WNBL26 Championship Series Preview

WNBL • February 27th, 2026 5:56 pm

It’s here.

After the biggest season in league history, the WNBL26 Championship Series has arrived.

Three games. Two heavyweights. One trophy.

The Townsville Fire and Perth Lynx will go head-to-head for the 46th league title, beginning Thursday night in Townsville. Every game will be live and free on 9GO! and 9Now, and live on demand via ESPN and ESPN on Disney+.

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This rivalry needs no introduction. Over the past three seasons, the Fire and Lynx have eliminated each other in cutthroat Semi Final battles, each taking turns ending the other’s campaign. But this time it’s different. For the first time, these current generations meet on the Championship stage.

Recent history only sharpens the stakes. In 2023, Townsville eliminated Perth 2–0 in the Semi Finals and went on to claim the Championship. In 2024, Perth returned the favour with a 2–0 sweep of the Fire. In 2025, Townsville again swept the Lynx 2–0 in the Semi Finals before falling short of the title. Familiar opponents. Unfinished business.

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From Round 1, Townsville and Perth have looked like the competition’s standard. They finished first and second on the ladder respectively, and have been widely considered the favourites throughout the season.

Now, there is no safety net. Just a best-of-three series to decide it all but, their journeys to this point could not have been more different.

Townsville burst out of the blocks, winning four of their first five games on the road to lay the foundation for a Minor Premiership built on depth, discipline and defensive intent. Perth’s rise gathered momentum later. Since the arrival of Han Xu in Round 7, the Lynx have gone 15–2, transforming into one of the most imposing units in the league.

The 6’11” Chinese star has elevated Perth at both ends of the floor. Her 25-point, 14-rebound and four-block Semi Final performance underlined her impact, and she now has the opportunity to become the first Asian player to win a WNBL Finals MVP.

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But this series will not be decided by one player alone.

Townsville’s strength lies in its versatility and depth, particularly in the backcourt. Courtney Woods, the WNBL26 Golden Hands winner, directs traffic as the league’s premier playmaker.

Miela Sowah stretches defences as an isolation scorer and perimeter threat. Abbey Ellis has built a reputation for rising in clutch moments, while Sixth Woman of the Year Lucy Olsen brings energy and tempo off the bench, labelled the team’s “x-factor” by Townsville Head Coach Shannon Seebohm.

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With Alex Fowler and Alicia Froling anchoring the interior, the Fire can rotate 10 players without sacrificing intensity, a luxury few teams possess.

Perth, meanwhile, counters with elite top-end talent. Four Lynx were named to the All-WNBL First and Second Teams, just the third time in league history a club has achieved that distinction.

MVP runner-up Anneli Maley is producing arguably the most complete basketball of her career, combining career-best three-point efficiency with her trademark dominance on the boards. Alongside her, Ally Wilson has emerged as one of the competition’s most reliable closers, delivering five 20-plus point performances this season.

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Second Team member Alex Ciabattoni is in career-best form and has been described by teammate Tegan Graham as “the most consistent player we have.” With sharpshooter Amy Atwell rounding out the starting group, Perth boasts one of the most talented line-ups in the competition.

The season series suggests little will separate them. Townsville holds a 2–1 edge, winning 79–70 in Round 3 and 82–76 in Round 14, while Perth claimed a 97–81 victory in Round 9. Each result required adjustments. Each exposed different strengths.

The last time these two clubs met in a Championship Series was in 2015/16. A decade on, new names will define the outcome, but the stakes remain unchanged.

All games will be broadcast live and free on 9GO! and 9Now, and live on demand via ESPN and ESPN on Disney+.

See below for the WNBL26 season series and all of the game information.

GAME 1 INFORMATION:

Thursday, February 26th, Townsville Fire vs Perth Lynx

Location: Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre Time: 6:00pm AEST (QLD), 7:00pm AEDT (VIC, NSW, ACT), 4:00pm AWST (PER) Australia Broadcast: 9GO!, ESPN, 9NOW, ESPN on Disney+ International Broadcast: AWSN (US), Qiujing Sports TV (China), YouTube (all other nations) Box score: Townsville Fire (88) defeated Perth Lynx (79)

GAME 2 INFORMATION:

Sunday, March 1st, Perth Lynx vs Townsville Fire

Location: Perth High Performance Centre Time: 1:00pm AWST (PER), 4:00PM AEDT (VIC, NSW, ACT), 3:00PM AEDT (QLD) Australia Broadcast: 9GO!, ESPN, 9NOW, ESPN on Disney+ International Broadcast: AWSN (US), Qiujing Sports TV (China), YouTube (all other nations) Tickets: Ticketmaster Box score: N/A

GAME 3 INFORMATION (if required)

Wednesday, March 4th: Townsville Fire vs Perth Lynx

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WNBL26 Championship Series Preview

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