Cricket Australia boss Todd Greenberg has confirmed the governing body is actively exploring private investment in the Big Bash League, following recommendations from a review conducted by Boston Consulting Group.
Speaking to SEN’s Whateley, Greenberg said the report, handed back to CA last week, urged officials to investigate allowing minority or majority private stakes in the eight BBL clubs, which are currently owned by state associations and CA.
“The report clearly indicates to us that it’s something we should investigate, and that’s exactly what we are doing,” he said. “These are all recommendations; nothing has been decided at this point in time. The report does tell us that the BBL is in a very healthy position.”
Global competition and player salaries a driving force
Greenberg said the move could help the league compete financially with top-tier T20 tournaments like the IPL, pointing out that “there’s one thing you need for that, you need money, you need investment”.
Currently, BBL salaries top out at around $420,000 for men and $110,000 for women, compared to far larger sums overseas.
While some fear private equity could jeopardise the competition’s stability, Greenberg rejected the idea that exploring investment equates to “selling the farm”.
Instead, he framed it as a strategic decision for the sport’s long-term future: “In my mind, it’s less about the BBL, it’s more about the future of cricket in our country and making sure we make the right decision now so that the future is bright.”
CA has not yet set a timeline for any decision, but the upcoming BBL season begins on 14 December, with the WBBL starting 9 November.