With the 2023 WNBA season close to starting, the deadline for all 12 teams to set their training camp rosters are officially finalised. Training camp begins on April 30 in the US (May 1 in Australia), and eight Australians are fighting for a spot on the final roster.
As a reminder, only 12 players are able to make a WNBA team when rosters become official on May 18 at 5pm eastern in the USA. It's also important to note that some players who make the final roster can get cut due to returning players from overseas commitments. Some players are under a guaranteed contract, which will be noted in this list.
Note: Steph Talbot will not be playing for the Los Angeles Sparks due to injury. The 2023 second round draft pick will not be coming over to the WNBA this upcoming season.
With that being said, here are all the Australians who get the opportunity to display their talents.
Chicago Sky
Anneli Maley: Maley signed a training camp contract back in February. The Bendigo Spirit forward made the final roster with the Chicago Sky last season before she was eventually cut with a late arrival.
Always rely on WNBL and Opals star Anneli Maley to drop video game numbers 🎮
— NBL1 (@NBL1) April 21, 2023
2️⃣1️⃣ boards
1️⃣9️⃣ points
3️⃣ steals
Watch #NBL1South via https://t.co/NEk1I7kIKG or the NBL1 App 💻 & 📲 pic.twitter.com/LIjl2VcGO8
Alanna Smith: After getting cut midseason by the Indiana Fever due to a coaching change, power forward Smith signed a $100,000 USD one year unprotected contract with the Chicago Sky.
Just around the corner! https://t.co/K82jpDUTxk
— Alanna Smith (@AlannaSmith96) April 27, 2023
Connecticut Sun
Bec Allen: After spending her whole career with the New York Liberty, Allen was part of a blockbuster trade to the Connecticut Sun. The guard is guaranteed a roster spot with a protected veteran $136,850 USD contract.
Really excited for this new experience 💫 https://t.co/yTsFF8brKm
— Rebecca Allen (@becallen8) April 28, 2023
Indiana Fever
Kristy Wallace: Wallace was part of the first trade of the WNBA offseason, reuniting with new head coach Christie Sides. Sides was the assistant coach of the Atlanta Dream last season where Wallace played. The Melbourne Boomers guard is under an unprotected rookie scale contract worth $64,657 USD this season.
welcome to Indiana, Kristy! pic.twitter.com/aeenNAKyZ4
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) January 13, 2023
Las Vegas Aces
Cayla George: The 2022-2023 WNBL MVP is back in the WNBA after five years away. The Melbourne Boomers forward/centre signed a one-year protected veteran minimum, worth $74,305 USD.
Cayla George has signed a free-agent contract with the Las Vegas Aces, the team announced. The four-time WNBL Champion and three-year WNBA veteran center just won bronze with the Opals at the World Cup in Australia.
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) February 1, 2023
Seattle Storm
Ezi Magbegor: This past offseason, Magbegor signed a two year protected contract where she'll be making $159,650 USD. There is no doubt the centre will be on the Storm's final roster.
Say it with us...
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) February 4, 2023
📢 EZI EZI EZI OI OI OI
Welcome back, @ezimagbegor!
📰 https://t.co/2E5GKmLKVo#TakeCover pic.twitter.com/adFhmQbg6G
Jade Melbourne: The much-anticipated WNBA debut of Melbourne will commence. The Storm are in desperate need of a point guard after Sue Bird's retirement. The Canberra Capitals guard is on an unprotected rookie scale contract and is set to make $62,285 USD if she makes the roster.
📍 home
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) April 28, 2023
We welcomed our rookies to Seattle with a tour of @ClimateArena and @pike_place! pic.twitter.com/SmTrJcKzwW
Sami Whitcomb: The best news for Seattle Storm fans was the return of the University of Washington native. After a two year stint in New York she is back with the team who gave her the chance to flourish. The Perth Lynx shooting guard signed a protected veteran contract worth $142,500 USD and will make the final roster.
Sami Whitcomb is returning to the Seattle Storm after spending the past two seasons with the New York Liberty! pic.twitter.com/F157MbcFLh
— WNBA Fans Only (@WNBAFansOnly) February 3, 2023
Before you move on, why not give our Facebook page a like here. Or give our Twitter account a follow to keep up with our work here.