Canberra in round 15.

Other key highlights of the fixture include Indigenous Round against Geelong United in Bendigo on Sunday, October 28; and Pride Round versus Canberra Capitals in Bendigo on Friday, January 23.

The Spirit’s is yet to confirm the venue for all its home matches.

While Red Energy Arena will host the bulk of the defending champion’s matches, the Spirit played home matches in Ballarat and Mildura.

The league has confirmed that its semi-finals and grand final series will remain the best-of-three.

Tickets for all WNBL games will go on sale from September 5 via official club and league channels. More sport from page 23.