The Tasmania Jewels will launch their inaugural Women’s National Basketball League season at home against Geelong Venom on October 15 after the league released its 2026-27 schedule.
The expansion side will play 11 home games during the 24-game season, with six at MyState Bank Arena in Hobart and five at the Silverdome in Launceston.
The Jewels become Tasmania’s first team in the Women’s National Basketball League and the state’s second national basketball franchise alongside the JackJumpers.
The first northern home game is set for round three against Sydney Flames on October 31.
Coach Claudia Brassard said excitement was building ahead of the club’s historic debut.
“In just over 100 days Tasmanians can watch and cheer for their very own Tasmania Jewels in a WNBL season opening match right here at home,” Brassard said.
“To be able to share this milestone moment, this part of history, with a home crowd is the stuff of dreams.”
“Tasmanians are really getting behind the Jewels, and we can’t wait to suit up and get out there and play for every Tasmanian, especially young Tasmanians, to build something bigger than basketball.”
Brassard said three roster spots and two import positions were still to be filled.
“We’re here to win and we’re building a team to do that for Tasmania,” she said.
“We have two Opals in Steph Reid and Darcee Garbin, the incredible force of Keely Froling, home-grown-hero Taylor Mole, rising star Katie Deeble and a talent-packed group of Development players.”
Brassard said the Jewels hoped to draw on Tasmania’s passionate basketball fan base, known as the Ant Army, which has already helped lift the JackJumpers in the NBL.
Memberships go on sale on July 14.
The season includes an Indigenous Round, Mental Health Round, Pride Round and HoopsFest in Perth.
Every game will be available to watch live and free on Nine Now, live on ESPN via Disney+ and streamed through the WNBL website and app.
