Cricket Australia is reevaluating its approach to the Big Bash League after Queensland Cricket aligned with Cricket NSW in opposing the sale of minority stakes in the league's franchises to private investors. This decision highlights the challenges CA faces in securing funding and support for the BBL's future development.
'); }); AU / NZ America Europe/UK Membership Login News Events Women in Sport Summit 2026 Women in Sport Performance Form 2026 Playa Power Program Women in Sport Futures Day 2026 Networking View All Education Playa Power Data GlS QUT View All Membership News Australia / New Zealand Events Conferences Awards Networking View All Education Playa Power Data GlS QUT View All Membership Topics Brands Media & Broadcast Olympic Sponsorship Sports Tech Women’s Sport Show More Topics >> Sports Australian Rules Basketball Cricket Netball Rugby League Soccer (Football) Show More Sports >> Login Membership Home > Finance > Queensland join NSW in rejecting BBL privatisation, CA considers alternatives Finance, Investment 3 min read Queensland join NSW in rejecting BBL privatisation, CA considers alternatives Written by MOS Editorial Team Published on 1 May 2026 Cricket Australia (CA) has been forced to reconsider its strategy for the Big Bash League (BBL) after Queensland Cricket officially joined Cricket NSW in rejecting a proposal to sell minority stakes in the competition’s eight franchises to private investors. The decision, reached after an exhaustive due diligence process, leaves the league’s governing body without a consensus among its six member states. The rejection is a significant hurdle for Cricket Australia CEO, Todd Greenberg, and chair, Mike Baird, who have argued that private capital is a mechanical necessity to keep pace with the global explosion in T20 player salaries. The impasse highlights the complex nature of Australian cricket’s federated structure, with states holding diametrically opposed views on the competition’s commercial future: Currently, the BBL salary cap stands at AUD3,121,200 for 18 players, meaning top local stars rarely exceed AUD400,000 per season. In contrast, overseas leagues like South Africa’s SA20 and the IPL are now offering contracts exceeding AU$1 million. “Without an increase in player payments, we are at risk over time,” Greenberg warned. The concern is that Australia’s elite T20 talent may increasingly opt for lucrative overseas franchise opportunities over BBL or national duties if the domestic market remains stagnant. The rejection from NSW comes with a proposal to increase revenue via wagering product fees, fees paid by betting operators for the right to use data and offer markets. NSW argues the BBL is not extracting the same value from the wagering industry as other major Australian sporting codes. However, the CA Board remains steadfast in its refusal to fund the sport through increased betting reliance. “To back itself on wagering is not a way to fund the game. It’s been very clear from the CA board,” Greenberg stated. Addressing fears that private investment would lead to a loss of sovereignty to foreign owners (particularly IPL franchises), Greenberg clarified that CA’s proposal was designed to keep capital at the club level rather than the league level. This structure was intended to prevent private entities from gaining a seat at the table in the sport’s broader governance or international scheduling. Despite the current deadlock, Cricket Australia intends to maintain the BBL’s current format for the 2026-27 season. The governing body will now spend the coming months analysing “hybrid” models, aiming for a resolution by the 2027-28 season, well within the current broadcast agreement with Channel Seven and Foxtel which runs until 2031. Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today! . Major Australian supermarket giant Coles has officially launched its highly anticipated annual... Chinese multi-brand sportswear giant ANTA Sports Products Limited has officially completed its acquisition... LIV Golf has secured a potential three hundred million dollar financing lifeline from... Join the most engaged community in the Sports Business World. Get all the latest news, insights, data, education and event updates. Your MVP in the Business of Sport. We play the game to add value to the Sports Business industry by delivering News, Insights, Education and Events. Join the most engaged community in the sports business world. Want to be part of the team? Subscribe for free to join today! Copyright © 2026 | Ministry of Sport | All Rights Reserved.
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: ministryofsport.com
Cricket Australia, Queensland Cricket, Cricket NSW
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Cricket Australia: Cricket Australia is the governing body for cricket in Australia and is currently reconsidering its strategy for the Big Bash League after proposals for privatization were rejected.
Queensland Cricket: Queensland Cricket is the governing body for cricket in Queensland and has officially rejected the proposal to sell minority stakes in the Big Bash League.
Cricket NSW: Cricket NSW is the governing body for cricket in New South Wales and has joined Queensland Cricket in rejecting the privatization of the Big Bash League.
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