Cricket Australia Eyes Private Investment in BBL to Become World's Second-Best T20 League

Cricket Australia (CA) is actively exploring private investment into the Big Bash League (BBL) with the ambition of transforming it into the second-best T20 competition in the world behind the Indian Premier League (IPL), CEO Todd Greenberg has confirmed.

Speaking on SEN Radio on Wednesday, Greenberg said the move is part of a broader strategic vision following recommendations from a report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), which CA commissioned to review the BBL’s structure and future growth potential.

While the BBL currently remains wholly owned by CA and operated through state associations, BCG’s report recommended alternative forms of investment and ownership — including private capital — as a means to unlock further growth and international competitiveness.

IPL the Benchmark

“Unashamedly, we want to run a league that comes second to the IPL,” Greenberg said. “It’s going to be very hard to chase the IPL, given the scale of cricket in India, but we believe we can build something that sits beside or just behind it.”

To do so, Greenberg acknowledged, Australia must improve player availability and salaries, which “requires one thing — investment.” He added, “We’d be naive if we weren’t asking ourselves these questions and looking ahead.”

No Compromise on Iconic Test Matches

One of the key concerns raised by traditionalists and stakeholders has been the potential threat to the Boxing Day and New Year's Test matches — iconic fixtures in the Australian cricket calendar. Greenberg, however, was adamant those matches would remain untouched.

“I hail from Sydney, so I’d like to return there at one point in time,” he said with a smile. “So no, the New Year’s Test is certainly not on the agenda to be moved.”

This comes after reports suggested that a delayed BBL start — another BCG recommendation — could pressure CA to align its schedule more with other T20 leagues, potentially clashing with Australia’s Test commitments.

Learning from the ECB

Greenberg confirmed that CA is closely monitoring the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) approach to selling stakes in The Hundred franchises. The ECB recently transitioned several teams to private ownership, with full rebrands set for next season.

CA is hoping to glean insights from England’s experience to ensure Australian cricket benefits holistically, including elite, domestic, and grassroots levels.

“This is not about selling the farm,” Greenberg said. “It’s about securing the future of the game. We want to inject money back into the system — into pathways, development programs, and grassroots — to remain the sport of choice in Australia.”

Cautious Optimism Amid Stakeholder Concerns

While CA has not yet made any firm decisions, Greenberg confirmed there has already been significant interest from investors, with inquiries arriving “from people I’d never heard of.”

He acknowledged the apprehension from stakeholders and said any future investment would only proceed if it benefits the entire cricket ecosystem in Australia.

“The Chairman [Mike Baird] and I are clear: this only works if it benefits everyone — players, states, territories, and grassroots,” he said. “If we can’t demonstrate that, then the project doesn’t go forward.”

Control Will Remain with Australian Cricket

Importantly, Greenberg clarified that any proposed private investment would target club ownership — not the league itself — ensuring that CA retains overarching control of the BBL.

“We’re talking about clubs, not the league,” he emphasized. “Retaining control of Australian cricket is fundamental.”

As CA embarks on its exploration phase, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether private capital can align with the sport’s long-term integrity, culture, and development priorities.