Photo Credit: LinkedIn Photo of Russell James
Russell James is the former Commercial and Marketing Director for the ECB, and Digital Engagement Director for the FA. He currently runs Bazballers Consulting as the Founder.
The landscape of cricket is shifting. The globalisation of franchise leagues is no longer just a theory—it’s happening in real time. With IPL owners acquiring stakes in The Hundred and the emergence of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA, we’re witnessing the commercialisation of the sport evolve at a rapid pace.
But is this a natural progression or a tipping point? Are we witnessing the birth of a global super league, or is this just another phase in cricket’s complex commercial evolution?
The Commercial Power of Franchise Cricket
The idea of a worldwide franchise competition has been floated for years, but recent developments make it feel more tangible than ever. Cricket’s traditional structures are being reshaped by four key forces:
- Private Investment & Consolidation – The influx of capital, particularly from IPL owners, is changing the sport’s power dynamics. For instance, the Ambani family, owners of the Mumbai Indians, recently acquired a 49% stake in the Oval Invincibles, valuing the team at approximately £123 million.
- Global Brand Expansion – Franchise owners aren’t just looking at domestic dominance; they see cricket as a global product. A unified league would extend their reach to new markets, commercial partners, and audiences. The recent investments in The Hundred franchises by international entities highlight this trend.
- Player & Fan Demand – Players increasingly want flexibility and financial security, while fans crave year-round elite competition. A global league could provide both, with the best players competing across borders. The success of MLC in attracting top talent underscores this demand.
- Market Expansion in the US & Beyond – The success of MLC signals a genuine opportunity for cricket to crack the American market. The league plans to expand to ten teams and increase its schedule to 34 games by 2025, indicating significant growth potential.
Barriers to a Global League
Despite the clear commercial incentives, a worldwide franchise league isn’t a simple plug-and-play solution.
- Scheduling Conflicts – The international cricket calendar is already stretched. Finding a window that suits all major leagues and national boards would require a seismic shift in how the sport is governed.
- Player Workload & Welfare – With increased franchise commitments, where does international cricket fit in? The more cricket becomes club-driven, the harder it is to manage player welfare.
- Governance & Revenue Distribution – Who runs this league? Who benefits financially? Without a governing body overseeing fair distribution of revenue, national boards could resist and prioritise bilateral cricket.
The Big Question: Evolution or Revolution?
Franchise cricket isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating. Whether a fully-fledged global league materialises or not, the trend towards club-based cricket dominating the calendar is irreversible. The real question is: how do governing bodies, investors, and players shape this future so it benefits the sport as a whole?
If cricket’s future is going to be commercially sustainable, we need to stop debating ‘if’ a global league will happen and start discussing ‘how’ it can be structured to maximise growth without destroying the foundations of the game.
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Name of Author: Bazballers Consulting
