WNBL announces preseason tournament 'Townsville Tip Off 25'
The WNBL has today announced its first ever standalone preseason tournament, the Townsville Tip-Off 25, set to take place in North Queensland from Thursday 25 September to Sunday 28 September.
For the first time, all eight teams will converge in one city for a preseason WNBL event offering fans an unmissable opportunity to see the league’s best talent in action ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the event was a coup for Queensland.
“The Crisafulli Government is continuing to cement Queensland’s place as a key sporting destination, securing another major event in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Minister Mander said.
“Townsville provides the perfect backdrop for the inaugural pre-season tournament, and it will be a real treat for basketball fans with the top women’s teams in the country, including the highly successful Townsville Fire, together in one place.
“Free community activities will take place alongside the games, sharing the excitement of the event, bringing the community together and inspiring participation in basketball.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said events like the WNBL Blitz were major drivers for visitors to regional Queensland.
“We know sports fans will travel far and wide for their teams, and to see the best action,” said Minister Powell.
“That’s why under our Destination 2045 Tourism Plan, we have a laser-like focus on bringing events like these to Queensland.”.
CEO of the WNBL Jennie Sager shared her gratitude for the support of stakeholders across Queensland to make this event possible and deliver another significant milestone for women’s basketball in Australia.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Queensland Government, Tourism Events Queensland, Townsville City Council, Townsville Enterprise, and the Townsville Fire, for bringing the inaugural Townsville Tip-Off to life,” Ms Sager said.
“Townsville has an incredibly passionate community of basketball fans and with the Townsville Fire celebrating their 25th year, there is no better place to showcase women's basketball.”
Townsville Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said she was thrilled the inaugural WNBL Tip-Off would be held in Townsville Fire territory over three action-packed days.
“We have a fantastic basketball community here in Townsville, from grassroots juniors making their way through the ranks, to our four-time WNBL champions, the Townsville Fire - so I know the WNBL Tip-Off will be welcomed with open arms,” Cr Greaney said.
“Hosting events like this shows how diverse Townsville is as the sporting and events capital of northern Australia.
“As my fellow councillor and WNBL superstar Suzy Batkovic says - if you can see it, you can be it - and the WNBL Tip-Off is set to bring more than 200 world-class players and officials to our region over multiple days so there will certainly be plenty to see. I’m really looking forward to our community getting amongst the action.”
Townsville Enterprise Director Visitor Economy and Marketing Lisa Woolfe said the announcement was further proof of Townsville’s reputation as a premier sporting destination.
“Securing the inaugural WNBL Tip-Off is a major win for Townsville and another proud moment for a region that has become synonymous with elite sporting events in Northern Australia.
“This exciting event not only showcases our city on the national stage but also inspires and supports grassroots sporting development across North Queensland. We’re thrilled to work with organisers to bring this tournament to life and look forward to seeing it grow and thrive in the years ahead.”
Fans and aspiring players will also have the opportunity to participate in SheHoops clinics led by WNBL legend Lauren Jackson and former Opals Captain Tess Madgen, bringing skills, inspiration, and mentorship to local kids in Townsville, Ingham, Charters Towers and Ayr.
“We’re so excited to head to North Queensland to deliver these fun, interactive and high-energy clinics. SheHoops is for everyone and whether you play basketball or have always wanted to have a go, this is for you. The Townsville Tip-Off really does present a unique opportunity for kids to engage with us and channel their skills and passion for basketball, and then see it in action with some of the best players in the world.”
“Watching the Sydney Olympics on TV ignited a fire in me to become an Olympian, and that sense of possibility is something we want to bring to these clinics and community engagements. We’ve walked in these young people’s shoes and followed the same pathway they are beginning to take toward achieving their dreams. To have Olympians on their doorstep, sharing experiences, teaching, and connecting, will show them firsthand that anything is possible, especially with Brisbane 2032 around the corner.” Madgen said.
Educational programs will also provide pathways for coaches, referees, and officials, including a Referee Leadership Program led by WNBL Head of Referees Carolyn Tsakalos, designed to develop leadership and officiating skills in the region. This combination of elite-level basketball and grassroots programs ensures the Tip-Off leaves a legacy for Townsville and surrounding regions.
The Tip-Off will feature eight high-intensity games across three days, including:
26 September, Friday Frenzy:
- 5pm – Perth Lynx vs Jayco Southside Melbourne Flyers
- 7pm – Adelaide Lightning vs Bendigo Spirit
27 September, Saturday Spectacular:
- 2pm – Geelong Venom vs University of Canberra Capitals
- 4pm – Townsville Fire vs Sydney Flames
- 6pm – Jayco Southside Melbourne Flyers vs Adelaide Lightning
28 September, Sunday Funday:
- 10am – Perth Lynx vs University of Canberra Capitals
- 12pm – Bendigo Spirit vs Sydney Flames
- 2pm – Townsville Fire vs Geelong Venom
