New Zealand Cricket : In a bold and historic step into uncharted territory, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is set to launch its own Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise in 2027, marking the first time a full ICC member will directly invest in a U.S.-based T20 team.
The move comes as part of MLC’s ambitious expansion strategy and reflects NZC’s intent to globalize its brand and tap into the growing cricket market in North America.
New Zealand Cricket Joins MLC: New Franchise to Debut in 2027
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A Strategic Partnership with True North Sports Ventures
At the heart of this development is a newly-inked agreement between NZC and True North Sports Ventures (TNSV), a U.S.-based consortium headed by Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan, the co-founders of MLC and Willow TV.
TNSV holds the exclusive rights to launch two MLC expansion teams, with NZC becoming a founding investor in the first franchise. The new team—yet to be named—will officially hit the field in 2027, becoming the 7th MLC franchise.
Possible Home Bases?
Atlanta and Toronto are currently being considered as the franchise’s home city, with a final decision expected later this year.
Why This Matters: NZC’s Global Vision
This isn’t just a cricketing experiment—it’s a calculated business and sporting strategy.
Under this first-of-its-kind deal, NZC will provide:
- High-performance support
- Coaching & backroom staff
- Operational expertise
- Integration into NZC’s domestic cricketing structure
- Assistance in turf and infrastructure development
NZC CEO Scott Weenink called the partnership “a unique and exciting milestone” and a response to the need for diversified revenue, global brand expansion, and new talent pathways.
“As franchise cricket grows globally, NZC needs to adapt to seize strategic opportunities that ensure the sustainability of our cricket network,” said Weenink.
The Bigger Picture: Cricket’s Rise in the U.S.
This development adds fuel to the already accelerating cricket boom in North America:
- MLC launched in 2023 and already features teams backed by IPL heavyweights like CSK, MI, DC, and KKR.
- Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is co-owner of the Seattle Orcas.
- The 2024 T20 World Cup was co-hosted by the U.S.
- Cricket is set to return to the Olympics in Los Angeles 2028.
With over 25 million cricket fans in North America, the market is ripe—and NZC wants a front-row seat.
More Than Just One Team?
Interestingly, NZC also has the option to invest in a second MLC franchise by 2031, as the league plans to grow from 6 teams in 2023 to 10 by 2031. That means this could just be the beginning of NZC’s American adventure.
TNS & NZC: A Perfect Match?
TNS co-founder Sameer Mehta emphasized the synergy between the two organizations:
“TNS is delighted to partner with NZC, an organisation admired for its sustained success despite limited financial and playing resources. With NZC’s expertise, our expansion franchise will elevate MLC’s world-class T20 product.”
TNS also brings serious sports business clout, with investors like 49ers Enterprises (owners of Leeds United and prospective buyers of Rangers FC).
What’s Next?
- Franchise name and city announcement: Expected later in 2025
- Player development programs: Will integrate with NZC’s current systems
- Franchise debut: Scheduled for the 2027 MLC season
New Zealand’s entry into MLC isn’t just another cricket story—it’s a signal that the future of cricket is global, commercial, and unafraid to cross borders. By planting its flag in North America, NZC is not only investing in a team but in the future of the sport itself.
As the cricketing world watches this unfold, one thing is certain: MLC 2027 just got a whole lot more exciting.
FAQs
When will New Zealand Cricket’s MLC franchise start playing?
The new team will debut in the 2027 MLC season.
Who is New Zealand Cricket partnering with for this franchise?
NZC is partnering with True North Sports Ventures (TNS).
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