The BBL is back and so is all the big-hitting action that has made the tournament famous. With 44 games taking place between 15 December – 27 January, there’s plenty of excitement ahead, but who are the teams to look out for? Whether you’re planning an annual family day-out or organizing a BBL road trip, these 5 franchises should rank towards the top of your wishlist thanks to factors like star power, stunning venues, and overall entertainment value.
- Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium, Perth
- Sydney Sixers at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
- Brisbane Heat at The Gabba, Brisbane
- Melbourne Stars at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
- Hobart Hurricanes at Ninja Stadium, Hobart
Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium, Perth
No team has dominated the Big Bash League like Perth Scorchers. Five-time winners, the Scorchers are the BBL’s most decorated side and have only failed to reach the playoffs twice in 13 attempts. Thanks to the Scorchers’ long-term success, as well as the strong connection the franchise has been able to build with cricket fans in Western Australia, the team achieved an average attendance of 35,235 in 2023-24 – the highest in the BBL.
Alongside performances on the pitch, a new stadium has also helped make Perth Scorchers a must-see team. Optus Stadium has been home to the Scorchers since 2018 and was named “Most Beautiful Stadium in the World” a year later at the Prix Versailles International Architecture Awards. A “fans-first” venue, Optus boasts a modern design, wide concourses with views of the pitch, over 1,000 TV screens, cup holders in every seating section, and a roof covering 85% of all seats. All in all, it’s another great reason to catch Perth Scorchers in action.
Player to watch: Aaron Hardie – the all-rounder ranked third for runs scored in BBL|13
Visit Koobit for more on Perth Scorchers, including ticket and schedule information.
Sydney Sixers at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Hard to miss in their magenta jerseys, Sydney Sixers are another historically successful BBL franchise, and are second only to Perth Scorchers in tournament wins (3). Led by Australian legends Steve Smith and Brett Lee, the Sixers won the very first edition of the BBL back in 2012 and have remained a force in the Harbour City ever since. Today, stars like Sean Abbott and James Vince head up a squad capable of taking the Sixers back to the top.
Home to the Sixers during the BBL season, Sydney Cricket Ground might not be new like Perth's Optus Stadium, but it remains a world-renowned classic. Famous for its green-roofed pavilion, the venue dates back to the 1850s and is full of history and charm. Sixers games at the SCG are a great opportunity to catch a professional match at such an old and historic venue, graced by all of cricket’s greatest players, from Sachin Tendulkar to Shane Warne.
Players to watch: Ben Dwarshuis – the Aussie international was one of the top wicket-takers in the 2023-24 tournament
Visit Koobit for more on Sydney Sixers, including ticket and schedule information.
Brisbane Heat at The Gabba, Brisbane
After winning their second title in the 2023-24 season, Brisbane Heat are reigning BBL champions and set to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in BBL|14. Captained by Australia international Usman Khawaja, the Heat boast a number of talented all-rounders, including Paul Walter and Michael Neser, making them formidable opponents in the T20 format.
Home for Brisbane Heat is The Gabba, another world-famous cricket ground known as a fortress for the Australia international side. The Gabba proved similarly beneficial for Brisbane Heat in 2023-24 – a season in which the franchise did not lose a single game at the venue. A haven for fast bowlers, The Gabba produces thrilling matches in front of passionate crowds, making it a popular venue for many.
Player to watch: Paul Walter – towering all-rounder who can impact games with bat and ball
Visit Koobit for more on Brisbane Heat, including ticket and schedule information.
Melbourne Stars at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
While they are one of 2 teams yet to win a BBL title, Melbourne Stars have always tried to live up to their name, putting out some of the tournament's most star-studded squads, year after year. Among the top names to have played for the Stars over the years are Kevin Pietersen, Dwayne Bravo, and David Hussey. Heading into BBL|14, the franchise is led by big-hitting Glenn Maxwell, and features a pair of England internationals in the shape of Tom Curran and Ben Duckett.
In Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Stars have a stadium fit for their talented squad. At a capacity of just over 100,000, the MCG is the largest stadium in Australia, and one of the biggest venues in the world. A modern-day Colosseum, the venue can be found on many a cricket fan's bucket list, and Melbourne Stars games are an ideal spectacle to enjoy on such a grand stage.
Player to watch: Ben Duckett – the fast-scoring England opener was the first pick in this season’s BBL Draft
Visit Koobit for more on Melbourne Stars, including ticket and schedule information.
Hobart Hurricanes at Ninja Stadium, Hobart
Alongside Melbourne Stars, Hobart Hurricanes are one of just 2 teams never to have won the BBL. They might be perennial underdogs, but the franchise has also never finished bottom of the Big Bash League, and the addition of international stars like England’s Chris Jordan and the West Indies’ Shai Hope could help propel the Hurricanes towards the playoffs in 2024-25.
Based on the island of Tasmania, Hobart Hurricanes are the only team not situated on the Australian mainland, and therefore have the whole of the island behind them. Ninja Stadium, where the team plays their home games, can be found on the banks of the River Derwent, in one of the BBL’s most picturesque settings. Whether it’s world-class cricket or stunning scenery you’re interested in, a trip to see Hobart Hurricanes at Ninja Stadium is a great excuse for a visit to the beautiful island of Tasmania, and its dynamic capital, Hobart.
Player to watch: Shai Hope – a new signing for the Hurricanes, Hope is one of the world’s most technically-gifted batters
Visit Koobit for more on Hobart Hurricanes, including ticket and schedule information.
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