The head of the Big Bash League expresses confidence that the WBBL remains the world’s premier women’s T20 competition, even as the WPL and Hundred each grow and offer increasingly lucrative contracts to top players.
The 2026‑27 WBBL schedule was unveiled on Thursday, featuring fewer morning matches and more games in the Friday‑Sunday window, with neutral venue fixtures reduced. The season kicks off on 29 October, followed by the Knockout on 1 December and the Challenger on 3 December, culminating in the final on 5 December.
WBBL fits into one of three distinct windows across the principal women’s leagues. The WPL has shifted to January, while the Hundred takes place in July and August. In this year’s Hundred auction, Beth Mooney secured an AU$400,000 contract—three times her WBBL earnings. Overseas talent drafted into the WBBL can earn up to AU$110,000, though the future of that model is uncertain amid current negotiations.
“We closely monitor and engage with both the Hundred and the WPL,” said Alistair Dobson, Executive General Manager of Big Bash Leagues. “Each brings unique strengths. The sheer scale of India’s WPL is impressive, but from a WBBL perspective we still consider ourselves the toughest competition, offering the highest standard and the venue for players to truly test themselves.”
Dobson added, “We also enjoy watching the Hundred, especially its successful events in major UK stadiums. Every league offers something distinct, and while competition is healthy, the WBBL remains our top priority. The different windows also help minimise overlap.”
Opening day will showcase a double‑header of the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars, who may play their final matches in the competition following Cricket Victoria’s decision to merge operations and sell the second licence.
The Renegades will start with a fixture against the Sydney Thunder, followed by the Stars taking on defending champions Hobart Hurricanes under Junction Oval’s new floodlights, which have enabled more primetime evening games.
“At this stage nothing is finalised regarding the future of any club,” Dobson noted. “Work is ongoing to find the best model for the Big Bash moving forward. Our focus remains on this season, and both clubs’ player lists are solid.”
The Junction Oval’s enhanced facilities signal a strong future for WBBL at the venue, with Dobson expressing optimism as the season opens. Earlier this season, the two clubs were highlighted on the opening day schedule, reinforcing their importance.
Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades will both feature on the opening night•Getty Images
While the WBBL had experimented with staging matches at major venues like the MCG, SCG, and Gabba, these fixtures were omitted in the 2025‑26 season and will not return next year. However, Adelaide Oval will still host a match when the Strikers take on the Renegades on 20 November.
“This year, the Melbourne clubs are focused on the Junction Oval, taking precedence over the MCG,” Dobson said. “Other clubs assess priorities individually. For the Strikers, playing at Adelaide Oval remains a high priority given their strong history there.”
Unlike last season, the MCG, SCG and Gabba won’t be courted for finals series fixtures. The redeveloped WACA is expected to remain Perth Scorchers’ preferred location, while proximity to the upcoming Australia‑New Zealand men’s Test may preclude Optus Stadium as a venue option.
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