Change is in the air for cricket fans around the world—and this time, it’s coming from across the Pacific. In a move that could reshape how international cricket engages with American audiences, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has agreed to launch its very own team in the Major League Cricket (MLC), set to debut after the 2027 season.
So, what does this mean for cricket, MLC, and fans alike? Let’s dive into the sweeping implications of this exciting collaboration and how it might just be the next big step in making cricket a truly global sport.
What’s the Big Announcement?
As of April 2025, New Zealand Cricket has signed an agreement with MLC to be part of an incoming wave of expansion scheduled for 2028. This deal will allow NZC to operate a brand new team in Major League Cricket, the fast-growing T20 competition in the United States.
Unlike typical franchise arrangements, NZC will hold operational and management control of the new team. That’s significant—it means they’re not just selling their name, they’re rolling up their sleeves and getting hands-on. This could result in a team that truly embodies the New Zealand cricketing DNA.
But why now?
According to NZC chief executive Scott Weenink, this deal offers future-proofing and sets the stage for commercial opportunities beyond New Zealand’s borders. He summed it up by saying the partnership could help “future-proof the game in New Zealand as well as providing greater opportunities for players.”
Why Major League Cricket Is Becoming a Big Deal
Let’s be real—cricket has never really taken off in the U.S. the way it has in countries like India, England, Australia, or New Zealand. But that’s starting to change. Major League Cricket is making waves, and global cricket boards are beginning to take notice.
Think of MLC as the NBA of cricket—but in its early days. It’s only been around since 2023, but it’s already attracted big names from international cricket and is stirring interest in a massive, cricket-hungry diaspora living in the United States.
With high-profile stars and even bigger investors (like Microsoft’s Satya Nadella being linked to a franchise), MLC isn’t just a novel idea anymore—it’s a growing platform with real potential.
What’s in It for New Zealand Cricket?
For New Zealand Cricket, there are plenty of reasons why this move makes sense. Here are just a few:
- New revenue streams: U.S. sports attract big money. NZC can tap into media rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales.
- Player development: More games mean more opportunities for young Kiwi players to develop on a global stage.
- Expanding the brand: This is a chance for New Zealand to put its cricketing style—smart, calm, and disciplined—on display to a completely new audience.
We’ve Seen This Before, Kinda.
This isn’t the first time a national cricket board is testing new waters. Cricket West Indies also recently announced a similar arrangement with MLC to launch their own team post-2027. It’s a sign that cricket boards are willing—and even eager—to dive into fresh, financially sound ventures.
How Will the NZC-Backed Team Work?
Here’s where it gets really interesting: even though the new team will be based in the U.S., its operations will run from New Zealand. That’s like running a New York pizza joint out of Auckland—not common, but not impossible either.
This kind of overseas management raises a few questions. Can a team thrive without boots on the ground? Will it affect team cohesion? While the logistics may be tricky, NZC’s track record of smart management suggests they’ve thought this through.
What Could This Mean for Cricket Fans?
If you’re someone who’s been dying to see cricket make it big in America, this is fantastic news. And if you’re a Kiwi cricket fan, it gives you something new to cheer for in a whole different time zone!
Let’s picture it: You’re watching your favorite New Zealand players dominate on American turf while sipping coffee on a Sunday morning back home. Kind of surreal, right?
Also—this could inspire young American cricketers to take the sport more seriously. With teams now being operated by global cricket governing bodies, there’s every chance MLC could become the launchpad for the next generation of cricket stars born in the U.S.
Challenges to Keep an Eye On
No move this big comes without its set of hurdles. Here’s what New Zealand Cricket will need to manage carefully:
- Logistics: Running day-to-day operations for a U.S. team from New Zealand won’t be simple.
- Talent sharing: Striking the right balance between using international talent and developing U.S.-based players will be important.
- Fan engagement: Building a fan base from scratch in a new country takes time, effort, and smart marketing.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
The stage is set, but the curtain won’t rise until 2028. That gives NZC and MLC plenty of time to fine-tune operations, scout talent, and engage fans on both sides of the globe.
Over the next few years, you can expect:
- Team announcements, including names, logos, and brand identities
- Potential coaching staff and player signings
- New marketing campaigns targeting both Kiwi and American audiences
- Collaborations with schools and cricket academies in the U.S.
Final Thoughts: A Global Game in Every Sense
Cricket is no longer confined to its traditional borders. As it continues to expand into newer markets like the U.S., collaborations like this one between New Zealand Cricket and Major League Cricket are going to be game-changers.
It’s not just about adding another team to another league. It’s about spreading the love for cricket, giving opportunities to a fresh crop of young players, and showing that a sport loved in one hemisphere can thrive in another.
So, will this move by NZC finally help cricket capture America’s imagination? Only time will tell. But one thing’s certain—we’re in for an exciting innings.