Sheffield Hatters leading the charge, the Oaklands Wolves discovering their spark, and Manchester Basketball clinching a spot in the SLBW Cup final — just how is this season panning out?

It may be a push naming this post a ‘mid-season review’ given there are a few games left of the Super League Basketball Women (SLBW) campaign; however, the upcoming international window seems the perfect opportunity to break down what we have witnessed so far.

Are the Sheffield Hatters inevitable?

As it stands, there is little evidence to suggest that the Sheffield Hatters will not clinch every trophy that British basketball has to offer.

In terms of performances, it was a slow start to the season for the reigning SLBW Playoff champions. But there was certainly context behind this. Injuries and changes of personnel prevented Vanessa Ellis’ players from showing their true potential.

Now, with Georgia Gayle returning to full fitness and Sheffield acquiring the talented Jessica Eadsworth-Yates, this roster looks almost impossible to stop.

On the debut episode of Women’s Basketball Weekly, SLB Show member Grant Young explained that this is more than a deep roster. It is complemented by offensive brilliance, length, and most importantly, winning experience.

All of this combined is a recipe for success, and the addition of MVP candidate Megan Mullings just cements their status as favourites for silverware.

During the 2025-26 SLBW championship season, Mullings has averaged 17.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, while shooting 58% from the floor.

Success feels very much inevitable for the Sheffield Hatters.

Oaklands Wolves’ resurgence could be a storyline to watch in the postseason

It was a turbulent, but probably expected, offseason for the Oaklands Wolves. The player turnover was more than ideal for a franchise that played a stunning brand of basketball in the previous campaign.

After going 3-3 to start the year, the Wolves have found their rhythm and have sensationally improved their regular season record to 9-4 — leaving them fourth in the standings, and equal on wins with the ever-impressive Essex Rebels.

Losing a star of Sam Ashby’s quality would damage any team’s championship credentials. Nevertheless, the retention of Danielle McCray has been a vital piece of business.

McCray brings a wealth of experience and talent to this Oaklands side. The relentless forward has recorded 12.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game this season.

Additionally, Shanice Beckford-Norton has complemented her teammate to perfection, which has majorly contributed to Oaklands’ resurgence — averaging 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.

Head coach Lee Ryan will believe this roster of players is in a prime position to cause an upset when the postseason rolls around.

Manchester Basketball’s ‘home court advantage’ in the SLBW Cup Final

In reality, Manchester Basketball is not a team that will be expected to be in the conversation for SLBW Playoff champions come the end of the season.

Of course, every player will aim for silverware. The competitive drive that has led them to a professional career will not dissipate just because they have opponents who are deemed more championship-ready than themselves. In the same breath, there will be a sense of realism surrounding their targets for the season.

The fact that they have qualified for the final of the SLBW Cup will seem like an opportunity to cause a major upset, despite heading into the game as underdogs.

Manchester can boast a wealth of talent, including the exciting Frannie Hottinger. The forward is averaging 18.8 points and 7.2 rebounds, while shooting 53.3% from the floor.

However, it is not just Manchester’s roster that can allow them to spring a shock on the Sheffield Hatters, but the crowd that will surround them.

A final is perceived as a neutral venue. This is not quite the case with this matchup, as this winner-takes-all fixture will take place at the AO Arena in Manchester.

Percentages win games at the highest level, and Manchester needs to locate advantages in every nook and cranny that is available. If the team can make some big shots early, put their opponents on the back foot, and show the ‘home crowd’ that they are very much competitive in this tie, the momentum could swing in their favour for enough time to create a significant deficit.

The obvious fact to stats would be that this is not Vanessa Ellis’ first rodeo. This is a coach who has faced more scenarios than even the most creative mind could draw up for her. She will be prepared for a hostile atmosphere.

Expect Sheffield to try to quiet the crowd early in this one, as they will be aware of how a roaring Manchester crowd could affect this mammoth occasion.