Newcastle Eagles are thrilled to announce the return of 5’11” power forward Jada Dapaa for the 2025/26 season.

Dapaa who had a short but successful stint with Newcastle in the 2023/24 is back in Toon with unfinished business in the black and white.

Quickly becoming a fan-favourite in her time with the club, Dappa played a huge part in the Eagles’ run to the then WBBL Play-Off Final back in May 2024.


Jada Dapaa pulled-off an MVP performance to take our Eagles through to the 2024 Play-Off Final with a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds with 3 assists, 3 steals and 1 block away at Caledonia. (Photos: Gary Forster)

The America’s put in crucial performances in the two-point wins at Sheffield and Caledonia on the road to The O2.

Thirteen points and nine rebounds against the Hatters to help Newcastle to the Play-Off semi-finals at Caledonia where Dapaa went a step further. This time 22 points and 11 rebounds helped her side earn a crack at London Lions.

Sadly, Dapaa ruptured her Achillies in practice shortly before that showpiece game and was restricted to a supporting brief from the bench, but she’s now back fit and ready to return to the Eagles roster.


“I’m really excited be back in Newcastle. I can’t wait to get to work and see what we can do this season”, said Dapaa

“It’s always nice being back somewhere that feels familiar and is filled with good people, especially after injury.

“I can’t wait to return to court and get to work in Newcastle.”

Dapaa arrived in Newcastle in February 2024 and immediately showed why the Eagles had been keen to recruit her with strong performances at both ends of the court.


Having played alongside the former Fordham University graduate, Eagles player-coach Chloe Gaynor knows very well what her contribution to the programme will be.

“Returning Jada was an absolute priority for us this off-season”, said Gaynor.

“She was crucial in the Play-Off run two seasons ago before her injury, and we’ve all seen how her energy, hard work and grit can impact winning.

“Jada’s leadership on court and character makes teams better and we will certainly be leaning on her to lead from the front with regards to our culture.

“I’m excited for her to get the chance to return to the Vertu Arena and play in front of our fans again.”

If Dapaa’s can reproduce her final Eagles statistics of 2024 when she averaged 15.3 points and 9 rebounds a game then her re-signing will be seen as a real coup for the franchise and an exciting looking Women’s roster for the 2025/26 SLB season.

Jada will run out on the Eagles home-court once again tomorrow night at the club’s annual launch night and tickets are still available on the box office.