New Zealand Cricket to Launch Franchise in US Major League Cricket

Auckland: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced its entry into the United States’ Major League Cricket (MLC) by launching a franchise. This makes New Zealand the first full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to establish a franchise in an overseas league.

The new team is slated to begin competing in the league’s 2027 season.

This development follows an agreement between NZC and True North Sports Ventures (TNS), a US-based organization dedicated to promoting cricket in North America.

According to the terms of the agreement, NZC will provide significant operational and high-performance support. This includes supplying coaching staff, management, and other support personnel, as well as incorporating the franchise into its domestic high-performance structure.

NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink stated that the partnership will position the organization at the forefront of cricket’s global development and strengthen its presence in the lucrative US sports market.

“This agreement represents a significant and exciting moment for NZC,” he noted.

“As franchise cricket expands worldwide, NZC must evolve to capitalize on strategic opportunities that ensure the long-term viability of our cricket network.

“This initiative helps diversify our income sources, broaden our global brand and fan base, and create new opportunities for our players and coaches to develop and remain within our system.”

TNS also conveyed their enthusiasm for collaborating with NZC to achieve their mutual objectives.

“The potential for cricket in North America is substantial, and we are eager to work with NZC to fulfill both our ambitions and theirs, including broader strategic and corporate opportunities on a global scale,” TNS said in a statement.