T20 Spring Challenge 2026: Schedule, Teams, Streaming & Winners

The T20 Spring Challenge is Australia’s women’s domestic Twenty20 competition, run by Cricket Australia as a lead-in to the Women’s Big Bash League. Now in its third edition, the 2026 tournament features nine teams: the eight WBBL clubs plus the ACT Meteors. Every match is played in Sydney across a ten-day window in October, with a group stage followed by semi-finals and a final. Hobart Hurricanes arrive as two-time defending champions after beating Brisbane Heat in both previous finals. Here is the full schedule, the teams, streaming details and the list of past winners.

T20 Spring Challenge 2026 Schedule

The 2026 T20 Spring Challenge runs from 12 to 21 October, with 18 league matches, two semi-finals and a final, all staged in Sydney. Here is the complete schedule.

Matches marked (D/N) are day-night fixtures. Fixtures and venues are per Cricket Australia and are subject to change.

T20 Spring Challenge 2026 Teams

Nine teams contest the 2026 Spring Challenge, the eight WBBL franchises plus the ACT Meteors. A profile of each side is below.

ACT Meteors: The ACT Meteors are the only non-WBBL side in the field, representing the Australian Capital Territory. With no Big Bash identity of their own, the Spring Challenge is a rare national stage for their players, and the Meteors use it to test their emerging talent against the eight WBBL clubs. They remain the tournament’s underdogs but have shown they can spring a surprise.

Adelaide Strikers: The Adelaide Strikers represent South Australia’s WBBL club and bring a batting-heavy line-up to the competition. The Strikers treat the Spring Challenge as serious preparation for the WBBL season and will aim to push into the top four. On their day they are more than capable of challenging the leading sides.

Brisbane Heat: The Brisbane Heat have been the nearly team of the Spring Challenge, losing both the 2024 and 2025 finals to Hobart Hurricanes. The Queensland WBBL club carries one of the most explosive batting groups in Australian domestic cricket and will be desperate to finally lift the trophy at the third attempt. They start among the favourites every year.

Hobart Hurricanes: The Hobart Hurricanes are the benchmark of the T20 Spring Challenge, winning both the 2024 and 2025 titles with victories over Brisbane Heat in the final. The Tasmanian WBBL club has built a settled, battle-hardened group and arrives chasing a hat-trick of titles. All-rounders Maitlan Brown and Maddie Penna were among the standout performers in their last triumph.

Melbourne Renegades: The Melbourne Renegades are one of two Victorian WBBL clubs in the field and bring plenty of white-ball depth. The Renegades use the Spring Challenge to build combinations and give their younger players game time against strong opposition before the WBBL. A finals berth would mark a successful campaign for the red side of Melbourne.

Melbourne Stars: The Melbourne Stars, the second Victorian WBBL club, complete the Melbourne presence. Known for an aggressive brand of T20 cricket, the Stars use the event to fine-tune their squad ahead of the Big Bash. A place in the top four would be a strong return for a side eager to make an early-season statement.

Perth Scorchers: The Perth Scorchers travel from Western Australia as one of the strongest WBBL franchises of recent years. The Scorchers bring a well-drilled, experienced core to the Spring Challenge and treat it as genuine preparation for the WBBL. They remain a dangerous team capable of beating anyone on their day.

Sydney Sixers: The Sydney Sixers are perennial WBBL contenders and enjoy home conditions with the entire 2026 tournament played in Sydney. The Sixers pair quality batting with a varied attack and will fancy a deep run in front of their own crowds. They are one of the competition’s marquee clubs.

Sydney Thunder: The Sydney Thunder are the second Sydney-based WBBL club and also benefit from playing at home throughout 2026. The Thunder have a reputation for developing young talent and blending it with experienced heads. They open their campaign against Melbourne Stars and will target a top-four finish on familiar grounds.

T20 Spring Challenge 2026 Live Streaming

Every match of the 2026 T20 Spring Challenge is streamed live, with Cricket Australia carrying the action worldwide through cricket.com.au and the CA Live app. Here is where to watch by country.

Streaming availability can vary by region and is subject to change.

T20 Spring Challenge Winners List

Hobart Hurricanes have dominated the T20 Spring Challenge, winning both editions played so far and beating Brisbane Heat in each final. The full list of champions is below.

Verdict – T20 Spring Challenge 2026 Started on 12 October

The T20 Spring Challenge 2026 started on 12 October and runs until the final on 21 October, all in Sydney. Hobart Hurricanes begin as back-to-back champions and the team to beat, with Brisbane Heat chasing a first title after two final defeats. As a warm-up to the WBBL, the tournament gives Australia’s domestic players and emerging talent valuable T20 cricket before the main season. With nine teams and a tight ten-day window, the race for the top four and a place in the finals promises plenty of action.