WNBL fixture reveal first step in Bendigo’s Championship defence
The Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) has today revealed its full fixture for the 2025-26 season, and for reigning champions Bendigo Spirit, the journey to defend their title begins almost right where last season ended — at home, against the Townsville Fire.
In a blockbuster Championship rematch, the Spirit will host the Fire at Red Energy Arena on Sunday 19 October, marking 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,” said Bendigo Spirit General Manager, Dan Jackson.
“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.”
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.
Other key highlights of the fixture include:
– Round 2: Indigenous Round – Honouring First Nations culture through storytelling and custom-designed jerseys, v Geelong United (Sunday 28 October @ Red Energy Arena)
– Round 12: HoopsFest Perth – A League-first event bringing all eight teams to one city, v Perth Lynx (Thursday 15 January @ RAC Arena)
– Round 14: Pride Round – Celebrating inclusion and community across the League, v Canberra Capitals (Friday 23 January @ Red Energy Arena)
The Spirit will play six double-header rounds, including a tough road stretch in Round 5 with games against Perth and Adelaide, and a home-and-away series against Canberra in Round 15. The Spirit’s full range of home venues will be confirmed at a later date, along with all match times and broadcast information.
Once again, the Finals Series will see the best teams come together in a best-of-three Semi-Final series, with the top two teams going on to battle it out in a best-of-three Championship series to determine the 2025-26 WNBL Champions.
Tickets for all WNBL games will go on sale from September 5 via official club and league channels.