BBL|15 Draft Order & WBBL|11 Draft 2025: Brisbane Heat & Sydney Sixers Win Pick One

Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers Secure First Picks as BBL|15 and WBBL|11 Draft Dates and Orders Announced

The countdown begins for the BBL|15 and WBBL|11 Drafts with Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers leading the charge

The Big Bash Leagues in Australia continue to evolve, and with the draft system entering its latest phase, excitement is already brewing ahead of KFC BBL|15 and Weber WBBL|11. Cricket Australia has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated drafts for both leagues will take place on June 19, 2025, with an earlier draft date designed to give franchises a strategic advantage in their planning and recruitment process.

Adding to the pre-season buzz, the Brisbane Heat have emerged as the luckiest franchise in the men's competition, winning Pick One in the BBL|15 Draft lottery. Meanwhile, in the women’s league, Sydney Sixers will have the privilege of opening the WBBL|11 Draft, positioning them perfectly to strengthen their squad with world-class overseas talent.

Brisbane Heat win big in BBL|15 Draft lottery

Landing the coveted first pick in any sporting draft is a momentous occasion, and for the Brisbane Heat, it couldn’t have come at a better time. The Heat, who narrowly missed out on the finals last season, will now have the luxury of selecting the first international superstar for BBL|15.

Given the increasing pool of overseas talent and the unpredictable availability of players due to international commitments, securing that first pick could play a defining role in shaping the Heat's campaign.

Under the BBL|15 Draft rules, the lottery determined the selection order for Rounds One, Two, and Four, while Round Three will follow a reverse order system. Brisbane Heat’s early advantage is complemented by a strong domestic core, but all eyes will be on who they choose to bring in as their marquee international player.

Sydney Sixers in pole position for WBBL|11 Draft

On the WBBL front, Sydney Sixers have emerged as the headline team following their successful draw of Pick One in the WBBL|11 Draft. After an inconsistent WBBL|10 season that left them outside the finalists' bracket, this draft pick gives them the golden chance to recruit a game-changer.

With the global women's cricket landscape expanding rapidly, the Sixers are now in prime position to chase the world’s best female talent whether it be an explosive opener, a dynamic all-rounder, or a mystery spinner who can bamboozle opposition batters.

Their choice could shape not only the balance of their side but also set the tone for how other franchises approach their early draft selections.

A strategic shift with an earlier draft date

Cricket Australia’s decision to move the BBL|15 and WBBL|11 drafts forward to June 19 signals a new era in the leagues’ recruitment strategy. This earlier date allows teams greater flexibility to secure international commitments, negotiate contracts, and plan their pre-season activities well in advance.

The player nomination portal for overseas stars will open on April 28, 2025, with clubs allowed to draft up to four international players, including any pre-signed multi-year talent. Importantly, the fourth overseas player is designated as the team’s first replacement option, ensuring that player availability issues during the season can be managed with minimal disruption.

Draft orders revealed for BBL|15 and WBBL|11

For the men’s competition, Brisbane Heat were followed by Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Renegades, Perth Scorchers, Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Sixers, Melbourne Stars, and Sydney Thunder in the draft order.

In the WBBL, the order behind Sydney Sixers is Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers, Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Thunder, Melbourne Renegades, and Brisbane Heat.

This structure was based on a two-phase draw, where non-finalists from last season contested Picks 1 to 4, while finalists were drawn for Picks 5 to 8. This ensures a level playing field and offers the lower-ranked teams a better chance to attract marquee talent.

Boosting local economies and growing the Big Bash brand

Beyond player acquisition, these drafts reflect the broader vision of Cricket Australia to continue building the BBL and WBBL as global leagues of choice for both players and fans. The earlier draft timing supports long-term strategic planning, helping teams lock in sponsors, market campaigns, and fan engagement plans around their star players.

Furthermore, with broadcasts locked in across Seven, 7plus, Foxtel, and Kayo Sports, the drafts are set to capture massive viewership, not just within Australia but globally continuing the Big Bash’s status as one of cricket's premier entertainment products.

The future of international recruitment in the BBL and WBBL

The buzz around the BBL|15 and WBBL|11 drafts isn’t just about the first picks. With the emergence of new T20 leagues worldwide, competition for top international talent has become fiercer. However, Cricket Australia’s draft model, combined with attractive player contracts and a proven track record of well-run tournaments, ensures that the BBL and WBBL remain in prime contention for signing the biggest names in world cricket.

Whether it's the likes of Andre Russell, Rashid Khan, Sophie Devine, or Harmanpreet Kaur fans across Australia will be eagerly watching to see which stars will grace their favourite franchises this season.

Alistair Dobson lauds draft impact

Speaking about the significance of the draft, Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager of the Big Bash Leagues, highlighted its critical role in shaping the competition's future.

"The intrigue surrounding the recruitment of international stars for the BBL|15 and WBBL|11 will only intensify after announcing the lottery draft orders for the forthcoming season. 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."

His words reinforce the importance of the draft not only as a selection mechanism but as a spectacle that generates excitement and fan interest months ahead of the tournament's start.