Sydney Thunder hand out contract extension to head coach Lisa Keightley

WBBL team Sydney Thunder have confirmed a two‑year contract extension for head coach Lisa Keightley, securing her services until the end of the 2027 season.

Keightley’s journey with Thunder has already seen highs and lows. In her first season in 2023, she guided the side to the Eliminator, before taking them a step further to the Challenger in 2024. Last season, however, ended in disappointment with a seventh‑place finish.

Despite that setback, Keightley remains upbeat about the squad’s potential and expressed her excitement at continuing with the team.

"I'm really excited to be staying with Sydney Thunder for another two years," Keightley said.

"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.

"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.

"I know this group, the work we're doing behind the scenes, and I believe the squad is building towards something special in the upcoming season."

Keightley’s credentials speak for themselves. A former Australia batter, she is among the most experienced female coaches in the game today. Her coaching résumé includes stints with Australia, England, Delhi Capitals, Western Australia, New South Wales, Perth Scorchers, and Northern Superchargers. Notably, she guided the Superchargers to the Women’s Hundred title in 2025.

Currently, she also serves as head coach of Mumbai Indians in the WPL and MI London in the Women’s Hundred, further underlining her stature as one of the most respected voices in women’s cricket.

With her extension, Thunder will be hoping Keightley’s experience and vision can transform promise into silverware over the next two seasons.