BBL Revamps Draft Timing to Enhance International Player Selection

To provide greater clarity for both tournaments and guarantee the men's tournament has first pick at top international players, the BBL and WBBL drafts have been moved to mid-June.

This year's drafts will take place on June 19, which is between the World Test Championship final and the beginning of the men's tour of the West Indies. Historically, the drafts have taken place in late August or early September.

Through a weighted lottery based on finishing positions from the previous season, the Brisbane Heat were able to clinch selection one in the BBL draft, while the Sydney Sixers had the same advantage in the WBBL. The Hobart Hurricanes, the reigning BBL champions, have the fifth choice, while the Melbourne Renegades, the WBBL champions, get the seventh. Draft selections are exchangeable.

Even though the WBBL has a more fixed time slot, player availability issues still arise, primarily as a result of the growing international schedule. The women's ODI World Cup is expected to push the WBBL later in the 2025–2026 season, and the finals may coincide with an international series between South Africa, Bangladesh, Ireland, and India.

Up to four foreign players, including any names who have already been signed, may be selected by clubs in the draft. The club's first replacement is the fourth player who is signed. Due to multi-year contracts, the majority of clubs already have an overseas player pre-signed for the 2024–25 season.