Cricket Australia Approves Big Bash Privatisation, Renegades First Club Up for Sale

Sydney, September 8, 2026; Cricket Australia (CA) has approved a new private ownership model for the Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), with the Melbourne Renegades set to become the first club offered to private investors.

Under the new framework, CA will invite bids for a 100 per cent stake in the Renegades, with the objective of completing the sale in time for new ownership to take charge from the 2027-28 BBL and WBBL seasons.

The privatisation process will not affect the upcoming domestic campaign. CA will continue to operate the Renegades in caretaker mode throughout the 2026-27 BBL and WBBL seasons, allowing the club to compete under its existing identity and structure.

The Renegades have also strengthened their squad ahead of the upcoming WBBL season with the signing of West Indies star Hayley Matthews.

Following the completion of the Renegades sale, Cricket Australia plans to consider offering other BBL clubs to private investors under a “self-determination” model. The framework gives individual state associations the freedom to decide whether and when they want to pursue private investment.

The Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers are understood to have shown interest in bringing private investors into their clubs. Meanwhile, the Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers are not currently pursuing the option.

Despite opening the door to private ownership, Cricket Australia will retain control over several critical aspects of the BBL and WBBL. These include international scheduling, player availability, salary caps and media rights.

CA will also have the authority to approve or reject prospective investors and determine the reserve price for the Renegades licence. Any proposed changes to the Renegades’ name, colours or branding after the sale will require approval from Cricket Australia.

CA chair Mike Baird said the move was aimed at strengthening the long-term future of the BBL and WBBL while creating greater opportunities to invest across Australian cricket.

“By opening the door to private investment in the Big Bash Leagues, Cricket Australia is taking a deliberate step to strengthen and secure the long-term future of the game,” Baird said, adding that the move would help accelerate growth and support investment in community cricket, grassroots participation, domestic and international pathways and the elite level.

Cricket Australia will continue consultations with state associations and the Australian Cricketers’ Association as the Renegades’ sale progresses. The governing body is expected to prioritise finding a suitable long-term investment partner rather than simply accepting the highest financial bid.

The move follows CA’s previously outlined timeline for introducing private ownership across the Big Bash. The Renegades are expected to enter the 2027-28 season under new ownership, subject to the completion of the sale process.

The current BBL and WBBL seasons will proceed with all clubs operating in their existing forms. WBBL 12 is scheduled to begin on October 29, with the Renegades hosting the Sydney Thunder, while BBL 16 will start on December 12 with the Renegades facing the Perth Scorchers in Chennai.