The Sydney Flames’ roster revamp has begun with the signing of Australian Opals captain Tess Madgen — and her bronze medal winning teammate and WNBL MVP Cayla George could be next.
Madgen, who missed most of WNBL23 season with the Melbourne Boomers through injury, joins the Flames on a two-year deal — the second a mutual option.
Sydney is also understood to be in talks to sign George, who is playing in the WNBA with the Las Vegas Aces.
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The 34-year-old centre led the Boomers to the 2022 WNBL championship and won the league MVP last season, so her signature would be a game-changer for the Flames.
For now, Madgen becomes the fourth player on Sydney’s roster, alongside Kiera Rowe, Emma Clarke and the emergent Tiana Mangakahia, while the Boomers have lost three of their four best players in the two Opals and star import Tiff Mitchell, who will play in Europe.
“I’m super excited to sign on with the Flames for the next two seasons and be a part of that elite organisation,” Madgen, who was limited to just one game last season, due to a knee injury, said.
“Everything I’ve heard from the people around Hoops Capital, as well as in the media, is positive and that they’re going about growing the game of basketball the right way.
“Not only that, but I also love the way they are trying to bridge the gap between men’s and women’s basketball – that equality aspect is important to me, and I respect the similar stance of the whole ownership group and their willingness to create change.
“I’m excited to help close that gap even further during my time in Sydney – this was one of the main draw cards for me coming to the Flames, who I believe can become the number one women’s program in the country.
“To be honest, a lot of stars aligned, and I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else and hopefully we can bring another championship back to Sydney.”
Tess will become the second Madgen to line up for the Hoops Capital organisation after older brother Ben became a fan favourite with the Kings from 2010-2015.
“Ben obviously did great things during his time with the Kings and always tells me how amazing it is to play in Sydney, so I’m excited to experience that first-hand,” said Madgen, who believes the Flames can also help her prepare perfectly for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“The Kings have always held a fond spot in my whole family’s heart because of what he was able to achieve there and hopefully I can follow in his footsteps and achieve success with the Flames.”
Madgen reunites with recently appointed Flames coach Guy Molloy, with whom she won the WNBL title at the Boomers in 2022.
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