Cricket New Zealand Introduces MLC Franchise as Groundbreaking Initiative globally
In a groundbreaking announcement, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is stepping into the major leagues - literally! They're teaming up with Major League Cricket (MLC), set to debut in 2027.
NZC to shine in MLC from 2027
On April 24, NZC made the news official with a press release stating, "We've signed a deal with US-based company True North Sports Ventures to launch a new MLC franchise starting next year."
This pioneering partnership sees NZC lending their high-performance and operational expertise, including coaching, management, and support staff. They'll also plug the franchise into New Zealand's domestic high-performance ecosystem. Phase two of the collaboration includes NZC providing infrastructure and turf management advice, as well as a stake in TNS, optionally expandable by 2025.
NZC becoming part of an overseas franchise team marks uncharted territory in the cricket realm, with no other boards making such a move. TNS is majority-owned by MLC co-founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan, who also helm the cricket streaming platform Willow TV.
Gould's game of survival
Just a day before NZC's big announcement, England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chair Richard Gould spoke about the financial struggles faced by various cricket boards. He noted that the number of sustainable boards is limited and suggested The Hundred leagues could benefit from Indian participation to boost viewership and revenues.
Enter Lancashire CEO Daniel Gidney, who on the same day presented a proposal stating the ECB should offer stakes in The Hundred to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), aiming to attract Indian male cricketers to the league.
Weenink on lucrative markets and international growth
NZC CEO Scott Weenink shared his thoughts on the MLC partnership, "This is a chance to broaden our international presence by merging our experience with domestic franchise dynamics. We believe we can balance both forms of cricket effectively."
He expressed his vision for cricket's growth in North America, "The North American market is rich beyond measure when it comes to sports. This move offers potential for spreading our brand and trademarks across India, and it's a fantastic opportunity to do the same in North America."
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The inside scoop on MLC
Major League Cricket (MLC) is a professional T20 league in the United States, currently featuring six teams competing from June 12 to July 13, 2025. With its recent relocation of headquarters to Grand Prairie in North Texas and plans to increase team count from six to eight by 2027, the league is eyeing further growth on a global scale.
- The press release announced that New Zealand Cricket (NZC) will be joining Major League Cricket (MLC) and launching a new franchise in 2022, a result of a deal with US-based company True North Sports Ventures.
- NZC is bringing their high-performance and operational expertise to the franchise, such as coaching, management, and support staff, and will integrate the franchise into New Zealand's domestic high-performance ecosystem.
- In the future, NZC will provide infrastructure and turf management advice, as well as a stake in TNS, optionally expandable by 2025.
- This partnership marks the first time a cricket board has joined an overseas franchise team, with TNS being majority-owned by MLC co-founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan.
