McConnell in the spirit for WNBL season

BENDIGO Spirit has added another key piece to its roster, signing former WNBA guard Megan McConnell for the 2025-26 Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season.

McConnell, a former NCAA Division 1 standout, is the Spirit’s first import signing for its championship defence.

The undrafted 23-year-old and current WNBA free agent appeared briefly for Phoenix Mercury in the current WNBA season, finishing with three points, three assists, one rebound and one steal in her lone game against Minnesota Lynx in June.

Her stint with the Mercury was cut short by a knee injury sustained in that game.

But following extensive rehab, McConnell is back training on court and is expected to be at full strength by the time she arrives in Bendigo.

She is thrilled to be joining the Spirit for their championship defence.

“I’m so excited to experience a new world of basketball in the WNBL,” McConnell said.

“My time at the Phoenix – although short – was really exciting and eye-opening at the same time.

“I’m excited to get to Australia and Bendigo, meet the players and the coaches, and contribute to the team in whatever way I can this season.”

Hailing from a family with a strong basketball pedigree, McConnell’s brother T.J currently plays for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA.

The 170-centimetre guard played her college basketball for the Duquense Dukes, where she became an all-time leader in the NCAA Division 1 with 660 assists, 370 steals and four triple-doubles, all achieved over 144 games.

In both 2024 and 2025, McConnell also made the First All Atlantic 10 Team.

She was described her former Dukes head coach Dan Burt as ‘the best player (he has) ever coached’.

As one of only two players in the NCAA Division 1 to have achieved multiple triple-doubles, McConnell’s sharp shooting and composure is set to further enhance the Spirit’s game, according to Spirit general manager Dan Jackson.

“As a club, we are absolutely thrilled to have Megan join us,” he said.

“Her youth and expert-level talent will be absolutely pivotal in building on last season’s success, and we’re hoping she’ll be a bit of a wildcard for us as we embark on our championship defence.”

The American import joins Opals star Isobel Borlase, championship-winning captain Kelsey Griffin, Olivia Pollerd, Kelsey Rees, Casey Samuels, Micah Simpson, Marianna Tolo and Abbey Wehrung as players currently signed to the Spirit roster for the 2025-26 season.