Cricket Australia announces sale of Big Bash League franchise to private investors
Cricket Australia has announced plans to introduce private investment into the Big Bash League, starting with the sale of the Melbourne Renegades franchise. The move aims to secure the sport's financial future and improve competitiveness in the global T20 market.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in the business model of Australian cricket, moving away from traditional governing body ownership toward commercial privatization.
Cricket Australia announced on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) that private investment would be introduced into the Big Bash League (BBL) from the 2027-28 season, starting with the sale of the Melbourne Renegades Twenty20 franchise.
An earlier CA privatisation proposal, which would have allowed the sale of 49% of BBL franchises and 100% of a team from those states which have two, was scuppered in April by the cricket boards of New South Wales and Queensland.
"CA will invite bids from private owners for the Renegades with a view to them playing the 2027-28 season under new ownership," the governing body said in a statement on Tuesday.
"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."
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