Canberra Capitals Lock in Coach Paul Goriss with Major Contract Extension
The Canberra Capitals have made a significant strategic move ahead of the free-agent period, securing coach Paul Goriss with a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the helm until at least the end of the 2027-28 season. This re-signing coup represents a strong vote of confidence in Goriss, who returned to the club two years ago and has been steadily rebuilding the program.
Goriss's Vision for Capitals Success
Paul Goriss, a two-time championship-winning mentor who guided the Capitals to back-to-back titles in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, expressed his commitment to the club and city. "I'm excited and grateful to the club for the contract extension. This is the club and the city where I want to be coaching - this is home for me," Goriss stated.
Capitals general manager Christy Collier-Hill emphasised the importance of continuity, saying, "We believe in his vision and leadership in our pursuit of our 10th WNBL championship. Goz has laid an incredible foundation for this club over the past two seasons, and we look forward to keep building on it."
Under Goriss's guidance this season, the Capitals came close to a playoffs return, achieving their best result in several years though falling just short of a top-four finish. The coach outlined clear ambitions for the future: "The goal is to be a top 4 team every year and competing for a championship. That's what I want, that's what the players want, that's what our fans and sponsors want."
WNBL Faces Growing Competition from Overseas Leagues
Despite the positive news for Canberra, Goriss issued a stark warning about challenges facing the entire WNBL competition. The league confronts a potential player exodus as overseas opportunities become increasingly attractive to Australian talent.
"It is a real challenge for the league and basketball here right now," Goriss cautioned. "I know the league needs and wants to grow ... but there are some things that we really need to sit and think about for the future."
Several factors contribute to this concern:
- The WNBA is negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement expected to deliver significant pay increases
- Emerging competitions like Unrivaled (3v3) and Project B offer alternative opportunities
- The Chinese domestic competition continues to attract top Australian players
- Player burnout concerns with overlapping WNBA and WNBL seasons
Player Perspectives on the WNBL Future
Adelaide Lightning and New York Liberty forward Steph Talbot has previously expressed concerns that young players may not return to Australia if they secure lucrative contracts overseas. This sentiment reflects broader anxieties about the WNBL's ability to retain marquee talent.
Opals star Jade Melbourne, who played for both the Washington Mystics in the WNBA and Canberra Capitals this season, acknowledged the physical toll of competing in both leagues. "Obviously we don't know what's going to happen, and only time will tell," Melbourne said regarding her future WNBL participation.
Another Opals representative, Sara Blicavs, has already moved to the Chinese domestic competition this season, illustrating the draw of international opportunities.
League Response and Planning
WNBL general managers have been meeting to discuss these challenges, though solutions remain uncertain while WNBA CBA negotiations continue. Goriss noted, "There's not much that we can do right now other than throw some different scenarios together and come up with a plan."
The Canberra Capitals' decision to extend Goriss's contract demonstrates their commitment to stability and long-term planning despite these league-wide uncertainties. As the club builds toward championship contention, they must navigate a changing landscape where retaining top Australian talent becomes increasingly competitive.
