Private Investment, Calendar Shake-Up on the Table as BBL Faces Major Overhaul

The Big Bash League (BBL) could be on the verge of significant structural changes, with private investment, a later tournament start, and potential expansion among key recommendations presented to Cricket Australia (CA) in a major review of the competition's future.

The findings come from a report compiled by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), which was commissioned to evaluate the BBL’s current model and long-term prospects. The report, delivered to CA earlier this week, will now be considered in more detail in the coming months.

BCG's assessment highlights the BBL’s "significant existing commercial value" and "strong potential for further growth". CA CEO Todd Greenberg welcomed the report as a “strong validation” of what the BBL has achieved as it prepares for its 15th season.

“The success of the T20 format has been a huge boost for the game globally in attracting new audiences and increasing participation,” Greenberg said. “We need to ensure that the Big Bash remains among the world’s top sporting competitions.”

Private Investment Edges Closer

One of the most notable recommendations was opening the BBL to private ownership, a move that would align the competition with other global T20 leagues. While the BBL has so far resisted this trend, it is now seen as increasingly likely, especially in the wake of the high-profile sales of teams in England’s Hundred competition, where franchises were valued at over £975 million, drawing heavy interest from investors in India and the US.

Private capital could help boost player salaries, enhance marketing, and ensure the BBL remains competitive against rival leagues like South Africa’s SA20 and the ILT20 in the UAE, both of which clash with the BBL schedule.

Test Clash and Scheduling Challenges

The BCG report also addressed ongoing calendar clashes, particularly with Australia’s Test summer, which has restricted the availability of top-tier domestic players.

This season, the BBL begins just three days before the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, though a clearer window may exist after the series concludes in early January. However, future seasons — such as 2026–27, when Australia will tour India for a five-Test series — present further scheduling complications.

While a completely standalone BBL window is unlikely due to traditional marquee Tests like Boxing Day and New Year’s, a shift to a later start may allow for increased appearances from Test players in January. Past attempts to extend the BBL into February have been unsuccessful, largely due to the end of the summer school holidays.

Expansion Talks Resurface

The report also floated expansion as a viable future direction. Earlier this year, New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Weenink confirmed informal discussions about a Kiwi-based BBL team. Other proposed locations include Singapore and Canberra, with Cricket ACT having expressed a strong desire to host a franchise.

The BBL has previously experimented with format changes — including a full home-and-away schedule in 2018-19 — which led to fatigue and logistical challenges, particularly during the Covid-19 years. The league has since returned to a 10-game regular season.

Meanwhile, the WBBL, which has generally enjoyed a dedicated window in October and November, faces a shortened schedule this year due to the Women’s ODI World Cup, with its final set for December 13, just a day before the BBL kicks off.

No Immediate Decisions

Cricket Australia Chair Mike Baird stressed that the report remains in the consultation phase and that no final decisions have been made.

“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,” Baird said. “That would include providing strong benefits across the game including investment in participation initiatives and player development.”

As the BBL approaches a critical crossroads, CA will now weigh these recommendations with a view toward preserving the league’s relevance and appeal in an increasingly competitive global cricket landscape.