BBL privatisation takes major step forward as states back new model

Cricket Australia’s (CA) plan to bring private investment into the Big Bash League (BBL) has received a big boost after all six state associations gave their in-principle support to a new model. However, Ian Healy slammed BBL privatisation.

The proposal is still not final, but it is a major step forward. If everything falls into place, each state will be able to decide on its own whether it wants to sell a stake in its Big Bash League team instead of following one common plan for all franchises.

Big Bash League’s private investment plan takes big step forward

During the latest meeting in Melbourne, Cricket Australia (CA) officials met with the chairs and representatives of the six state associations to discuss the revised plan after the previous model failed that suggested stakes in all eight Big Bash clubs to be sold.

Cricket Australia’s new proposal for BBL is called the self-determination model. In simple words, it means every state will have the freedom to make its own decision about private investment based on what it feels is best for its own Big Bash League team.

4 big challenges before BBL’s new era

However, they have to sort out four major issues first before things move forward. The first is deciding how the new BBL competitions will be governed in the future. The second is making changes to Cricket Australia’s own governance structure so that it matches the new system.

The third is reaching an agreement with the Australian Cricketers’ Association on how the self-determination model will actually work. The fourth and final condition is an agreement between CA and every state association on future funding and how revenue will be shared.

After the agreements on these conditions, the next step will be testing the market and finding out how much the franchises could be worth before any investment decisions are taken. Among all the states, Cricket Victoria is expected to move first if the plan gets the green signal.

Cricket Victoria open to selling Melbourne Renegades licence

In fact, Cricket Victoria has already surprised many people with its plans. They have hinted at considering a rebrand of the Melbourne Stars and are even open to selling the entire license of the Melbourne Renegades if the new investment model is approved.

Cricket Victoria chairman Mike Baird said in a statement: “The states have agreed to go back to their boards to discuss these proposals and address any questions that might arise from their members on four key topics involving governance of the Big Bash leagues and CA, player support, and state distributions. We’re confident this will lead to the best possible outcome for everyone, including grassroots participants and volunteers and professional players, and provide certainty for the future of cricket in Australia.”

South Australian Cricket Chair calls BBL privatisation talks ‘Constructive’

On the other hand, South Australian Cricket Association chair Will Rayner called the discussion “constructive” among the involved stakeholders. Rayner stated, “While there is a lot to work through, we have made good progress and will now discuss the mechanics of a self-determination model, contingent on several conditions being met, with our respective boards.”

He signed off by saying, “It was a productive session that positions us to continue to grow the Big Bash leagues while ensuring the appropriate checks and balances are in place to ensure the long-term sustainability and sovereignty of our game.”