Cricket Australia Explores Private Ownership for Big Bash League Expansion

Cricket Australia (CA) is actively considering the introduction of private ownership models and potential expansion of its Big Bash Leagues (BBL and WBBL), following a report commissioned from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The findings, made public on July 30, 2025, suggest that private investment could significantly enhance the operational framework and financial viability of the leagues, which have been instrumental in promoting cricket in Australia and globally.

According to Mike Baird, Chair of Cricket Australia, the recommendations aim to strengthen the BBL and WBBL's competitive stature and ensure that any changes would benefit fans, players, and the broader cricket community. “No decisions have yet been made, and any action will be for the benefit of the BBL, WBBL, fans, and Australian cricket,” Baird stated in a press release following the report’s release.

The BCG's report outlines four key recommendations, including an optimized scheduling system that would attract top international talents while facilitating the availability of Australia’s cricket stars. This proposal is complemented by suggestions to raise the salary cap, thereby increasing the financial attractiveness of the leagues to both players and sponsors.

Cricket Australia’s CEO, Todd Greenberg, emphasized the importance of maintaining the BBL's reputation as one of the world's leading sporting competitions. “The T20 format has revolutionized cricket, drawing in new audiences and increasing participation rates,” Greenberg remarked, indicating a commitment to exploring the BCG's findings to ensure the leagues continue to thrive.

The report also advocates for alternative ownership and operational models, which could include private ownership structures, aiming to diversify the financial landscape of Australian cricket. “We will engage with our stakeholders, including states, territories, clubs, players, and commercial partners, to fully assess how these recommendations can unlock value,” Greenberg added.

The upcoming season of the WBBL is set to commence on November 9 and conclude on December 13, 2025, followed by the BBL from December 14 to January 25, 2026. These timelines provide a critical window for CA to implement any changes based on the BCG report.

Historically, the BBL has been a significant driver of cricket’s popularity in Australia, attracting large crowds and substantial television viewership. Recent years have seen fluctuations in attendance and engagement, prompting CA to reconsider its operational strategies. Industry experts believe that private ownership could provide the necessary capital for modernization and expansion, allowing the leagues to compete more effectively on a global scale.

Dr. Emily Carter, a sports management expert at the University of Sydney, noted, “The introduction of private ownership models in sports leagues has been successful in other regions, suggesting that similar strategies could benefit the BBL and WBBL.” However, she also raised concerns about the potential dilution of the leagues’ core values and community-focused initiatives.

The BCG report has sparked conversations among cricket fans and stakeholders about the future direction of Australian cricket. Analysts suggest that while private investment could enhance operational capabilities, it is essential to preserve the community spirit that has been a hallmark of the BBL since its inception in 2011.

As Cricket Australia deliberates on these recommendations, the implications for funding, player development, and fan engagement will be closely watched, with the potential to reshape the landscape of domestic cricket in Australia. The decisions made in the coming months could set a precedent for how professional sports leagues in Australia evolve in the future, balancing profitability with the sport's intrinsic values.