IPL owners to bid for BBL franchise? One-time champions 1st to go on sale after Cricket Australia's big move

Cricket Australia (CA) on September 8 paved the way for private investment in the Big Bash League (BBL) franchises. As part of the latest move, Melbourne Renegades will be the first franchise that will be up for sale. 

The new owners will be in chase of the Melbourne Renegades starting with the 2027-27 WBBL and BBL seasons. The bid invitation is for a 100 per cent stake in the franchise that won men's BBL in 2018-19 season and WBBL in 2024.

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Depending on how the sale of Melbourne Renegades goes, CA will take other clubs to the market as well. However, CA emphasised that Test cricket will remain paramount even if private investors take over the club. 

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"The decision to proceed with this self-determination model was made in the best interests of all aspects of Australian Cricket and will enhance funding for community, domestic and international pathways and elite cricket; protect the primacy of Test cricket; continue to develop and engage the best players in our national teams and the Big Bash Leagues and grow our brands, fan engagement and commercial strength,” CA said in a statement. 

"CA will continue constructive discussions with its members and the Australian Cricketers' Association while the Renegades sales process proceeds."

While addressing the media, Australia men's Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins, opener Travis Head, women's captain Sophie Molineux and experienced all-rounder Ellyse Perry were in attendance. While Sophie and Ellyse are BBL regulars, Cummins hasn't played a BBL game since 2019. Head hasn't featured since 2023 either. However, Head was Adelaide Strikers' captain when they became champions in 2017/18.

BBL teams in favour and against privatisation

Reportedly, apart from Renegades, the next in line are likely to be Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers. Meanwhile, the BBL teams which have reservations against private investment are Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers.

CA intends to retain control despite privatisation

CA chief Mike Baird has assured that the board will continue to be in control of player availability, salary caps, branding proposals and media rights. While it is not clear whether the name of Melbourne Renegades will be changed or not by the future owner, they won’t be able to make Australian players choose BBL over international cricket.

However, if the new owner of Melbourne Renegades intends to change the club name, colour or branding, they would need approval of CA.

When will Renegades' new owners will be finalised?

As per a report by cricket.com.au, the board's merchant bank Raine Group will start communication with potential owners this week. The sale of the franchise is expected to completed by the end of the year.