Cricket Australia clears BBL privatisation plan despite opposition from powerful states

The Big Bash League is set for one of the biggest changes in Australian cricket in decades, with Cricket Australia clearing a plan to bring private ownership into the competition.

The plan would allow states to explore selling 49% stakes in their BBL franchises. Cricket Australia's board effectively decided to proceed at a meeting last week, with formal approval expected Monday night and an announcement planned for Tuesday alongside several leading Australian cricketers.

The move has not secured unanimous state support. Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia back the proposal, while New South Wales and Queensland remain opposed. South Australia is cautious but more open to the idea than the two larger states. New South Wales has argued that private equity would provide only a short-term boost and that wider structural reform is needed to secure Cricket Australia's finances.

The Australian Cricketers' Association initially pushed back but supports privatisation if it protects the game's long-term interests. It will continue negotiating with Cricket Australia over the players' share of revenue, an issue expected to form part of a new memorandum of understanding.

Cricket Australia says the change would help the BBL keep pace with overseas domestic T20 competitions such as India's Indian Premier League, while distributing proceeds across Australian cricket. Transactions could be completed before next season. Cricket Victoria had already made plans to sell the Melbourne Renegades franchise while retaining the Melbourne Stars licence, accelerating the process earlier this year.