Opals star Jade Melbourne will soon be back in Victoria, having joined WNBL club Bendigo Spirit.
Melbourne, who is among the league's biggest names and was part of Australia's team that captured a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics, has spent six seasons in Canberra with the UC Capitals.
The 23-year-old will now link up with the Spirit, pending WNBL review and approval of the most notable free agent departure of this off-season.
Melbourne hails from the Victorian town of Traralgon, while she has had WNBA stints with Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics.
"Coming back to Victoria means so much to me," Melbourne said in a statement.
"I grew up there and it's where my basketball journey started, so to now represent the Spirit and play in front of that community is really special.
"The vision of the club really resonated with me - being part of a team that represents all of regional Victoria and connects with so many communities is something I'm incredibly proud to be joining."
Bendigo were eliminated in the semi-finals of the 2025-26 season.
The Spirit's upcoming WNBL campaign begins with a pre-season tournament in Townsville on September 17-20.
Bendigo general manager Dan Jackson described Melbourne, who was crowned FIBA Rising Star of the tournament at Paris 2024, as one of the most "exciting players in Australian basketball".
"Just as importantly, Jade's story reflects exactly what we stand for as regional Victoria's team. She's a product of Gippsland and regional pathways," Jackson said.
"Now she'll be inspiring the next generation by playing in those same communities."
