BBL and WBBL introduce new player trade window post-season
The Big Bash League (BBL) and Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) have introduced a new player trade window, after the end of each season. This innovative change will enable clubs to sign players and swap draft picks for a short period post-competition. The contracting embargo period has also been revised to start after the home-and-away part of each tournament, instead of after the final.
New trade window offers strategic opportunities for clubs
The new 10-day trade period, called the player movement window, will be the only opportunity for clubs to alter their list once the embargo kicks in. In WBBL, this trade period will be active from December 2 to December 11, while in BBL, it will be from January 28 to February 6. During these windows, clubs can't extend contracts of current players.
Trade window rules and squad size regulations
The new trade window enables clubs to trade a player with another club, sign a player from another club in the final year of their current contract, and exchange overseas draft positions. However, clubs will have to stick to squad size limits: for WBBL, there can be eight players on a list before the trade window and a maximum 10 after. In BBL, the numbers are 10 and 12.
Impact of new trade window on player movement
The new trade window could have far-reaching implications for players moving between clubs. For example, Melbourne Stars's interest in Matt Kuhnemann could've been realized under this model, had Brisbane Heat not persuaded him to stay before the contracting embargo period lifted. Overseas players signed on multi-year deals also count toward these squad sizes, adding another layer of complexity to the trading process.
BBL's history and future with player trades
Notably, player trading has been a part of the BBL since 2013 but has been used sparingly. Ahead of this season, Wes Agar was traded from Adelaide Strikers to Sydney Thunder as part of a draft pick swap between the clubs. In 2023, Adam Zampa and Sam Harper were traded between Melbourne Stars and Renegades. The new rules are expected to increase such activity in future seasons.
