Jackson revealed on social media news of her pregnancy just months after calling time on one of the most glittering careers in Australian sport.

Jackson is expected to give birth early next year and revealed to Fairfax Media in February that she didn't want injuries to prevent her playing one-on-one with her future children.

Jackson posted on Twitter: "Hi everyone, thank you so much for the love - it's a very exciting time, such an unbelievable experience & so happy ur [sic] sharing with me xxx."

Jackson's Twitter profile lit up with congratulatory messages from around the world as she embarks on a new challenge at the end of her playing days.

Jackson was a pioneer for female athletes in Australia and at her peak was the best player in world basketball.

She played at four Olympic Games, won WNBL and WNBA titles and most valuable player awards in Australia, the United States, Europe and Asia.

She retired from the sport in March when debilitating knee injuries ended her hopes of playing at the Rio Olympics.

But Jackson walked away from basketball as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Australian basketballer.

Jackson said in February she didn't want the injuries of a world-wide basketball career to affect her post-playing life.

"Absolutely I want to have a family ... If I don't do some work to get my knee strong, regardless of what happens with the Olympics, I'm not sure if I'd be able to play one-on-one with my kids in the backyard," Jackson said.

"That's something I experienced in my childhood and I loved. I definitely want to be able to share with my children [in the future]. Whatever sport they might choose, I want to be a part of it and be active.

"Basketball Australia is giving me an opportunity for life after sport."

Meanwhile, the Capitals will start their post-Jackson era when they being their WNBL campaign on Saturday for the first match under new coach Paul Goriss.

WNBL ROUND ONE

Saturday: Canberra Capitals v Dandenong Rangers at Tuggeranong Southern Cross Club, 3pm