Cricket Australia‘s plans to introduce private investment into the Big Bash League (BBL) could advance significantly in the coming weeks, with Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia expected to consider decisions on the future ownership of their franchises.
The potential expansion of private ownership comes as Cricket Victoria moves ahead with plans to sell the Melbourne Renegades, positioning the franchise to become the first privately owned club in the competition. Meanwhile, the Hobart Hurricanes and Perth Scorchers could also attract outside investment if their respective state associations decide to pursue the opportunity.
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer Todd Greenberg told journalists following the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, “We’re still working our way through that, but my guess at the moment is that certainly Victoria’s second team (currently the Melbourne Stars licence) and Tasmania are particularly weighing up what (selling stakes) looks like.”
Victoria leads Big Bash privatisation plans
Cricket Victoria has outlined the most advanced ownership proposals among the state associations, with plans to sell its entire stake in the Melbourne Renegades and offer a 49% interest in the Melbourne Stars.
A formal sale process for the Renegades is already underway, with new ownership expected to be established ahead of the 2027–28 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and BBL seasons.
According to cricket.com.au, the Stars could also undergo a branding change as part of the proposed investment arrangements. Cricket Victoria previously sought trademark protection for three potential identities — Melbourne Rangers, Melbourne Magic and Melbourne Blazers — before suspending the initiative for the current season following opposition from other states.
While the Renegades sale is progressing, the proposed transaction involving the Stars remains a separate decision within Victoria’s broader approach to attracting private capital into the competition.
Tasmania and Western Australia consider outside investment
Beyond Victoria, the ownership structures of two other established BBL franchises could be opened to private investors.
Cricket Tasmania has previously expressed interest in selling a minority stake in the Hobart Hurricanes. In August, its Chief Executive Officer Dominic Baker indicated that the state association was interested in assessing market demand for a potential 49% sale.
Western Australia is also considering its options, with WA Cricket Chief Executive Officer John Stephenson having previously indicated an interest in exploring potential investment in the Perth Scorchers.
However, Cricket Australia’s approach allows individual state associations and their clubs to determine whether they want to proceed with private investment, rather than requiring every franchise to adopt the same ownership model.
Greenberg added, “They’re heavily engaged and clearly we’ve been very open to talking to WA as well. I can’t be definitive on which teams, because ultimately, it’s a decision for those states and their clubs.”
The process remains at different stages across the three states, with Victoria already pursuing a full franchise sale while Tasmania and Western Australia assess their respective opportunities.
Greenberg noted, “But those are the three states that are actively engaged in the process and will likely make some decisions … over the next six to eight weeks.”
Privatisation divisions reshape Cricket Australia’s leadership
The debate over private ownership has also become a significant governance issue within Australian cricket, contributing to changes at the top of Cricket Australia’s Board.
Mike Baird formally stepped down as Chair at the annual general meeting, handing over to former Australia Test opener David Boon, who has taken the position on an interim basis.
Baird, a former New South Wales Premier, had announced his intention to leave the role a month earlier. His departure followed a breakdown in support from Cricket NSW, which opposed Cricket Australia’s proposed self-determination model for BBL privatisation.
Cricket NSW had originally nominated Baird to Cricket Australia’s Board in 2020, before he became Chair in 2023. The state association subsequently withdrew its backing over the private investment proposals, and Baird also relinquished his position as a Cricket Australia director.
Former Australia Test opener Ed Cowan has replaced Baird as the New South Wales representative on the national Board. Cowan, who played 18 Tests for Australia and represented both NSW and Tasmania during his first-class career, had served on the Cricket NSW Board since 2019.
He resigned from that state Board in accordance with governance requirements following his appointment to Cricket Australia.
A decision on Cricket Australia’s permanent Chair is expected soon, with Boon among the potential candidates. Baird has indicated that he would welcome Boon continuing in the position.
Cricket Australia reports profit but faces financial challenges
The discussions over BBL investment are taking place against a changing financial backdrop for Cricket Australia.
The governing body reported a net profit of AUD 81.8 million (approx. USD 58.1 million) for the 2025–26 financial year, reversing losses recorded over the previous two years.
Revenue benefited from Australia’s home Ashes series and the ODI and T20I series against India, although the international calendar also produced financial setbacks.
Greenberg confirmed that the Test matches in Perth and Melbourne, both of which concluded within two days, resulted in a combined AUD 20 million (approx. USD 14.2 million) in lost revenue.
Despite the return to profitability, Cricket Australia is anticipating significant financial losses over the next two years, reflecting the international scheduling cycle and an expected decline in broadcast revenue during that period.
The financial outlook provides an important backdrop to the ongoing discussion over private investment, although decisions on individual BBL franchises remain with the relevant state associations and clubs.
With the Melbourne Renegades sale already underway, the next confirmed stage in the process will be the anticipated decisions from Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia over the coming six to eight weeks, potentially determining how extensively private ownership develops across the Big Bash League.
