Ten teams will take to the court this weekend as the 2018-19 WBBL Championship gets underway with a bang.

Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters open proceedings on Saturday by welcoming Nottingham Wildcats to All Saints High School.

Helen Naylor will once again lead the hosts into battle having already secured her status as one of the league’s marquee stars.

The Great Britain international was the first WBBL player to 1000 Championship points, reaching the landmark last season.

But despite the personal success for Naylor, the 2017-18 campaign proved to be a challenging one for the Hatters who went trophyless for the first time in the league’s history.

“Reflecting on last year’s performance, there were many positives that can be taken from the season,” began Naylor.

“We finished third in a league that is continuously getting stronger every year.

“However, there was definitely some disappointment: not making it to a final or winning any silverware.

“We have made a number of new signings this offseason and we are going to be a really different team.

“The signings we have made are great and such a good fit. Everyone is so invested in the team and making each other better – we all are keen to help one another to achieve the goals we have set out and that’s something we have missed in the last few years.

“I’m sure it will take us a little while to fully get to know each other but we already have a month of practice and preseason games under our belts.

“I think this season could be one of the most exciting to date, the league continues to grow and attract high quality players and it’s for sure going to be super competitive.

“Our goal remains the same however: to get better every day, continue to push each other and to get back to competing for silverware.”

Elsewhere, BA London Lions host Oaklands Wolves prior to Manchester Mystics doing battle with Durham Palatinates.

On Sunday, Caledonia Pride opens their season against Newcastle Eagles before Essex Rebels make their league debut against last year’s Play-Offs champions – Sevenoaks Suns, to conclude the weekend’s schedule.

WBBL Fixtures Saturday

Lions v Wolves – 2:00PM

Hatters v Wildcats – 3:00PM

Mystics v Palatinates – 4:00PM

WBBL Fixtures Sunday

Pride v Eagles – 1:00PM

Rebels v Suns – 6:00PM