Who’s In and Who’s on the Move: Latest WNBL Free Agency Movements
LARA MCSPADDEN
Lara McSpadden will make her return to Australian courts after the 6’4” powerhouse signed a two-year deal with the Sydney Flames.
At just 26, McSpadden is already a seasoned winner. She boasts two WNBL Championships with Townsville Fire (2017, 2023), a Waratah League title (2019), and in 2024 added another two Championships – in the NBL1 North and New Zealand’s Tauihi competition.
McSpadden will reunite with Keely Froling in a dynamic frontcourt pairing, brining her elite rebounding, dependable inside scoring, and smart playmaking to a Flames system built for success.
Fresh of a strong-season in the Czech Republic, McSpadden averaged 10.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.
She is the third Australian recently announced as returning home from Europe, joining the likes of Shyla Heal (Geelong Venom) and Zitina Aokuso (Canberra Capitals).
ELLA TOFAEONO
Adelaide Lightning have added power and height to their roster, signing 6’3” forward and Tall Fern Ella Tofaeono for the upcoming season.
Tofaneono is set for her third WNBL campaign, having started her journey as a development player with Townsville Fire in 2023/24 before earning a full roster sport with the UC Capitals in 2024/25. She made her mark in the Nation’s capital last season, averaging 4.9 points and 4.1 rebounds across 14 games.
Her recent form with New Zealand’s Tall Faerms in the Tans-Tasman Series was a stand out to Tall Ferns Assistant Coach and Lightning Head Coach Kerry Mitchell, who saw the 27-year-old’s potential up close
“She proved herself time and time again, working with her as part of the Tall Ferns campaign was an absolute pleasure. She’s strong, she’s resilient and she brings a great energy to everything she does,” Mitchell said.
“I’m keen to see her bring that energy to the court here to make Adelaide and South Australia proud.”
Tofaeono is currently suiting up for the Melbourne Tigets in NBL1 South, where she continues to elevate her game alongside star forward Sara Blicavs (UC Capitals) – gaining valuable experience before stepping onto the WNBL stage with Adelaide.
ALEX CIABATTONI
Perth Lynx fan favourite Alex Ciabattoni is back for WNBL26.
The experienced guard has re-signed with the Lynx, returning in what has been a remarkable journey through Australian and international basketball.
Ciabattoni first made waves in her home state of South Australia for Adelaide Lightning where she burst onto the scene as the 2016 WNBL Rookie of the Year. After finishing up with the Lightning in 2017, she made the move west – and Perth has been her home ever since.
Although she spent several seasons playing in Italy, Ciabattoni never strayed from far from West Australia, suiting up in the NBL1 West during off-seasons and eventually returning to the Lynx in 2020. Since then, she has become a cornerstone of the club, helping Perth to four consecutive Finals campaigns and two Grand Final appearances.
Last season, the versatile playmaker delivered again – averaging seven points, 3.1 assist, three rebounds and one steal per game for the Lynx team who finished second on the ladder.
With Ciabattoni locked in, the Lynx retained not only experience and leadership, but a proven competitor hungry for a successful run in WNBL26.
MACKENZIE CLINCH HOYCARD
Geelong Venom have signed experienced forward Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard to join the squad for WNBL26.
The 6’3” Western Australian brings a wealth of experience to the newly named Venom, having played five seasons with the Perth Lynx from 2020-2025.
Clinch Hoycard has featured in two Finals Series with the Lynx (2022, 2025), and owns both an NBL1 West Championship and a National Championship, showing she knows what it takes to perform under pressure on the biggest stages.
Last season, the 26-year-old plaed 23 games for the Lynx, averaging 3.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists for a side that reached the Semi Finals.
Clinch Hoycard’s blend of size, two-way versatility, and Finals experience makes her a valuable addition to a young and hungry Geelong roster aiming to make waves in their first year under the Venom name.
NICOLE MUNGER
Forward Nicole Munger is back in Canberra blue, re-signing with the UC Capitals for her fourth WNBL season.
The 5’11” import returns as Canberra’s second international signing for WNBL26 and continues to be a key leader on the court – described by Head Coach Paul Goriss as a cornerstone of the club’s culture.
“Munger is crucial to our team and organisation, she is the ultimate professional on and off the court. Her work ethic and preparation are up there with some of the greatest players I have had the pleasure of coaching,” Goriss said.
“Her hunger to improve her game, along with her humility, makes her the perfect fit for us. Our fans love her energy and passion, and she has always been grateful for the opportunity to play WNBL.”
Last season, Munger averaged 9.7 points, 4 rebounds, and knocked down 35 percent from beyond the arc, proving her value as a do-it-all forward — capable of stepping up as a scoring threat or locking in defensively with relentless hustle and toughness.
The back-to-back NBL1 East MVP and 2024 Conference Champion has spent the past four years embedded in Australian basketball, splitting her time between the Newcastle Falcons and the Capitals, and growing into one of the league’s most respected imports.
With another All-Star Five-calibre season in her sights and momentum from a dominant NBL1 campaign, Munger will hit WNBL26 in peak form — ready to lead, compete, and chase more silverware in the nation’s capital.