Thrilling WBBL Squads 2025–26: Full WBBL 11 Team & Player List

The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) returns for WBBL 11 (2025–26) with teams finalising their squads after a lively draft, a competitive player-movement window and a busy off-season. Below is a team-by-team breakdown of every contracted player heading into WBBL 2025–26, along with short analyses of each squad’s strengths and key talking points. These WBBL squad lists are based on official club announcements and consolidated WBBL coverage.

Adelaide Strikers

Contracted players (15): Jemma Barsby, Tammy Beaumont, Darcie Brown, Sophie Ecclestone, Ellie Johnston, Eleanor Larosa, Anesu Mushangwe, Tahlia McGrath (c), Bridget Patterson, Maddie Penna, Megan Schutt, Tabatha Saville, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Ella Wilson, Laura Wolvaardt.

Analysis: The Strikers have mixed international experience with emerging local talent. Laura Wolvaardt and Tammy Beaumont give solidity at the top while Tahlia McGrath’s captaincy and Megan Schutt’s strike bowling anchor the attack. Spin options — including Sophie Ecclestone and Jemma Barsby — provide variety, and young batters like Ellie Johnston offer long-term upside. The key question: balancing overseas talent with consistent top-order partnerships.

Brisbane Heat

Contracted players (15): Lily Bassingthwaighte, Bonnie Berry, Lucy Bourke, Nadine de Klerk, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Grace Harris, Chinelle Henry, Jess Jonassen, Charli Knott, Annie O’Neil, Georgia Redmayne, Jemimah Rodrigues, Mikayla Wrigley.

Analysis: Brisbane’s list mixes power hitters and all-round options. Jess Jonassen remains the bowling lynchpin while Jemimah Rodrigues brings class and aggression in the middle order. The addition of Nadine de Klerk and Chinelle Henry strengthens pace and all-round depth. The Heat’s success will depend on converting big individual performances into consistent team totals and shoring up the top order after losing long-time contributors in the off-season.

Hobart Hurricanes

Contracted players (16): Kathryn Bryce, Nicola Carey, Heather Graham, Isabella Malgioglio, Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee, Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith, Linsey Smith, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Elyse Villani, Callie Wilson, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.

Analysis: The Hurricanes secured marquee signings in Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Lizelle Lee — the former a powerful all-round addition and the latter a destructive opener who is now a local signing after residency changes. Molly Strano provides a world-class bowling option in the middle overs. Hobart’s blend of international experience and local youth makes them dangerous, but their balance between overseas stars and domestic depth will determine how they perform across long tournament stretches.

Melbourne Renegades

Contracted players (15): Charis Bekker, Alice Capsey, Sarah Coyte, Emma de Broughe, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Milly Illingworth, Sara Kennedy, Sophie Molineux, Davina Perrin, Naomi Stalenberg, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb, Issy Wong.

Analysis: As reigning champions, the Renegades retained a strong core including Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham. Alice Capsey and Deandra Dottin continue to supply explosive batting and all-round firepower. The loss of Hayley Matthews due to injury is significant but the Renegades’ recruitment strategy kept depth in all departments. Their bowling attack looks well-balanced; the key will be consistent top-order contributions to set winning platforms.

Melbourne Stars

Contracted players (15): Sophie Day, Kim Garth, Dani Gibson, Maisy Gibson, Ella Hayward, Amy Jones, Marizanne Kapp, Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Ines McKeon, Sasha Moloney, Indigo Noble, Georgia Prestwidge, Sophie Reid, Annabel Sutherland.

Analysis: The Stars’ list mixes experience with a few smart international additions. Meg Lanning’s leadership and Amy Jones’ wicketkeeping/batting provide stability; Marizanne Kapp adds craft and control. The challenge for the Stars is converting individual talent into consistent results — their batting depth needs to fire collectively for a deep finals push.

Perth Scorchers

Contracted players (15): Chloe Ainsworth, Maddy Darke, Sophie Devine, Amy Edgar, Mikayla Hinkley, Ebony Hoskin, Freya Kemp, Alana King, Katie Mack, Shay Manolini, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney, Chloe Piparo, Paige Scholfield, Ruby Strange.

Analysis: Perth’s squad is headlined by Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney — two players who can single-handedly change games. Alana King strengthens the bowling attack, while international signings like Freya Kemp (when available) add spin and all-round options. Katie Mack’s move into the Scorchers’ top order creates an exciting opening pair with Mooney. The Scorchers look well-balanced but must manage availability of overseas players and injuries.

Sydney Sixers

Contracted players (15+): (Sixers have confirmed an experienced and star-studded list for WBBL|11. Key names include Ashleigh Gardner (captain), Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, Amelia Kerr, Sophia Dunkley, Mady Villiers, Erin Burns and other contracted squad members.) Specific matchday squads have been announced ahead of fixtures.

Analysis: The Sixers remain one of the most star-studded sides in the competition. With Ashleigh Gardner as captain, a world-class pace and spin battery, and top-order firepower in Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry, they are perennial title contenders. The challenge: seamless integration of returning internationals and rotating personnel around international commitments. Expect the Sixers to be contenders on paper in WBBL|11.

(Note: the Sixers have been naming matchday squads publicly; check club releases for the latest matchday 13s as the season approaches.)

Sydney Thunder

Contracted players (16): (Thunder’s contracted list includes a mix of retained local stars and draft signings. Notable players across sources include Naomi Dattani, Issy Wong (where applicable), and other squad members as listed in consolidated squad listings for WBBL|11.) For the exact contracted 15–16 player list, see the consolidated squad pages.

Analysis: The Thunder have been active in the player market and draft, aiming to build a competitive, balanced unit. Their success will hinge on getting stable opening partnerships and managing pace resources across different venues. Keep an eye on their list announcements and pre-season form.

What the Lists Tell Us — Tournament Takeaways

1. Depth of international talent. WBBL|11 has attracted elite internationals — England’s Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Tammy Beaumont, South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, and a raft of other marquee names — elevating the league’s worldwide appeal and competitiveness. These signings change the tactical map for many clubs.

2. Stronger all-round balance. Several teams prioritised multi-skill players — all-rounders who can bat up the order and bowl crucial overs — reflecting the continued premium on flexibility in T20 cricket. Names such as Sophie Devine, Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner are central to this trend.

3. Spin and variation matter. Clubs added specialist spinners (Sophie Ecclestone, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith) to counter varied Australian surfaces and provide control options in the middle overs. Expect teams to use spin as a primary control strategy, particularly on slower decks.

4. Fresh leadership narratives. Several clubs have leadership changes or reaffirmed captains that will influence team dynamics and on-field tactics. New or reinforced captaincies will be storylines to follow during the season.

5. Injury and availability watch. As always, injuries (e.g., Hayley Matthews’ shoulder surgery) and international schedules can shape club fortunes. Squad depth will be tested across December and January’s tight calendar.

How to Use This List (for Fans, Media & Fantasy Players)

• Fans: Bookmark club pages and the official WBBL/Cricket Australia squad updates for any last-minute contract changes or injury replacements.

• Media: Use the squads as the basis for match previews, especially to analyse overseas player availability and head-to-head bowling matchups.

• Fantasy cricket: Prioritise top-order batters and consistent bowlers who bowl at the death or take regular wickets; rotating international stars can be high-risk, high-reward picks depending on availability.

Final thoughts

WBBL|11 promises a lively and star-packed tournament. With squads now largely set, fans can expect high-quality cricket, tactical nuances driven by seasoned internationals, and plenty of room for breakout performances from Australia’s next generation. Keep an eye on official club announcements and the WBBL competition pages for any late changes to contracted lists and matchday squad announcements.

Written By The Cricket Show

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