The Melbourne Stars will launch the Weber WBBL|12 season under lights when they host the Hobart Hurricanes at Junction Oval on the league’s opening night.
In the second match of a double-header on Thursday, October 29, the Stars will take centre stage at 7:10pm, showcasing the newly constructed Junction Oval lights.
“To be a part of the double header on opening night is significant for our club and cricket in Victoria,” Stars General Manager, James Rosengarten said.
“It was a priority for us to play our WBBL matches in prime-time slots this season, so we are very proud to do so and show off the new light towers for the first time at the Junction Oval.
“We want our players to feel that home ground advantage and give our fans the best chance to attend our games. This fixture allows that.”
The Stars will play six WBBL matches at Junction Oval in 2026, including two clashes with the Melbourne Renegades – Sunday, November 22 and Saturday, November 28 – where the Melbourne Mace will be on the line for the first time in this competition’s history.
A clash with the Perth Scorchers on Melbourne Cup Eve is another family-friendly addition to the schedule this year.
Across the 10-game season, the Stars will travel interstate on four occasions: three trips to Sydney to face the Scorchers, Thunder and Sixers, and one to Adelaide to do battle with the Strikers on Halloween.
“This fixture is a strong one for the Melbourne Stars and presents a lot of very good outcomes for both our fans and our players,” Rosengarten said.
“It makes Melbourne the centrepiece this season.”
Melbourne Stars WBBL|12 Fixture:
Stars v Hurricanes – 7:10pm AEDT, Thur 29 Oct @ Junction Oval
Strikers v Stars – 3:40pm AEDT, Sat 31 Oct @ Karen Rolton Oval
Stars v Scorchers – 7:10pm AEDT, Mon 2 Nov @ Junction Oval
Stars v Sixers – 7:10pm AEDT, Fri 6 Nov @ Junction Oval
Scorchers v Stars – 5:10pm AEDT, Sun 8 Nov @ North Sydney Oval
Stars v Heat – 3:40pm AEDT, Thur 12 Nov @ Junction Oval
Thunder v Stars – 7:10pm AEDT, Mon 16 Nov @ Drummoyne Oval
Stars v Renegades – 7:10pm AEDT, Sun 22 Nov @ Junction Oval
Sixers v Stars – 7:10pm AEDT, Thur 26 Nov @ North Sydney Oval
Renegades v Stars – 3:40pm AEDT, Sat 28 Nov @ Junction Oval