Islamabad, 24 April 2025: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced plans to establish a new franchise in the United States’ Major League Cricket (MLC), with the team set to make its debut in the 2027 season.
The move marks a significant step in expanding the sport’s global reach, especially into the lucrative North American market.
The development follows a strategic agreement between NZC and US-based company True North Sports Ventures (TNS), which is actively involved in promoting cricket across North America.
Under the terms of the partnership, NZC will provide high-performance expertise and operational support for the new franchise, covering coaching, team management, and support services.
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NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink described the collaboration as a landmark moment, calling it both exciting and essential for the long-term sustainability of New Zealand cricket.
He noted that as franchise cricket continues to grow internationally, it is important for NZC to adapt and explore new avenues that strengthen its presence on the global stage.
Weenink emphasised that the initiative would not only expand NZC’s global brand and revenue sources but also open new pathways for talent development—offering more opportunities for both players and coaching staff.
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“This venture allows us to contribute meaningfully to the evolving cricket landscape while aligning ourselves with one of the most commercially dynamic sports markets in the world,” he said.
True North Sports Ventures also shared its enthusiasm for the project, stating that the potential for cricket in North America is vast.
The organisation expressed confidence that the partnership with NZC would help achieve mutual objectives, including broader commercial and strategic initiatives beyond the MLC itself.
The franchise is expected to be closely aligned with NZC’s high-performance ecosystem, creating a bridge between New Zealand’s domestic structure and the growing cricket scene in the United States.
This move positions New Zealand as the first Test-playing nation to establish such a direct and operational presence in Major League Cricket.
