Cricket continues to lead the way with increased player payments for WBBL & WNCL

Australia’s female domestic cricketers will enjoy significant increase in player payments this year in a further demonstration of cricket’s commitment to setting the standard for women’s sport.

A $1.2 million increase in retainers – $800,000 for WNCL and $400,000 for the Weber WBBL – will provide a higher base salary for female cricketers and recognises the crucial role that Australia’s domestic competitions have played in the growth of the game.

The investment will see WNCL contracted players receive a 22% increase for 2021-22; and WBBL contracted players receive a 14% increase for 2021-22.

ACA CEO Todd Greenberg said the investment would continue to drive professionalism, with a focus on the domestic game.

“Investment in women’s cricket is fundamental to the growth of the game overall, and we see this as part of an ongoing strategy of continuing to raise the bar for others to follow. Cricket continues to lead other sports in Australia, and indeed internationally – and this is largely because of the continued investment in the game that drives professionalism.”

Cricket Australia CEO, Nick Hockley reiterated the importance of the investment.

“This is another incredibly important step in driving gender equity in our game. Our players have made enormous sacrifices the last 18 months and we are extremely proud to have been able to work alongside the ACA to provide a $1.2 million increase in retainers for the Weber WBBL and the WNCL. Investing at all levels of the women’s game is critical to its growth. Through initiatives such as the Grassroots Cricket Fund and Commonwealth Bank’s investment into women’s specific programs, we are encouraged to see more girls playing junior cricket every year.

The increases come after the ACA and Cricket Australia reached an agreement that will see nearly $4 million invested overall in support for players throughout this season. It includes $320,000 for additional wellbeing support and $250,000 to allow players to bring partners and dependents with them to help during extended periods away from home.

Australian Women’s Captain, Meg Lanning said that the success and prominence of women’s cricket in Australia has not happened by accident.

“Cricket has shown that when you properly invest in female sport, the results follow and everyone benefits – the game, the fans and the players. Because of the success of the game over the past few years, in which women’s domestic cricket has played a crucial role, the ACA has worked with Cricket Australia to ensure this is reflected in an increase in player payments across both the WNCL and WBBL,” she said.

“This is further supported by a number of additional programs funded by the ACA to support our domestic players as they successfully transition to a more professional environment.”