The Perth Lynx have etched their name into the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) history books, not just with a win, but by playing in front of the largest crowd the league has ever seen. A staggering 11,104 fans packed into RAC Arena on Saturday night, creating an electric atmosphere that propelled the home team to a commanding 96-68 victory over the Adelaide Lightning.
A Historic Night for Women's Sport in Perth
The previous WNBL attendance record of 9,026 was set in 2018 during a game between the Southside Flyers and Melbourne Boomers at Melbourne Arena. The Lynx, in partnership with the Perth Wildcats, smashed that figure, showcasing the surging popularity of women's basketball in Western Australia. The event was a double-header, following a Wildcats NBL game, a strategy that successfully drew a massive and passionate crowd to support both teams.
The record-breaking attendance is a monumental achievement for the sport. It sends a powerful message about the commercial viability and fan appeal of the WNBL, setting a new benchmark for the league nationwide. The deafening roar of the crowd provided an unforgettable backdrop for the players, who delivered a performance worthy of the occasion.
Star-Studded Performance Seals the Win
On the court, the Lynx put on a show for their historic audience. The team's international star, Chinese centre Han Xu, was a dominant force, finishing with a game-high 20 points. Her presence in the paint was overwhelming for the Lightning defence.
She was brilliantly supported by local guard Amy Atwell, who caught fire from beyond the arc. Atwell drained six three-pointers on her way to 18 points, her shooting sparking key runs that broke the game open. The league's reigning MVP, Anneli Maleydouble-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds.
Another standout was guard Alex Ciabattoni, who provided a huge spark off the bench. Ciabattoni scored 15 points and dished out 6 assists, her energy and playmaking proving crucial in maintaining the Lynx's momentum throughout the contest.
Building Momentum for the Future
This historic night represents more than just a single win or a record number in an attendance column. It is a watershed moment for the Perth Lynx franchise and for women's professional sport in the state. The successful double-header model with the Wildcats demonstrates a powerful pathway for growing the fanbase and commercial profile of the WNBL team.
The performance of the team, led by its mix of international talent and homegrown stars, gives fans a compelling product to rally behind. With the momentum from this record-breaking game, the Lynx have solidified their position as a major player in the Perth sporting landscape. The challenge now is to harness this incredible energy and support to build a sustainable, successful future that continues to attract thousands of fans to RAC Arena.
The victory improves the Lynx's standing in the WNBL as they continue their push for the postseason. However, the lasting legacy of this night will be the image of over 11,000 fans celebrating women's basketball, proving that the appetite for elite female sport in Perth is stronger than ever.
