Cricket Australia will introduce private investment into the Big Bash League from the 2027-28 season, starting with the sale of the Melbourne Renegades.
The governing body plans to invite bids for the Twenty20 franchise, currently owned by Cricket Victoria. The Renegades won their only BBL championship in the 2018-19 season.
“CA will invite bids from private owners for the Renegades with a view to them playing the 2027-28 season under new ownership,” Cricket Australia said.
The outcome of the sale will guide decisions on other BBL clubs. State cricket associations will retain the choice to assess whether private investment suits their teams and communities.
“Pending the result of that process, CA will consider taking other clubs to market under a self-determination model that gives each state member the ability to assess the optimal pathway for its own club and community.”
Cricket Australia will retain authority over international scheduling, player availability, salary caps, proposed branding changes, investor approvals and reserve prices for club licences.
Previous A$600 million plan faced opposition
An earlier privatisation proposal would have allowed investors to purchase 49 percent stakes in most BBL franchises. States with two teams could also sell one franchise completely.
Cricket boards in New South Wales and Queensland blocked that proposal in April. Officials and former players had raised concerns about losing local control over Australian cricket assets.
Cricket Australia had hoped to raise as much as A$600 million, then worth about $432.48 million. It planned to use the money to strengthen its finances and compete in the expanding global T20 market.
CA reported a net deficit of A$11.3 million for the 2024-25 financial year. The loss came despite higher revenue from Australia’s lucrative five-Test home series against India.
“By opening the door to private investment in the Big Bash Leagues, Cricket Australia is taking a deliberate step to strengthen and secure the long-term future of the game,” CA Chairman Mike Baird said.
“Importantly, CA and its members will maintain control over the most significant aspects of Australian Cricket operations …”
Concerns grow over IPL ownership influence
Opponents fear private ownership could increase the influence of Indian Premier League investors. IPL franchise owners already control or hold stakes in teams across England, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the West Indies.
CA Chief Executive Todd Greenberg rejected those concerns in May.
“India are such a huge part of cricket, but we’re not looking to sell the game to India. That’s it, full stop,“ Greenberg told SEN radio.
“We are looking to add value to our clubs and bring good partners in, and the decision on who those partners are is at the behest of the states.”
The BBL is also increasing its presence in India. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced in July that the next season opener would take place in Chennai.
The Melbourne Renegades will face the Perth Scorchers in that match in December. It will mark the competition’s first regular-season fixture in India.
