Cricket Australia (CA) plans to allow private investments in Big Bash League (BBL), following the example of English cricket, which recently obtained $ 2 billion thanks to team sales in the hundred. An independent examination recommended to explore the sale of minority property stakes.
The Australia Cricket decision to sell participations in BBL teams aims to strengthen its financial reserves, targeting more than $ 100 million. State associations are also faced with financial challenges, states such as New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland not earning direct income from their land.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has been identified as needing major upgrades to improve the spectator’s experience and accommodate future locations without appointment.
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Cricket Australia considers the major overhaul of the BBL after recommendation
According to Sydney Morning Herald, Cricket Australia plans to change major business model which could reshape the Big Bash League landscape, following a recommendation from the Boston Consulting Group.
If the board of directors chooses to sell minority participations in BBL teams to private investors, it would mark the most transformer change in Australian cricket since the Kerry Packer Cricket World Series in 1977.
The main T20 leagues such as IPL, SA20 from South Africa and ILT20 water are already held by business entities and have aroused the interest of global technological companies and investment capital. On the other hand, Cricket Australia has retained full ownership of the BBL teams and has previously resisted private investments.
Cricket Australia resisted private property due to a confrontation of the BBL test season
Cricket Australia avoided the private property of BBL teams due to schedule conflicts. The BBL takes place during the home test season. However, private investors would probably support a separate window that allows Australian test players to participate fully.
Such reshuffle of the summer cricket calendar could disrupt the broadcasting agreements. A recent review by Boston Consulting Group, presented to the president of CA Mike Baird and at the state chairs, recommended that in minority participations in the BBL teams.
This decision could help the League collect funds to offer more competitive wages, making it a more attractive destination for the best international talents that currently promote more paid leagues.
Relocation of thunder and renegades in Singapore or New Zealand under discussion
The report indicates that Cricket Australia is invited to delay the expansion of the Big Bash League until it provides private investments by selling participations in its existing teams. While AC officials are still considering the proposal, discussions have also emerged on a potential overhaul of the league structure.
Among the ideas considered, there is the relocation of current franchises, the Renegades of Sydney Thunder and Melbourne, to new markets such as Singapore or New Zealand. Canberra also expressed his interest, strongly supported by the president of the Cricket Act, Greg Boorers.
The motivation behind these changes is to revitalize the BBL, which has lost importance in the more lucrative T20 leagues in South Africa and in the United Arab Emirates. Another approach discussed is the expansion by issuing new club licenses instead of selling stocks in existing teams.
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I disagree with this sale idea entirely, because selling the league to some outside model risk losing the heart of cricket. If the hundreds’ model is used to circumvent clubs’ rights, we need to debate this widely. Fans deserve transparency; else it will degrade competitiveness.
Oh sure, because you can sell tradition to a spreadsheet and call it progress. watch the game become a quarterly report while the crowds become a focus group. brilliant plan, cant wait to read the profit forecast during the innings.
Sounds sus, BBL for sale? not sure who benefis. It smell like big changes and fans gonna pay the price. If this is about hundreds model you can bet there gona be more politiks in the scoreboard than on the field.
While i see some potential, the hundreds model going to create conflicts among teams, players and sponsors. You can’t just restructure and expect fans to grip; there will be veto from fans. This is not sustainable if there is no stable governance.
From an info stand point this title hints its not official, maybe a marketing move or restruct. If ‘hundreds model’ means hundred people as shareholders, the mechanics are tricky with broadcast rights, teams valuations, governance. Without official statements we cant confirm. People should wait for Cricket Australia release.
Love the idee, BBL for sale might bring some fresh air to the league. If they follow the hundreds model, why not? More options for teams and fans. I hope the deal keep the cricket culture intact though.
haha this is crazy, BBL to the market, next ‘stock option for spin bowlers’. Maybe the trophy will come with dividends and the umpires will ask for profits. Investors in helmets, anyone?
Just to share what I know: if CA really pursue sale, they may need approvals from broadcasters, government bodies and clubs, plus antitrust concerns. The ‘hundreds model’ could imply board style governance with many small investors, that might impact decision speed. It’s not just marketing, there are legal and financial headaches to clear.
Oh great, because you can sell tradition to the highest bidder, and fans just clap. thank you, centuries of heritage now outsourced to some market plan; how delightful.
Sure, BBL for sale, because obviously cricket is all about corporate drama now. The hundreds model? fantastic, nothing says ‘fans first’ like a boardroom full of suits rearranging the toss. Real cricket energy, cant wait.