Basketball Australia will induct McCully (nee Flanagan) into the rare club for women's players as the Fire host the West Coast Waves at Townsville RSL Stadium on Saturday night.

She will have the even greater honour of being one of just four active players to hold the membership.

McCully becomes the third player this month presented with the honour along with Bendigo Spirit captain and her grand final opponent Kristi Harrower and former Adelaide and Dandenong forward Samantha Woosnam.

To be considered for membership, players must have played 250 games in the league and a range of other factors are taken into account.

McCully said she felt priveliged to be included on the list alongside some of the greats of the sport in this country.

"Obviously it's a huge honour and some of the other names that line up with the WNBL life membership award like the Rachael Sporns of the world," she said.

"To play 250 games in this league doesn't happen very often so it's very humbling."

McCully's career started with her hometown club Adelaide Lightning in 2000 and she has gone on to play 283 games in the competition so far, twice winning the Robyn Maher Defensive Player of the Year and going on to represent the Opals.

Now into her 15th year in the league, she said her luck in avoiding serious injury and being in quality programs were the main reasons for her longevity.

"I've been pretty fortunate to not have many too serious injuries so I've got to play a fair few games and obviously just having some great players and great coaches around me to keep my love for the game.

"There was a few times in there I thought 'maybe I'm done' but it's been obviously tough over the years.

"But you play because you love it and it's been an awesome experience up here in Townsville."

During her career, the Fire captain said she had seen some big changes across the competition including the professionalism, quality and its ranking on the world stage.

"Obviously when you have people like the Lauren Jacksons coming back to play you know it's not just a nothing league," she said.

"The talent has come through and to put Australia on the map is unbelievable.

"The skill level of players has gone through the roof."

Former Fire players Jo Hill, Desiree Glaubitz and Natalie Porter have all received life membership, but Flanagan will be the first Townsville player to be awarded it while still playing in North Queensland.

McCully said she wanted to thank her Adelaide-based family and her husband Brendon for their support over the years while also paying credit to the club and the fans.