Bendigo Spirit is thrilled to announce the signing of Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star, Megan McConnell, for the upcoming Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) 2025-26 season.
McConnell’s commitment to the club marks the Spirit’s first import of the season, selecting Bendigo as her home for the next year upon her WNBA free agency.
Coming from a family with a strong basketball pedigree – her brother T.J currently plays for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA - the talented young guard begun her career playing college basketball for the Duquense Dukes. McConnell became an all-time leader in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1, with 660 assists, 370 steals and four triple-doubles, all achieved over 144 games. In both 2024 and 2025, McConnell also made the First All Atlantic 10 Team.
The 23-year-old's professional career launched with the Pheonix Mercury in the WNBA earlier this season. In her debut, she recorded three points, three assists, and one steal in 13 minutes before leaving the game with a knee injury. The injury saw her sidelined for the remainder of the season, with her contract with the Mercury being waived in June of this year. However, after rehabbing her knee injury, McConnell is now back training on court, and will be at full strength by the time she arrives in Bendigo.
The up-and-coming dynamic player - described by Dusquesne Head Coach, Dan Burt, as ‘the best player [he has] ever coached’, McConnell is set to be a hugely advantageous asset to hit the court alongside the Spirit. As one of only two players in the NCAA Division 1 to have achieved multiple triple-doubles, McConnell’s sharp shooting and composure is set to further enhance the Spirit’s game.
McConnell reflected on her decision to sign with the Spirit for the upcoming season.
“I’m so excited to experience a new world of basketball in the WNBL,” McConnell said. “My time at the Pheonix - although short - was really exciting and eye-opening at the same time. I’m excited to get to Australia and Bendigo, meet the players and the coaches, and contribute to the team in whatever way I can this season.”
Spirit General Manager, Dan Jackson, shared his enthusiasm on McConnell’s signing.
“As a club, we are absolutely thrilled to have Megan join us,” he said. “Her youth and expert-level talent will be absolutely pivotal in building on last season’s success, and we’re hoping she’ll be a bit of a wildcard for us as we embark on our Championship defence.”
The American import joins Isobel Borlase, Kelsey Griffin, Olivia Pollerd, Kelsey Rees, Casey Samuels, Micah Simpson, Marianna Tolo and Abbey Wehrung as players currently signed to the Spirit roster for the 2025-26 WNBL season.
Fuel the Spirit as they prepare to defend their WNBL Championship! Join the team with a membership - memberships for kids aged 5 to 14 are free!
Written by Abby Crozier
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