NZC pulls out of MLC franchise partnership to focus on New Zealand cricket

NZC steps back from US venture

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has withdrawn from its agreement with the US-based company True North Sports Ventures (TNS), which involved providing high-performance and operational support to a venture that would launch a Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise in 2027. The agreement had been made in April 2025.

On Wednesday, NZC announced its decision to step back from the venture. The board confirmed that NZC had invested no capital in the partnership and would have no ongoing investment or involvement going forward.

Focus on home opportunities

NZC chief executive Geoff Allott said the decision was driven by the need to concentrate resources on opportunities in New Zealand before looking to expand.

"Firstly, I want to say that I admire the endeavour and aspiration behind the partnership with TNS," Allott said. "There's plenty of potential in the American market, however following further evaluation of the opportunity, we don't think the timing is right for us to be taking this on.

"Our immediate priority is ensuring we continue to invest in strengthening cricket in New Zealand and refining the best possible high-performance environment for our players and teams."

Amicable parting

Allott thanked TNS and MLC co-founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan for allowing NZC to explore the opportunity and for their support in reaching a mutual agreement.

"We wish them all the best for the future of MLC and have pledged to keep the lines of communication open."