Geelong United whittle new name change down to Force, Venom ahead of 2025/26 WNBL season
A year after entering the WNBL, Geelong United is on the cusp of changing its name, with two options on the table and its supporters set to decide the final moniker. Find out all the details.
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Force or Venom?
Geelong United has turned to supporters to settle upon a new name ahead of year 2 for the WNBL franchise.
The club proposed the two choices – Geelong Force or Geelong Venom – in a 24-hour poll on Instagram which started Thursday afternoon, while also revealing new concept art and wording behind both names.
Ahead of a new era in the WNBL – ushering in new ownership by a consortium led by Wollemi Capital Group Syndicate and the National Basketball League (NBL) – Geelong United has been working with the league to bring a new name to its team in recent months.
Geelong United Basketball chief executive Mark Need said the decision was made that both names embodied how the club carried themselves on court, as well as how they wanted to represented the region.
“We can’t wait to see which of the two names the fans decide is the best fit for this great team,” Neeld said.
Little seems to split the two choices, the Venom appearing marginally ahead of Force when there was two hours left of voting Friday afternoon.
When introducing the name Force, the club said: “Geelong Force is more than a team, it’s a statement.”
“A symbol of hard-earned power, unity, and next-level performance,” it read.
“Driven by purpose and defined by strength, Force plays with impact, intensity, and undeniable presence.
“You don’t stop Force, you rise to match it.”
Meanwhile, Geelong Venom was said to “strike with unmatched intensity.”
“Calculated, fierce, and lightning-fast,” it continued.
“This team thrives on sharp instincts and unyielding confidence, moving seamlessly to dominate every play.
“Venom runs in their veins: lethal, confident, unapologetic.”
It’s understood the chosen name will still need to go through the league for approval before its announced.
Geelong United was previously known as the Supercats for more than 30 years, including during its time in the NBL from 1982-1996, but the organisation hasn’t used the name since it transferred to United last year.
Before the Supercats, the club was known as the Cats in the early 1980s.
Speaking at the Future Geelong event back in March, NBL co-owner Larry Kestelman had said he would be open to reviving the Geelong Supercats brand if the city was to be awarded a league licence in the future, though it's understood necessary infrastructure including a new stadium housing up to 7000 punters would be needed to gain such a license.
Geelong United has five players signed for its upcoming 2025/26 WNBL season, with Jaz Shelley, Gemma Potter, Alex Sharp, Elissa Brett and Taylor Mole all returning for a second season under coach Chris Lucas.
Free agency opened last week.
Shelley, Potter and Mole are currently competing for Geelong’s NBL1 team, with Sharp and Brett playing interstate in the NBL1 West and North respectively.
United finished its inaugural WNBL season in seventh with a 6-15 record, with Bendigo Spirit going on to the win the championship.
The WNBL will remain an eight-team competition next season, however Adelaide Lightning has undergone an ownership change but will retain its same name.
- Geelong’s NBL1 women’s and men’s teams play at home on Sunday, from 12pm and 2pm.
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