Cricket Australia have confirmed their plans to privatise the Big Bash League as they confirmed the sale process for the Melbourne Renegades.
It comes following months of speculation, as the sport's governing body announced the decision on Tuesday afternoon, confirming it would invite bids from private owners for a 100 per cent stake in the Renegades.
The sale process will not affect the 2026/27 BBL and WBBL seasons, with CA to run the Renegades in caretaker mode.
CA chief executive Todd Greenberg and chair Mike Baird were alongside Australian cricket stars Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Sophie Molineux and Ellyse Perry at the announcement at the SCG today.
“This may be the biggest strategic decision Australian cricket makes in a generation", Greenberg told reporters in Sydney.
“This is ultimately a billion dollar opportunity for our sport. And to put that back into players, but importantly the rest of cricket - the grassroots and participation areas for us to continue to grow the game. That's a significant part of this decision.
“Private capital is not new in sport, it's not new globally and it's not new in cricket, but the opportunity to bring private capital into cricket - both for the capital and the capability - has the ability to shape cricket like never before.”
Baird also said in a statement; "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.
“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.”
Pending the outcome of the private sale process, CA will then look at expanding it throughout the competition under a self determination model, which allows each state to make its own decision if and when to sell stakes in their Big Bash clubs.
Under the sales process, changes to clubs names, colours and branding need to be approved by CA and by the relevant state bodies for other clubs.
According to cricket.com.au the Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers are the other clubs understood to be keen to bring in private investment.
The Sydney Sixers and Thunder as well as the Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers are all at this stage understood to be reluctant to proceed with private investment.
