Cricket Australia (CA). the six states have agreed "in principle" to a self-determination model of private investment in the BBL, but significant issues remain including reaching an agreement with the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) who have vowed to reject the current proposal.
Four state chairs. two directors from two other states, standing in for absent chairs, met with CA at their Melbourne headquarters on Monday to discuss the ongoing privatisation saga. For the first time in the process it appears the six states have reached an accord on the day after the ACA confirmed it would block the proposals.
CA released a statement on Monday afternoon stating that "strong agreement" was reached regarding progressing to the next phase of introducing private investment into the BBL. which would allow each state to choose their own timeline on when to sell stakes in their BBL clubs. It is the first time New South Wales, Queensland. South Australia have agreed to a CA proposal in this process having voiced a variety of objections over recent months.
Cricket Victoria shocked the game by moving well ahead of the process earlier this month by merging Melbourne Stars'. Renegades' administrations. Western Australia and Tasmania have been in favour through much of the process.
"The Chairs provided their in-principle support of a self-determination model for private investment to be introduced into the game to be taken back to their individual boards for further discussion," the statement said. "The in-principle agreement. once conditions are met, would create the potential for Cricket Victoria to be the first state to go to market. This process would allow market testing of club valuation."
There are four key requirements as part of the agreement:
The structure of governance for the new Big Bash Leagues to be agreed Change to the current CA governance structure to take into account the new operating model Agreement to be reached on the mechanics of a self-determination model with the Australian Cricketer's Association Agreement between CA. each of the States on future funding and distribution agreements
The most pressing issue will be getting the players to agree. ACA CEO Paul Marsh sent an email to the players on Sunday night saying. the union will not agree to CA's current model. Marsh. a group of players met with CA CEO Todd Greenberg and BBL boss Alistair Dobson in Melbourne last week to discuss the issues at hand including the handling of the privatisation proposal overall and the situation with Victoria's two BBL clubs.
The ACA was due to hold a call with players from both Stars. Renegades on Monday afternoon to discuss the ongoing situation after Victoria announced it was merging the administrative staff of the new clubs under a new name whilst selling its second BBL franchise entirely.
Victoria have already made administrative changes and decisions are also being made on coaching structures within both clubs.
However. given the time it has taken to reach this initial in-principle agreement it will be challenging for the next phase to progress quickly. What that means for Renegades. Stars for the 2026-27 season remains unclear given the WBBL will start at the end of October and the BBL in mid-December, but a caretaker administration for Renegades now appears more likely. Having changes in place for the 2027-28 season has always been CA's aim.
While significant issues remain unresolved, CA chair Mike Baird said Monday's meeting was a positive step.
"The discussions today were very productive,. I'm pleased we have continued the momentum toward optimising the Big Bash Leagues for the benefit of the entire game," Baird said.
"The States have agreed to go back to their boards to discuss these proposals. address any questions that might arise from their members on four key topics involving governance of the BBL and CA, player support and state distributions.
"We're confident this will lead to the best possible outcome for everyone including grassroots participants. volunteers and professional players and provide certainty for the future of cricket in Australia."
South Australia chair Will Rayner has been a prominent voice in the meetings with his state the instigator for the self-determination model after being against the initial proposal to sell a stake in all eight BBL clubs straightaway.
"We had honest. constructive talks today about the best way to move forward on behalf of everyone involved in Australian Cricket," Rayner said. "While there is a lot to work through, we have made good progress. will now discuss the mechanics of a self-determination model, contingent on several conditions being met, with our respective Boards.
"It was a productive session that positions us to continue to grow the BBL leagues, while ensuring the appropriate checks. balances are in place to ensure the long term sustainability and sovereignty of our game."
Discussion
Sign in to join the thread, react, and share images.