Cricket Australia has opened the Big Bash League to private investment, launching the sale of the Melbourne Renegades in what chief executive Todd Greenberg described as a “billion dollar opportunity” for the sport.
CA will invite bids for a 100 per cent stake in the Renegades, with the new owner expected to take charge from the 2027-28 BBL and Women’s Big Bash League seasons. Other states will be free to decide whether and when to sell stakes in their teams.
The move could attract owners of Indian Premier League franchises and other international investors. CA, however, will retain control over international scheduling, player availability, salary caps, media rights and proposed changes to team branding. Cricket Australia
Australian captains Pat Cummins and Sophie Molineux joined Greenberg and CA chair Mike Baird at Tuesday’s announcement at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Travis Head and Ellyse Perry were also present.
“Privatisation, if done well, can be a great thing for the sport,” Cummins said. “So many benefits for obviously the Big Bash League, but as an Aussie captain as well, Test cricket’s so important for me, and I think this sets us up really well for the future.”
Molineux, who captains the Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL, said private investment could also help develop the women’s competition.
“This can unlock some new areas that we can go into in the Women’s Big Bash. New investors, new opportunities to be able to innovate and grow the game. The Women’s Big Bash, quality-wise, is still the best competition in the world. But bringing in all these new opportunities that come with privatisation can hopefully make the product even better, which is a really cool thing to be part of,” she said.
Molineux hoped the Renegades sale would help the franchise in “getting some new fans on board”.
“It’s going to feel different,” she said. “Different isn’t always… I suppose it can be a really good thing.”
CA has pushed ahead despite failing to reach an agreement with the Australian Cricketers’ Association. The players’ body says no team sale can be completed without its consent, with the two sides divided over how the proceeds should be treated under their revenue-sharing agreement. ESPN
New South Wales has opposed the proposed model, while Queensland has said it intends to retain control of the Brisbane Heat for now. Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia have backed private investment.
The Renegades sale process could be completed by Christmas, although it will not affect the coming BBL and WBBL seasons. The Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers are also understood to be interested in bringing in private capital.