Bishop is searching for a deal in the more lucrative European competitions to cash in on career-best form and make the most of her ability to play abroad while at her peak.

Her absence is a massive blow to the Capitals' finals hopes, but the club has already started a contingency plan by signing veteran Belgian centre Ann Wauters from French powerhouse Villeneuve.

Wauters will partner superstar Lauren Jackson in the front court next season.

Before going to Europe, Bishop will soon depart for a WNBA stint with Seattle Storm. Her loss is a huge setback for Canberra after she averaged 23 points, 10.6 rebounds and nearly three assists in a stellar 2014-15.

With the 34-year-old Wauters on board, the Capitals will turn their attention towards getting Lauren Jackson fit and healthy after injuries against ruined her season.

Wauters confirmed to Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad she would be renewing her partnership with Jackson, whom she played alongside in Spain and with WNBA side Seattle Storm.

She is currently with Villeneuve, who are playing Bourges in the French finals.

"I'm always looking for new challenges, not financial, but competitive. I have achieved all I can with Villeneuve," she told Nieuwsblad.

"In Canberra I will meet again [the] iconic Lauren Jackson. The Australian was my teammate in Seattle and Valencia.

"I have played in Asia, Europe and America. This adventure with the whole family Down Under sounded amazing to me."

Canberra Capitals general manager Lachlan Searle said they received a strong endorsement of Wauters from Jackson, and she will add much-needed size.

"We're really happy to have her signed for the Caps for a year. She's very excited about bringing her family here and playing in the WNBL," Searle said.

"When Lauren heard we were looking at her she was very excited to play alongside her."

Jackson has been given three months off to rest and recuperate, and get ready for tip-off in October.

The Capitals struggled to match up with the league's biggest sides last season, particularly eventual champion Townsville.

Capitals veteran Jess Bibby, who needs just eight more caps to break the WNBL's games record, said Wauters would be a valuable addition.

"She's a legit size if it [signing] happens for us; that's something we definitely needed," Bibby said. "She's that prototypical Europe big who can shoot from the perimeter. If that's the word that would be a good addition to our group."

The Capitals have been one of the quietest clubs in terms of recruitment announcements since the end of last season.

Wauters joins Jackson, Australian Opals youngster Stephanie Talbot, Bibby and guard Abi Wehrung as players who are officially signed for next season.

The Capitals are expected to announce further new signings and retentions in coming days.