New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has ended its plans to launch a franchise in the United States-based Major League Cricket (MLC) for the 2027 season, withdrawing from its partnership with True North Sports Ventures to focus on investment closer to home.
NZC announced an agreement with the US company in April last year, with plans to explore potential locations for a franchise, including Toronto and Atlanta. The proposal also included the possibility of establishing a second team in 2031.
However, after further evaluation, the governing body decided that the timing was not right to proceed with the project.
“There’s plenty of potential in the American market, however following further evaluation of the opportunity, we don’t think the timing is right for us to be taking this on,” NZC chief executive Geoff Allott said in a statement.
NZC Prioritises Investment at Home
Allott said the organisation’s immediate focus would be strengthening cricket in New Zealand and improving the high-performance environment for its players and teams.
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“Our immediate priority is ensuring we continue to invest in strengthening cricket in New Zealand and refining the best possible high-performance environment for our players and teams,” he said.
The NZC chief executive also confirmed that the organisation had not invested any capital in the partnership before ending its involvement.
The decision marks a change in NZC’s plans to expand its presence in the growing US cricket market, where franchise competitions have attracted investment and international players.
Major League Cricket Plans Further Expansion
Major League Cricket currently has six teams representing Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Texas and Washington, DC.
The league has outlined plans to expand from six teams to 10, as it seeks to increase its presence in the United States.
NZC’s withdrawal means the proposed franchise partnership with True North Sports Ventures will not proceed for the 2027 season, while the organisation turns its attention to developing the game and supporting players in New Zealand.
