Cricket’s Shocking New Chapter: Is the BBL About to Be Sold Off?
A significant shift in how T20 cricket leagues are run globally could soon arrive on Australian shores. Cricket Australia (CA) has officially confirmed it is looking into the possibility of bringing private ownership into the Big Bash League (BBL). This mirrors a growing worldwide trend, seen in leagues like the IPL and The Hundred, where outside investment is reshaping the sport’s financial landscape.
This potential move marks a pivotal moment for the BBL, reflecting a broader discussion within the sport about balancing traditional structures with the benefits of commercial investment. The news follows a comprehensive internal review by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), which was tasked with evaluating the BBL’s financial health and long-term future. One of the top recommendations from the BCG report was to explore “alternative forms of investment and ownership,” including private capital, as a way to boost the league’s value and its ability to compete on the world stage.
Currently, Cricket Australia is the sole owner of all BBL teams, which are managed through state associations. The idea of bringing in private money isn’t new, but until now, CA has been hesitant. Their main concern was protecting the iconic summer schedule, which is built around major Test matches in Melbourne and Sydney. However, that mindset appears to be shifting.
CA’s CEO, Todd Greenberg, made a bold statement on SEN Radio, saying, “We have an unapologetic goal to make the BBL the second-best T20 league in the world, right after the IPL.” He continued, “To get there, we need more money, and honestly, that means we have to ask some hard questions about private ownership.”
A major worry for critics is whether private investors would demand access to Australia’s best players during the BBL season, which could conflict with crucial Test match schedules. Greenberg, however, was firm that classic fixtures like the New Year’s Test in Sydney are “non-negotiable” and won’t be moved.
Cricket Australia is keeping a close eye on England’s experience with The Hundred, which recently saw several teams sold to private owners. That decision has led to new branding for some franchises and has been met with a mix of praise and concern from within the English cricket community.
Greenberg emphasized that the desire for privatization is about ensuring the sport’s long-term health, not just making a quick buck. “This isn’t about giving up control,” he explained. “It’s about making sure every level of cricket, from local clubs to the professional game, has the funding it needs. That’s only possible with a modern approach to investment.”
The BBL’s potential embrace of private investors follows a blueprint set by the IPL and adopted by many other leagues. As CA considers these external partners—with Greenberg noting he has already heard from “unfamiliar names”—the message is clear: T20 leagues are increasingly seen not just as sports competitions, but as valuable, high-growth business assets.
For now, no final decisions have been made. The BCG report will go through what Greenberg called a “detailed consultation process” with all key parties, including state associations, players, and broadcasters. But the process has begun, and if the numbers add up, private investors could be buying into BBL clubs sooner rather than later.
In the rapidly evolving world of franchise cricket, the central question for every cricket board is no longer if private money will become a factor, but rather, when and how they will manage that change.
