WA Cricket has not set a timeline for deciding whether the Perth Scorchers will enter private ownership, chief executive John Stephenson confirmed at WA Cricket’s season launch on September 10, 2026.
The announcement follows Cricket Australia’s board approving a BBL privatisation framework on September 8, 2026, under a self-determination model that allows each state association to opt in or opt out of private investment. The Melbourne Renegades’ 100 per cent stake is already set to be taken to market ahead of the 2027-28 BBL and WBBL seasons.
Stephenson, speaking at the season launch, said the matter remains an active discussion with no firm decision reached. He noted that privatisation has been a topic at WA Cricket almost since he joined the organisation two years ago.
“I can’t really divulge that information at the moment. It’s a question for the board. It’s behoven on us to make sure that we make decisions in the right time frame. It’s an active discussion. I don’t quite know what the time frame will be yet. Self-determination means you can opt in or opt out, but going to the next stage … isn’t about necessarily inviting minority ownership of the Scorchers, it’s about potentially testing the market and doing our due diligence and gathering all the information before potentially we go to the next stage,” said Stephenson as quoted by The West Australian.
“Whatever we do, it’ll be in the best interests of WA Cricket. I’m acutely aware of the history of the Scorchers. I’m acutely aware of the passion for the team and the tribal following, the incredible success of the team, both men and women, and it’s really important that we take our time to get it right,” he added.
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What does the self-determination model mean for WA Cricket?
Under Cricket Australia’s approved framework, state associations are not compelled to accept private investment. The self-determination model allows each body to test the market and conduct due diligence before committing to any next stage, which may or may not involve minority ownership of their franchise.
WA Cricket may explore market testing as an intermediate step before any formal ownership decision is made. Stephenson was clear that proceeding to market testing does not automatically lead to a minority ownership arrangement for the Scorchers.
Stephenson acknowledged the broader context shaping the discussion, pointing to ‘where the global cricketing landscape is going and the growth of other tournaments’, as factors WA Cricket must weigh. Private investment in cricket has precedent in The Hundred, where IPL-linked owners hold stakes in franchises including Oval Invincibles, Manchester Originals and Northern Superchargers.
“The introduction of private equity in cricket in general is something that … the BBL is the only competition that doesn’t happen. We’ve got to be acutely aware of that. WA cricket has to remain relevant in today’s landscape. It’s moving really, really quickly, and the world is consolidating around us quickly. The players are a massive consideration. We want to make sure whatever we do, the BBL continues to grow, and that the BBL is the number two competitor to the IPL,” said Stephenson.
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What are WA Cricket’s stated priorities in this process?
Stephenson emphasised that the Perth Scorchers’ standing in the community and their record of success are central considerations for WA Cricket as it evaluates its options. The Scorchers regularly fill Optus Stadium and carry a strong brand identity in Western Australia.
“It’s a big decision. We pack out Optus and we’ve got an incredible team. We’re just going to make sure that that continues. WA Cricket will make the best decision in the interest of not just what it means for the Scorchers, but what it means for community and high performance. I’m aware of the sacred assets. It’s a compelling brand, compelling colour, something that the Perth public are used to,” said Stephenson.
“I’ve been here two years and in that time, we’ve gone through a massive period of transformation. Privatisation has been discussed now almost since the day I got here. No decisions have been made yet,” he added.
