Could Private Ownership and Expansion Transform the BBL?

New Delhi, July 30 (NationPress) Private ownership and expansion of the Big Bash leagues are among the proposals submitted to Cricket Australia (CA) as they strategize the future of these leagues.

The CA Board engaged the Boston Consulting Group to consult with experts and stakeholders from CA, Australian Cricket, and globally, gathering insights for the next phase of the BBL and WBBL transformation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, CA disclosed the recommendations they received from BCG. The primary suggestion focuses on attracting the world’s elite players and improving the availability of Australian players through an optimized schedule, which includes a delayed start to the BBL season and a higher salary cap.

Furthermore, there are varying operational models and administrative frameworks proposed, alongside opportunities for expansion and alternative forms of investment and ownership to harness growth potential, including the idea of private investment.

Currently, BBL and WBBL teams are owned by CA and state associations, whereas franchise leagues globally, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), South Africa’s SA20, USA’s Major League Cricket (MLC), and the ILT20 in the UAE, are owned by major Indian corporations.

CA emphasized that the report will undergo a comprehensive exploratory phase before any decisions regarding the potential implementation of the recommendations and related timelines are made.

“We will collaborate closely with the States and Territories, the Big Bash clubs, players, and our broadcast and commercial partners to evaluate the recommendations on how to unlock this value,” stated CA Chairman Mike Baird.

“It’s crucial to note that no decisions have been made yet, and any actions taken will prioritize the benefits for the BBL, WBBL, fans, and the broader Australian Cricket community. This includes fostering strong advantages across the sport, such as investments in participation initiatives and player development,” he added.

Recently, the sale of a 49 percent minority stake in eight of England’s The Hundred teams drew interest from Indian T20 franchise league owners, American tech giants, and private equity firms. The upcoming WBBL season is scheduled from November 9 to December 13, followed by the BBL from December 14 to January 25, 2026.

“Over the last 15 years, the Big Bash Leagues have set the benchmark in Australian sport for innovation and fan engagement, and the BCG Report validates all the efforts made in Australian Cricket to achieve this success. Not only do we create incredible fan experiences, but under its current operational model, the League and its clubs are valuable assets with substantial growth potential.”

“The success of the T20 format has significantly boosted the game globally by attracting new audiences and enhancing participation. We must ensure that the Big Bash remains one of the premier sporting competitions in the world.”

“We will now pursue an exploratory process of the recommendations in this report to ensure that any actions we take maximize this potential and serve the best interests of Australian Cricket and its fans,” concluded CA CEO Todd Greenberg.