Women's Big Bash League Explained
A complete guide to the WBBL — Australia's women's franchise T20 competition — its eight teams, format, broadcast presence, and global significance.
What Is the WBBL?
The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) is Australia's premier women's franchise T20 competition, run by Cricket Australia (CA). Launched in 2015–16 as a companion competition to the men's BBL, it has grown into the world's leading standalone women's T20 competition — one of the very few women's domestic leagues with its own broadcast deal, significant crowds, and a full season schedule.
The Eight Teams
- Adelaide Strikers Women
- Brisbane Heat Women
- Hobart Hurricanes Women
- Melbourne Renegades Women
- Melbourne Stars Women
- Perth Scorchers Women
- Sydney Sixers Women
- Sydney Thunder Women
Format
The WBBL features a round-robin group stage (each team plays 14 matches) before a four-team playoff series (Qualifier, Eliminator, semi-final, and Final). The competition runs from October to November — Australia's spring — creating a high-quality domestic window for Australian women's players and overseas stars between northern-hemisphere international fixtures.
Global Significance
The WBBL has been pivotal in professionalising women's cricket. Cricket Australia provides full-time contracts to WBBL players, and the broadcast deal with Seven Network and Fox Cricket puts WBBL matches on prime-time television. The competition regularly draws international stars from England, India, West Indies, New Zealand, and South Africa, who join Australian clubs during the WBBL window.
Frequently asked questions
When does the WBBL run?
The WBBL season runs from October to November each year during Australia's spring and early summer.
Can international players compete in the WBBL?
Yes — each club can sign overseas players within CA's quota. England, India, West Indies, and New Zealand players regularly feature in the WBBL.
Is the WBBL separate from the men's BBL?
Yes — while both competitions share team names and colours, the WBBL now runs its own separate broadcast schedule with dedicated slots, not just as a curtain-raiser to men's games.