Jess Jonassen will miss the  WBBL 2026-27 season after being told to rest a hip complaint and return to action next year.

The Brisbane Heat confirmed the new development ahead of their opening match, leaving the franchise without their most experienced bowler for the edition.

Brisbane Heat are looking to sign a replacement player and expect to finalise a deal before the start of the first match against the Sydney Sixers on October 30. Jonassen spoke about her injury.

“Last year I was managing a shoulder injury and tried to play through until it got too much for me and was having an effect on both my own and the team’s performances, as well as my mental health. The plan is to be back training in December and be ready to play again in our next WNCL fixture,” said Jonassen as quoted by Crcinfo.

Jonassen’s last WNCL fixture for Queensland was in October, and she could play in the next WNCL game on  January 4 if she recovers on time.

Her injury could also impact her participation in the Women’s Premier League as the auction is on October 28 in India. She is expected to attract interest from the franchises, but everything will depend on her recovery chances.

The report from the medical professionals was the deciding factor, as she and Heat agreed that playing through the hip problem was not the right approach. The advice was given for a defined period, meaning she can’t play in the e WBBL 2026-27 campaign. Heat coach Mark Sorell opened up on the franchise’s position on the issue.

“We’re obviously pretty devastated for JJ. We’ll lean into her experience around the group while she recovers, and it will be a good chance for us to work with her around our match day planning,” said Sorell.

Catherine White joined the Heat as their final signing on Monday.

Jonassen is the most capped player in WBBL history and has been part of the Heat in every edition. In 153 matches, she has claimed 184 wickets, the highest by any bowler for a single franchise in both the men’s and women’s Big Bash Leagues.