Opals star Talbot returns to lead Lightning

• ‍Talbot is the first signing of the off-season for Adelaide, with no other players currently under contract
• Head coach Kerryn Mitchell was appointed in May, leading the team under new ownership group
• Adelaide recently won the rights to keep their nickname, the Lightning, after selling the team's IP to the new owners

Adelaide Lightning have secured a major piece of their roster under their new ownership group, announcing the return of Australian basketball icon Steph Talbot for the 2025/26 WNBL season.

Having recently lost rising star Isabel Borlase to Bendigo, the signing represents a significant foundation for the Lightning's rebuilding efforts under new Head Coach Kerryn Mitchell, with Talbot set to embark on her 11th season with the South Australian club.

Talbot brings her leadership and elite two-way skills back to Adelaide after another impressive campaign in 2024/25 where she averaged 12.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.

Despite the Lightning finishing with a 7-14 record last season, falling one game short of finals qualification, the return of their cornerstone player signals the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new chapter for the franchise as they navigate the free agency period.

Talbot's signing is particularly noteworthy given her exceptional international resume. The 30-year-old is fresh off her third Olympic campaign with the Australian Opals (2016, 2020, 2024), adding to a decorated international career that includes World Cup silver and bronze medals.

Her domestic achievements are equally impressive, having claimed the 2020 WNBL MVP award alongside multiple WNBL First Team selections throughout her stellar career.

The Adelaide stalwart continues to showcase her talents on the global stage, currently playing for the WNBA's newest expansion franchise, the Golden State Valkyries. Selected in the inaugural expansion draft, Talbot has averaged 13.1 minutes across her first seven games with the Valkyries, bringing her trademark defensive intensity and basketball IQ to the world's premier women's basketball league.

For new Lightning head coach Kerryn Mitchell, securing Talbot's services represents the perfect starting point for her vision of returning Adelaide to the championship-calibre team that dominated the league in the 1990s.

"Steph is one of the best players in Australia and we cannot wait to have her back in Lightning colours," Mitchell said.

"She is the best defender in the league with her fearless demeanour, her elite transition efficiency, three-ball, and she can read the game like no other."

Mitchell's glowing assessment of Talbot highlights the comprehensive skill set the veteran brings to the court. While her statistics (12.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists) showcase her all-around ability, it's perhaps her defensive prowess that separates her from other stars in the league.

"Our vision is to bring the Lightning's prowess back to the top of the League as we were in the 90s," Mitchell added. "With three Olympics under her belt and some of the best conditioning in the WNBL – who better than Talbot to set our new culture and lead the club to success?"

The retention of Talbot marks the first major player announcement in what promises to be a transformative offseason for the Lightning. Adelaide is undergoing significant changes both on and off the court, with Mitchell's appointment as head coach being complemented by the addition of Tess Madgen as special advisor and Bernadette Dodd stepping in as interim General Manager.

This restructured leadership group will be tasked with rebuilding a roster that can support Talbot and return the Lightning to championship contention. After narrowly missing finals in 2024/25, expectations will be high for improved performance in the upcoming season.

See our full and updated WNBL roster tracker here.