Hundred owners expected to bid for Big Bash franchises

Key facts

• Cricket Australia has opened the Big Bash League (BBL) and Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) to private investment.
• The Melbourne Renegades are the first franchise to be put up for a 100% sale.
• Owners of England's Hundred franchises are expected to explore bids for BBL teams.
• Individual state associations will decide whether and when to sell stakes in their franchises.
• Cricket Australia will maintain control over key aspects like scheduling, player availability, and media rights.

Cricket Australia has officially opened the Big Bash League (BBL) and Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) to private investment, marking a significant shift for the country's premier T20 competitions. The governing body has initiated the sale process for a 100% stake in the Melbourne Renegades, with new ownership anticipated to take charge from the 2027-28 season.

Under a newly adopted 'self-determination model,' individual state associations will have the autonomy to decide whether and when to sell stakes in their respective franchises. This approach follows the successful sale of stakes in England's eight Hundred teams last year, which generated over £500 million and valued the franchises collectively at more than £975 million.

Owners of these Hundred franchises are reportedly expected to explore bids for the Australian teams, with some having already expressed interest to Cricket Australia officials. The move is described by Cricket Australia's chief executive, Todd Greenberg, as a 'billion dollar opportunity' aimed at strengthening the long-term future of the sport.

Despite the privatization, Cricket Australia will retain crucial control over international scheduling, player availability, salary caps, and media rights. The governing body aims to use the investment to accelerate growth and ensure continued funding for grassroots cricket, domestic pathways, and elite-level play.

While the Melbourne Renegades are the first to go to market, other franchises like the Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Stars, and Perth Scorchers are reportedly open to private investment. Conversely, the Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat, and Adelaide Strikers have shown reluctance, but the self-determination model allows them to consider private investment in the future.