New Zealand Cricket Steps Back From Major League Cricket Investment Plans

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has stepped back from its agreement with US-based True North Sports Ventures (TNS), ending plans to launch a franchise in Major League Cricket (MLC) in 2027.

The decision, announced on October 20, 2026, follows a review of the proposed partnership. NZC said it would focus its resources on strengthening cricket in New Zealand rather than expanding its involvement in the United States at this stage.

The agreement, originally announced in April 2025, was expected to bring NZC’s high-performance expertise and operational support to a new MLC franchise. However, the two parties have now mutually agreed to end the arrangement.

Also Read: How Player Form Affects Cricket Betting Markets

Why New Zealand Cricket Withdrew From the MLC Deal

NZC chief executive Geoff Allott said the organisation recognised the potential of the American cricket market but concluded that the timing was not right to pursue the venture.

The governing body’s immediate priority is to invest in its domestic cricket structure and improve the high-performance environment available to New Zealand players and teams.

Allott thanked TNS and MLC co-founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan for their cooperation during the process. He also indicated that communication between the parties would remain open, leaving room for future discussions.

NZC confirmed that it had made no capital investment in the partnership and would have no continuing investment or involvement under the ended agreement.

What the Original Major League Cricket Agreement Included

The partnership announced in April 2025 was designed to support the launch of a new MLC franchise from the 2027 season.

Under the proposed arrangement, NZC was expected to provide high-performance and operational expertise, including access to coaching, management and support resources. The agreement was also intended to create a closer connection between the franchise and New Zealand’s domestic high-performance system.

The initiative offered a potential pathway for New Zealand cricket to increase its presence in the growing US T20 market and create additional opportunities for players and staff.

Cities including Toronto and Atlanta had been discussed as possible locations for the proposed team, according to reports. However, the franchise plan will not proceed under the NZC–TNS agreement.

New Zealand Cricket Chooses to Focus on Domestic Development

NZC’s decision reflects its intention to prioritise the needs of cricket within New Zealand before committing resources to overseas expansion.

Developing players, strengthening domestic pathways and maintaining a high-quality environment for national teams remain central to the organisation’s priorities.

The decision comes as cricket boards and investors continue to assess opportunities in franchise T20 competitions around the world. While overseas leagues can offer commercial and professional opportunities, they also require resources, planning and long-term commitments.

For NZC, the review concluded that expanding into the American market was not the right step at this time.

What the Decision Means for Major League Cricket

The withdrawal removes NZC’s planned involvement from the proposed 2027 franchise project with TNS. It does not, by itself, mean that MLC’s wider expansion plans have been cancelled.

Major League Cricket continues to pursue growth in the United States, where the competition has established a professional T20 presence. The league has previously expressed ambitions to expand beyond its existing teams.

The next steps for the proposed franchise will depend on TNS and the league’s wider expansion plans. NZC has confirmed that it will have no ongoing investment or involvement through the agreement that has now ended.

Conclusion

New Zealand Cricket’s decision to step back from its Major League Cricket partnership marks a change in its overseas expansion plans. The proposed 2027 franchise with True North Sports Ventures will no longer proceed under the agreement, as NZC redirects its attention and resources towards domestic cricket and high-performance development.

Although the American market remains a potential opportunity, NZC believes strengthening cricket at home must come first.