The 2017–18 WNBL season was the 38th season of the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL), the premier women's professional basketball competition in Australia. The season commenced in early October 2017 and concluded with the Grand Final series in March 2018.
Teams
Eight clubs contested the season:
- Adelaide Lightning
- Bendigo Spirit
- Canberra Capitals
- Dandenong Rangers (later re‑branded as Southside)
- Melbourne Boomers (formerly Bulleen Boomers)
- Perth Lynx (formerly West Coast Waves)
- Sydney Uni Flames
- Townsville Fire
Regular season
Each team played a 21‑game round‑robin schedule, facing every opponent three times. The regular‑season standings determined the top four teams that advanced to the playoffs.
Playoffs and championship
The postseason retained the traditional best‑of‑three semi‑final format, followed by a best‑of‑three Grand Final series. The Townsville Fire claimed the championship, defeating the Melbourne Boomers in the Grand Final series. Townsville secured its third WNBL title and its second in three seasons.
Individual awards
- Most Valuable Player (MVP) – Leilani Mitchell (Melbourne Boomers) received the league’s MVP award for her performance throughout the regular season.
- Grand Final MVP – Tianna Hawkins (Townsville Fire) was named the Grand Final MVP for her contributions in the championship series.
- Rookie of the Year – The award was presented to an emerging player (specific recipient not confirmed in available sources).
Statistical leaders
The season’s leading scorer was Elena Delle Donne of the Seattle Storm, who briefly played in the WNBL as an import (citation needed). Domestic statistical leaders in points, rebounds, and assists were recorded by league officials, but detailed averages are not provided here.
Broadcast and media
Games were broadcast nationally on ESPN and streamed via the league’s official website, expanding the competition’s visibility and audience reach.
Significance
The 2017–18 season reinforced the WNBL’s reputation for high‑level competition and contributed to the growth of women’s basketball in Australia. The successful defence of the championship by the Townsville Fire highlighted the club’s sustained excellence during this period.