SYDNEY, Australia: Cricket Australia (CA) has said it is now looking at other options for the Big Bash League (BBL) after state associations could not agree on its proposal to bring in private owners.
CA had set a mid-April deadline for its six member states to support a plan allowing them to sell 49% stakes in most BBL teams and 100% ownership of one team each in Victoria and New South Wales. However, New South Wales rejected the proposal, and Queensland delayed its decision, asking for more details.
A Cricket Australia plan to sell off stakes in all #BBL clubs for 2027 is effectively dead after NSW and Queensland opposed the privatisation, leaving an uncertain path forward for the game. Queensland argued against a further rise in player paymentshttps://t.co/M8LGVX1aZP
— Daniel Brettig 🏏 (@danbrettig) April 30, 2026
CA confirms work on alternatives
“Given CA does not currently have full alignment on the proposed next step with our members, some alternative options are being considered that require additional analysis and consideration with States, and that work is underway,” CA said in a statement.
“Australian cricket remains united on the need to grow and continue investment in all aspects of the game and CA thanks the state associations and players for their engagement and collaboration in this project.”
Mike Baird has strongly rebutted his home state’s counter proposal to incorporate wagering as a solution to Australian cricket’s cash crisis, after plans to privatise the Big Bash hit a brutal brick wall.
DETAILS ▶️ https://t.co/2jcdhniR2m pic.twitter.com/jvBPBVaOpN
— CODE Cricket (@codecricketau) April 30, 2026
Setback for leadership
The lack of agreement is a major blow for CA Chairman Mike Baird and CEO Todd Greenberg, who led the privatisation effort after a review by Boston Consulting Group last year.
CA had wanted to raise up to A$ 600 million (US$ 427 million) to secure the sport’s future, improve its financial health, and help Australia compete better in T20 cricket.
Financial struggles
The push for private investment came as CA reported a loss of A$11.3 million for the 2024-25 financial year, even though revenue increased from hosting the high-earning Border-Gavaskar series against India.
Opposition from cricket veterans
Although private money could have given the sport a big financial boost, many well-known cricket figures in Australia opposed the idea. They warned that opening the league to private investors could mean a harmful loss of control for the local bodies that have traditionally run the game.
