Source : ABC NEWS
Izzy Borlase has been rewarded for her stellar season with the Bendigo Spirit, signing a rookie-scale contract with WNBA side Atlanta Dream.
The 21-year-old inked the deal after averaging 22.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists for the Spirit on her way to earning the WNBL’s MVP award — the youngest winner in more than a decade.
Borlase’s WNBA contract comes after she was drafted by the Dream in 2024, but didn’t take the court.
Since then, she has had multiple stints with the Opals, including helping Australia to win gold at the 2025 Asian Cup.
“Isobel is one of the most promising young guards in the international game, and her growth over the past year has been exceptional,” Dream general manager Dan Padover said.
“She brings scoring ability, versatility, and a competitive edge that fits what we are building here in Atlanta.”
Elsewhere, Australian sharpshooter Sami Whitcomb reportedly signed a $US1.4 million ($2 million) two-year deal with the Phoenix Mercury, after she helped the Arizona-based side to the league’s grand final last season.
And fellow Opals guard Jade Melbourne, inked a reported $US500,000 ($712,000) deal with the Seattle Storm after spending the last two seasons with the Washington Mystics.
Opals guard Jade Melbourne (right) is set to join the Seattle Storm next season. (AP: Mark J Terrill)
It comes after Seattle drafted the UC Capitals star in 2022, where she later became one of the youngest athletes to play in the league in 2023.
“She’s a young, dynamic playmaker with a high basketball IQ who can impact the game in multiple ways,” Storm general manager Talisa Rhea said.
“Jade’s growth and experience in international competition continue to elevate her game, and we’re excited for the energy she’ll bring to our team this season.”
She will join Ezi Magbegor, who re-signed with Seattle after reportedly being offered a $US1.4 million ($2 million) contract.
Ezi Magbegor (left) remains with the Storm after re-signing on a new deal. (Getty Images: Gregory Shamus)
Elsewhere, Southside Melbourne Flyers’ Maddy Rocci signed a training contract with the Toronto Tempo, while sharp shooter Miela Sowah also received a training contract with Golden State Valkyries.
Ally Wilson inked a training contract with Washington after earning a spot on the All-WNBL first team last season, while her Perth Lynx teammate Anneli Maley signed a training camp deal with the New York Liberty.
The flurry of signings comes as teams scramble to strike deals with players during the WNBA free agency period, ahead of the league’s draft on Tuesday (AEST) and season start in May.
It also comes after Tasmanian Alanna Smith signed a $US3.68 million ($5.2 million) contract with the Dallas Wings a day earlier, making it the richest contract ever signed by an Australian woman in team sport.
AAP
