Bryce Cotton departs Perth Wildcats after nine seasons

Perth Wildcats legend Bryce Cotton has officially confirmed his departure from the NBL club after a decorated nine-season tenure, with the star guard expected to pursue opportunities in Japan.

The five-time NBL MVP and three-time champion announced the news via Instagram on Tuesday, expressing deep gratitude to the Red Army and the Perth community that embraced him since his arrival in 2017.

“Perth will always be home, but it’s time to say goodbye and see what else God has planned for me and my family,” Cotton wrote. “I came expecting to stay six weeks… it turned into accomplishments no other player has achieved in their first nine seasons. All glory to God.”

Cotton leaves behind a legacy unmatched in the NBL’s modern era: three championships, two Grand Final MVPs, eight All-NBL First Team selections, and a record eight scoring titles.

Odds for the 25/26 NBL season are still yet to be released with top online bookmakers.

His most recent season was arguably his best, averaging 28.1 points and delivering a jaw-dropping 59-point performance in December—the highest in the 40-minute era.

Wildcats owner Mark Arena paid tribute to the 32-year-old, calling his contributions “historic.”

“While we’re obviously disappointed Bryce won’t be continuing his career with us, we wish him nothing but the best. Bryce, his wife Rachel, and daughter will always be part of the Wildcats family,” Arena said.

Cotton is currently playing in Puerto Rico for Mets de Guaynabo, and sources suggest a return to the NBL is unlikely in the short term, with Melbourne United—long speculated as a potential suitor—not pursuing him in this free agency period.

While Cotton’s departure leaves a massive void, the Wildcats remain confident in their future, having recently re-signed key players, including Kristian Doolittle and veteran captain Jesse Wagstaff.

The club will look to further strengthen its roster when the NBL free agency window opens on April 4.

As one of the greatest to ever wear a Wildcats jersey moves on, Perth now enters a new era—one built on the foundation Cotton helped shape.

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