Why has Big Bash League draft been moved earlier for 2025–26 season?
BBL Draft 2025 moved to June to secure top overseas players before rival T20 leagues start.
The Big Bash League (BBL 2025–26) is set to take place in mid-June (June 19) to ensure that some big names will be available for the upcoming tournament. The draft will be held between the World Test Championship (WTC) and the tour against the West Indies, which will start on June 25.
The BBL drafts typically take place in late August or early September, but it seems the player selections will occur earlier than expected in the Australian franchise T20 tournament. This adjustment has also been made to allow teams to secure leading overseas players for their squads. The draft order for both the BBL and the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) has also been confirmed, with the Brisbane Heat getting the first pick in the BBL and the Sydney Sixers receiving the first pick in the WBBL draft.
The defending champions of the BBL, Hobart Hurricanes, will have the seventh pick in the draft, while the WBBL champions, Melbourne Renegades, will also have the seventh pick. Alistair Dobson, General Manager of the Big Bash League, has openly discussed the decision to move the draft forward and suggested that it provides clarity for clubs to build their squads ahead of the highly competitive tournament.
“We're confident bringing the draft date forward will ensure greater certainty for clubs as they build their squads in the lead-up to another highly competitive season,” Dobson was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Pre-signed overseas players ahead of the draft
Adelaide Strikers- N/A
Brisbane Heat- Colin Munro, Nadine de Klerk
Hobart Hurricanes- Chris Jordan, Lizelle Lee
Melbourne Renegades- Tim Seifert
Melbourne Stars- Tom Curran, Marizanne Kapp
Perth Scorchers- Finn Allen, Sophie Devine
Sydney Sixers- Amelia Kerr
Sydney Thunder- Sam Billings, Chamari Athapaththu
Big Bash overseas salary bands (AU$)
Platinum BBL: $360,000-420,000 | WBBL: $110,000
Gold BBL: $300,000 | WBBL: $90,000
Silver BBL: $200,000 | WBBL: $65,000
Bronze BBL: Up to $100,000 | WBBL: Up to $40,000
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