Arabic version: كريكيت أستراليا تفتح الباب أمام الاستثمار الخاص في دوري بيغ باش

According to BBC News, Cricket Australia has opened the Big Bash League and Women’s Big Bash League to private investment, while allowing state associations to decide whether and when to sell stakes in their own franchises. The governing body had preferred a league-wide franchise sale, but that proposal was opposed by New South Wales and Queensland.

Cricket Australia will instead use a “self-determination model”, under which each state member can assess the preferred route for its club and community. Bids are now being invited to buy 100% of the Melbourne Renegades licence, with the aim of the team competing under new ownership in the 2027-28 Big Bash.

The Renegades will be run by Cricket Australia in a caretaker capacity during the coming season. The proposed sale will not affect the 2026-27 BBL or WBBL. Cricket Australia said it would consider taking other clubs to market after the Renegades process, while retaining authority over international scheduling, player availability, salary caps and media rights.

The governing body will also be able to approve or veto prospective investors and set a reserve price for the Renegades. Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers are reportedly interested in private investment, while Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers are reluctant to commit. Those states could still examine investment later under the new model.

Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird said the body and state associations were united in growing the BBL and WBBL. He said private investment could help strengthen the game’s long-term future and support spending on community cricket, grassroots participation, domestic and international pathways, and elite cricket. Cricket Australia also said it remained in constructive discussions with the Australian Cricketers’ Association over a pay dispute.