The Big Bash League (BBL) will expand to 10 teams for the 2027-28 season, Cricket Australia announced on Tuesday, adding 18 regular-season matches and introducing new franchises in Canberra and Geelong.
Expansion Details
The expansion, first reported by the Guardian, will see the current eight-team competition grow to 10, with the new teams based in Canberra and Geelong. The decision follows a strategic review and aims to increase the league's reach and commercial viability.
Cricket Australia's head of the BBL, Alistair Dobson, said the expansion would "deliver more cricket for fans, more opportunities for players, and a stronger competition." The new teams will participate in a full season, playing 14 home-and-away matches each, bringing the total regular-season matches to 70, up from 56.
Impact on the League
The expansion is expected to boost the league's broadcast rights value and attract new sponsors. According to Dobson, the additional matches will provide "significant commercial upside" and help develop local talent in new regions.
Canberra, the national capital, has long been touted as a potential BBL host, while Geelong, a major regional city in Victoria, has a strong sporting culture. Both cities have existing cricket infrastructure, including Manuka Oval and GMHBA Stadium, which will host home games.
Next Steps
The new teams will begin recruiting players and staff in early 2027, with a draft scheduled for later that year. Cricket Australia will also conduct a review of the BBL's playing conditions, including the possibility of reducing the number of overseas players per team to accommodate more local talent.
The expansion is part of a broader strategy to grow cricket's popularity in Australia, particularly among younger audiences. With the 2027-28 season still two years away, Cricket Australia will finalize the fixture schedule and broadcast arrangements in the coming months.
