The Cricket Australia Board has agreed to take a landmark step toward bringing private investment into the Big Bash Leagues, beginning with the launch of a sales process for the Melbourne Renegades.
CA will invite bids from private owners for the Renegades with a view to them playing the 2027-28 season under new ownership. Pending the result of that process, CA will consider taking other clubs to market under a self-determination model that gives each State member the ability to assess the optimal pathway for its own club and community.
The decision to proceed with this self-determination model was made in the best interests of all aspects of Australian Cricket and will enhance funding for community, domestic and international pathways and elite cricket; protect the primacy of Test Cricket; continue to develop and engage the best players in our national teams and the Big Bash Leagues and grow our brands, fan engagement and commercial strength.
CA will continue constructive discussions with its members and the Australian Cricketers’ Association while the Renegades sales process proceeds.
Mike Baird, CA Chair, said:
“Cricket Australia and its State members are united in our commitment to investing in and growing the BBL and WBBL, and to advancing the interests of cricket at every level.
“By opening the door to private investment in the Big Bash Leagues, Cricket Australia is taking a deliberate step to strengthen and secure the long-term future of the game, accelerate growth and ensuring we can keep investing in community cricket and grassroots participation, domestic and international pathways and the elite level.
“Beginning the sales process for the Renegades allows us to take the first step in a self-determination model for our members and represents a defining moment for the game.
“Importantly, CA and its members will maintain control over the most significant aspects of Australian Cricket operations, including international scheduling, player availability, the Big Bash Leagues salary caps, branding proposals as well as the reserve price for a licence to operate that must be achieved, and approval of investors.
“This is a significant decision that has involved an enormous amount of analysis, discussion and collaboration over many months. I’d like to thank all involved as we move to what we believe is the best way to secure cricket’s future in this country, strengthen the Big Bash and protect our standing on the global stage.”
