Power Surge: Adelaide Lightning unveils new brand

• Melanie MacGillivray has been named CEO of the Adelaide Lightning.
• The club has launched a new brand identity ahead of the 2025-26 WNBL season.
• Community engagement and female participation are central to the club’s future strategy.

The Adelaide Lightning, in partnership with the South Australian Government, has appointed Melanie MacGillivray as chief executive officer and unveiled a new brand identity ahead of the 2025-26 WNBL season.

Earlier this year, the South Australian Government provided funding to secure the future of the club and support its growth.

MacGillivray, originally from the United States and now based in South Australia, brings extensive experience across global sports, media, and digital fitness, with previous senior roles at Major League Soccer, Bundesliga International, Women’s Professional Soccer, and Sweat.

The new brand marks the start of a new chapter for the five-time championship-winning club, with a focus on community engagement, commercial growth, and elite performance.

The Adelaide Lightning will align its outreach with Basketball South Australia’s female participation strategy and deliver programs across the state, including regional areas.

Head coach Kerryn Mitchell said the rebrand honours the club’s history while positioning it for the future.

“It’s so exciting to build a team that reflects the energy of this new brand and its new chapter,” she said.

“The Lightning has such a strong legacy producing some of the basketball greats like Rachel Sporn, Erin Phillips and Steph Talbot. The rebrand honours the past and transports this beloved team into the future to inspire girls and women to chase their dreams. ”

South Australian basketball icon Tess Madgen highlighted the opportunity for the relaunch to inspire the next generation of South Australian talent.

“I can’t wait to see girls and boys from around South Australia wearing this new merch and lighting up at games," she said.

"We have such diverse and incredible talent here in South Australia and the roster, our new home at the State Basketball Centre and this new brand really cements the bright future of the Adelaide Lightning.

"I grew up watching Rachel Sporn and the Adelaide Lightning on TV, and it remains one of my favourite childhood memories.

"You cannot be what you cannot see, and with the Lightning’s brand relaunch, the step-up in professionalism from the organisation, a new home at the State Basketball Centre, and incredible South Australian role models like Steph Talbot, Tayla Brazel, and Jasmine Fejo, I’m so excited for the next generation of young girls to aspire to wear the Lightning jersey and continue its proud legacy."