The move is designed to attract global investors and strengthen cricket’s financial position in Australia, leveraging the growing appetite for T20 franchise ownership.
Currently, the BBL features eight teams located in major Australian cities. However, there are proposals to expand this to a 10-team competition, with potential new franchises in Canberra and Auckland by 2026. Cricket Australia is working with state cricket bodies to gain approval for the expansion and privatisation plan. The league has been valued at approximately $1.2 billion.
Each BBL team currently generates about $12 million in annual revenue. Cricket Australia expects stakes to be sold at up to 10 times that value. The plan has caught the attention of investment groups from India and the US. This strategy mirrors recent developments in England, where teams in The Hundred competition were sold for more than $1 billion AUD. Cricket Australia has engaged leading investment banks and global consulting firms to provide strategic advice and structure the deals.
The potential cash injection comes at a critical time. Cricket Australia has recorded combined losses of nearly $60 million in recent years and anticipates an $11.3 million deficit for the 2025 financial year, despite securing revenue from India's tour and a strong 2023-24 BBL season. Due to limited domestic investment capacity, the organisation is relying on international interest to meet its funding goals.
There are concerns regarding how partial privatisation may impact team identity and the level of national oversight. Doubts also remain over whether the capital raised will be enough to secure long-term financial stability. Still, with increasing interest in women’s cricket and rising international demand for sports assets, the BBL is emerging as an attractive platform for global investors.
