The Canberra Capitals' terrible recruiting luck has finally taken a turn for the better, with the club poised to sign former WNBA All-Star Renee Montgomery.
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Fairfax Media understands the Capitals will announce as early as Wednesday they've beaten European rivals for the Minnesota Lynx point guard's signature.
It is understood money from a sponsor has helped the club bridge the gap between the more lucrative deals on offer in Europe.
The signing is a huge relief for the Capitals, who have nine other players signed two-and-half weeks out from WNBL season tip-off.
Belgian centre Ann Wauters also reneged on her contract due to family reasons but Montgomery, who played in the 2011 WNBA All-Star game, will add more class to an already strong perimeter line-up.
The WNBL's shorter schedule compared to those in Europe means it has become an attractive proposition for WNBA players in recent times.
The 28-year-old was selected by the Lynx as the fourth overall pick in the 2009 WNBA draft, after leading the University of Connecticut Huskies to the national championship.
She began a five-year WNBA stint with Connecticut Suns in 2010, before she was traded to the Lynx by Seattle Storm midway through this season.
Montgomery is currently playing in the WNBA playoffs with the Lynx, whose first round three-game series with LA Sparks is locked at 1-all.
The 170cm playmaker averages 10.2 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in her six seasons in the WNBA, and will be backed up by young Capitals point guards Allice Coddington and Abi Wehrung.
Montgomery has primarily filled a bench role for the Lynx and is known for her speed, ability to create for herself and her teammates and creating havoc defensively with her long arms.
She won the WNBA's sixth women of the year award in 2012.
The Capitals will begin their pre-season schedule with three matches against new WNBL franchise South-East Queensland Stars.
The fixtures on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday in Queensland will mark the return of former player Rebecca Haynes, who was part of the Canberra side which made the 2010-11 grand final.
However star centre Lauren Jackson will not make the trip as she continues her rehabilitation from knee surgery.
The club is happy with her progress and it is understood the 34-year-old is on track to return early in the season.
