What happened: The WNBL announced that the Townsville Tip Off will return for the WNBL27 season, with the Townsville Fire hosting the entire league in Far North Queensland. The reigning champions will welcome every club to North Queensland for the season-opening event, with tickets now on sale.

Why it matters: Anchoring a league-wide opener in Townsville cements the city as a marquee WNBL host and rewards the Fire's run to last season's title. It also hands the defending champions a home stage to begin their title defense in front of a local crowd.

What to watch: Watch for the WNBL27 schedule release and confirmation of which clubs travel to Townsville for the Tip Off, plus how the Fire open their title defense.