Loaded Opals' squad goals start in Istanbul

• Basketball Australia names full-strength nineteen-player Opals squad for March qualifying tournament
• Head coach Sandy Brondello capitalises on rare player availability during WNBA off-season
• Australia to face Argentina, Japan, Hungary, Turkey and Canada in Istanbul tournament

Basketball Australia has unveiled a stacked 19-player Opals roster ahead of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Istanbul in March, 2026.

Full-strength squad capitalises on availability window

Head coach Sandy Brondello has selected a comprehensive roster that showcases the depth of Australian women's basketball talent, with players drawn from the WNBL, WNBA, and international leagues.

The timing of the qualifying tournament has provided Brondello with an unprecedented opportunity to assess her full talent pool during the WNBA off-season.

"Availability is hugely important and honestly a luxury we don't often have in the international space. Having full access to the talent pool gives us real clarity and confidence," Brondello explained.

The comprehensive selection process considered sustained performance over time, including Asia Cup and WNBA contributions, current form across respective leagues, and how players integrate within Australia's system.

Australia Squad – World Cup Qualifying

• Amy Atwell – Perth Lynx (WNBL)
• Abbey Ellis – Townsville Fire (WNBL)
• Isobel Borlase – Bendigo Spirit (WNBL)
• Jade Melbourne – Canberra Capitals (WNBA / WNBL)
• Steph Reid – Dongguan New Century (WCBA)
• Maddy Rocci – Southside Melbourne Flyers (WNBL)
• Alex Wilson – Perth Lynx (WNBL)
• Courtney Woods – Townsville Fire (WNBL)

• Zitina Aokuso – Canberra Capitals (WNBL)
• Chloe Bibby – Uni Girona CB (WNBA / Liga Femenina de Baloncesto)
• Sara Blicavs – Canberra Capitals (WNBL)
• Issy Bourne – Southside Melbourne Flyers (WNBL)
• Alex Fowler – Townsville Fire (WNBL)
• Miela Sowah – Townsville Fire (WNBL)
• Steph Talbot – Adelaide (WNBA / WNBL)

• Cayla George – Southside Melbourne Flyers (WNBL)
• Ezi Magbegor – Seattle Storm (WNBA)
• Alanna Smith – Minnesota Lynx (WNBA)
• Sami Whitcomb – Beşiktaş (WNBA / Turkish Super League)

WNBA stars headline impressive roster

Seattle Storm centre Ezi Magbegor leads a contingent of established WNBA talent, alongside Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith. The duo brings elite international experience and proven ability at basketball's highest level.

The roster features a balanced mix of WNBL representatives, with Canberra Capitals contributing three players - Zitina Aokuso, Sara Blicavs, and Jade Melbourne. Townsville Fire matches that contribution with Abbey Ellis, Alexandra Fowler, Miela Sowah, and Courtney Woods earning selection.

Southside Melbourne Flyers boast three representatives in Issy Bourne, Cayla George, and Maddy Rocci, while Perth Lynx duo Amy Atwell and Alex Wilson complete the domestic contingent.

Veteran Sami Whitcomb continues her international career representing Beşiktaş in Turkey's Super League, whilst Stephanie Reid plies her trade in China's WCBA with Dongguan New Century.

Building foundations for September World Cup

Although Australia has already secured qualification for Germany's FIBA World Cup in September, Brondello views the Istanbul tournament as crucial preparation for the main event.

"March is about clarity and connection for us. We want to be really clear on our identity, how we play, and the standards we bring every time we step on the floor," the head coach emphasised.

The qualifying tournament presents Australia with formidable opposition, including Argentina, Japan, Hungary, host nation Turkey, and Canada. Each opponent offers unique challenges that will test the Opals' versatility and execution under pressure.

"Defence, role clarity, and execution under pressure will be critical in Istanbul. With tough competition ahead, this tournament isn't just about winning — it's an important step in building toward the World Cup," Brondello added.

Selection methodology emphasises versatility

The comprehensive nineteen-player roster reflects Basketball Australia's commitment to thorough preparation and player evaluation. Brondello's selection criteria extended beyond individual statistics to encompass role clarity, versatility, and the ability to impact winning in FIBA competition.

Chemistry and connection within the group also factored significantly in the selection process, building on relationships established during previous international campaigns including the Asia Cup.

"Just as important was role clarity, versatility, and the ability to impact winning in a FIBA environment. We also valued the connection and chemistry that's been built within the group over the past few years," Brondello noted.

Basketball Australia will announce the final twelve-player roster in the new year as preparation intensifies for the March tournament. The qualifying event runs from March eleventh to eighteenth at the Turkcell Basketball Development Centre in Istanbul.

The tournament represents a significant milestone in the Opals' World Cup preparation, providing valuable international competition and team cohesion opportunities ahead of September's main event in Germany.

FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament

Dates: March 11–18, 2026
Location: Istanbul, Türkiye

Australia – Group Phase Schedule (AEDT)

• Argentina vs Australia
  Wednesday, March 11 – 10:30PM
  Istanbul
• Australia vs Japan
  Thursday, March 12 – 10:30PM
  Istanbul
• Australia vs Hungary
  Saturday, March 14 – 10:30PM
  Istanbul
• Türkiye vs Australia
  Monday, March 16 – 4:30AM
  Istanbul
• Australia vs Canada
  Wednesday, March 18 – 1:30AM
  Istanbul