BBL privatisation decision deadline nears for Australian cricket in 2026

Cricket Australia will vote on a hybrid BBL privatisation model on Monday, with four states needing to approve the plan.

States assess hybrid BBL proposal Representatives from state cricket bodies met with Cricket Australia earlier in the week to review the proposed changes to Big Bash League ownership structures. Following those discussions, a detailed written offer for a hybrid model was dispatched to the states on Thursday for their consideration ahead of Monday’s vote. Under this plan, each state would retain the choice to proceed with selling shares in their BBL franchises to private investors or continue operating independently before considering a future sale. This marks the second attempt by Cricket Australia to introduce private funding into the league after an earlier plan to sell stakes in all eight clubs was rejected by New South Wales and Queensland in mid-April. ## Victoria’s merger plans accelerate privatisation debate Recent controversy has intensified after Victoria announced its intention to merge the Stars and Renegades franchises and relinquish one Melbourne BBL licence entirely before the upcoming season, ahead of the timeline proposed by Cricket Australia. The state has already filed trademark applications for three potential names for the merged team: Rangers, Blazers, and Magic. Approval for these changes hinges on multiple factors, including the outcome of Monday’s vote, endorsement from the Cricket Australia board, and a new agreement with the Australian Cricketers’ Association, which has insisted that privatisation cannot advance without their consent. ## Market testing planned if proposal passes If the hybrid model is approved, states wishing to pursue immediate private investment—currently Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania—will collaborate with Cricket Australia and their advisor, the Raine Group, to gauge market interest. This evaluation process will mirror the method used for the sale of The Hundred franchises, involving initial soundings of potential buyers and preliminary valuations before formal sales begin. Exact timelines remain uncertain despite Victoria’s confidence that deals could be completed within months. ## Decision not guaranteed despite urgency While a decision is expected on Monday, it is not assured, as evidenced by past state meetings in March when officials requested additional time to assess the initial proposal. Victoria will send an additional board member to represent their interests at the meeting, given that Hepburn is currently overseas. Cricket Australia’s leadership, however, remains committed to advancing some form of BBL privatisation as quickly as possible. ## Cricket Australia pushes for private investment During a conference in Melbourne this week attended by representatives from states, BBL clubs, commercial partners, broadcasters, the Australian Cricketers’ Association, and players, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg emphasised the need for private funding to secure the sport’s future. He stated, 'We have an eye on the long-term future. And one thing is absolutely clear - to maintain Australia's position at the top and keep growing the game's popularity, we need ensure we have the funds to continue to invest in the things that have created success.' Greenberg argued that private investment in the Big Bash League, with appropriate safeguards, is the most effective way to protect the game’s development from grassroots levels to elite programs. ## Test matches to remain despite BBL changes Greenberg also reassured stakeholders that major Test matches, such as the Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests, will remain part of the schedule regardless of any ownership changes in the Big Bash League. He highlighted the scheduling advantage of holding BBL matches immediately after men’s Test matches, which has resulted in peak audiences exceeding two million viewers and over one million tuned in across the Christmas and New Year period. Greenberg said, 'Scheduling Big Bash Leagues immediately after men's Test matches has seen cricket dominate viewing habits in the heart of the Christmas/New Years period. On those days and nights, we have had peak audiences of more than two million and more than one million viewers glued to their screens across a full day. It's a unique advantage for our sport and our broadcast and commercial partners - and one we plan to maintain regardless of any changes in the Big Bash League ownership model.' He encouraged fans to keep those traditional fixtures in their calendars.