Cricket Australia Moves to Open Big Bash to Private Owners, Eyes 10‑Team Future
Approval would open the BBL to private capital, risk shifts in governance and require state associations to back franchise sales.
Overview
- Cricket Australia is pressing a hybrid privatisation plan that would allow some state-run Big Bash franchises to sell minority or full stakes, with the proposal under active board consideration.
- The Raine Group has been appointed to run franchise-sale analysis and early work has suggested valuations could reach about A$200 million for some clubs.
- Cricket Victoria has announced it will fully sell the Melbourne Renegades licence, positioning the Renegades as the likeliest early test of private ownership.
- Owners linked to the Indian Premier League and England’s The Hundred have held talks with CA and interest from Indian investors helped prompt the 2026–27 season opener to be scheduled in Chennai on December 12.
- Any move to sell clubs or expand to 10 teams requires the backing of at least four of six state associations and could force changes to governance rules, player payment agreements and the BBL calendar if private investors gain influence.