WBBL 12 Schedule Released With More Home Games and Prime-Time Fixtures

The Women’s Big Bash League is set to become even more fan friendly in its 12th season, with Cricket Australia unveiling a revamped schedule that places greater emphasis on home venues, prime time broadcasts and marquee matchups. The 43 match tournament, running from October 29 to December 5, aims to strengthen local fan engagement while showcasing the league’s best talent on some of Australia’s most iconic cricket grounds.

One of the biggest changes for Weber WBBL 12 is the reduction in neutral venue fixtures. Only four matches will be played at neutral grounds this season, down from seven in WBBL 11, allowing more clubs to compete in front of their home supporters. The Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder have each been awarded an additional home fixture, reflecting Cricket Australia’s continued effort to deepen community connections and build stronger local rivalries.

The season will begin with an exciting double header at Melbourne’s Junction Oval on Thursday, October 29. Melbourne Renegades will take on Sydney Thunder in the afternoon before Melbourne Stars face reigning champions Hobart Hurricanes in the evening under lights.

It will be the first WBBL matches played at Junction Oval under permanent floodlights, following recent infrastructure upgrades that now allow the venue to host night games. The installation of floodlights has significantly expanded scheduling flexibility, with at least six night matches planned at Junction Oval throughout the tournament. The venue is expected to become one of the competition’s premier destinations, particularly with both Melbourne derbies scheduled there this season.

Fans across Australia will have opportunities to watch their teams at home early in the tournament, with seven clubs hosting matches during the opening weekend. Defending champions Hobart Hurricanes will return to Ninja Stadium on November 4 for their first home match since lifting their maiden WBBL title at the venue last season.

Cricket Australia has also increased the number of prime time fixtures, with 25 matches scheduled in afternoon and evening television windows compared to 22 last season. More than 55 percent of all games will now be played during prime viewing hours, reflecting the league’s growing television audience and commercial success.

Among the standout fixtures are the Halloween double header on October 31, featuring Adelaide Strikers hosting Melbourne Stars at Karen Rolton Oval before Perth Scorchers meet Melbourne Renegades at the WACA Ground. Adelaide Strikers will also return to Adelaide Oval for the fourth consecutive season, taking on the Renegades in a prime time clash on November 20.

The Melbourne Stars will host Perth Scorchers under lights at Junction Oval on November 2, the evening before the Melbourne Cup public holiday, while both Melbourne derbies are expected to attract significant attention.

The first derby will be played under lights on November 22, followed by a Saturday afternoon clash on November 28, with the Melbourne Mace trophy up for grabs in the Women’s Big Bash League for the first time. Sydney’s fierce rivalry will also be in the spotlight. The first Sydney Smash between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder will take place at North Sydney Oval on November 8 before the teams meet again in prime time at Drummoyne Oval on November 28.

Importantly, all four Melbourne and Sydney derby fixtures have been scheduled on days without international cricket, allowing the league to maximise both attendance and television audiences.

The regular season will conclude with a double header in Adelaide on November 29. Brisbane Heat will take on Perth Scorchers before Adelaide Strikers host Hobart Hurricanes at Karen Rolton Oval in the final matches before the playoffs. As in previous seasons, the WBBL will feature a three match finals series.

The third and fourth placed teams will contest the Knockout on December 1, hosted by the higher ranked side. The winner will then travel to face the second placed team in the Challenger on December 3, with a place in the final at stake. The team finishing atop the standings after the regular season will earn the right to host the WBBL 12 Final on Saturday, December 5.

Broadcast coverage has also been expanded, ensuring fans can follow every moment of the competition. Every WBBL 12 match will be available on Kayo Sports and Foxtel, including 20 exclusive matches on Fox Cricket. Additionally, 20 regular season games along with every finals fixture will be broadcast live and free across Seven and 7plus.