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Sport Nation
Saving Cricket in New Zealand: More details on privately-owned NZ20 league revealed
Alex Chapman • November 24th, 2025 1:10 pm
Saxton Oval hosting a T20I match | Photo: Chris Symes/Photosport
Further details are emerging after it was revealed a New Zealand-based Twenty20 league is gaining momentum.
And it has many believing that it could both shake up the cricket landscape in this country and potentially save the sport.
The new franchise league, named the "NZ20" is understood to be worth tens of millions of dollars and will receive backing from high-profile individuals, both here and overseas, and overseen by a league investor who would own the league.
NZ20, which has been described by sources as "transformational", would require a variation to the master agreement to remove the obligation for players to participate in the Super Smash - a separate memorandum of understanding would be signed between the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) and NZ20.
And while the competition would not be run by New Zealand Cricket, it does require their support and granting of a licence to run the competition.
The franchises would be independent of the Major Associations, however it’s understood the MAs are supportive of the concept and subsequent changes to the current MOU.
It’s believed that as many as 20 groups have been spoken with about investing.
Among those who have been tipped as possible investors, are current owners of cricket franchises including those in the Indian Premier League, current and former New Zealand and other international players, and owners of other NZ sports clubs.
Sport Nation understands that key overseas investors have visited New Zealand in the last month to discuss NZ20 with various stakeholders.
It’s believed that some investors have also discussed building new stadiums or paying for upgrades to current grounds and facilities.
Local players would be drafted alongside imports in an auction system, with the possibility of sides having overseas players.
Imports currently can’t feature in the Super Smash, meaning the NZ20 would present the opportunity for overseas players and other big names to play over the New Zealand summer.
Locations of the franchises, of which there are understood to be six, are yet to be confirmed. It’s believed Auckland and Wellington will have sides, with various boutique venues such as Nelson, Dunedin and Queenstown among other options.
Organisers are keen to have both the men’s and women’s competitions up and running by January 2027, and believe it could bring increased revenue into the sport in New Zealand.
One source, who spoke to Sport Nation under anonymity believes it "genuinely could save cricket" in this country, while players spoken to have expressed their keenness and desire for the concept.
Smithy wants a NZ side in Big Bash to aid development of fringe players | Sport Nation Mornings
The latest revelations come at a time when NZC CEO Scott Weenink has been publicly pushing for New Zealand to enter a team in Australia’s Big Bash League.
Players that Sport Nation has spoken to under the condition of anonymity have voiced concern that the BBL chase is a "reflection of a lack of investment" into them and would see the Super Smash become a "development competition" instead. Blackcaps Daryl Mitchell and Kyle Jamieson are among current players who have expressed such thoughts on Sport Nation.
Players shared similar feelings when it was announced in April that NZC had agreed terms with American company True North Sports Ventures (TNS) to launch a new Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise that will debut in 2027.
Tune into Alex Chapman on Sport Nation Mornings, 9am to midday on Thursdays & Fridays.
