Cricket Australia has officially welcomed private ownership to the Big Bash League after months of back and forth between the states and the national body over the domestic T20 competition’s future.

In a press conference at the SCG on Tuesday afternoon, CA confirmed reports that the Australian cricket landscape is set to drastically change with the sale of the Melbourne Renegades, while the remaining BBL and WBBL teams could have stakes sold in the future under a “self-determination” model.

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Australian men’s and women’s captains Pat Cummins and Sophie Molineux, superstars Ellyse Perry and Travis Head, CA chair Mike Baird and CA chief executive Todd Greenberg were all at the SCG to address the media for the announcement.

CA’s board reportedly gave the privatisation push their approval at a board meeting on Monday night.

The presence of Cummins, Molineux, Perry and Head was a strong symbolic gesture given their had been backlash from the Australian Cricketers’ Association behind the scenes.

“Privatisation, if done well, can be a great thing for the sport,” Cummins said.

“So many benefits for obviously the Big Bash League, but as an Aussie captain as well, Test cricket’s so important for me, and I think this sets us up really well for the future.”

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There had also been considerable push back from New South Wales and Queensland, but the ‘self-determination’ privatisation model was approved.

“This may be the biggest strategic decision Australian cricket makes in a generation,” Greenberg told reporters in Sydney.

“This is ultimately a billion dollar opportunity for our sport. And to put that back into players, but importantly the rest of cricket – the grassroots and participation areas for us to continue to grow the game. That’s a significant part of this decision.

“Private capital is not new in sport, it’s not new globally and it’s not new in cricket, but the opportunity to bring private capital into cricket – both for the capital and the capability – has the ability to shape cricket like never before.”

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg flanked by Pat Cummins and Sophie Molineux at the SCG announcement.Source: FOX SPORTS

Reports on privatisation came to a head in June when Cricket Victoria unveiled its plan to sell off the Renegades and to keep the Melbourne Stars, but to rebrand the MCG-based team as potentially the Rangers in a nod to the old Bushrangers nickname for the men’s state team.

CA confirmed it would invite bids from private owners for a 100 per cent stake in the Renegades, with new ownership in place for the 2027-28 WBBL and BBL seasons.

The sale process will not impact this summer’s WBBL or BBL seasons, with the Renegades to operate in caretaker mode by CA.

Once the Renegades licence has been sold, CA will then consider taking other clubs, who are interested in being sold, to market given the “extraordinary interest” from private capital.

The Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers are the other teams understood to be keen to explore private investment.

While CA will need to continue what it termed “constructive discussions” with the states and the Australian Cricketers’ Association during the sale of the Renegades.

“We certainly think to succeed you have to have your best players,” Baird told reporters in Sydney.

“The best players need to be a part of this league and we think this gives us an opportunity to importantly be the best league in our window.”

Sophie Molineux, Pat Cummins, Ellyse Perry and Travis Head pose during a Cricket Australia Media Opportunity at the Sydney Cricket Ground on September 08, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images for Cricket Australia)Source: Getty Images

Cricket Victoria Director Shaun Richardson said the decision represented an important opportunity to strengthen cricket at all levels in the state.

“We’re enthusiastic about moving forward with this process and taking the Melbourne Renegades to market,” Richardson said.

“We thank the Cricket Australia Board for committing to the future of cricket in this country.

“The sales process allows prospective parties to express their interest in purchasing the Melbourne Renegades and demonstrate why they would be the right fit for Victorian cricket.

“There’s a clear level of interest both locally and internationally, and we’re committed to working alongside Cricket Australia to identify a partner who shares our ambition for cricket in Victoria.

“Private investment will unlock value for reinvestment across Victorian cricket, from the grassroots through to the elite game.”

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Will Sutherland of the Renegades (L) and Marcus Stoinis of the Stars pose prior to the BBL match between Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars at Marvel Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia (Photo by Graham Denholm – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, NSW’s Sydney-based teams – the Sixers and Thunder – as well as Queensland’s Brisbane Heat and South Australia’s Adelaide Strikers are all understood to be reluctant to proceed with private investment at this stage.

“We will closely monitor the sales process and at this stage, intend to retain 100 percent ownership of the Brisbane Heat, but of course remain open to private investment at the appropriate time,” Queensland Cricket said in a statement.

CA will have the power to approve or veto potential investors as well as set an undisclosed reserve price for a team.

Changes to club names, colours and branding – as has taken place in England’s The Hundred – would need to be approved by CA in the case of the Renegades, and by the relevant state body for sales of other clubs.

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird and CEO Todd Greenberg speak to media during a Cricket Australia Media Opportunity at the Sydney Cricket Ground on September 08, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images for Cricket Australia)Source: Getty Images

“Cricket Australia and its State members are united in our commitment to investing in and growing the BBL and WBBL, and to advancing the interests of cricket at every level,” Baird said in a statement.

“By opening the door to private investment in the Big Bash Leagues, Cricket Australia is taking a deliberate step to strengthen and secure the long-term future of the game, accelerate growth and ensuring we can keep investing in community cricket and grassroots participation, domestic and international pathways and the elite level.

“Beginning the sales process for the Renegades allows us to take the first step in a self-determination model for our members and represents a defining moment for the game.

“Importantly, CA and its members will maintain control over the most significant aspects of Australian Cricket operations, including international scheduling, player availability, the Big Bash Leagues salary caps, branding proposals as well as the reserve price for a licence to operate that must be achieved, and approval of investors.

“This is a significant decision that has involved an enormous amount of analysis, discussion and collaboration over many months. I’d like to thank all involved as we move to what we believe is the best way to secure cricket’s future in this country, strengthen the Big Bash and protect our standing on the global stage.”