New Zealand cricket partners with US franchise in historic venture

New Zealand Cricket is set to make significant strides in expanding its global presence by investing in a new franchise in the United States Major League Cricket, scheduled to begin operations in 2027. The partnership between New Zealand Cricket and US-based True North Sports Ventures aims to enhance the sport's popularity in a market with immense potential, such as the US. This initiative marks a historic first-of-its-kind collaboration between a full member nation of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and a franchise in a prominent professional cricket league. Chief Executive Scott Weenink stated that New Zealand Cricket will provide financial equity along with high-performance, permanent operational support to the yet-to-be-named franchise. He emphasized their interest in tapping into the US sports market, which they believe is poised for cricket's growth. The investment is seen as a strategic move, diversifying revenue streams, enhancing the global brand, and creating pathways for talent development and retention of players and coaches alike. The American Major League Cricket has seen growing interest, with current franchises predominantly owned by owners of Indian Premier League teams. A new investment from New Zealand Cricket could result in increased visibility of top New Zealand players within the league, benefiting both their development and exposure on an international stage. New Zealand Cricket has already noted the involvement of several leading New Zealand players in the MLC, which bolsters the notion that establishing a franchise there can provide new avenues for both young and seasoned players. The prospect of a successful New Zealand franchise in the MLC aligns with the larger goal of enriching the cricket landscape in the United States, especially on the back of major events like the T20 Cricket World Cup co-hosted by the US last year and upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. As the MLC aims to expand from six to ten teams by the early 2030s, New Zealand Cricket recognizes this partnership as a golden opportunity to cultivate cricket's popularity, ensuring a sustainable cricket network while responding to the increasing competition from other cricket leagues globally.