'Real challenge': Goriss warns of WNBL player exodus

Capitals coach Paul Goriss says the WNBL needs to consider how it can keep its marquee players. Photo: Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS

The future of the WNBL is under threat unless the league addresses issues clouding its star players, UC Capitals coach Paul Goriss warns.

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In the US, the WNBA is in negotiations for its collective bargaining agreement (CBA), where players are expected to receive a significant pay rise.

However, the looming agreement has sparked fears for the future of Australia's competition, with Adelaide Lightning and New York Liberty forward Steph Talbot previously telling AAP that young players may not return if they are making good money overseas.

Adelaide Lightning's Steph Talbot has expressed concerns about the WNBL's ability to keep players. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

With the WNBA season ending days before the Australian pre-season began, fears of player burnout also arose.

There were about 10 WNBA players who featured in the WNBL this season, including Opal Jade Melbourne, who has admitted her body felt the toll of playing in both competitions.

Goriss said the competition will need to consider how it can keep and attract its marquee players if it is to continue to function well.

"It is a real challenge for the league and basketball here right now," he said.

"I know the league needs and wants to grow ... but there are some things that we really need to sit and think about for the future.

Jade Melbourne admits it is hard work playing in both the WNBL and the WNBA. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

"It's an interesting time for the league about where we find the quality of players to fill it.

"With them (the WNBA) adding more teams, there's going to be more games, and the season is going to go longer."

Goriss also flagged there are other leagues that will compete with the WNBL, such as the 3v3 competition Unrivaled, the big-money Project B beginning in November, and the growing Chinese domestic competition, which Opal Sara Blicavs moved to earlier in the season.

He said the WNBL's general managers had been meeting to discuss the issue.

Capitals and Opals star Sara Blicavs has been playing in the Chinese domestic competition. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

The WNBA season could also be delayed by the CBA negotiations, which were meant to be finalised on October 31, but both the league and players' union have argued over revenue sharing.

"We've had discussions on what that (losing players to the WNBA) looks like moving forward, knowing that there's no time frame for the CBA arrangement," Goriss said.

"There's not much that we can do right now other than throw some different scenarios together and come up with a plan.

"She (Melbourne) has got to make the right decision for her."

Melbourne, who plays with the Washington Mystics in the WNBA, potentially played her last game for Canberra in their 76-67 win against Geelong Venom on Saturday, and didn't rule out leaving the league.

"Obviously we don't know what's going to happen, and only time will tell," she said.

"If this is my last time in a Caps jersey for a little while, I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone."

The WNBL has been contacted for comment.

Australian Associated Press