Melbourne Renegades to be First BBL Club Offered to Private Buyers

Cricket Australia has authorised the sale of the Melbourne Renegades, marking the first instance of private ownership in the Big Bash League. The governing body will invite proposals and hopes to have a new proprietor in place for the 2027-28 season. The decision follows months of debate about whether external capital can strengthen the financial footing of both the BBL and the women's WBBL.

Future sales of other franchises will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, allowing each state member to determine the best path for its club. Despite the ownership shift, Cricket Australia and its state partners will keep authority over international scheduling, player availability, salary caps, branding and licence pricing, and will approve any prospective investors. Officials view the move as a step toward securing the long-term viability of the leagues and supporting grassroots cricket.