The 'Tasmania Jewels' were on Monday confirmed to be the next incoming team of the WNBL, joining NBL side Tasmania JackJumpers under the same ownership after the Apple Isle was awarded the league's first expansion licence since the ill-fated South East Queensland Stars in 2015/16.
The outstanding success of the JackJumpers since their 2021/22 inauguration, including playoffs appearances in each of their first three seasons, has sparked a growth in basketball participation numbers in the state that Basketball Australia hopes will now inspire the next generation of young Tasmanian girls and women to take up the sport.
“Tasmania is the Jewel in the crown of Australia and now the Jewel in the crown of the Queen Ant, and a force to be reckoned with in the WNBL," said new Tasmania Jewels CEO Christine Finnegan.
“We’re incredibly proud to launch a brand that we believe represents the unique beauty of the state of Tasmania and the unbreakable resilience of our team and our community."
The Jewels, who are set to enter the competition in 2026/27, will be owned by asset management firm Altor Capital, who this year bought a controlling stake in the JackJumpers.
The club will wear the state colours of forest green and mandible yellow, sported by the JackJumpers as well as the incoming men's AFL team.
Hobart-born Minnesota Lynx and Opals star Alanna Smith spoke of her immense pride at being an official ambassador for the new franchise.
"I’m incredibly honoured to become an ambassador for the Tasmania Jewels,” Smith said in a press release.
“It’s so special to now have a WNBL team in my home state and I’m excited to help champion the team, connect with young players, and be part of building something meaningful for women’s sport in the state.”
Finnegan said that, whilst she has dreams of Smith one day pulling on a Jewels jersey in the twilight years of her career, the 29-year-old will "play a key role in inspiring participation, empowering young women, and elevating the profile of our club across Tasmania and beyond."