The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) returns for its 12th season, with eight teams competing for the championship in Australia. WBBL|12 begins on October 29, 2026, and concludes on December 5, bringing together some of the biggest names in international women's cricket.
Defending champions Hobart Hurricanes will aim to retain their title, while former champions Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat, Perth Scorchers and Sydney-based franchises will look to challenge for the trophy.
The new season features several notable overseas signings, including Chamari Athapaththu joining Hobart Hurricanes, Alice Capsey moving to Sydney Sixers and Fatima Sana signing with Perth Scorchers. The competition will also provide an important platform for Australian players to showcase their talent.
Here is everything to know about WBBL 2026–27, including teams, fixtures, squads, key players and tournament details.
WBBL 2026–27: Tournament Information
Details | Information |
|---|---|
Tournament | Women's Big Bash League |
Edition | 12th Season (WBBL |
Start Date | October 29, 2026 |
Final Date | December 5, 2026 |
Host Country | Australia |
Teams | 8 |
League Matches | 40 |
Total Matches | 43 |
Format | Twenty20 |
Defending Champions | Hobart Hurricanes |
WBBL 2026–27: All Eight Teams
Eight franchises will compete in the tournament.
Team | Home City |
|---|---|
Adelaide Strikers | Adelaide |
Brisbane Heat | Brisbane |
Hobart Hurricanes | Hobart |
Melbourne Renegades | Melbourne |
Melbourne Stars | Melbourne |
Perth Scorchers | Perth |
Sydney Sixers | Sydney |
Sydney Thunder | Sydney |
WBBL 2026–27: Fixtures and Schedule
The tournament begins with a double-header on October 29. Melbourne Renegades face Sydney Thunder in the opening match, followed by Melbourne Stars taking on defending champions Hobart Hurricanes.
Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|
October 29 | Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder | CitiPower Centre |
October 29 | Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes | CitiPower Centre |
October 30 | Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers | Allan Border Field |
October 31 | Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars | Karen Rolton Oval |
October 31 | Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades | WACA Ground |
November 1 | Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat | Drummoyne Oval |
November 1 | Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes | Drummoyne Oval |
November 2 | Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers | CitiPower Centre |
WBBL 2026–27 Finals Schedule
Date | Match | Stage |
|---|---|---|
December 1 | Third vs Fourth | Knockout |
December 3 | Second vs Knockout Winner | Challenger |
December 5 | Top Qualifier vs Challenger Winner | Final |
WBBL 2026–27: Full Team Squads
Adelaide Strikers Squad
Adelaide Strikers will rely on the experience of Tahlia McGrath and Megan Schutt, while Laura Wolvaardt and Sophie Ecclestone add international quality to the squad.
Squad: Tahlia McGrath, Maia Bouchier, Darcie Brown, Emma de Broughe, Maggie Clark, Sophie Ecclestone, Ellie Johnston, Eleanor Larosa, Anesu Mushangwe, Bridget Patterson, Maddie Penna, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Ella Wilson and Laura Wolvaardt.
Brisbane Heat Squad
Brisbane Heat have a strong combination of experienced Australian players and overseas talent. Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen and Georgia Redmayne will be important players for the franchise.
Squad: Georgia Redmayne, Lily Bassingthwaighte, Bonnie Berry, Yastika Bhatia, Lucinda Bourke, Sianna Ginger, Sarah Glenn, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Charli Knott, Annie O'Neil, Grace Parsons, Orla Prendergast, Catherine White and Mikayla Wrigley.
Hobart Hurricanes Squad
Defending champions Hobart Hurricanes will look to continue their successful run. Sri Lankan all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu and West Indies international Chinelle Henry bring additional strength to the squad.
Squad: Nicola Carey, Chamari Athapaththu, Heather Graham, Ella Hayward, Chinelle Henry, Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee, Kate Pelle, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith, Linsey Smith, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman and Callie Wilson.
Melbourne Renegades Squad
Melbourne Renegades have a competitive squad featuring Sophie Molineux, Hayley Matthews, Deandra Dottin and Georgia Wareham. Their all-round options could prove important throughout the tournament.
Squad: Sophie Molineux, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Milly Illingworth, Sara Kennedy, Hayley Matthews, Olivia Porter, Sophie Reid, Chloe Tryon, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb and Annie Wikman.
Melbourne Stars Squad
Melbourne Stars have added England's Charlie Dean to their squad while retaining experienced players such as Meg Lanning and Annabel Sutherland.
Squad: Meg Lanning, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Day, Charlie Dean, Kim Garth, Dani Gibson, Maisy Gibson, Amy Jones, Carly Leeson, Rhys McKenna, Indigo Noble, Georgia Prestwidge, Zoe Samuel and Naomi Stalenberg.
Perth Scorchers Squad
Perth Scorchers have an experienced group led by New Zealand's Sophie Devine. Beth Mooney and Alana King will also be central to their campaign, while Pakistan captain Fatima Sana strengthens their all-round options.
Squad: Sophie Devine, Chloe Ainsworth, Amy Edgar, Mikayla Friday, Ebony Hoskin, Freya Kemp, Alana King, Katie Mack, Ines McKeon, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney, Taneale Peschel, Chloe Piparo, Fatima Sana and Ruby Strange.
Sydney Sixers Squad
Sydney Sixers have a strong batting and all-round combination. Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Amelia Kerr, Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley are among the notable names.
Squad: Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Caoimhe Bray, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Alice Capsey, Lauren Cheatle, Sarah Coyte, Sophia Dunkley, Elsa Hunter, Amelia Kerr, Grace Lyons, Frankie Nicklin, Eva Ragg and Courtney Sippel.
Sydney Thunder Squad
Sydney Thunder will depend on Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll and Heather Knight to provide batting strength. Nadine de Klerk and Lauren Bell add international quality to the bowling department.
Squad: Phoebe Litchfield, Jemma Barsby, Sam Bates, Lauren Bell, Hannah Darlington, Nadine de Klerk, Lucy Finn, Hasrat Gill, Nicola Hancock, Laura Harris, Heather Knight, Anika Learoyd, Claire Moore, Georgia Voll and Tahlia Wilson.
WBBL 2026–27: Players to Watch
The tournament features several international stars who can change matches with the bat or ball. Here are some of the players to watch during the season.
Beth Mooney – Perth Scorchers
Beth Mooney remains one of Australia's most dependable top-order batters. Her ability to build an innings and accelerate at the right time makes her a key player for Perth Scorchers.
Ellyse Perry – Sydney Sixers
Ellyse Perry's experience and all-round ability make her one of the most important players in the competition. She can influence matches with both bat and ball.
Chamari Athapaththu – Hobart Hurricanes
Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu brings aggressive batting and useful bowling to the Hurricanes. Her performances could play an important role in the defending champions' campaign.
Sophie Devine – Perth Scorchers
New Zealand's Sophie Devine is known for her power-hitting and all-round contributions. Her experience will be valuable for Perth throughout the season.
Ashleigh Gardner – Sydney Sixers
Ashleigh Gardner provides explosive batting and off-spin bowling. Her ability to contribute in multiple departments makes her an important member of the Sixers squad.
Sophie Ecclestone – Adelaide Strikers
England's left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone is one of the leading bowlers in women's cricket. Her ability to control the middle overs and take important wickets makes her a player to watch.
Phoebe Litchfield – Sydney Thunder
Phoebe Litchfield is one of Australia's promising batting talents. Her timing, stroke-play and ability to score quickly will be important for Sydney Thunder.
Fatima Sana – Perth Scorchers
Pakistan all-rounder Fatima Sana brings pace bowling and lower-order batting ability to Perth Scorchers. Her performances will be closely followed by international fans.
WBBL 2026–27: Tournament Format
All eight teams will compete in the league stage before the top four advance to the finals.
The third- and fourth-placed teams will meet in the Knockout, with the winner progressing to face the second-placed team in the Challenger. The Challenger winner will then meet the top-ranked qualifier in the final.
The format rewards consistency during the league stage while giving teams another opportunity to reach the championship match.
WBBL 2026–27: Live Streaming and Broadcasting
Cricket fans in Australia can follow the Women's Big Bash League through Cricket Australia's official digital coverage and broadcast partners.
International broadcasting and streaming availability vary by country. Viewers in India should check FanCode's official platform for the latest WBBL 2026–27 broadcast information and match availability.
Teams to Watch in WBBL 2026–27
Hobart Hurricanes will enter the competition with confidence as defending champions. However, several franchises have the squad depth to challenge for the title.
Sydney Sixers have an impressive collection of experienced international players, while Perth Scorchers possess a strong combination of batting and all-round talent.
Adelaide Strikers also have a competitive squad featuring Laura Wolvaardt, Tahlia McGrath, Megan Schutt and Sophie Ecclestone.
The performances of overseas players, domestic youngsters and experienced Australian internationals could determine which teams reach the finals.
Conclusion
WBBL 2026–27 promises another exciting season of women's T20 cricket, with eight franchises competing for the championship from October 29 to December 5.
Defending champions Hobart Hurricanes will aim to retain their title, but Sydney Sixers, Perth Scorchers, Adelaide Strikers and other teams will be determined to challenge them.
With several international stars joining the competition, WBBL|12 is set to provide plenty of entertainment and opportunities for emerging Australian players to make their mark.
