Melbourne Renegades Up for Sale: Cricket Australia’s Move to Privatize BBL

Cricket Australia (CA) has allowed private companies to invest in the Big Bash League (BBL), starting with the Melbourne Renegades. The league will be fully privatized, and bids for ownership of the Renegades are now being accepted.

The new owner is expected to take over by the 2027-28 season. CA aims to strengthen cricket’s future by attracting private investment. Mike Baird, CA’s chairman, stated that this move marks a significant step forward for the sport.

Discussions between CA and state associations led to this decision. The Renegades will continue under CA’s management in the 2026-27 season. Other teams like the Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars are also interested in private investment, while others are hesitant but open to it in the future.

A BBL match will be held outside Australia for the first time when the Renegades play the Scorchers in Chennai on December 12, 2026. The WBBL season opener will remain in Australia with the Renegades facing Sydney Thunder in Melbourne on October 29.

Cricket Australia will still control key aspects like scheduling, player availability, and media rights. They also have the power to approve investors and set a minimum price for the sale.