New Zealand Cricket Becomes First National Board to Invest in Overseas T20 League with MLC Franchise Deal

In a landmark move set to reshape the global cricketing landscape, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has become the first national governing body to directly invest in an overseas T20 league. Partnering with Major League Cricket (MLC), NZC will co-own one of two new franchises set to debut in the expanding U.S.-based competition from the 2027 season.

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, MLC will grow from six to eight teams by 2027, with ambitions to expand further by 2031, potentially launching a franchise in Canada. The new NZC-backed team will be operated in collaboration with True North Sports (TNS), a U.S.-based entity headed by MLC co-founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan. Among TNS's private equity investors is 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.

NZC will hold part-ownership of the franchise and has retained the option to invest in a second team in the future. Beyond financial investment, NZC will provide high-performance and operational support including coaching, management, and support staff—services for which it will be compensated. The partnership will also see integration of the franchise into New Zealand’s domestic high-performance system. In a second development phase, NZC will offer expertise in cricket infrastructure and turf management.

While Australian state teams like New South Wales and Victoria partnered with MLC franchises Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns during the league's 2023 launch, NZC's strategic and operational involvement marks a deeper commitment.

Diversifying Revenue Streams

NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink said the deal aligns with the board’s five-year strategic plan aimed at reducing reliance on traditional revenue sources such as ICC distributions and broadcast deals.

"New Zealand Cricket, like most member boards, is heavily reliant on those two aspects," Weenink told ESPNcricinfo. "We don’t have our own franchise tournament like the IPL. Super Smash is more of a developmental platform for the Black Caps and White Ferns. This investment helps us diversify revenue to support high-performance and grassroots cricket."

Weenink emphasized that the move does not detract from NZC’s domestic focus. “It’s additional funding and revenue, which we will then reinvest into our high-performance pathways and leagues in New Zealand,” he said.

Growing Presence in the U.S. Market

With cricket making its Olympic return at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, NZC sees the U.S. as a key growth market. Weenink noted the broadcasting advantage of U.S. evening matches airing during daytime in New Zealand, enhancing viewership and engagement.

The new franchise is expected to have a strong New Zealand influence in staffing and development, though Kiwi players will be free to sign with any MLC team. Centrally contracted players will remain committed to international duty as a priority.

Future Plans for Super Smash and Beyond

NZC is also reviewing its own Super Smash competition, including the possibility of private investment. Additionally, informal talks have been held with Cricket Australia about entering a New Zealand team in the Big Bash League (BBL) if the competition expands. The BBL is currently undergoing a strategic review by the Boston Consulting Group.

"We’re actively considering all options," said Weenink. "Broadcasting and ICC distributions could face future pressure, so we need to think long-term about revenue sustainability."

Further details about the new MLC franchise, including its name and branding, are expected to be revealed later in 2025.

TNS co-founder Sameer Mehta expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “TNS is delighted to partner with NZC, an organisation admired for its sustained success despite limited resources. With NZC’s expertise, our expansion franchise will elevate MLC’s world-class T20 product and support cricket’s rapid growth in our region.”

The 2025 edition of MLC will run from June 13 to July 14, with Oakland’s Coliseum set to host matches for the first time. Notably, Kiwi stars including Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Rachin Ravindra, and Finn Allen are expected to feature in this year’s competition.

New Zealand Cricket Becomes First National Board to Invest in Overseas T20 League with MLC Franchise Deal

Diversifying Revenue Streams

Growing Presence in the U.S. Market

Future Plans for Super Smash and Beyond

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