Four Big Bash League clubs are saying no because their state associations see more to lose than gain. Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder are already profitable, and Cricket NSW says selling a stake would divert grassroots funding to private investors. Brisbane Heat has concerns about how sale proceeds would be split, while Adelaide Strikers would rather watch the Melbourne Renegades sale play out first. Cricket Australia’s new self-determination model leaves the choice to each state, and four have chosen to wait.
Cricket Australia’s Self-Determination Plan Explained
Cricket Australia’s board approved a sweeping ownership shake-up on September 8, 2026, letting every state decide for itself whether to sell part of its BBL club. Melbourne Renegades sit apart from the rest. With Cricket Victoria handing the licence back to CA, the Renegades become the first franchise sold outright, a full 100% stake, with new owners targeted for 2027-28.
Every other club can offer up to 49% if its state board agrees. CA hired the Raine Group, the bank behind The Hundred’s sales, and early valuations have already topped $200 million. CA keeps final say over scheduling, salary caps and media rights, and can block any investor. Chief executive Todd Greenberg calls the opportunity worth billions and believes privatisation is now unavoidable.
The Full Privatisation Picture, Team by Team
Some clubs are actively courting buyers, some are keeping the door open, and four are staying out of the conversation entirely for now.
BBL Team | Stance on Privatisation | Known Suitor or Interest |
Melbourne Renegades | Selling, 100% stake | RPSG Group, Sanjiv Goenka, reported interest |
Hobart Hurricanes | Selling, 49% stake, keen | Global investors, no named buyer confirmed |
Perth Scorchers | Selling, 49% stake, keen | Global investors, no named buyer confirmed |
Melbourne Stars | Interested but parked, Renegades first | TBD after Renegades sale |
Sydney Sixers | Resisting, profitable, grassroots funding concern | Not pursuing, NSW decision |
Sydney Thunder | Resisting, profitable, grassroots funding concern | Not pursuing, NSW decision |
Brisbane Heat | Reluctant, financial distribution concerns | Queensland concerned about revenue model |
Adelaide Strikers | Cautious, preference to wait and see | South Australia may consider later |
Why NSW, Queensland and South Australia Are Resisting
Cricket NSW’s objection is the clearest of the four. The Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder already turn a profit, and NSW argues that money funds grassroots cricket, so selling a stake would redirect some of that to private investors. NSW also says CA pushed ahead without meeting four conditions the state chairs had agreed to in June 2026.
Queensland’s stance on Brisbane Heat is softer, wanting clarity on how proceeds would be split before committing. South Australia, which owns Adelaide Strikers, is the most pragmatic holdout, preferring to watch the Renegades sale unfold first.
One more complication touches every willing seller too. The Australian Cricketers’ Association says privatisation needs a new player payment model first, and wants 27.5% of any sale proceeds, a figure CA disputes.
IPL Owners Big Bash League Stakes
The clearest name linked to a purchase is Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG Group, owner of Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. The group already holds Durban’s Super Giants in SA20 and 70% of Manchester Super Giants in The Hundred, and has been tied to a Renegades move.
Other IPL-linked owners are watching rather than acting. The Sun Group, owner of Sunrisers Hyderabad, also holds Sunrisers Leeds, while Reliance Industries and GMR Group hold 49% Hundred stakes via Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals.
The 49% ceiling is the real sticking point. These investors expect real operational say overseas, and CA keeping control of scheduling and branding offers upside without much influence, which could cool enthusiasm.
What Happens Before the 2027-28 Season
The Renegades sale is the story to watch first. CA has invited bids for the full 100% stake and wants a deal done before the 2027-28 season, with the club under CA’s control until then.
How that sale prices out will shape what follows. A strong result gives Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers a real number to weigh against their caution, while a soft one hardens NSW’s resistance.
None of the four holdouts are likely to change course before 2027-28, but the model lets them reconsider later. For now, the story of IPL owners’ Big Bash League stakes comes down to one deal, starting with a club that isn’t resisting at all.
Would you back an IPL owner taking a slice of a Big Bash club, or keep them fully local? Share your take below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which IPL owners are interested in buying BBL teams?
Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG Group is the most linked buyer, targeting the Melbourne Renegades. The group already owns stakes in SA20’s Durban outfit and 70% of The Hundred’s Manchester franchise.
What is Cricket Australia’s BBL privatisation plan?
CA approved a self-determination model letting each state choose whether to sell a stake. Melbourne Renegades go first at 100%, other clubs can offer up to 49% with CA still controlling scheduling and salary caps.
Why are some Big Bash teams against privatisation?
Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers all held back from the first wave. NSW says its profitable clubs fund grassroots cricket, so outside investors would divert money away from that purpose.
Is Lucknow Super Giants buying a Big Bash team?
No formal bid has been confirmed as of September 11, 2026. Owner Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG Group has been publicly reported as showing interest in the Melbourne Renegades, the only franchise on offer at 100%.
Which Big Bash team will be sold first?
Melbourne Renegades are first in line, with a full 100% stake on the table. Cricket Australia wants new owners in place before the 2027-28 season, with the club under CA control until then.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.