Breaking: Women’s Big Bash League Scraps Overseas Draft

The Women’s Big Bash League has scrapped its overseas player draft, and few fans have noticed what that really changes.
The 2026-27 season, known as WBBL|12, opened on October 29 under a new pay model.
We break down the numbers that matter.

Key Takeaways

• The overseas draft is gone, replaced by direct signing of all players.
• The top five players in each squad must now earn at least $439,000 combined.
• The Hobart Hurricanes enter as defending champions with a changed overseas group.

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What changed in the contracting system?

Cricket Australia replaced the overseas draft with a direct signing system for domestic and overseas players.
Clubs no longer have to sign any overseas player, and each primary list can hold a maximum of three.
Clubs can still keep one overseas women’s player on a multi-year deal, as cricket.com.au explains.
This is the biggest structural shift in years.

Why did the old system frustrate Australian stars?

Under the previous structure, clubs had to sign or draft two or three overseas players, and at least one earned above $90,000 in the WBBL.
AAP notes that Australia’s players are available for the whole tournament and remain the competition’s biggest names.
Our analysis suggests the money now follows availability and star value.

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How does the new salary cap work?

In WBBL|12, the top five players in each squad must collectively earn at least $439,000, which is 57 per cent of the $772,466 salary cap.
In WBBL|13, the rule changes to the top four players earning at least $400,000, or 52 per cent.
Fewer players, but a bigger focus on stars.

Season	Top-paid players counted	Minimum combined pay	Share of cap
WBBL 12	Top 5	$439,000	57 per cent
WBBL 13	Top 4	$400,000	52 per cent

How big are squads now?

Each team can sign a 15-player squad, with a maximum of 10 signed before 27 August 2026.
The season runs for 38 days, ending with the Grand Final on December 5.
Depth matters more than ever in the Women’s Big Bash League.
Short windows reward smart planning.

Why were signings delayed?

IANS reported in August that clubs could not finalise squads because of an embargo linked to a delayed Memorandum of Understanding.
That left franchises with only about two months before the season.
If you have been following cricket closely, this won’t come as a surprise.

Who moved clubs this season?

The Hurricanes begin their title defence without Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, though Chamari Athapaththu arrives from the Thunder.
Charlie Dean replaces Marizanne Kapp at the Stars, Alice Capsey moves to the Sixers, and Fatima Sana joins the Scorchers.

How did the season open?

As ABC News reported, the Sydney Thunder beat the Melbourne Renegades comfortably on opening day.
Our analysis suggests the Thunder have made a confident start.
Early points matter in a 38-day race.

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Could the Melbourne clubs merge?

CricTracker reports that this may be the last season both Melbourne franchises play as separate clubs, if a proposal goes ahead.
That would change the shape of the Women’s Big Bash League.
Keep an eye on this story.

Which records still stand?

These WBBL records are the benchmarks for every batter and bowler.

• Ellyse Perry holds the record for most runs in one edition with 777 at an average of 86.33.
• Grace Harris hit a record 11 sixes in the highest individual score, including a broken-bat six.
• The 200-run mark has been crossed only eleven times, and Jess Jonassen leads the all-time wicket list.
• Only 10 matches were televised in the first season.

What should fans watch next?

The ESPN fixtures page lists the Knockout on December 1, the Challenger on December 3 and the Final on December 5.
We will be tracking how star-heavy squads perform under the new pay rules.
The Women’s Big Bash League has never been this open.
One big innings can change the table.