Perth Lynx have produced an extraordinary coup in their quest to finally end their championship drought, with superstar Sami Whitcomb returning to the club after signing a two-year contract.
Whitcomb is Perth’s favourite daughter after she rose from the Rockingham Flames to the WNBL and then to the WNBA. She will return home for the first time since the 2022-23 season.
A dual WNBA champion with Seattle, WNBL champion, league MVP and grand final MVP at Bendigo, Whitcomb’s resume is stacked. She has also been Australian captain, an Olympic bronze medallist, and a World Cup silver and bronze medallist.
After playing in Europe last summer, she now she has the chance to return home to the club that gave her the opportunity that paved the way for an extraordinary career and lift the Lynx to their first title since 1992.
Born and raised in California, the naturalised Australian is currently a star with Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA and signed a lucrative contract for this season.
Whitcomb’s wife and children have primarily remained based in Perth while she plays around the world. But such is the pull of home, she even played two games for Rockingham in NBL1 West during April.
Whitcomb said playing in Perth again would be extra special.
“Committing to the Lynx and being based in Perth, with my family around me, is a dream scenario,” Whitcomb said.
“It’s great to come home and join a club that I know has such a rich history, strong culture and plays really exciting basketball.
“Our roster for next season is shaping up to be really exciting, and I’m excited to link up with Ryan and the team when I get back from my time with the Mercury in the WNBA and get stuck in.”
Whitcomb has been joined by Lynx captain Anneli Maley at the Mercury for this season.
Her arrival will help to make up for the departures of star pair Ally Wilson and Amy Atwell. Perth have also recently signed Alex Ciabattoni and Nya Lok.
Whitcomb has always been a fan favourite and Lynx General Manager Chris Earl said having her back in Perth was enormous for the club.
“Sami is one of the most accomplished players in women’s basketball, so to add someone of her calibre and with her basketball IQ to the roster is a real coup for us,” Earl said.
“Her winning pedigree across multiple leagues, her experience with the Opals, and her ties to Perth make her return hugely exciting for our program and fans, and we can’t wait to see her back out on the WNBL stage in a Lynx jersey again.”
Perth finished runner-up in last season’s grand final, continuing a heartbreaking run of finals losses in recent seasons.