In a groundbreaking shift for women’s cricket, five Australian players have surpassed the $1 million mark in annual earnings, signaling a new era of financial prosperity for the sport. This milestone comes amid the growing financial opportunities available through domestic leagues and international endorsements, which have far surpassed the value of traditional national contracts.
The trend is set to continue with the upcoming Indian Women’s Premier League (WPL) “mega auction,” scheduled for November. The five Australian cricketers—who have dominated recent international tournaments, including World Cups and T20 titles—are expected to attract significant interest from the five WPL franchises. Each team has a budget of approximately $2.6 million for the month-long tournament, further adding to the already lucrative contracts these players hold.
Among the top earners, Ellyse Perry remains Australia’s highest-paid cricketer, largely thanks to her long-standing sponsorship deals with major brands such as Adidas, Commonwealth Bank, and Fox Sports. In 2025, Perry earned close to $300,000 for her participation with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the WPL and an additional $130,000 for her stint in the Hundred in the UK. Other top earners include Ash Gardner, who made around $550,000 playing for Gujarat Giants in the WPL, and Annabel Sutherland, who earned close to $350,000 through the Delhi Capitals in the same tournament.
Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney are also among those likely to join the million-dollar club, thanks to their consistent performances in both international and franchise cricket. Emerging players such as Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll, who have already made waves in domestic leagues, are expected to follow suit in the coming years.
This financial success is in line with broader trends across women’s sports, where growing visibility and commercial opportunities are attracting top talent. The Australian Cricketers’ Association is optimistic that these opportunities will continue to expand, allowing for even more women to break into the upper echelons of the sport’s financial world.
Despite the increasing number of lucrative franchise deals, Australian players remain focused on their national commitments. For many, the Australian team remains the top priority, with franchise cricket seen as a bonus. The shift in the earnings landscape, however, signals a broader transformation in how women’s sports are valued globally, with many players benefiting from increased sponsorships and media exposure.
