The University of Melbourne Claim First-Ever New Balance UBL Women’s Championship 

More than 60 games across six states brought the 2026 New Balance University Basketball League (UBL) Women’s competition to a historic conclusion, with The University of Melbourne crowned champions for the first time in their history in the UBL.  

One of the UBL’s founding members in 2021, Melbourne secured its maiden women’s title with a 55-76 Grand Final victory over the AU Waatu (Adelaide University).  

In a first for the UBL, the Grand Final match was streamed live and free on 7plus, marking a significant milestone in the competition’s six-year history.

Gold Medal Match – The University of Melbourne Crowned UBL Women’s Champions 

Hosted by Adelaide University at Pridham Hall, the Women’s Gold Medal Match saw the AU Waatu take on The University of Melbourne in front of a strong home crowd, with the venue turning purple in support of the Adelaide side. 

Melbourne, regarded as one of the competition’s strongest defensive teams, put that into play and started with intent, putting Adelaide on the back foot early to establish a 9-20 lead in the opening quarter.  

They maintained their advantage through the second quarter, heading into half-time 25-35 and leaving Adelaide with work to do after the break. 

The AU Waatu returned with renewed intensity in the third quarter, limiting Melbourne’s second chance scoring opportunities and working to close the gap. However, Melbourne held firm, taking a 45-54 advantage into the final quarter. 

With the title within reach, Melbourne lifted again in the closing period, extending their lead to secure a 55-76 victory and claim their first-ever UBL Women’s championship. 

Following the win in a post-match interview, Melbourne’s Victoria Poulos (Doctor of Physiotherapy) said the team’s connection and shared purpose helped make the result possible. 

“We are all so excited, we love each other so much and I feel like we came into the game with such good vibes and we played for each other today,” she said. 

Victoria also highlighted the team-first mentality that had carried Melbourne through the season. 

“We all show up to training, we play for each other no one plays for themselves, and everyone is trying to get each other a score,” she said. 

She also thanked those supporting the team from home, looking forward to celebrating the win together when the team returned to Melbourne.  

For Adelaide University, the Grand Final marked a significant milestone in a new era following the institution’s merger. The AU Waatu reached the decider for the first time, finishing the season as silver medallists. 

Bronze Medal Match – University of Tasmania Take Third 

The bronze medal match between La Trobe University and University of Tasmania (UTAS) delivered another closely contested game, with the teams locked at 29-all at the end of the opening quarter. 

UTAS edged ahead before half-time, but La Trobe responded to take a one-point lead into the final quarter, setting up a tense finish with a place on the podium still to be decided. 

UTAS held their nerve under pressure in the closing stages, finding a way through to secure a 78-87 victory and finish the 2026 UBL Women’s competition with the bronze medal.

New Balance UBL Women’s 2026 MVP 

University of Newcastle’s Charlotte Cougle (Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Honours) was named the 2026 New Balance UBL Women’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) after a standout individual season. 

Charlotte averaged more than 20 points, five assists and 12 rebounds per game, finishing at the top of the MVP voting with 25 votes. 

Adelaide University’s Terran Wright (Bachelor of Communications) finished second with 21 votes, and UTAS’ Sharna Thompson (Bachelor of Education, Primary), placed third with 19 votes. 

UniSport Australia would like to congratulate The University of Melbourne on claiming their maiden UBL Women’s title, the AU Waatu on finishing as silver medallists, and UTAS on securing bronze.  

Congratulations also go to La Trobe University on their Semi Final appearance, and Charlotte Cougle on being named the 2026 UBL Women’s MVP. 

UniSport also extends its thanks to Adelaide University for hosting the women’s Semi Finals, Bronze Medal Match and Grand Final, helping bring the 2026 UBL Women’s competition to a close. 

With the women’s competition now complete and a new champion crowned, attention turns to the Men’s Semi Finals and Grand Final as the 2026 UBL season approaches its conclusion. 

Watch the Men’s UBL Grand Final live and free, only on 7plus, Tuesday 20 October 7pm AEDT. Sign up for 7plus today.