Spirit to split home games between three venues

BENDIGO Spirit has reaffirmed its reputation as regional Victoria’s WNBL team following the release of the league’s official 16-round fixture for the 2026–27 season.

The Spirit will once again split their home schedule across three locations, including seven games at Red Energy Arena in Bendigo, two at Selkirk Stadium in Ballarat and two at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium (GRISS) in Traralgon, ensuring fans across the state have the opportunity to see the WNBL up close.

Boosted by the emergence of the league’s newest team Tasmania Jewels, the regular season will span October 2026 through to January 2027.

Spirit general manager Dan Jackson said while Bendigo remained the heart and history of the club, the Spirit’s continued presence in Ballarat and Gippsland reflected its commitment to growing the game and creating pathways for young players and fans across regional communities.

The release of the draw came hot on the heels of the marquee signing of Australian Opals star Jade Melbourne.

The 23-year-old, currently playing in the WNBA with Seattle Storm, officially signed with the Spirit last week, crossing from her former club UC Capitals.

Her pairing with reigning league MVP Izzy Borlase is expected to give the Spirit arguably the most dynamic backcourt duo in the competition.

The Spirit will open their season on the road against the Capitals on Saturday 17 October, before returning home to Red Energy Arena to host reigning champions Townsville Fire on Tuesday 27 October.

Ballarat will again play host to two key match-ups, starting with a round 3 clash against Geelong Venom on 2 November, before returning later in the season to take on Southside Melbourne Flyers in round 15 on 25 January.

It’s a repeat of last season’s two matches in Ballarat, with the Spirit defeating the Venom 93-58 at Selkirk Stadium in December before beating the Flyers 98-88 in January.

Gippsland fans will also see the Spirit in action twice in Traralgon, against Sydney Flames and Tasmania Jewels, across rounds 10 and 16.

The regional games in Ballarat and Traralgon are proudly supported by the Victorian government, continuing a strong partnership that enables the Spirit to bring elite women’s basketball to communities beyond Bendigo and inspire the next generation across the state.

Jackson said the WNBL27 fixture reflected the club’s identity and purpose across regional Victoria.

“We’re incredibly proud to once again take Bendigo Spirit games across regional Victoria as part of the WNBL27 season,” he said.

“While Bendigo will always be our home, we are also passionate about being regional Victoria’s team, creating access, visibility and inspiration for young girls and boys right across the state.

“The support we’ve received in Ballarat and Traralgon over recent seasons has been fantastic, and we’re excited to return to those communities again this year.

“Particularly having signed Jade (Melbourne), who started her basketball journey in Traralgon.

“We know these games will resonate strongly with fans right across the region.

“This fixture gives us a great opportunity to build strong connections with our fans across the entire region, while also setting up an exciting and competitive season on the court.”

The Spirit will also feature in key WNBL marquee matches throughout the season, including Indigenous Round, as the league continues to celebrate the impact of basketball beyond the game.

The full suite of Bendigo Spirit home games includes:

Round 2: Tuesday 27 October – Bendigo Spirit v Townsville Fire at Red Energy Arena (7pm).

Round 3: Monday 2 November – Bendigo Spirit v Geelong Venom at Selkirk Stadium, Ballarat (7pm).

Round 4: Saturday 7 November – Bendigo Spirit v UC Capitals at Red Energy Arena (7pm).

Round 5: Saturday 14 November – Bendigo Spirit v Sydney Flames at Red Energy Arena (3pm).

Round 7 (Indigenous Round): Thursday 26 November – Bendigo Spirit v Tasmania Jewels at Red Energy Arena (7pm).

Round 8 (Mental Health Round): Tuesday 8 December – Bendigo Spirit v Perth Lynx at Red Energy Arena (7pm).

Round 9: Saturday 12 December – Bendigo Spirit v Geelong Venom at Red Energy Arena (3pm).

Round 10: Friday 18 December – Bendigo Spirit v Sydney Flames at GRISS, Traralgon (7pm).

Round 15: Friday 22 January – Bendigo Spirit v Adelaide Lightning at Red Energy Arena (5.30pm).

Round 15: Monday 25 January – Bendigo Spirit v Southside Melbourne Flyers at Selkirk Stadium, Ballarat (5.30pm).

Round 16: Sunday 31 January – Bendigo Spirit v Tasmania Jewels at GRISS, Traralgon (1pm).