Grand Final Game One Preview

WHERE: Townsville Entertainment Centre, Townsville
WHEN:  Thursday 26February, 2026
TIME: 4pm AWST
WATCH: 9NOW and ESPN

The Perth Lynx are preparing for the big stage this week as they travel to Townsville to take on the Fire in the first match of the WNBL26 Championship Series.

After knocking reigning Champions Bendigo Spirit out of the running in a 2-0 sweep of their Semi Final Series, the Lynx will now bring their all to the Townsville court.

Putting on a match winning display in Bendigo last Tuesday, Chinese superstar Han Xu (25 points, 13 rebounds) and WNBL26 rebounds leader Anneli Maley (22 points, 14 rebounds) defended their first semi-final victory, pushing the Lynx in front to secure their team's sport in the Championship Series.

The Fire, who were pushed to a third and deciding Semi Final game by the eager South Melbourne Flyers secured their spot in the Championship match by only 10 points (84-74), with Courtney Woods (19 points) and Miela Sowah (18 points) combining to push the squad in front at the final buzzer.

A career-best match for the Fire’s Alicia Froling - with 26 points and nine rebounds - will see Thursday’s game host a fierce contest, as the fight to claim the title of WNBL26 Champion truly ramps up.