New Zealand Cricket to launch MLC franchise in landmark deal with True North Sports Ventures
AUCKLAND: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced a groundbreaking partnership with American company True North Sports Ventures (TNS) on Wednesday, agreeing to launch a new Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise set to debut in the 2027 season.
Described as a “first-of-its-kind agreement” between an International Cricket Council (ICC) full member and a professional cricket league franchise, the deal marks a significant move by NZC into the growing U.S. T20 market. TNS is currently exploring cities like Toronto and Atlanta as potential homes for the new team.
NZC will provide high-performance and operational support, including coaching and management staff, helping to shape the new franchise. NZC chief executive Scott Weenink emphasized the strategic importance of the venture, stating, “This helps diversify our revenue streams, expands our global brand and fan base, and creates new talent development and retention pathways for both our players and coaches.”
The MLC, which began in 2023, currently features six teams and plans to expand to eight by 2027 and ten by 2031. NZC also revealed the possibility of partnering with MLC co-founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan on another franchise by 2031, further deepening its footprint in North American cricket.
