Cricket Australia’s board has signaled openness to expanding the Big Bash League to 10 teams, contingent on approval of revised privatization plans for existing franchises. The organization had previously pursued wholesale privatization of the league’s teams, but that proposal was rejected by states in April, with New South Wales and Queensland forming a coalition to block the initiative. South Australia subsequently proposed an alternative framework allowing the eight current BBL clubs to voluntarily sell stakes without mandatory participation.
The board has made what officials describe as considerable progress in building support for this alternative model since the initial rejection. Under the revised approach, backing from four of the six states would be required to commence the sale process. Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania have expressed strong support for the plan. Cricket Australia has engaged US bank Raine Group to manage the sales process and has been actively assessing market appetite through discussions with investors.
During a recent trip to England, Big Bash officials conducted talks with multiple owners from the Indian Premier League and the Hundred competition. These discussions have reinforced Cricket Australia’s confidence that substantial investor interest exists in acquiring stakes in the Big Bash. Initial market analysis by Raine has suggested potential valuations reaching $200m. The level of expressed interest has prompted internal conversations about future expansion possibilities, though Cricket Australia has not yet identified specific new markets or markets for potential teams.
The Hundred’s sale process in England generated nearly $1bn in investment, with four franchises purchased by existing IPL owners. Cricket Victoria has separately announced its intention to completely divest the Melbourne Renegades, reportedly targeting Indian investors, while continuing to operate the Melbourne Stars. Unlike the ECB’s approach, Cricket Australia would not conduct a centralized auction but instead would invite each state to manage individual sales.
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