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Adelaide Lightning officially launched its WNBL27 season on Monday evening at the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI), bringing together players, coaches, club partners, and alumni ahead of its first two home games on 20 and 24 October.
The evening celebrated the club's progress, rich championship history and the importance of community supporting community in building a strong future for women's basketball in South Australia.
Adelaide Lightning Board Member and NBL Group CEO David Stevenson opened the evening, followed by the Hon. Rhiannon Pearce MP, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing.
Adelaide Lightning CEO Melanie MacGillivray reflected on the club's growth since the rebirth of the Lightning brand and the collective support driving its future.
"When I reflect on what we've accomplished over the past 12 months, I'm incredibly proud. Not simply of what we've achieved as a Club, but of what we've achieved together as a community," MacGillivray said.
"The growth in support we've experienced speaks to something we genuinely love about South Australia: community supporting community.”
The launch also recognised the 30th anniversary of Adelaide Lightning's historic three-peat, celebrating the 1994, 1995 and 1996 Championship teams and the club's extraordinary legacy.
"While celebrating our history is important, our ambition is to create the next chapter of that legacy and bring another championship back to South Australia," MacGillivray said.
International Experience Meets South Australian Talent
Head Coach Aja Parham-Ammar was joined by Zitina Aokuso and Tayla Brazel for a Q&A before General Manager of Basketball Tess Madgen, a proud South Australian, dual Olympian and former Opals captain, formally introduced the club’s WNBL27 playing group.
The new-look roster features Australian Opals Steph Talbot and Zitina Aokuso, alongside international talent Shay Ciezki and Madeline Westbeld bringing experience from the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury organisation.
The squad also features seven South Australian players, led by Talbot and Tayla Brazel, including emerging talent Sienna Lehmann, niece of Adelaide Lightning legend Rachael Sporn, providing a special connection between the club's championship legacy and its next generation.
The WNBL27 roster includes Jessica McDowell-White, Shay Ciezki, Elissa Brett, Stephanie Talbot, Kiara Waite, Gemma Potter, Zitina Aokuso, Sienna Lehmann, Coco Hodges, Madeline Westbeld, Aspen Crase and Tayla Brazel.
Electra Unveiled as the Bold New Face of Adelaide Lightning
A highlight of the evening was the official unveiling of Electra, the club's bold new mascot, bringing fresh energy, personality and excitement to the Lightning.
Electra will become a prominent presence at home games and throughout South Australia, joining players and coaches at schools, grassroots basketball clubs and community events to connect with families and inspire the next generation.
"Being bold, creating impact and inspiring the next generation are important parts of what we're building at Adelaide Lightning. Electra brings those qualities to life, and we're excited to have her out in the community alongside our players and coaches," MacGillivray said.
Lightning Ready for Blockbuster Home Opener
Adelaide Lightning will open its home campaign against reigning WNBL champions Townsville Fire on Tuesday 20 October, followed by a clash with last season's runners-up, Perth Lynx on Saturday 24 October.
Both games tip off at 6:30pm at the State Basketball Centre, with the club encouraging South Australians to get behind their team and experience the excitement of live WNBL basketball.
Upcoming Adelaide Lightning Home Games
Tuesday 20 October | 6:30pm
Adelaide Lightning v Townsville Fire
Saturday 24 October | 6:30pm
Adelaide Lightning v Perth Lynx
Venue: State Basketball Centre, Wayville
Tickets: Available through Ticketek.
