The Sydney Flames have pulled off a major coup by signing reigning WNBL MVP Cayla George on a three-year contract.
George's devastating form for the Melbourne Boomers in the 2022/23 campaign earned her a deal with the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, and the sought-after centre will now return to Australia to link up with the Flames.
The 34-year-old joins Opals captain Tess Madgen in committing to the Flames, who are hoping to put the acrimonious exit of coach Shane Heal behind them and chart a course up the ladder.
"Coming to Sydney, at this stage of my career, just felt right, especially getting the chance to play alongside Tess," George said.
“We’re both extremely excited to have the chance to play elite-level basketball together again in the WNBL."
George, a four-time WNBL champion, was a member of the Opals' bronze-medal winning World Cup campaign last year and hopes to use her stint with the Flames to limber up for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
She has been selected for the Opals' last two Olympic campaigns, both of which ended in the quarter-finals.
"A big part of my decision was also based on what would give me the best preparation for selection for the Paris Olympic Games next year, to ensure I’m continuing to get better every time I step on the court and continuing to grow as a leader," George said.
George is locked in with the Flames for at least two years, with the third year of her deal a mutual option.
She and Madgen join Lauren Nicholson, Kiera Rowe and Emma Clarke on the Flames' roster for the new season, which begins in November.
