Women’s cricket in Australia has experienced remarkable growth, both in terms of viewership and player earnings. With increased investment from Cricket Australia and the rise of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), female cricketers are now earning significantly higher salaries. Here are the top 10 highest-paid female cricketers in Australia in 2024, based on their contracts, endorsements, and league earnings.
1. Ellyse Perry
Ellyse Perry is widely regarded as one of the greatest female cricketers of all time. A dual-sport athlete who has represented Australia in both cricket and soccer, Perry has been a cornerstone of Australian women’s cricket. As an all-rounder, she excels in both batting and bowling, making her one of the most valuable players. Perry’s Cricket Australia contract is one of the highest in the team, and her earnings are further supplemented by a lucrative WBBL contract with the Sydney Sixers. She is also a sought-after brand ambassador, endorsing major companies like Adidas, CommBank, and Hublot.
2. Meg Lanning
Former Australian captain Meg Lanning has had an illustrious career as a top-order batter and a strong leader. She has led Australia to multiple ICC titles, solidifying her legacy as one of the best captains in the game. Lanning’s consistent performances have earned her a top-tier central contract with Cricket Australia. She also plays for the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL, securing a hefty paycheck. Off the field, she has sponsorship deals with brands like Nike and Kookaburra, boosting her total earnings.
3. Alyssa Healy
Alyssa Healy is one of the most explosive wicketkeeper-batters in world cricket. She is known for her aggressive stroke play and match-winning knocks in ICC tournaments. Healy has been instrumental in Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket, leading to a high-paying Cricket Australia contract. She is a key player for the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL and has numerous endorsements with brands like Toyota, Weber, and Sanitarium.
4. Beth Mooney
Beth Mooney has been one of the most consistent batters in Australian cricket, playing crucial innings in major tournaments. As a wicketkeeper-batter, she has a strong presence in both international cricket and the WBBL, where she plays for the Perth Scorchers. Mooney’s high Cricket Australia contract and brand endorsements, including partnerships with Gray-Nicolls, contribute significantly to her wealth.
5. Jess Jonassen
Jess Jonassen is one of Australia’s top spin bowlers, known for her ability to deliver under pressure. She has been a match-winner on multiple occasions, both in ODIs and T20s. Jonassen plays for the Brisbane Heat in the WBBL and holds a well-paid Cricket Australia contract. Her rising popularity has also led to endorsement deals with sports equipment brands and apparel companies.
6. Megan Schutt
Megan Schutt is Australia’s premier fast bowler, recognized for her accuracy and ability to swing the ball. She has played a crucial role in Australia’s bowling attack across formats. Schutt’s Cricket Australia contract places her among the highest earners, and she also represents the Adelaide Strikers in the WBBL. Her reputation as a world-class bowler has secured her sponsorship deals with major sporting brands.
7. Ashleigh Gardner
Ashleigh Gardner is an exciting all-rounder who brings power-hitting and off-spin bowling to the table. Her ability to turn games around has made her an asset for both the national team and the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL. Gardner’s Cricket Australia contract is among the highest, and she also earns through sponsorships with companies like ASICS and Red Bull.
8. Rachael Haynes
Rachael Haynes, though retired from international cricket, continues to be a significant figure in the WBBL. She played a vital role as a senior member of the Australian team and still contributes in domestic leagues. Haynes’ earnings come from playing in the WBBL, coaching roles, and brand partnerships that have extended beyond her playing career.
9. Tahlia McGrath
Tahlia McGrath is an emerging all-rounder who has quickly risen through the ranks. Her performances in international cricket and the WBBL have earned her a lucrative Cricket Australia contract. Playing for the Adelaide Strikers, McGrath is gaining popularity and has begun securing endorsement deals, increasing her earnings substantially.
10. Annabel Sutherland
Annabel Sutherland is one of the brightest young talents in Australian cricket. As an all-rounder, she contributes significantly with both bat and ball. She holds a central contract with Cricket Australia and plays for the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL. Sutherland’s growing reputation in the sport has also led to endorsement deals, making her one of the highest-paid female cricketers in Australia.
Growth of Salaries in Women’s Cricket
The past decade has seen a dramatic rise in earnings for female cricketers in Australia. Key milestones include:
- 2015-16 Season: Players earned between $3,000 and $10,000 in the WBBL, with national contracts ranging from $19,000 to $49,000.
- 2017-18 Season: The total player payments increased to $55.2 million, with domestic players earning at least $25,659 in the WNCL and an average of $19,926 in the WBBL.
- 2023-24 Season: A new agreement increased the total payment pool from $80 million to $133 million. The average WBBL salary doubled to approximately $54,000, while top earners now receive up to $133,000 annually. Domestic players participating in both WBBL and WNCL now earn an average of $151,019 per year.
With Cricket Australia’s commitment to gender pay equity and the increasing commercial appeal of women’s cricket, the financial prospects for female cricketers in Australia are better than ever. These top 10 highest-paid players are not only leading on the field but also setting new benchmarks for future generations.
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