Since its inception in 2015–16, the WBBL has had nine seasons with a 56-game regular season. Now, it has switched to a 40-game season to better correspond with the men’s BBL final.
Cricket Australia launched a 10-year action plan to invest in, increase grassroots involvement, and generate commercial revenue in women’s cricket. The plan included condensing the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season and introducing a new state-based T20 tournament. Since its inception in 2015–16, the WBBL has had nine seasons with a 56-game regular season. Now, it has switched to a 40-game season to better correspond with the men’s BBL final. Instead of playing in 14, teams will now play in 10 regular season games. Club salary limitations are not going to alter.
With a few parameters yet to be finalized, the new state-based T20 tournament is anticipated to operate in tandem with the 50-over Women’s National Cricket League.
According to the cricket.com.au website, there won’t be a general decrease in women’s matches due to the addition of a new league, which will provide domestic cricket players additional top-tier playing opportunities.
The new competition will result in higher pay for female domestic players the following season. For female domestic players with contracts in both the WBBL and state leagues, the average compensation will increase by 8% to AU$163,322.
In an effort to maximize attendance for women’s internationals and the WBBL in the main venues, CA has committed to holding more games in Australia’s top stadiums.