Junction Oval to host WBBL 2026 opening day double-header

The schedule for the 12th edition of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL 2026/27) has been released by Cricket Australia.

A total of 43 matches will be played in a 38-day window, with a double-header set to start the tournament. The schedule marks an increase in Thursday-Sunday timeslots, beginning with the first fixture on October 29.

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia Executive General Manager (Big Bash Leagues), confirmed that CA had not considered hosting the WBBL opener outside Australia. For the first time, the men's edition is set to begin in December 2026 in Chennai, India.

"The WBBL is the best cricket league in the world for women and deserves to be played in the right spots to help it grow," he told reporters.

"There's been a focus on where we might kick off the BBL season, and we're hoping for some announcements in the next couple of weeks on that alongside the BBL schedule. But to be able to grow the WBBL in different markets is really important… so I'd never say never on that."

The Knockout match will be held on December 1, while the Challenger clash will be played between the winner of Knockout and the second-ranked qualifier.

A total of 14 double-headers will be played, starting with the opening fixture at Junction Oval as the first-ever T20 game under lights at the venue. The project to install lights began in December last year and will be completed in August.

The Melbourne Derby and the Sydney Smash will both be played on November 28, the penultimate day of the league stage, while new marquee matches have been scheduled for Halloween and Melbourne Cup Eve.

The Hobart Hurricanes are defending champions, having won their maiden title last season. Brisbane Heat finished last, failing to win any of their 10 games, with one no-result.