BBL free agency window: Every club’s out-of-contract players, list rules

As the BBL’s player movement deadline draws closer, a member of the championship drought-breaking Hurricanes is set to join a club on the mainland.

Tim David, D’Arcy Short and Mitch Marsh headline a bumper list of BBL free agents eligible to be signed in the competition’s first player movement window.

There are 52 players on the free agency market who can be signed during the next 10 days.

The list also includes BBL14’s leading wicket-taker Mitch Marsh, Hayden Kerr and Jason Sangha, who reminded teams of his quality with 67 from 42 balls in Monday’s BBL decider.

Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood are also free agents but the Test trio have not played BBL for several years.

Clubs can also trade players and draft picks during the window, which closes on February 6 at 5pm.

BBL REPORT CARDS: EVERY CLUB’S SEASON RATED

Tim David is out of contract at the Hurricanes. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Overseas and local replacement players whose contracts have inspired cannot be re-signed during the window.

“Introducing Player Movement Windows has added another strategic dimension to both the WBBL and BBL this season,” BBL boss Alastair Dobson said.

“Trade activity immediately after the WBBL Final created strong discussion among our fans, broadcasters and the media, while also adding certainty and stability for those players who did sign for a new club.

“The BBL window has been highly anticipated, and the calibre of names among the 52 Eligible Free Agents ensures clubs, players and fans alike will have plenty to consider over the next 10 days.”

JEWELL TO JOIN GADES

The Melbourne Renegades’ recruiting spree has continued with Cameron White’s side poaching Hobart Hurricanes opener Caleb Jewell.

It’s understood Jewell will be released from the final year of his contract with the Hurricanes to join the Renegades ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.

Caleb Jewell came into his own for the Hurricanes this season. Picture: Getty Images

He was a member of the Hobart side that won its maiden Big Bash League title last week.

The Renegades on Wednesday announced that they had signed paceman Brendan Doggett from the Adelaide Strikers on a two-year deal. They had already landed Jason Behrendorff from the Perth Scorchers.

“I’m super excited for the opportunity and really looking forward to pulling on red and playing in front of a packed house at Marvel Stadium,” Doggett said.

“It’s a really strong squad the Gades are putting together with plenty of talent, especially that bowling group and it’s exciting to be part of it.”

Paris celebrates a wicket for Western Australia.

PARIS RETURNS TO THE WEST

Left-arm quick Joel Paris has returned west and will play for Perth Scorchers in BBL15.

The 32-year-old West Australian has spent the past two BBL campaigns with Melbourne Stars but has inked a deal with the Scorchers after being out of contract in the league’s new player exchange window.

“To be back home and reconnect with the guys who I was already playing for nine months of the year is super exciting, and I can’t wait to get stuck in next year,” Paris said.

“These are the guys I’ve played with, some of them for 15 years professionally and even longer since we were kids. They are my best mates. I enjoy going to work with them every day, trying to get better at cricketers and as people.

Bowled him!

Jacob Bethell couldn't get going tonight, as Joel Paris knocks him over for 1. #BBL14pic.twitter.com/7POPlt4eik

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 12, 2025

“A lot of us now, we’ve been married and our kids are growing up together so over that Christmas festive period when you want to be close to family and friends, it just felt right to come home and be part of this group for 12 months of the year.”

The Scorchers had been in the market for a new-ball bowler after losing Jason Behrendorff to the Renegades.

Paris was one of the most effective powerplay bowlers in BBL14.

“He’s an excellent leader and has been an enormous contributor for WA over many years, so we’re looking forward to having him throughout the whole summer,” Scorchers general manager Kade Harvey said.

The BBL player exchange window closes at 2pm on Thursday.

TEST HERO JOINS HURRICANES

A historic week for Hobart Hurricanes has become even better after the signing of Test all-rounder Beau Webster.

Webster, who plays domestic cricket for Tasmania, has crossed from Melbourne Stars.

His signing was confirmed after he featured for Australia on day two of the first Test in Galle, making 23 as the Aussies piled on 6-654 before declaring.

“I am pumped to return to Hobart next summer for the BBL and get the opportunity to play on a packed Ninja Stadium in front of our fans, my friends and family,” Webster said. “Vaughany (coach Jeff Vaughan) and Nelly (captain Nathan Ellis) have got the group playing a really good brand of cricket, and to see them win a championship makes me hungry to bring another one to ‘Canes fans next season.”

Webster has become a key weapon for the Stars this season and bolsters Hobart’s BBL15 squad as the club looks to defend its maiden BBL title.

“We have seen over the past eighteen months just how special of a player Beau is, and to have him re-join the Hurricanes is something that will make all Tasmanians proud to hear,” high performance manager Salliann Beams said.

Beau Webster has crossed to Hobart Hurricanes. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“Beau’s skill set in the short form of the game is up there with some of the best in the country, and he can take the game away from the opposition with the bat while also providing another wicket-taking option with the ball.

“His leadership will also be a vital aspect of his role at the Hurricanes, and he is great mates with the players we already have on our list which means he will fit into what we are trying to build seamlessly.”

Webster contributed 184 runs and took four wickets in seven BBL14 games for the Stars.

The Hurricanes have also re-signed Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Nathan Ellis, Caleb Jewell, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Matthew Wade, and Mac Wright.

Tim David has been linked with a move away from the Apple Isle but is tipped to stay after being a key part of Hobart’s title run.

RENSHAW TO STICK WITH HEAT AFTER RIVAL INTEREST

— Daniel Cherny

Matt Renshaw has recommitted to the Brisbane Heat, who has fended off rival interest for the former Test batter.

Renshaw, 28, had been a free agent heading into the Big Bash League’s player movement window and had attracted attention from clubs including the Melbourne Renegades.

But league sources have confirmed that Renshaw has decided to stay with Brisbane.

He cannot formally sign with the club under new player movement rules.

Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan McSweeney and Max Bryant have all extended their contracts with the club in recent times.

Liam Hatcher is back at the Stars. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

HATCHER ON MOVE AS STARS TARGET ‘MCG FORTRESS’

Liam Hatcher has re-joined Melbourne Stars in the second move of the BBL’s free agency period.

Hatcher, who has spent two previous seasons with the Stars, did not feature for Sydney Thunder this tournament.

The 28-year-old, who took 24 wickets in 17 games for the Stars, praised the “inroads” made by the franchise this summer as they recovered from 0-5 to play finals.

“It’s great to be back at the Stars and have the chance to play at the MCG again,” Hatcher said.

“The team made some great inroads this year hopefully we can all go deep into finals in BBL15.”

Stars general manager Blair Crouch said the club was confident Hatcher could recapture the form he showed during his previous stints as a Star.

“We saw what Liam produced for the Stars in his 2 tournaments with the club and we believe he’s capable of that cricket again in BBL15 and BBL16,” he said.

“We won 3 out of our 4 matches in BBL|14 at the MCG and we want to make it a fortress again and Liam’s skillset will only enhance that ambition.”

BEHRENDORFF JOINS GADES IN FIRST FREE AGENCY MOVE

One of the most prolific quicks in BBL history has become the first player to move in the BBL’s free agency window.

Jason Behrendorff has signed with Melbourne Renegades after taking 140 wickets in 106 matches for Perth Scorchers.

The 34-year-old’s switch was confirmed in Tuesday, the opening day of the BBL’s inaugural player movement period.

“To continue my career and play cricket in a city we both love is a blessing,” Behrendorff said.

“I am really excited for what the next chapter holds with the Melbourne Renegades but just as importantly for my family too.”

Behrendorff was the leading wicket-taker in BBL14, finishing one ahead of his new teammate Tom Rogers and Hobart’s Riley Meredith with 17 scalps.

“Jason is a world-class bowler and proven match-winner, so we’re delighted to have him on board,” Renegades general manager James Rosengarten said.

“His performances in BBL14 and over a long period of time shows why he’s one of the most dangerous bowlers in the competition.

“Jason’s experience and leadership qualities will also be invaluable as we continue to develop our squad and strive for sustained success.”

Behrendorff is sure to be a handful at Marvel Stadium, which is regarded as one of the toughest batting pitches in the BBL.

WHERE EVERY CLUB SITS

STRIKERS

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 3

LINKED WITH: Mitch Owen (has since re-signed)

Contracted for BBL15: Cameron Boyce, Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Thomas Kelly, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Alex Ross, Matt Short, Henry Thorton

Eligible Free Agents: James Bazley, Brendan Doggett, Travis Head, Chris Lynn, D’Arcy Short, Jake Weatherald

Uncontracted: Fabian Allen, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Liam Haskett, Harry Manenti, Liam Scott

DREAM FREE AGENCY SIGNING: Hayden Kerr

HEAT

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 2

LINKED WITH:

Contracted for BBL15: Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan McSweeney, Colin Munro, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Callum Vidler

Eligible Free Agents: Marnus Labuschagne, Will Prestwidge, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson, Jack Wildermuth, Jack Wood

Uncontracted: Tom Alsop, Tom Banton, Paul Walter, Daniel Drew, Tom Straker, Tom Whitney

DREAM FREE AGENCY SIGNING: Tim David

Rival clubs have shown interest in the out-of-contract Matt Renshaw. Picture: Mike Owen/Getty Images

HOBART

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 2

LINKED WITH: Beau Webster

Contracted for BBL15: Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Nathan Ellis, Caleb Jewell, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Matthew Wade, Mac Wright

Eligible Free Agents: Tim David, Paddy Dooley, Jake Doran, Peter Hatzoglou, Billy Stanlake, Charlie Wakim

Uncontracted: Shai Hope, Waqar Salamkheil, Marcus Bean, Cameron Gannon, Tim Ward

DREAM FREE AGENCY SIGNING: Jason Behrendorff

The Renegades are keen to secure Jason Behrendorff. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

RENEGADES

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 2

FREE AGENCY SIGNINGS: Jason Behrendorff

LINKED WITH: Brendan Doggett, Matt Renshaw, Caleb Jewell

Contracted for BBL15: Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Nathan Lyon, Fergus O’Neill, Tom Rogers, Tim Seifert, Will Sutherland, Adam Zampa

Eligible Free Agents: Xavier Crone, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Kane Richardson, Gurinder Sandhu, Jon Wells

Uncontracted: Jacob Bethell, Laurie Evans, Hassan Khan, Tawanda Muyeye, Sam Elliott, Ollie Peake, Callum Stow

DREAM FREE AGENCY SIGNING: Matt Renshaw

STARS

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 3

LINKED WITH: Tim David, Mitch Marsh

Contracted for BBL15: Scott Boland, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Glenn Maxwell, Hamish McKenzie, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Marcus Stoinis

Eligible Free Agents: Brody Couch, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Jon Merlo, Joel Paris, Mark Steketee, Doug Warren, Beau Webster

Uncontracted: Joe Clarke, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Adam Milne, Usama Mir, Austin Anlezark, Peter Handscomb, Blake Macdonald

DREAM FREE AGENCY SIGNING: Mitch Marsh

The Stars have been linked with Mitch Marsh. Picture: Mike Owen/Getty Images

SCORCHERS

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 2

LINKED WITH:

Contracted for BBL15: Ashton Agar, Finn Allen, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kelly, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner

Eligible Free Agents: Jason Behrendorff, Sam Fanning, Nick Hobson, Mitch Marsh, Matthew Spoors, Andrew Tye

Uncontracted: Matthew Hurst, Keaton Jennings, Bryce Jackson

DREAM FREE AGENCY SIGNING: Chris Lynn

SIXERS

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 2

LINKED WITH:

Contracted for BBL15: Sean Abbott, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith

Eligible Free Agents: Jackson Bird, Josh Hazlewood, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Ben Manenti, Kurtis Patterson, Mitchell Starc

Uncontracted: Akeal Hosein, Jafer Chohan, James Vince, Lachlan Hearne, Hanno Jacobs, Lachlan Shaw

DREAM FREE AGENCY SIGNING: Jason Sangha

Finals hero Jason Sangha is one of the out-of-contract Thunder players.

THUNDER

AVAILABLE LIST SPOTS: 2

LINKED WITH:

Contracted for BBL15: Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Ollie Davies, Chris Green, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner

Eligible Free Agents: Pat Cummins, Matt Gilkes, Ryan Hadley, Liam Hatcher, Nic Maddinson, Will Salzmann, Jason Sangha

Uncontracted: Lockie Ferguson, George Garton, Muhammad Hasnain, Sherfane Rutherford, Tom Andrews, Dan Christian, Toby Gray, Blake Nikitaras, Hugh Weibgen

DREAM FREE AGENCY SIGNING: Matt Renshaw

*NOTE: Clubs can only have a maximum of 12 players signed for BBL15 at the closure of the player movement window.

Originally published as BBL free agency window: Every club’s out-of-contract players, list rules