Two more states poised to vote on Big Bash privatisation

Cricket Australia has forecast two more states could soon vote to proceed with inviting bids for stakes in their Big Bash League clubs despite continued divisions in the sport about private investment.

CA chair Mike Baird formally handed over to former Test opener David Boon at Wednesday's annual general meeting, having announced a month ago that he would leave the role.

The former NSW premier also quit his role as a CA director after his state association withdrew their support for him over his stance on privatisation. Cricket NSW, a staunch opponent of the national body's 'self-determination' privatisation model, had nominated Baird to the CA Board in 2020 where he was elected chair in 2023.

Ed Cowan, also an ex-Test opener, has replaced Baird as the NSW representative on the board. In accordance with governance requirements, Cowan has resigned from the Cricket NSW Board.

Cowan, who played 18 Tests for Australia, concluded his 15-year first-class career with NSW and Tasmania in 2018, joining the Cricket NSW Board the following year.

Melbourne Renegades have been earmarked to be the first privately-owned Big Bash club. A sales process for 100 per cent stake in the Renegades is already underway with new ownership expected to be in place for the 2027-28 WBBL and BBL seasons.

After Wednesday's annual general meeting, CA chief executive Todd Greenberg told reporters that Tasmania and WA will also make the call on privatisation.

"We're still working our way through that, but my guess at the moment is that certainly Victoria's second team (currently the Melbourne Stars licence) and Tasmania are particularly weighing up what (selling stakes) looks like," Greenberg said.

"They're heavily engaged and clearly we've been very open to talking to WA as well. I can't be definitive on which teams, because ultimately, it's a decision for those states and their clubs.

"But those are the three states that are actively engaged in the process and will likely make some decisions ... over the next six to eight weeks."

Cricket Victoria has been particularly vocal in its intentions to sell 100 per cent of the Renegades as well as a 49 per cent stake in the Stars licence, which could also be rebranded into a 'Melbourne' team. CV went as far as applying to trademark three potential names for the rebranded team (Rangers, Magic and Blazers) before pausing the process for this season due to push back from other states.

Cricket Tasmania CEO Dominic Baker said in August the state's board was "very keen to test the market" with a view to selling a minority 49 per cent stake in the Hobart Hurricanes, while WA Cricket CEO John Stephenson has previously indicated they were also interested in testing the market for potential investors in the Perth Scorchers.

Meanwhile, Boon has been appointed interim CA chair, with a decision expected soon on who takes over the role full-time. Baird said he would be pleased if that was Boon, a popular figure in the sport.

After losses over the previous two years, CA reported a net profit of $81.8 million for the 2025-26 season.

Its coffers were boosted by the home Ashes series and ODI and T20I series against India.

Greenberg confirmed the fallout from the two-day Tests in Perth and Melbourne cost CA $20 million in lost revenue.

He also warned of "significant" financial losses over the next two years because of international scheduling and a cyclical decline in media revenue.