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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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