Why HoopsFest is so important to Anneli Maley

The WNBL is set to light up Perth this January with four electrifying games in a celebration of elite basketball, culture and fans for HoopsFest Perth.

From the 15th to 18th of January 2026, all eight WNBL teams and all 10 NBL teams will showcase the best basketball with our elite talent showcasing their skills on the court. 

Set to take place towards the end of the season, HoopsFest Perth is the perfect way to preview finals match-ups and watch the final standings shake out.

2022 WNBL MVP Anneli Maley played in the inaugural event for the Perth Lynx last season, stating she cannot wait to host the entire league back in Perth again. 

“WA is one of the best places in the world, I live right on the beach and there’s no better beaches in Australia,” Maley said. 

“The WA basketball community is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever played. I’ve been in the league for seven years now and played all over the world. The community is so supportive of women’s sports and women’s basketball specifically.” 

With the WNBL entering a new era, HoopsFest embodies the record-breaking trajectory of both basketball and women’s sports in Australia. Maley explained how aligning with the NBL games and suiting up side-by-side with their male counterparts will only increase the WNBL’s potential. 

“Putting us on the same stage as the men is one of the most important things you can do,” she said. 

“(Putting us) in the same realm, having the same amount of exposure, and then having the support from our male counterparts is super important. Not only in expanding the visibility of the female athletes, but also expanding visibility to fans. 

“Fans of the women’s game are getting to watch more of the men’s, and fans of the men’s game are getting to watch more of the women’s. Creating more of a holistic, unified basketball fan base.” 

The WNBL is set to have one of its most talented seasons yet, featuring Olympians and legends of the game like Sara Blicavs, Lauren Nicholson and Maley, as well as superstars like Jade Melbourne, Isobel Borlase and Nyadiew Puoch. 

Maley explained this season will be the perfect opportunity to get involved, for both fans familiar with the league and any new fans jumping on board.

“Long-time fans should expect a high-octane game, lots of talent and a lot of the familiar faces you’ve seen create and build this league,” she said. 

“And then for the new fans, you’re going to get to see some really young, exciting prospects and some WNBA players. 

“You’re gonna get to see a style of basketball that’s super fun. We are so passionate, we are fiery, we show our emotions. There’s a lot of flexing and three-balls (celebrations) going on. 

“It’s not just your classic basketball game where we’re running around keeping our mouths shut anymore. The more exposure the women’s game gets, the more passionate we’re allowed to be. And I feel like in the past, the women’s game was put in a box where we weren’t able to express ourselves the same way that the men were. Where for us now it’s like, ‘hey, look at us, we’re here and watch what we can do’.” 

For more information, head to HoopsFest.com.au.