New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced plans to launch a new franchise in the United States’ Major League Cricket (MLC), with the team expected to make its debut in the 2027 season. The move marks a significant expansion for NZC into one of the world’s most commercially promising sports markets.
The development follows a partnership agreement between NZC and True North Sports Ventures (TNS), a US-based organisation committed to promoting cricket across North America. As part of the collaboration, NZC will provide high-performance and operational assistance, including coaching, management, and support staff. The new team will also be integrated into New Zealand’s domestic high-performance system.
Scott Weenink, Chief Executive of NZC, said the deal represented a key moment in the board’s strategy to remain competitive and sustainable in an evolving cricket landscape. He noted that as franchise leagues continue to grow worldwide, it was important for New Zealand to engage in forward-thinking initiatives that offer long-term benefits.
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Weenink added that this partnership would help diversify NZC’s revenue streams, increase international visibility, and open new doors for player and coach development through global exposure.
True North Sports Ventures also welcomed the agreement, describing it as a major opportunity to develop cricket in North America. The company expressed confidence in achieving shared goals with NZC and outlined the potential for wider strategic collaborations beyond the MLC.
The franchise will be the first of its kind operated by a full ICC member nation within the Major League Cricket framework. It is expected to serve as a bridge between New Zealand’s established cricket system and the growing interest in the sport across the US.
This initiative positions New Zealand as a proactive player in shaping cricket’s global future while expanding its influence beyond traditional cricketing regions.
