Cricket Australia considering private ownership and expansion of its Big Bash leagues after report

Cricket Australia (CA) is open to the introduction of private ownership and expansion in its Big Bash Leagues in the coming years as it looks to expand the successful competitions.

The CA board commissioned the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to provide recommendations for the next phase in both the BBL and the WBBL, with the report including four suggestions.

The report suggests an "optimised schedule" that would allow the BBL to attract top international players from around the world while also enhancing the availability of Australia's international stars. This would come in the form of a later start to the season and a higher salary cap.

CA has also been recommended to consider "alternative forms of investment and ownership", with private ownership included in this.

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Other recommendations include the introduction of different operating models and administrative structures and the potential for league expansion.

No decisions have been made yet on the potential implementation of the recommendations coming out of the BCG report.

"We will work closely with the states and territories, the Big Bash clubs, the players and our broadcast and commercial partners to consider the recommendations on how this value can be unlocked," CA chair Mike Baird said in a statement.

"It is very important to understand that no decisions have yet been made, and that any action taken will be for the benefit of the BBL, WBBL, fans, and Australian cricket more broadly.

"That would include providing strong benefits across the game, including investment in participation initiatives and player development."

CA CEO Todd Greenberg said the T20 format had boosted the game globally, attracting new audiences and increasing participation.

"We need to ensure that the Big Bash remains among the world's top sporting competitions," Greenberg said.

"We will now undertake an exploratory process of the recommendations in this report to ensure any action we take achieves this potential and is in the best interests of Australian Cricket and cricket fans."

The next season of the WBBL will commence on November 9 and end on December 13. It will then be followed by the BLL, which runs from December 14 to January 25 in 2026.

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