6
Oct
Explainer
Adelaide Lightning: Five things you need to know
Saved from extinction, the Adelaide Lightning rebuild under new ownership for WNBL26.
- The Adelaide Lightning have won five WNBL titles
- The Lightning made the postseason for the first 17 years of their existence
- Adelaide had an uncertain off-season until the South Australian Government financed its 2025-26 season
The Adelaide Lightning enter the 2025-26 season as survivors of a turbulent year that nearly saw the club disappear altogether. Once a powerhouse of the WNBL with five championships to their name, the Lightning have spent recent seasons searching for stability both on and off the court. After being saved from collapse through government funding and a league takeover, Adelaide now look to rebuild their legacy from the ground up. With a refreshed roster and new ownership, the Lightning are determined to prove that the spark which made them a dynasty in the 1990s can still burn bright in a new era.
2024-25 Season Summary
- Record (7-14)
- Finish 6th (Missed Postseason)
- All NBL Selections: -
After a stressful season and offseason for the Lightning, rising stars Isobel Borlase and Isabelle Bourne both left the team which hurt the building of a young core in South Australia. However, considering the situation they found themselves in, the Lightning had a decent offseason as they brought in Serena Sundell and Sania Feagin, both of which are exciting imports who recently found themselves as WNBA draftees. The Lighting have held onto Stephanie Talbot as a veteran locker room presence and aim to surround her with blossoming talent.
Adelaide Lightning WNBL26 Roster
Head coach: Kerryn Mitchell
- Serena Sundell (signed Wednesday August 6, 2025)
- Steph Talbot (re-signed Wednesday, June 11, 2025)
- Tayla Brazel (re-signed on Friday, June 13, 2025).
- Dallas Loughridge (signed on Monday, June 16, 2025)
- Sharne Robati (signed on June 23, 2025)
- Sania Feagin (signed on Monday, June 30, 2025)
- Ella Tofaeono (signed on Wednesday, July 2, 2025)
- Jasmin Fejo (signed on Wednesday, July 9, 2025)
- Ashlee Strawbridge
- Maddy Freer (signed on Thursday, August 28, 2025)
- Jordy Freer (signed on Tuesday, September 2, 2025)
- Ruby Porter (signed on Tuesday, September 2, 2025)
INS: Dallas Loughridge, Tayla Brazel, Sharne Robati, Sania Feagin, Ella Tofaeono, Ashlee Strawbridge
OUTS: Isobel Borlase, Isabelle Bourne, Haylee Andrews
Adelaide Lightning History
The Adelaide Lightning were founded in 1993 as South Australia’s WNBL team, uniting the state’s proud basketball history under one banner. Led by coach Jan Stirling and superstar captain Rachael Sporn, the Lightning wasted no time establishing themselves as a powerhouse in the WNBL, claiming three consecutive championships from 1994-96 and another in 1998. Sporn’s leadership and dominance earned her eight All-WNBL selections, while teammates Vicki Daldy, Carla Porter, Jo Hill and Jae Kingi also earned All-WNBL honours during the club’s first decade.
Through the 1990s and early 2000s, the Lightning were known for their polished offence, and ability to find local talent capable of matching the league’s best. Under Stirling, Adelaide reached the playoffs every season between 1993 and 2009, cementing their reputation as the pinnacle of success from the moment the franchise began.
After a brief rebrand as the Adelaide Fellas in 2005-06, the team returned to its Lightning name the following season. Behind stars like Erin Phillips and import Tracy Gahan, Adelaide claimed their fifth championship in 2007-08.
The late 2000s also saw the rise of Suzy Batkovic, who earned two league MVP awards with the Lightning before moving to join the Townsville fire, where she would cement her status as one of the WNBL’s greatest players.
After a period of mediocrity, A resurgence in 2018-19 under coach Chris Lucas brought the Lightning back to the Grand Final, powered by Nia Coffey, but were defeated by Canberra.
Off the court, the club endured turbulent ownership changes but was dramatically saved after the South Australian Government stepped in with funding to keep the Lightning alive. The WNBL later assumed ownership, relaunching the franchise with a refreshed identity and moved to the State Basketball Centre in Wayville for this upcoming season.
Five Fast Facts
- Rachael Sporn’s 8 All WNBL teams are the most in league history
- The Lightning made the postseason their first 17 years in the league
- The Lightning rebranded their logo and colours this season after switching owners once more
- Adelaide’s bizarre name change to the ‘Fellas’ for one season was due to the name of their sponsor
- Adelaide is the only franchise has two players with multiple MVPs
Club Timeline
- 1993: Adelaide Lightning are founded in South Australia.
- 1994-1996: Win three straight WNBL championships under Jan Stirling and Rachael Sporn.
- 1998: Claim their fourth championship; Sporn and teammates shine.
- 2005-06: Briefly rebranded as Adelaide Fellas, returning to Lightning next season.
- 2007-08: Win fifth championship led by Erin Phillips and Tracy Gahan.
- Late 2000s: Suzy Batkovic wins two league MVPs with the Lightning.
- 2018-19: Reach Grand Final under Chris Lucas; Nia Coffey stars.
- 2025: South Australian Government saves club; team relaunches at State Basketball Centre
Saved from collapse, the Adelaide Lightning will enter WNBL26 in rebuild mode, focused on stability and competitiveness. With a new roster blending young talent and experience, the team aims to lay a strong foundation for the future. Backed by loyal fans and their new home at the State Basketball Centre, the Lightning are determined to rise steadily back into contention.
WNBL Team Profiles
- Adelaide Lightning: Five things you need to know
- Bendigo Spirit: Five things you need to know
- Geelong Venom: Five things you need to know
- Perth Lynx: Five things you need to know
- Southside Melbourne Flyers: Five things you need to know
- Sydney Flames: Five things you need to know
- Townsville Fire: Five things you need to know
- Canberra Capitals: Five things you need to know
