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Aussies in the WNBA
How Opals' star Jade's restart in Seattle has been gold
Australian rookies Georgia Amoore and Jade Melbourne go head-to-head during a WNBA clash between the Washington Mystics and Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on May 25, 2026 (AEDT). Amoore is enjoying a promising debut season with Washington, while Melbourne has emerged as Australia's standout performer in 2026 following her return to Seattle. (Photo by Maddy Grassy/Getty Images)
Highlights
Australian guard Jade Melbourne leads Australia's WNBA class as injuries test Opals stars in 2026.
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Jade Melbourne’s return to the Seattle Storm has been the defining Australian success story of the 2026 WNBA season.
Australian Opals point guard Melbourne, 23, spent two seasons at the Washington Mystics before returning to Seattle for the 2026 season.
She has responded with career numbers. She has increased her scoring output from a career average of 5.3 points per game to 8.4 points, lifted her assists from 2.2 to 3.5 per game, and posted a career-best PER of 12.6 despite playing on a Storm team that struggled to a 3-15 record.
Opals teammate Steph Talbot, 32, is a key starter for the 12-5 Las Vegas Aces alongside WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson. Talbot has started all 17 games for the Aces and is averaging 19 minutes per game, 4.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
On the flipside, Seattle Storm’s Ezi Magbegor and Dallas Wings’ Alanna Smith's seasons have been crushed by injury. Magbegor, 26, hasn’t played while 29-year-old Smith broke her nose early in the campaign and has struggled to make a consistent impact.
Both stars signed core / maximum deals under the new collective bargaining agreement before the start of the season.
On the upside, Australia’s next generation of stars is emerging.
Atlanta Dream and WNBL26 MVP rookie Isobel Borlase is making an immediate impact on one of the league’s best teams; Georgia Amoore has shown flashes of her playmaking ability with the Washington Mystics; and Nyadiew Puoch and Miela Sowah have continued their development at the pro level.
Alanna Smith (Dallas Wings, 11-6)
Smith has endured a difficult, injury-affected season. Her scoring has dropped to 3.5 points per game compared with a career average of 7.1, while her PER has gone from 15.8 to 7.0. She just needs to get healthy.
Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm, 3-15)
Injury has prevented Magbegor from taking the floor in 2026. Despite missing the season, she remains Australia’s premier WNBA player with career averages of 9.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and a PER of 18.0. Her return to health will be crucial for both Seattle and the Opals.
Isobel Borlase (Atlanta Dream, 12-4)
Borlase has enjoyed an impressive rookie campaign on one of the WNBA’s top teams. She's averaged 4.7 points per game while shooting 49.1% from the field and 40% from three-point range. Her 14.3 PER is among the strongest by any Australian this season.
Georgia Amoore (Washington Mystics, 8-7)
Amoore’s rookie season has showcased her elite playmaking instincts. She's averaging 4.1 assists per game and gaining valuable experience as a primary ball-handler. Her shooting percentages remain an area for improvement, but the foundation for a long WNBA career is right there.
Steph Talbot (Las Vegas Aces, 12-5)
Talbot has reinforced her reputation as one of Australia’s most reliable professionals. Averaging 4.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, she's providing versatility and experience for a championship contender while maintaining her value as an Opals veteran.
Rebecca Allen (New York Liberty, 12-6)
Allen’s season was disrupted by injury and limited opportunities. She's played six games and averaged 2.5 points, well below her career averages. When healthy, Allen remains one of Australia’s most accomplished two-way wings.
Sami Whitcomb (Phoenix Mercury, 5-13)
Whitcomb has missed the start of season through injury but remains one of Australia’s most decorated WNBA veterans. Across 307 career games she has averaged 7.2 points while shooting 36.1% from three-point range and continues to bring elite leadership qualities.
Nyadiew Puoch (Portland Fire, 8-9)
Puoch has continued her development with Portland, averaging 3.3 points and 1.8 rebounds. At just 22 years old, the athletic forward remains one of the most intriguing long-term prospects in Australian basketball.
Anneli Maley (New York Liberty, 12-6)
Maley returned to the WNBA with the Liberty, was waived, played for the Mercury and then resigned with the Liberty. While her opportunities have been limited, simply earning another roster spot highlighted her persistence and ability to remain in the WNBA conversation.
Alex Fowler (New York Liberty, 12-6)
Fowler made the most of her brief opportunity, averaging 6.0 points across two appearances before being waived. Her stint demonstrated she can compete at the WNBA level and provided valuable experience for future opportunities.
Ally Wilson (Washington Mystics, 8-7)
Wilson appeared in four games for Washington and averaged 3.0 points before being waived.
Miela Sowah (Golden State Valkyries, 10-7)
Development player Sowah’s statistical contribution is limited, but being part of an expansion franchise’s second season has provided important exposure to the WNBA environment. The experience should prove valuable as she continues her development.
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