WBBL to introduce Draft System for Overseas Players

The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) is set to introduce a player draft for overseas superstars in the upcoming season. In the past, clubs would negotiate directly with international players and their agents to join their teams. However, now all overseas players who wish to participate in the tournament will nominate for the draft and be allocated into salary bands of gold, silver, and bronze.

WBBL to introduce Draft System for Overseas Players
WBBL to introduce Draft System for Overseas Players

The draft will take place on a date to be announced, and each club will be required to draft a minimum of two and a maximum of three overseas players. The introduction of the draft comes as the women’s game continues to change globally, with the growth and evolution of other competitions such as the Women’s Premier League and The Hundred.

The player bands are divided into three tiers, with platinum being the highest and most lucrative, followed by gold, silver, and bronze. Platinum players will earn $110,000, gold players will earn $90,000, silver players will earn $65,000, and bronze players will earn $40,000.

Each club will be required to sign at least five players above the $50,000 salary threshold, regardless of whether they are local or overseas players. The definition of a “marquee” player has changed, and any player on a contract worth $50,000 or more will be considered a marquee player. Unlike previous seasons, there will no longer be a limit on how many Cricket Australia (CA)-contracted players can be at one club. Additionally, every club can now sign three overseas players, and these internationals will not automatically count as marquees.

The date for player nominations is yet to be announced, but the league will release a public list of overseas players who have been nominated for the draft and what salary band they have been nominated for. The draft is expected to be similar to the system employed for last year’s inaugural Big Bash League (BBL) draft.

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Overall, the introduction of a player draft for overseas players is expected to generate more interest and profile for players in the WBBL, similar to the impact that the draft had on the BBL.

Sports have always been a huge part of my life, and having played cricket professionally for my state team, I gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the world of sports. With an eye for detail and passion for sports, I’m hoping to make a lasting impact in the sports industry.

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