The Abu Dhabi T10 is preparing to usher in a new era of franchise ownership after a major governance restructuring that has placed the tournament under government-backed management and opened the door for new international investors.
The move comes after Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub assumed majority ownership and commercial control of the competition, transforming the tournament from its previous ownership model into a government-owned and managed league. League executives believe the change will provide greater stability, stronger oversight, and renewed confidence among stakeholders following years of concerns around governance, financial practices, and integrity.
New franchise opportunities emerge under 10-year licensing model
A central pillar of the overhaul is the introduction of long-term franchise agreements designed to create greater certainty for team owners and attract new global partners.
“The new licence from the Emirates Cricket Board empowers us to offer new 10-year licences to a selection of existing teams and a suite of new international franchise partners,” Chief Executive Matt Boucher told Reuters.
The Abu Dhabi T10 has experienced significant franchise turnover since its launch in 2017, with 18 different teams participating across nine seasons despite the competition operating as an eight-team tournament. League officials view the new licensing structure as a way to create a more sustainable ownership environment and encourage long-term investment.
“We’re currently in detailed conversations with some existing Abu Dhabi T10 teams regarding the future and we will soon launch a global invitation to new teams, he added.”
The planned invitation process is expected to target international franchise operators and investors as the league seeks to strengthen its global footprint and capitalize on growing interest in cricket across emerging markets.
Revenue guarantees aimed at attracting investors
One of the most significant changes under the new model is the introduction of guaranteed revenue distributions for franchise owners.
With sponsorship value reportedly estimated at more than $500 million, the league intends to provide franchises with a predictable financial foundation through a central revenue-sharing system.
“On the financial model, each franchise will receive a guaranteed share of the Central Pool Income annually for years one to 10, giving owners a foundation of revenue certainty,” he said.
The revenue guarantee is expected to be a key selling point as the competition courts prospective investors and franchise groups from around the world.
Governance and player welfare move to the forefront
The governance overhaul follows several challenging years for the tournament, which has faced scrutiny over both financial and integrity-related matters.
Previous seasons saw complaints regarding delayed and unpaid wages, while anti-corruption investigations led to multiple sanctions and bans involving participants connected to the competition. In recent years, cricket authorities have also highlighted concerns around corruption risks within the league.
Against that backdrop, league leadership has identified governance reform and player protection as top priorities.
“The real focus is on much stronger player governance and player welfare – together with the respective global governing bodies who oversee this,” Boucher said.
Alongside governance changes, the competition has also introduced adjustments to squad-building regulations. Teams will now be limited to a smaller number of direct signings, with the majority of players selected through a draft process designed to create greater competitive balance and transparency.
Middle East cricket boom creates new opportunities
The Abu Dhabi T10’s transformation comes amid rapid growth across the Middle East cricket landscape, with several countries in the region exploring new competitions and investment opportunities.
Boucher believes the UAE’s emergence as a major cricket hub has helped create a broader ecosystem that can support additional tournaments and formats.
“Cricket in the Middle East has really taken off in the last 10 years, with the UAE leading the way,” he said.
“If our neighbours are now entering this cricketing ecosystem and developing their own products, then that’s fantastic for our residential populations and for our governing bodies.”
Abu Dhabi T10 enters pivotal next chapter
As the league prepares for its 2026 edition, scheduled to run from November 7 to 20, officials are betting that stronger governance, long-term franchise agreements, and guaranteed revenue streams will help position the Abu Dhabi T10 for sustainable growth.
The coming months will be closely watched across the cricket industry as the tournament launches its search for new franchise partners and attempts to establish a more stable foundation after nearly a decade of rapid expansion and operational challenges.
