WNBL MVP Izzy Borlase has officially joined the Atlanta Dream after signing a new contract during the WNBA’s free agency period.
Borlase, who was selected by the Dream in 2024, has spent the past two years competing in the WNBL with the Adelaide Lightning and Bendigo Spirit.
Other notable Opals players, including Sami Whitcomb, Jade Melbourne, and Ezi Magbegor, have also secured new contracts.
Following an impressive season with the Bendigo Spirit, where she averaged 22.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, Borlase has signed a rookie-scale deal with the Atlanta Dream, becoming the youngest WNBL MVP in over a decade.
Though she was drafted by the Dream in 2024, Borlase had yet to take the court in the WNBA. During her time away, she gained valuable experience with the Opals, contributing to Australia’s gold medal victory at the 2025 Asian Cup.
Dan Padover, the general manager of the Dream, praised Borlase’s potential, stating, “Isobel is among the most promising young guards in the international arena, and her development over the past year has been remarkable. She offers scoring prowess, versatility, and a competitive spirit that aligns with our vision in Atlanta.”
In other news, Australian shooter Sami Whitcomb has reportedly signed a two-year contract worth $US1.4 million ($2 million) with the Phoenix Mercury after playing a pivotal role in the team’s run to the league’s finals last season.
Jade Melbourne, another Opals guard, has secured a reported $US500,000 ($712,000) deal with the Seattle Storm after spending the previous two seasons with the Washington Mystics. Seattle originally drafted Melbourne in 2022, and she quickly became one of the youngest players to compete in the league in 2023.
Talisa Rhea, the general manager of the Storm, commented on Melbourne’s abilities, saying, “She’s a dynamic and youthful playmaker with a strong basketball intelligence who can influence the game in various ways. Jade’s experience in international play continues to enhance her skill set, and we are eager to see the energy she brings to our team this season.”
Melbourne will be joining Ezi Magbegor, who has also re-signed with Seattle for a reported $US1.4 million ($2 million) contract.
Additionally, Maddy Rocci from the Southside Melbourne Flyers has signed a training contract with the Toronto Tempo, while Miela Sowah has also secured a training deal with the Golden State Valkyries.
Ally Wilson has inked a training contract with Washington after being named to the All-WNBL first team last season, and her Perth Lynx teammate Anneli Maley has signed a training camp agreement with the New York Liberty.
This wave of signings comes as teams are actively finalizing contracts during the WNBA free agency period, ahead of the league’s draft scheduled for Tuesday (AEST) and the season kickoff in May.
Notably, Tasmanian player Alanna Smith made headlines recently by signing a $US3.68 million ($5.2 million) contract with the Dallas Wings, marking the largest contract ever awarded to an Australian woman in team sports.
