26
Oct
Cut to the Jase
Could a WNBL Next Stars program work?
WNBL branding is seen prior to the round one WNBL match between Geelong Venom and Sydney Flames at Geelong Arena on October 18, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. Photo: Mike Owen/Getty Images
Podcasts
Next Stars GM and Jason Cadee discuss if an NBL-style Next Stars program could suit the WNBL
- NBL Next Stars GM of Recruitment Liam Santamaria was the latest guest on 'Cut to the Jase'
- 2025-26 WNBL Team Lists and Roster Tracker
- Latest News: Read more about the WNBL here.
- Latest WNBL Scores and Schedule here.
Some superstars of world basketball have gone through the NBL's Next Stars program with names like LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey and No.2 draft pick Alex Sarr moulding their talents in Australia's top league.
But more than anything, it has "helped the NBL become globally relevant", according to Next Stars general manager of recruitment Liam Santamaria.
With the WNBL tipping-off a new era under new ownership, which includes the NBL, could something similar be in store for the future of the country's women's league?
"I think it's a really good question and a really good conversation to have," Santamaria said on the latest edition of 'Cut to the Jase' with Jason Cadee.
"I think it t makes sense to to establish the foundations of this new era of the WNBL under the same banner... and then look to potentially expand into these types of programs.
"Obviously one of the elements about the Next Stars program is that it's so tightly associated with the NBA and the NBA Draft. Of course, the NBA buyouts that exist in that space play a big role in the the commercial realities of the program as well.
"So, it would be a process of saying, 'alright, what does that look like within the WNBL and WNBA systems and is there a way to make it work'.
"But look, we've seen it be be great for so many young players now in the NBL space, it only makes sense to really properly explore whether it could do the same for the women."
The NBL Next Stars program, which was established for the 2018-19 season, most recently saw big man Rocco Zikarsky and Alex Toohey drafted to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors.
We've seen rising stars such as Sitaya Fagan choose the college route after recently announcing via basketball.com.au she had chosen to team up with JuJu Watkins at USC, but a Next Stars program in the WNBL could be a possible pathway for talents like her - as well as some of the other top elite young female talent from around the world - to further develop in Australia before reaching the WNBA.
However, Cadee had a different idea for the future of the WNBL.
"I actually want to see something different with the women's one though," he said.
"I would like to see a 'Current Stars' program because money in professional basketball and women's is growing, but it's not there yet. Some of these girls at college are making more than the WNBA players.
"So, what about if we come up with this Current Stars program where we actually brought some of the elite elite talent of the WNBA and so on? Your Caitlin Clarks and the like. I said it last week, how much does it cost for her to come and play for... I'm going to say Sydney, I guarantee they sell it out.
"Wherever they play, whatever you pay for her, you'll make it back. I'm just just throwing out different ideas."
