Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL): Teams, History, Records & 2025 Updates

The Womens Big Bash League (WBBL) is one of the most exciting women’s cricket leagues in the world.

It began in 2015 and takes place in Australia every year. The league gives female cricketers a powerful platform to showcase their skills.

Womens Big Bash League

It also helps grow women’s cricket not just in Australia but worldwide.

In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about the WBBL — its teams, format, top players, famous records, and the latest updates for the 2025 season.

What is the Womens Big Bash League?

The WBBL is a professional Twenty20 (T20) cricket league for women.

Cricket Australia started it to make women’s cricket more visible and to provide players with professional opportunities.

Since its beginning, the league has seen great success and is now followed by millions of fans.

Each match is fast-paced, exciting, and full of action. The league has helped many women players gain fame and grow financially. It has also inspired young girls to take up cricket as a serious sport.

Here are five important things about WBBL:

  • Started in 2015 by Cricket Australia
  • Played in the T20 format
  • Features 8 city-based teams
  • Runs from October to December
  • Broadcast in over 20 countries

Teams in the WBBL

There are eight teams in the Women’s Big Bash League. These teams are based in major cities across Australia and are aligned with the men’s BBL teams.

Each team comprises a mix of Australian talent and international stars. The teams compete with each other across the season to make it to the playoffs and eventually win the trophy.

  1. Sydney Sixers
  2. Sydney Thunder
  3. Melbourne Stars
  4. Melbourne Renegades
  5. Brisbane Heat
  6. Perth Scorchers
  7. Adelaide Strikers
  8. Hobart Hurricane

How the Tournament Works

The WBBL follows a league and playoff format. During the league stage, each team plays 14 matches — both home and away. The top four teams at the end of the league round qualify for the playoffs.

The playoffs include an Eliminator, a Challenger, and the Final. This format ensures that every match matters and keeps the excitement alive till the very end.

 female cricketer hitting a beautiful cover drive

Points are awarded based on match outcomes. A team gets two points for a win, one point for a match with no result, and zero points for a loss. Teams aim to finish in the top four to get a chance to win the title.

Special rounds like the Indigenous Round and Pride Round are held during the season to promote diversity and community engagement. Some matches are held under lights while others are day games.

What’s New in WBBL 2025?

The 2025 season promises to be the biggest one yet. The tournament is expected to begin in October and end by early December.

Though the official fixture list hasn’t been released, fans can expect thrilling matches across iconic stadiums.

Teams have already started signing big names. We will see many international players from countries like India, England, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Young Australian cricketers will also get their chance to shine this season. More teams are focusing on building a strong mix of experience and youth.

Elyse Perry in WBBL dooing victory celebration with other teammate

WBBL 2025 will be broadcast across multiple platforms. Fans in Australia can watch it live on Fox Sports, Seven Network, and Kayo Sports.

Fans from other countries can stream matches on ICC.tv or their local sports channels.

The viewing experience is set to improve with better coverage, commentary, and real-time statistics.

Records That Made History

The WBBL has created many unforgettable moments over the years. Top players have broken records, and teams have given fans a lot to cheer about.

Beth Mooney is one of the highest run-scorers in the league with over 5051 runs. Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine have also consistently scored heavily season after season.

On the bowling side, Jess Jonassen leads the wicket charts with over 179 wickets. Megan Schutt and Sarah Aley are also among the top performers.

Most Runs In WBBL (Women’s Big Bash League) Till Now (2025)

PLATERS

MATCHES

INNINGS

RUNS

SR

Beth Mooney

142

141

5051

125.24

Ellyse Perry

134

131

4689

109.09

Sophie Devine

130

129

3960

127.49

Elyse Villani

138

135

3695

114.14

Meg Lanning

98

97

3167

120.18

For more information, click here.

Most Wickets In WBBL (Women’s Big Bash League) Till Now (2025)

PLATERS

MATCHES

INNINGS

WICKETS

ECO

Jess Jonassen

147

147

179

6.59

Molly Strano

139

136

159

6.66

Amanda-Jade Wellington

142

140

157

6.78

Megan Schutt

137

136

149

5.91

Heather Graham

138

130

141

7.16

For more information, click here.

Teams like Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat have posted some of the highest scores in WBBL history.

Their aggressive style of play and fearless batting have set many benchmarks for others to follow. Every season brings new records and showcases how much the league has grown.

Players to Follow This Season

The 2025 WBBL season will feature many top stars and promising newcomers.

Ellyse Perry, who plays for the Sydney Sixers, continues to be one of the best all-rounders in the world. Her ability to lead, bat, and bowl makes her a key player.

Beth Mooney, playing for the Perth Scorchers, is known for her consistency and calm batting style.

Sophie Devine from New Zealand is another star to look out for — her aggressive batting and handy bowling make her a match-winner.

Some young players are also expected to make a big impact this year. Phoebe Litchfield from Australia has already shown great promise.

Mooney's winning runs scoring celebration in WBBL

Shafali Verma from India is known for her attacking game. England’s Alice Capsey is another rising star who could shine this season.

How WBBL Changed Women’s Cricket

The WBBL has had a huge effect on women’s cricket. Before the WBBL, many female cricketers had few opportunities to play on a big stage.

Now, with regular matches, big crowds, and strong media coverage, women’s cricket is getting the attention it deserves.

More girls in Australia are playing cricket now. Many young players say they were inspired by watching the WBBL.

The league has helped create full-time careers for many women. Players are now better paid and more respected.

The success of WBBL has also encouraged countries like India and England to start their leagues, like the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and The Hundred.

Watching the WBBL Live

Watching the WBBL is easy and fun. In Australia, matches are shown on Channel 7 and Fox Sports.

Fans who prefer online streaming can use the Kayo Sports app or the Cricket Australia Live app.

Fans from other countries can catch the action on ICC.tv or local networks. In India, matches are often shown on Sony LIV or Star Sports.

Fans can also follow scores and highlights on YouTube and social media platforms.

Past Champions of the WBBL

Over the years, many teams have lifted the WBBL trophy. Sydney Thunder were the first-ever champions in 2015.

Jess Jonassen taking crucial wickets in WBBL

Sydney Sixers won in 2016 and 2017. Brisbane Heat claimed the title in 2018 and 2019.

More recently, Adelaide Strikers won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. Brisbane Heat came back strong and won again in 2024.

  • 2015: Sydney Thunder 
  • 2016: Sydney Sixers
  • 2017: Sydney Sixers
  • 2018: Brisbane Heat
  • 2019: Brisbane Heat
  • 2020: Sydney Thunder
  • 2021: Perth Scorchers
  • 2022: Adelaide Strikers
  • 2023: Adelaide Strikers
  • 2024: Renegades

Final Thoughts

The Womens Big Bash League is more than just a cricket tournament.

It is a movement that has transformed women’s cricket in Australia and around the world.

With each passing season, the league becomes increasingly competitive, thrilling, and inspirational.

WBBL 2025 promises to be no different. With a mix of experience and youth, local heroes and international stars, fans are in for a season filled with passion, power, and unforgettable cricket. Don’t miss a single moment!

About The Author:

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Avijit Brahma

I’m Avijit Brahma, a cricket enthusiast who enjoys dissecting games, evaluating player performances, and offering my opinions on the sport. I’m here to share my thoughts, ideas, and everything about cricket, whether it’s a thrilling finish or a knock that breaks records. Let’s have a proper conversation about cricket!

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