Sydney Thunder Women re-sign veteran coach Lisa Keightley ahead of 2026-27 WBBL

Sydney Thunder Women have re-signed experienced coach Lisa Keightley for two more years ahead of the 2026 Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) later this year.

Keightley has been with the franchise for three seasons now and has attained success, getting close to reaching the final twice. The Thunder reached the Eliminator in 2023 and then the Challenger in 2024, one step below the final, where they suffered defeat to the Brisbane Heat Women. Last season, however, was disappointing for the Sydney-based franchise, finishing seventh in the standings with nine points to their name.

Keightley, however, remains one of the biggest coaching names in the women's game worldwide, with vast experience in franchise cricket. The former Australia international has coached the Mumbai Indians in the Women's Premier League and has also been named coach for the renamed MI London Women franchise in The Hundred. The 54-year-old has tasted success in the latter, winning the title with the Northern Superchargers Women (now Sunrisers Leeds Women) in 2025.

Keightley expressed her excitement about continuing with the Sydney Thunder for another couple of years. She spoke highly of the squad at her disposal and knows that with the calibre of players in the ranks, they can bounce back and have a better season in 2026.

"I'm really excited to be staying with Sydney Thunder for another two years. We've got the talent that can make us a title-winning side. Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll have both been outstanding for Australia recently, and they bring real firepower to our batting group. We saw Tahlia Wilson make her international debut for Australia off the back of another great year. Anika Learoyd had a very impressive season, and our young guns showed promising signs for the future, including Lucy Finn, who had some stand-out performances in her debut season," Keightley said via ESPNcricinfo.

"Last season was obviously disappointing from an on-field perspective. We know we have a much better performance in us, and we will be pushing ourselves to get back into genuine contention," she added.

Sydney Thunder appoint Andrew Flintoff as Head Coach

It is worth mentioning that Sydney Thunder's men's side also announced their new head coach for the upcoming BBL season. Former England all-rounder and Lions coach Andrew Flintoff will take the reins of the side, who coincidentally also managed the Northern Superchargers Men.