New Zealand Cricket Pioneers Overseas Franchise in USA’s Major League Cricket

AUCKLAND: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced its groundbreaking venture into overseas franchise ownership, becoming the first full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to launch a team in the United States of America’s (USA) Major League Cricket (MLC).

The new franchise is slated to commence its participation in the league starting from the 2027 season.

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

According to the terms of the arrangement, NZC will offer extensive high-performance and operational assistance. This encompasses coaching, management roles, support personnel, and the incorporation of the franchise into NZC’s domestic high-performance structure.

NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink stated that this alliance will position the organization at the forefront of cricket’s worldwide advancement, while simultaneously growing its presence in the world’s most profitable sports market.

“This agreement signifies a unique and thrilling landmark occasion for NZC,” he remarked.

“With the expansion of franchise cricket on a global scale, NZC must evolve to capitalize on strategic opportunities that safeguard the enduring strength of our cricket system.

“This initiative aids in the diversification of our revenue sources, broadens our international brand and fan base, and establishes novel avenues for talent development and retention for our players and coaches.”

TNS has also conveyed its enthusiasm for collaborating with NZC to realize their shared ambitions and objectives.

“Cricket holds immense potential in North America, and we eagerly anticipate partnering with NZC to fulfill both our goals and theirs, encompassing wider strategic and corporate opportunities worldwide,” TNS said in a statement.