Townsville Fire signing spree continues ahead of must-win WNBL grand final game 2

The Townsville Fire have locked in another key piece for the 2025/26 campaign ahead of Sunday’s must-win grand final clash with Bendigo. Read the latest news coming out of Fire HQ.

Abbey Ellis of the Fire talks to the team during a break in play during game one of the WNBL Semi Final series between Perth Lynx and Townsville Fire at Bendat Basketball Stadium, on February 22, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

Townsville may have lost game 1 of the WNBL grand final series on Wednesday night, but the Fire can celebrate a triumph today after securing the services of Abbey Ellis for another season.

The Melbourne-born rookie enjoyed a sensational debut season, claiming the league’s Breakout Player of the Year award after establishing herself as a starter on one of Australia’s best teams.

Ellis had huge shoes to fill this year, replacing Fire star Steph Reid in her first season of professional basketball, but she quickly became a fan-favourite in the Fire Pit due to her relentless energy and tenacity.

The ex-Purdue Boilermaker made a seamless transition from US college basketball to the WNBL, taking no time to prove her value to coach Shannon Seebohm.

“Abbey has been outstanding for us in her first year,” Seebohm said.

Abbey Ellis of the Fire reacts after scoring a three pointer during game two of the WNBL Semi Final series between Townsville Fire and Perth Lynx at Townsville Entertainment Centre, on February 26, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“She plays with great intensity, and her growth has been incredible. We’re excited to have her continue to build with us and play a key role in our future.”

The 168cm pocket rocket said she was excited to extend her stay in Townsville.

“I am super excited and grateful to wear the Townsville Fire (colours) again for the 2025/26 season,” Ellis said.

“The club, players, coaches and fans have welcomed me into their Fire community and I’m so happy to be able to be part of such a historic and successful club.”

Townsville’s terrific point guard had a strong fourth quarter in grand final game 1, finishing the match with a team-high 16 points to go with six rebounds and one assist.

Abbey Ellis of the Fire celebrates after a play during game one of the WNBL Semi Final series between Perth Lynx and Townsville Fire at Bendat Basketball Stadium, on February 22, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

Fire co-captain Courtney Woods said the fact Ellis has been so dominant in her first year out of college was outstanding.

“Abbey has had a great season and it’s probably something that’s been overlooked a couple of times: that it’s her first year and she’s played point guard for us for the majority of the season,” Woods said.

“We do kind of expect a lot from Abbey, we expect her to play a kind of veteran quality game and I think she did again tonight (Wednesday night).

“Playing in her first grand final and starting at point guard is a very nerve-racking experience but she was great, and she’s been great for us all year.”

On Thursday afternoon there were less than 300 tickets available for Sunday’s match in the Fire Pit, with a sell-out firmly on the cards. Tip-off is at 2pm AEST.

Originally published as Townsville Fire signing spree continues ahead of must-win WNBL grand final game 2