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While Cricket Australia (CA) confirms its first step toward privatizing the Big Bash League (BBL) and Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) chooses to block CA's path.
The cricketers' association, which works for the welfare of Australian cricketers, released an official statement soon after the Australian cricket governing body put the Melbourne Renegades on sale.
Melbourne Renegades are up for sale
Among all the BBL franchises, Melbourne Renegades became the first to go up for sale. The new owners will purchase the franchise licence, which covers both the men's and women's teams. The process for handing over the ownership has already begun. CA is expecting to get their buyer on board by the 2027-28 season.
Amid the selling process, ACA warns the cricket board by saying that the process will not be fulfilled, as some of the key requirements made by them remain on the shelf. The association wants assurance over the players' existing agreements, which are currently valid under the current ownership structure.
ACA highlights their key requirements amid BBL privatization process
Going forward, will the contracts remain in effect when the ownership structure changes? As there is no concrete assurance on the topic, the ACA gave CA a gentle reminder through their official media release. Additionally, in another demand, the cricket association wants to ensure financial growth of all the players involved in the league.
"We note Cricket Australia’s announcement today regarding the proposed introduction of private investment into the Big Bash League, including the commencement of a sales process for the Melbourne Renegades. Today’s announcement does not alter the key requirements that must be satisfied before any sale can proceed," ACA chief executive Paul Marsh raised the issue in his latest statement.
"A new Memorandum of Understanding and new player contracting arrangements, potentially involving new team owners, must first be negotiated and agreed between the ACA and CA. Significant issues remain unresolved, and the parties are currently a long way apart on a new agreement," the statement further reads.
ACA is not against selling BBL franchises
The association also mentioned that they are not against privatization of the BBL, and they remain open-minded about CA's initiative to explore the global market. They assured the board about their support until it works in favour of the players and the game.
"The ACA remains open-minded about private investment in the Big Bash Leagues and committed to negotiating in good faith with CA to ensure any future model delivers positive outcomes for both the game and its players,” Marsh said.
Statement from ACA CEO, Paul Marsh pic.twitter.com/xtcqU83Ypa
— Australian Cricketers' Association (@ACA_Players) September 8, 2026
According to media reports, Australian players currently receive 27.5 percent of Australian Cricket Revenue under the existing 2023-28 MOU, in addition to a potential 2.5 percent performance pool. The ACA has demanded in increasing players revenue by a significant percentage.
The association wants as much as 33 percent for the players under a new agreement. The demand has yet to be fulfilled. However, the demand is currently far from being fulfilled, as it can make an impact on the total earnings of the league.
