Latest women’s basketball news: New WNBL boss Christy Collier-Hill outlines plans for the league’s future

The WNBL has a new boss and she has already outlined some ambitious plans for the future of the league. Megan Hustwaite with the latest women’s basketball news.

Expansion and the addition of at least two new teams is on the horizon for the WNBL under new league boss Christy Collier-Hill.

Collier-Hill, who arrives at HQ after a stint as Melbourne Boomers general manager, says helping the league become Australia’s best professional women’s sporting competition is a top priority.

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“One of the challenges is visibility and ensuring this amazing league full of world-class athletes, is seen by as many people as possible,” she said.

“Key focus areas include at least two more teams in the competition, more games above paywalls in broadcast, more mainstream media coverage and stronger relationships and ties with the WNBA and basketball in Asia.”

Expansion is one of the key priorities for new WNBL boss Christy Collier-Hill.

League’s Tassie return

WNBL returns to Hobart this week more than three decades after the city’s former team lifted the trophy.

Southside and Bendigo play two games, starting Saturday, on the Apple Isle where the Hobart

Islanders spent a decade in the league from 1986.

Led by superstar and Grand Final MVP Robyn Maher, the Islanders knocked off powerhouse

Nunawading to clinch the 1991 championship.

Robyn Maher was key to helping the Hobart Islanders clinch the WNBL title in 1991. Picture: Nicole Garmston

“There was lot of hard work by a lot of people and it paid off. It was special for everyone involved, so exciting,” Maher reflected this week.

“I actually watched the game on You Tube about six months ago. The crowd were unbelievable.

“Our manageress Betty Ball fainted, that’s how much it meant to her. She was just so excited, she couldn’t handle it.”

Perth’s warning to rest of WNBL

Perth captain Darcee Garbin has sounded a warning to the WNBL, her team’s best basketball is yet to come.

After six weeks on the road, the Lynx have completed home quarantine in Perth and are champing at the bit for their first home game in two years, on March 5.

“I don’t think you’ve seen our best yet, which is kind of scary to think about,” Garbin said.

“I’m really proud of the group being in the position we are (7-2) without having played a home game.

Darcee Garbin says the Lynx are set to thrive now they’re back on home turf. Photo: Getty Images)

“Some of the games we ground out on the road were ugly wins. We’ve had Marina Mabrey out, we’ll get her back and once we get going again, I think it’s scary how good we can be.

“The best is still ahead for us and hopefully that happens towards the back end of the season rolling into finals.”

West Australian native Garbin signed with the Lynx in 2020 after five seasons and two titles with Townsville but is yet to play on home turf.

“I’m so excited to finally play in front of my family and have our fans back in the stadium watching us live,” Garbin said.

“Their support has been amazing and the home crowd will be super important with hopefully some finals ahead.”

3 POINTERS

with Southside Flyer Emilee Whittle-Harmon

Emilee Whittle-Harmon of the Flyers. Photo: Getty Images

1. I came to Australia from the US nine years ago and for eight years my goal has been to play WNBL. At times it seemed out of reach but the stars aligned, persistence paid off and this season I made my debut age 31.

2. Abby Bishop suffered a season-ending injury and unfortunately that’s how opportunity came

about for me. She’s been so good for me, to train against and in my corner giving great advice.

3. Canberra’s Mikaela Ruef and I grew up playing together in Ohio. This season, I played against her for the first time which was really cool to do at this level.