BENDIGO Spirit’s WNBL championship defence will start almost right where last season ended \u2013 at home against Townsville Fire.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“This is more than just the release of a fixture \u2014 it’s the first step in our Championship defence,” he said.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Missing for the Spirit will be 2024-25 season and grand final MVP Sammi Whitcombe, who has signed to play in Europe next season.<\/p>\n
The Spirit have so far announced two new signings \u2013 Opals guard and Paris Olympian Isobel Borlase and former US college standout Olivia Pollerd, who has returned to Australia.<\/p>\n
From its championship-winning roster, the Spirit has announced the re-signing of its much-loved captain Kelsey Griffin and Casey Samuels.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Spirit’s is yet to confirm the venue for all its home matches.<\/p>\n
While Red Energy Arena will host the bulk of the defending champion’s matches, the Spirit played home matches in Ballarat and Mildura.<\/p>\n
The league has confirmed that its semi-finals and grand final series will remain the best-of-three.<\/p>\n
Tickets for all WNBL games will go on sale from September 5 via official club and league channels. More sport from page 23.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BENDIGO Spirit’s WNBL championship defence will start almost right where last season ended \u2013 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 […]<\/p>\n