That has been Cricket Australia’s adamant position despite the quick onset of WBBL rivals such as India’s new Women’s Premier League (WPL) and England’s Hundred.
The 2026–27 WBBL season schedule has been revealed, with the tournament getting underway on October 29 and culminating with the final rolling around on December 5. The playoff round includes the Knockout on Dec. 1, the Challenger on Dec. 3, and championship match two days later. Organisers have gone further by cutting morning fixtures and reducing the number of neutral-venue matches while accommodating a greater number of games in the lucrative Friday-to-Sunday period.
Big Bash executive general manager Alistair Dobson admitted in the aftermath of the fixture announcement that it was being “increasingly challenged” by the likes of WPL and the Hundred which remained big tickets for top international players with mega contracts. He did, however, stress that the WBBL remains the strongest competition in the world and thus provides a best opportunity for players to challenge themselves against cricket’s elite.
Abiding by the new global women’s cricket calendar, which now features a dedicated window for each marquee tournament including January’s WPL and the Hundred, means that there are less scheduling clashes with international players when it comes to the WBBL.
The reformed season will kick-off with a thrilling double-header of the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars, but the long-term future of the Renegades’ license remains in major doubt. Cricket Victoria has stated it is preparing to combine operations and possibly sell one of its Big Bash franchises, but Dobson said a decision had not yet been settled and insisted both Melbourne clubs remain an integral part of this season’s competition.
The opening-night matches at Junction Oval will be played in upgraded floodlights, providing an opportunity for more prime-time evening fixtures. Adelaide Oval will again host a WBBL clash on November 20 when the Adelaide Strikers play the Renegades.
It will be the first WBBL season not played at iconic venues in Australia, such as the MCG, SCG and the Gabba, or use them for backup hosting places for the finals. Rather, clubs will carry on choosing venues that are in their scheduling and fan engagement best interest.
The WBBL is well positioned – with an updated schedule, free of bad timeslots, and a belief in its quality on the field – to remain one of the most prestigious competitions in women’s cricket while also adapting alongside a rapidly growing global T20 game.
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