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WNBL change Perth Lynx fixture but say they’re not going to be left to fend for themselves

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Craig O'DonoghueThe West Australian
Lynx star Darcee Garbin played her first season back in Perth on the road and she’ll spend a chunk of 2022 doing the same thing.
Camera IconLynx star Darcee Garbin played her first season back in Perth on the road and she’ll spend a chunk of 2022 doing the same thing. Credit: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The WNBL are confident of securing a permanent interstate base for the Perth Lynx and guaranteed they won’t be out of pocket after WA’s border closures forced the league to delay the team’s start to the season and relocate them for seven weeks.

With the season starting next week and WA’s border closed to most teams, the WNBL released a revised fixture on Wednesday.

Perth won’t start playing until January 2, won’t host games in WA until February 20 and have been scheduled for only six matches at the Bendat Basketball Centre. They will be required to play home games against Townsville, Canberra and Bendigo in the eastern states, but those venues are yet to confirmed.

WNBL Executive General Manager Paul Maley said those games would be played at the same location as part of a deal which will ensure the club doesn’t lose money.

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Perth Lynx coach Ryan Petrik will have a packed schedule after a delayed start to the season.
Camera IconPerth Lynx coach Ryan Petrik will have a packed schedule after a delayed start to the season. Credit: Nic Ellis/The West Australian

“We are in discussions with a few different states around relocating them,” Maley said.

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“We’re fairly confident of having a temporary home for them instead of them travelling from venue to venue.

“Our plans include covering all of their costs while they’re on the road and there is potential for revenue from the gate for them.”

The league has ruled out changing the fixture if WA’s borders open earlier than expected and Maley said the WNBL was aware that quarantine could still be required if the border opening is delayed beyond Perth’s return date.

Basketball WA only took over the licence from the Perth Wildcats last season and Lynx fans didn’t get to see their team playing live given the competition was played in a Queensland hub.

Perth Lynx won’t play a home game until February 20.
Camera IconPerth Lynx won’t play a home game until February 20. Credit: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Lynx General Manager Brent Dawkins was confident the team could handle the fixture challenges.

“Our playing group will relish the opportunity to play anywhere and any time and are looking forward to our first game against Adelaide,” he said.

PERTH LYNX REVISED FIXTURE

Sunday January 2 v Adelaide Lightning at the Lights Community and Sports Centre (SA)

Thursday January 6 v Southside Flyers at Dandenong Stadium (VIC)

Saturday January 8 v Sydney Uni Flames at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium (VIC)

Friday January 14 v Bendigo Spirit at Bendigo Stadium (VIC)

Sunday January 15 v Townsville Fire at TBC

Wednesday January 19 v Canberra Capitals at TBC

Sunday January 23 v Sydney Uni Flames at QUDOS Bank Arena (NSW)

Thursday January 27 v Southside Flyers at Dandenong Stadium (VIC)

Saturday January 29 v Bendigo at TBC

Sunday February 6 v Melbourne Boomers at Melbourne Sports Centre (VIC)

Thursday February 17 v Adelaide Lightning at the Lights Community and Sports Centre (SA)

Sunday February 20 v Southside Flyers at Bendat Basketball Centre (WA)

Wednesday February 23 v Adelaide Lightning at Bendat Basketball Centre (WA)

Sunday February 27 v Canberra Capitals at National Convention Centre (ACT)

Thursday March 3 v Melbourne Boomers at Bendat Basketball Centre (WA)

Saturday March 5 v Melbourne Boomers at Bendat Basketball Centre (WA)

Friday March 11 v Canberra Capitals at Bendat Basketball Centre (WA)

Thursday March 17 v Townsville Fire at Townsville Entertainment Centre (QLD)

Thursday March 24 v Sydney Uni Flames at Bendat Basketball Centre (WA)

Saturday March 26 v Bendigo Spirit at Bendigo at Bendigo Stadium (VIC)

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