BREAKING: CA reveals ‘$1 billion’ BBL shake-up as door officially open to privatisation
CA pushes ahead with BBL sell-off | 06:52
Dane Heverin from Fox SportsSeptember 8th, 2026 2:36 pm
Cricket Australia has officially welcomed private ownership to the Big Bash League after months of back and forth between the states and the national body over the domestic T20 competition’s future.
In a press conference at the SCG on Tuesday afternoon, CA confirmed reports that the Australian cricket landscape is set to drastically change with the sale of the Melbourne Renegades, while the remaining BBL and WBBL teams could have stakes sold in the future under a “self-determination” model.
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Australian men’s and women’s captains Pat Cummins
Australian men’s and women’s captains Pat Cummins and Sophie Molineux, superstars Ellyse Perry and Travis Head, CA chair Mike Baird and CA chief executive Todd Greenberg were all at the SCG to address the media for the announcement.
CA’s board reportedly gave the privatisation push their approval at a board meeting on Monday night.
The presence of Cummins, Molineux, Perry and Head was a strong symbolic gesture given their had been backlash from the Australian Cricketers’ Association behind the scenes.
There had also been considerable push back
There had also been considerable push back from New South Wales and Queensland, but the ‘self-determination’ privatisation model was approved.
“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
“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.”
Reports on privatisation came to a head in June when Cricket Victoria unveiled its plan to sell off the Renegades and to keep the Melbourne Stars, but to rebrand the MCG-based team as potentially the Rangers in a nod to the old Bushrangers nickname for the men’s state team.
CA confirmed it would invite bids from private owners for a 100 per cent stake in the Renegades, with new ownership in place for the 2027-28 WBBL and BBL seasons.
The sale process will not impact this summer’s
The sale process will not impact this summer’s WBBL or BBL seasons, with the Renegades to operate in caretaker mode by CA.
Once the Renegades licence has been sold, CA will then consider taking other clubs to market under a “self-determination” model, which allows each state to make its own decision on if and when to sell stakes in their BBL and WBBL clubs.
The Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers are the other teams understood to be keen to explore private investment.
While CA will need to continue what
While CA will need to continue what it termed “constructive discussions” with the states and the Australian Cricketers’ Association during the sale of the Renegades.
Cricket Victoria Director Shaun Richardson said the decision represented an important opportunity to strengthen cricket at all levels in the state.
“We’re enthusiastic about moving forward with this process and taking the Melbourne Renegades to market,” Richardson said.
We thank the Cricket Australia Board for committing
“We thank the Cricket Australia Board for committing to the future of cricket in this country.
“The sales process allows prospective parties to express their interest in purchasing the Melbourne Renegades and demonstrate why they would be the right fit for Victorian cricket.
“There’s a clear level of interest both locally and internationally, and we’re committed to working alongside Cricket Australia to identify a partner who shares our ambition for cricket in Victoria.
Private investment will unlock value for reinvestment across
“Private investment will unlock value for reinvestment across Victorian cricket, from the grassroots through to the elite game.”
Meanwhile, NSW’s Sydney-based teams – the Sixers and Thunder – as well as Queensland’s Brisbane Heat and South Australia’s Adelaide Strikers are all understood to be reluctant to proceed with private investment at this stage.
CA chair Mike Baird 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
“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.
“Beginning the sales process for the Renegades allows us to take the first step in a self-determination model for our members and represents a defining moment for the game.
“Importantly, CA and its members will maintain control over the most significant aspects of Australian Cricket operations, including international scheduling, player availability, the Big Bash Leagues salary caps, branding proposals as well as the reserve price for a licence to operate that must be achieved, and approval of investors.
This is a significant decision that has involved
“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.”
CA will have the power to approve or veto potential investors as well as set an undisclosed reserve price for a team.
Changes to club names, colours and branding – as has taken place in England’s The Hundred – would need to be approved by CA in the case of the Renegades, and by the relevant state body for sales of other clubs.
Source: www.bing.com
