Jade Melbourne is preparing for her third WNBA season, now with the Washington Mystics, after being traded from the Seattle Storm. She has been in preseason training camp for three weeks, adjusting to a team with significant off-season changes in players and coaching staff. Melbourne is enthusiastic about the team's direction and the people she's working with.

In preseason games, Melbourne averaged 22 minutes and observed that the Mystics are developing a fast-paced style of play. She emphasizes the team's combination of athleticism and basketball IQ, which she believes will lead to an exciting and free-flowing game.

Melbourne aims to improve her consistency and contribute to the team's success, building on her previous season's performance. The Mystics narrowly missed the playoffs last season, finishing 9th overall, and are determined to contend for their second championship, having won their first in 2019.

The WNBA has seen considerable player movement, resulting in many teams with new rosters. Melbourne acknowledges the challenge each team presents and is particularly looking forward to games against fellow Australian players. This season, six other Australians have secured roster spots across the league, and Melbourne is joined in Washington D.C. by fellow Victorian, Georgia Amoore, who was drafted to the Mystics but is unfortunately sidelined due to an ACL injury sustained during training camp. Canberra alum, Brittney Sykes, will also be playing alongside Melbourne.

The Mystics will commence their WNBA season with a home game against the Atlanta Dream on Saturday, May 17, at 9:30am AEST. The WNBA comprises 13 teams, including the reigning champions, the New York Liberty, coached by Australian Opals Head Coach Sandy Brondello, and the newest expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries. Several Australian players are spread across the league, including Bec Allen with the Chicago Sky, Alanna Smith with the Minnesota Lynx, and Ezi Magbegor with the Seattle Storm.

The WNBA regular season runs from May 16 to September 11, with the top eight teams advancing to the playoffs. The Mystics will play 44 regular season games, split evenly between home and away. Most home games will be held at the CareFirst Arena in Washington D.C., with select games at EagleBank Arena in Virginia and CFG Bank Arena in Maryland.

For Australian fans, a WNBA League Pass subscription offers comprehensive coverage of the season, including live games and replays. The WNBA also provides a free League Pass preview for select early-season games. Additionally, Kayo Sports streams a selection of WNBA games through ESPN, and Prime Video broadcasts exclusive games.