BBL and WBBL introduce new player exchange window

The BBL and WBBL have introduced a new exchange window that will allow clubs to sign players and exchange selections for a short period after the conclusion of both competitions.

There has also been a change to the signing embargo period, where players cannot be signed, which will now begin after the home and away portion of each tournament rather than after the final. The new 10-day trade period, called the player movement window, will be the only time clubs can make changes to their roster once the embargo begins.

For the WBBL, the new trading period will be from December 2 to December 11 and in the BBL it will extend from January 28 to February 6. During the two windows, clubs cannot extend the contracts of existing players, which can only be done before the embargo. start or after it lifts, which is expected to be mid-March.

During the new transfer window, clubs can:

Previously, there could be no player signings outside the embargo window, although non-binding agreements could be reached. An example of where the new model might have had an impact recently is Melbourne Stars’ interest in Matt Kuhnemann only so Brisbane Heat could persuade him to stay before the signing embargo period was lifted.

Clubs will also have to work within the size of their squads: in the WBBL, there can be eight players on a list before the trade window and a maximum of 10 after, and in the BBL the corresponding numbers are 10 and 12.

Foreign players who signed multi-year contracts count towards that team size. In both tournaments, that includes Marizanne Kapp, Amelia Kerr, Chamari Athapaththu, Lizelle Lee, Nadine de Klerk, Sophie Devine, Sam Billings, Colin Munro, Tim Seifert, Chris Jordan, Tom Curran and Finn Allen.

The ability to trade players has been available in the BBL since 2013, although it has been used on a limited basis. Prior to this season, Wes Agar was traded from Adelaide Strikers to Sydney Thunder as part of a selection swap between the clubs. In 2023, Adam Zampa and Sam Harper were traded between Melbourne Stars and Renegades.

“The introduction of player movement windows immediately following the WBBL|10 and BBL|14 seasons will add another strategic dimension to our leagues,” said Alistair Dobson, executive general manager of the Big Bash Leagues. “The windows will add certainty and stability for players and clubs in a crucial period in the roster management cycle.”