Cricket Victoria’s (CV) bold BBL privatisation plan is one step closer to becoming reality after rival states reached an in-principle agreement about the sport’s most divisive issue.
Cricket Australia (CA) chair Mike Baird and counterparts from the six state bodies met today and signed off on a “self-determination model”, which would allow stakes in BBL clubs to be sold off if desired.
There are still administrative hurdles to clear. Most notably, the boards of the six state bodies must now independently vote to accept the privatisation model.
The model is also unlikely to be adopted in time for the 2026/27 BBL season, despite CV shocking the cricket world by announcing hopes of selling off one of its licences in time for summer.
Today’s agreement nevertheless marks a breakthrough moment for implementing BBL privatisation.
“The discussions today were very productive, and I’m pleased we have continued the momentum toward optimising the Big Bash Leagues for the benefit of the entire game,” Baird said.
Cricket NSW, Queensland Cricket and the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) all came into the meeting cautious about the long-term financial ramifications of CA’s privatisation model.
SACA chair Will Rayner said there was a lot to work through before the model was formally adopted.
“We have made good progress and will now discuss the mechanics of a self-determination model, contingent on several conditions being met, with our respective boards,” he said.
Chief among those conditions is that a new structure of governance is agreed upon for the BBL and that the CA governance structure is reworked to accommodate those changes.
The states must agree on whether the BBL continues to be administered by CA, or whether it operates as its own separate entity.
The players’ union, Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), must also grant approval, after flagging intentions to block the divisive privatisation model in an email to players last night.
That email, though, had insisted ACA remained open to privatisation if it came with improved financial conditions for players and “the broader priorities players presented to CA” were addressed.
An agreement must also be struck between CA and each of the states on future funding and financial distribution.
AAP
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