IPL franchises to join Big Bash League? Australia approved privatization

The Big Bash League is entering a new era of private ownership, potentially opening up another major T20 market for the world’s biggest cricket franchises. Cricket Australia has approved the sale of the Melbourne Renegades, prompting questions as to whether Indian Premier League franchises could now look to invest in the Australian competition.

Cricket Australia will invite bids for a full 100% stake in the Melbourne Renegades, with the new owners expected to take control from the 2027-28 Big Bash League and Women’s Big Bash League seasons. The process will not affect the coming Australian summer, while other BBL teams could also explore private investment under the newly approved “self-determination” model.

The move represents a significant shift in the way the BBL is structured, with private investors now having a path to ownership of the club. However, CA will continue to oversee several major aspects of the competition, meaning the change in ownership may not necessarily translate into full control for investors.

ARE IPL FRANCHISES ENTERING BBL NOW?

There has been no confirmation of a bid for the Indian Premier League-backed Renegades. Still, the development is likely to attract the attention of IPL franchise owners who have spent recent years building extensive networks across the global T20 landscape.

Mumbai Indians ownership group already runs MI Cape Town in SA20, MI Emirates in ILT20, MI New York in Major League Cricket and MI London in The Hundred. Kolkata Knight Riders group has Trinbago Knight Riders, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Los Angeles Knight Riders.

Chennai Super Kings have Joburg Super Kings and Texas Super Kings while Rajasthan Royals own Paarl Royals and Barbados Royals. Sunrisers Hyderabad have Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Sunrisers Leeds, while Lucknow Super Giants run Durban’s Super Giants and Manchester Super Giants.

The Delhi Capitals ownership group has also expanded internationally through the Pretoria Capitals, Dubai Capitals, Seattle Orcas and Southern Brave.

Australia thus represents another major T20 market that could fit naturally into the growing portfolios of these franchise groups.

WHAT WILL CRICKET AUSTRALIA KEEP?

The arrival of private investors will not mean that Cricket Australia will relinquish control of the BBL’s core operations. CA chairman Mike Baird said the governing body would continue to oversee international scheduling, player availability, salary caps and media rights.

“Cricket Australia and its members are united in our commitment to invest in and develop the BBL and WBBL and promote the interests of cricket at all levels,” Baird said.

“By opening the door to private investment in the Big Bash League, Cricket Australia is taking a thoughtful step to strengthen and secure the long-term future of the game, accelerate growth and ensure we can continue to invest in community cricket and participation at the grassroots, domestic and international tours and at the elite level,” he added.

The CA will also have the power to approve or veto potential investors and determine the offering price. Changes to team name, colors or branding will similarly require approval.

The Melbourne Renegades are the first BBL franchise to be officially made available for private ownership. The Hobart Hurricanes, Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars are also understood to be open to private investment, while the Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers are not currently pursuing the option.

So far, there are no signs of an IPL franchise owner entering the BBL. But with Cricket Australia now allowing private ownership, the sale of the Renegades could mark the start of a new phase of Australian T20 cricket and potentially give IPL investors another league to consider as they expand their global footprint.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

08 Sep 2026 12:06 IST