Adelaide Lightning has strengthened its roster for the 2026/27 WNBL season with the signings of guard Jess McDowell-White and Opals centre Zitina Aokuso.

McDowell-White (Arrernte, Kungarakan, Muran, Wagadagam, Warramunga, Walmampa) will join the club on her first full WNBL roster contract after time as an injury replacement player with the Sydney Flames and as a development player with the Townsville Fire.

The rising guard is currently playing in the NBL1 North and is expected to add scoring and playmaking to the Lightning backcourt.

McDowell-White said she was looking forward to joining a club with strong support.

"Adelaide has always had a strong winning culture with an electric crowd atmosphere - I'm most looking forward to getting out there and playing in front of the amazing crowd," McDowell-White said.

"I'm also excited to be coached by Aja and play alongside the girls. I'm confident I'll thrive in this team, and I hope to contribute to the strong culture and legacy of the club."

Lightning General Manager of Basketball Tess Madgen said McDowell-White was ready to take the next step in her career.

"She's currently playing outstanding basketball in the NBL1 North, and we're excited about what she brings with her ability to both create for others and score the ball," Madgen said.

"What really stood out during the recruiting process was the level of respect she has across the league.

"So many players we spoke to genuinely wanted to play alongside Jess, which says a lot about the person and teammate she is."

Samoan star Aokuso will join Adelaide after a season with Canberra and six seasons with Townsville, where she won two WNBL championships.

The centre has also been part of the Australian Opals program and recently led a strong campaign during the World Cup Qualifying series in Türkiye.

Aokuso said she was excited to join Adelaide as the club builds towards the new season.

"I'm excited to join the Lightning and be part of a group that's building towards something big," she said.

"The support around the club is strong and I'm looking forward to learning, improving and contributing to the club."

Aokuso said she was also looking forward to working with Aja and Madgen, and becoming involved in the South Australian community.

"I'm also looking forward to working with Aja and Tess, two women I look up to," she said.

"Getting out into the community and working with the next generation is something I know they're passionate about and I'm looking forward to being right there beside them as we further grow the strength and reach of the Lightning."

Madgen said Aokuso had been a key target for the Lightning because of her impact on the court and her leadership.

"Zitina is entering the prime of her career and has firmly established herself as the premier center in Australia, which has been reinforced by her recent performances with the Opals in Türkiye," Madgen said.

"Beyond her on-court impact, she brings outstanding leadership.

"She is a vocal presence who drives standards, connects people, and elevates those around her. All of which are critical to the environment we are building."

Madgen said Aokuso's community focus would also be important for the club.

"Just as importantly, Zitina has a genuine passion for community," she said.

"She is a fan favourite wherever she goes and embraces the responsibility of giving back. I have no doubt the South Australian community will embrace her with open arms."

The signings give Adelaide two key additions as the club prepares for the 2026/27 WNBL season.