Cricket Australia struggles to gain support from key state associations for selling stakes in Big Bash League (BBL) franchises, casting uncertainty over the T20 competition’s future.
CA’s Private Investment Push
Cricket Australia seeks to mirror the UK’s The Hundred model by opening BBL franchises—currently managed by six state bodies—to private investors. The England and Wales Cricket Board’s auction last year generated £520 million (about $1 billion), fueled by a global boom in franchise cricket sparked by the Indian Premier League.
The plan allows up to 49% ownership sales per franchise, with team valuations reaching $200 million. States would receive upfront cash and ongoing annual payments, while Cricket Australia aims to create a future fund from the proceeds.
Emerging leagues in South Africa and the UAE intensify competition for players and audiences during Australia’s summer season.
State Associations Push Back
Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon voiced strong reservations, confirming that Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers will skip Cricket Australia’s valuation process. “Our biggest fear is the external investment coming into a cricket ecosystem, which is working very effectively and very well now,” Germon stated. He highlighted shared risks, including misaligned goals from investors focused on different priorities than state bodies or Cricket Australia.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg noted the process continues. “We are receiving responses from states to our proposal on private investment in BBL clubs and remain open to discussing any questions or concerns about this model,” he said. “This process remains respectful and collaborative and with the best interests of Australian cricket the key consideration of all involved.”
Queensland Seeks More Details
Cricket Queensland chief executive Terry Svenson reported no final decision after a board meeting. “Good discussion though,” he said. “[We are] seeking some further clarity from CA this week on a couple of points which will help us make a final decision.”
NSW Proposes Revenue Alternatives
Cricket NSW resists outright and offers a different path: boosting BBL funding through non-sale measures like higher ticket yields, attendance growth, commercial sponsorships, and wagering partnerships. Germon emphasized a broad approach. “There’s a number of lines there. So it’s ticket yield, it’s attendance, it’s commercial sponsorship, it’s a number of different items there,” he explained. “Some will be more palatable than others, some will be more achievable than others, but we believe that they need to be looked at in terms of providing an opportunity to fund our way through this to develop the BBL without going straight to selling our clubs.”
On wagering concerns, Germon pointed out its existing role in cricket revenue streams, subject to ongoing evaluation.
