Adelaide Lightning Make Statement by Signing WNBA Forward and Two-Time NCAA Champion Sania Feagin for WNBL26 Season

The Adelaide Lightning have officially landed their first import signing for the upcoming WNBL26 season, and it’s a name that carries weight across both collegiate and professional basketball circles. Sania Feagin, the talented 6-foot-3 forward, is set to join the Lightning after completing her rookie WNBA campaign with the Los Angeles Sparks. Known for her size, athleticism, and defensive prowess, Feagin brings championship experience and high-level pedigree to the Australian league as Adelaide looks to make a serious push for success in the upcoming season.

Feagin’s arrival in Adelaide marks a significant acquisition not just for the Lightning, but for the entire Women’s National Basketball League. The former South Carolina Gamecocks star made headlines during her college career, helping the powerhouse program secure two NCAA championships while establishing herself as one of the nation’s premier defensive anchors. Now, her talents will be showcased on Australian soil, where she is expected to play a central role in Adelaide’s WNBL26 campaign.

A product of South Carolina’s basketball dynasty under legendary coach Dawn Staley, Feagin’s time with the Gamecocks was defined by both individual excellence and team glory. As part of a roster stacked with future WNBA talent, Feagin carved out her own reputation as a defensive specialist, earning SEC All-Defensive Team honours in her final collegiate season. Her ability to guard multiple positions, protect the rim, and rebound effectively made her a key piece in South Carolina’s back-to-back Final Four runs.

During her senior year with the Gamecocks, Feagin averaged 8.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, often providing an interior presence that allowed South Carolina to dominate opponents on both ends of the floor. Her versatility, coupled with her size and mobility, made her a matchup nightmare at the college level — qualities that undoubtedly caught the attention of WNBL scouts and decision-makers.

Following her standout college career, Feagin entered the professional ranks as the 21st overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Sparks. Though her rookie season in the WNBA has only just begun, the transition to Australia offers her the chance to gain valuable playing time, sharpen her skills, and continue developing as a two-way force. The WNBL has long been a proving ground for emerging talent, and Feagin’s signing reflects Adelaide’s ambition to build a competitive, balanced squad with international calibre.

Speaking on the signing, Adelaide Lightning officials expressed their excitement about what Feagin brings to the table, emphasizing her defensive capabilities, championship mentality, and potential to become a dominant force in the WNBL.

“Sania is exactly the kind of player we wanted to bring into the club — tough, versatile, and with a winning mindset,” said a Lightning spokesperson. “Her experience at the highest levels of college basketball, combined with her time in the WNBA, will be invaluable to our group. We believe she can make an immediate impact both defensively and offensively, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to Adelaide.”

The move comes at a pivotal time for the Lightning, who are eager to return to contention after recent seasons of building and development. Feagin’s signing sends a clear message to rivals that Adelaide intends to compete at the highest level in WNBL26, with the franchise investing in elite talent capable of shifting the balance of power in the league.

For Feagin, the opportunity to play in Australia represents not just a career milestone, but a chance to continue growing her game on the international stage. Many of the WNBA’s biggest stars, past and present, have spent off-seasons in the WNBL, using the competitive Australian league to stay sharp, gain exposure, and contribute to teams chasing championships. Feagin now joins that list, and her presence is expected to elevate both Adelaide’s frontcourt and the league as a whole.

Her defensive instincts, timing around the rim, and ability to alter shots will be crucial assets for a Lightning side eager to establish itself as one of the toughest defensive units in WNBL26. Offensively, her interior finishing, offensive rebounding, and improved mid-range game add another layer to Adelaide’s scoring arsenal, giving them flexibility in the half-court and transition.

Feagin’s winning track record also cannot be understated. Being part of South Carolina’s national championship squads exposed her to high-pressure situations, elite competition, and a culture of accountability that she now carries into her professional career. That background makes her an ideal fit for a Lightning team seeking both talent and leadership.

Fans of the Adelaide Lightning and the WNBL can expect Feagin to be a player who brings energy, toughness, and a relentless approach to both ends of the court. Her ability to defend multiple positions aligns with modern basketball demands, while her offensive upside suggests she could quickly become a focal point for Adelaide’s game plan.

With the WNBL26 season fast approaching, the Lightning’s decision to sign Feagin as their first import signals their intent to compete with the best. Adelaide’s roster, already showing signs of promise, now boasts a player with championship experience, international exposure, and the hunger to make her mark.

For Sania Feagin, Australia presents a new challenge and an exciting chapter in her basketball journey. From dominating in college, to being drafted into the WNBA, to now joining one of the WNBL’s most respected clubs, her trajectory continues to rise. Adelaide Lightning fans have every reason to be optimistic, as one of basketball’s most promising young forwards prepares to make her debut in the WNBL, bringing with her the same winning mindset that defined her success with the Gamecocks.

The countdown to WNBL26 is officially on, and with Sania Feagin in their ranks, the Adelaide Lightning are ready to light up the league.