A lot moved in the week after our last update. The Melbourne Stars gave the captaincy back to Meg Lanning, the Renegades added three players including South Africa's Chloe Tryon, England's Lauren Bell is back at the Thunder, and the Heat, Sixers and Stars all filled spots. Cricket Australia's tracker now shows 103 confirmed players across the eight clubs, with 17 list spots still open and the season starting on 29 October.
Squads changed. Check your WBBL 2026 Season Fantasy team before the lock, 150 transfers, free.
Build My Squad →The Captain Change: Lanning Is Back
On 12 October the Stars announced that Meg Lanning will captain the club in WBBL|12. Annabel Sutherland, who led the side for the past two seasons, chose to stand aside so she can focus on her own performances, and she stays in the leadership group. Lanning, 34, has played 109 WBBL matches for the club and led it in five earlier seasons. Coach Richard Pyrah said Sutherland's decision showed courage and humility, and that the club would see the best of her on the field.
For fantasy this changes nothing about price, because both are 9.5 Cr. It does mean that Lanning, who won last season's Golden Bat, is the Stars' leader as well as their top batter.
Every Move Since 7 October
Coyte's signing was announced on 6 October and was missing from our 7 October count, so we have added her now. Every player in the table is in the Season Fantasy builder.
Season Fantasy Prices for the New Names
Bell at 9 Cr is the premium bowling option from this group. If your budget is tight, Porter, Samuel and Parsons at 6.5 Cr are the cheap fillers, but none of them has a long WBBL record to lean on.
Where Every Squad Stands
Clubs are required to keep one list spot open for a standout from the T20 Spring Challenge, which runs in Sydney until the final on 21 October. Expect the last names to land after that, and expect a few of them to be domestic players from the tournament.
Availability Watch
- Darcie Brown (Strikers): back disc injury, listed unavailable for the Spring Challenge, with a worst case of 10 weeks.
- Maddy Darke (Sixers): recovering from bone stress in her leg and not expected at the Spring Challenge.
- Lizelle Lee and Lauren Smith (Hurricanes): managing low-grade injuries and left out of the Spring Challenge squad. Cricket Australia also lists Callie Wilson as unavailable.
- Jess Jonassen (Heat): being managed ahead of WBBL|12. Grace Parsons is listed with an injury for the Spring Challenge.
- Sophie Molineux (Renegades) and Phoebe Litchfield (Thunder): both have been managing hip problems around the Australia series.
- Sophie Devine (Scorchers): recovering from a calf injury picked up in The Hundred, per the club.
- Fatima Sana (Scorchers): available for the first eight games only.
Most of the big names are on Australia duty until 22 October, which is why the Spring Challenge squads look so different from the WBBL lists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Melbourne Stars captain in WBBL 2026?
Meg Lanning. The club announced it on 12 October, taking the role back from Annabel Sutherland.
How many players are confirmed for WBBL 2026?
103 as of 14 October 2026, with up to 17 list spots still to fill.
Who has signed for the Melbourne Renegades?
Annie Wikman and Olivia Porter from ACT Meteors on 8 October, and South Africa all-rounder Chloe Tryon on 13 October.
Is Lauren Bell playing the whole WBBL season for the Thunder?
Cricket Australia lists the England quick as confirmed to return for the entire season.
When will the remaining WBBL squad spots be filled?
Clubs keep one spot open until the T20 Spring Challenge finishes on 21 October, so the last signings are likely to come between then and the 29 October start.
Use the new names in your WBBL 2026 Season Fantasy team. Free, 150 transfers.
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