The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) has warned that star players are not guaranteed to take part in a privatised BBL. The warning came from ACA chief Paul Marsh on Wisden’s The Scoop podcast.
Privatisation means Cricket Australia wants to sell BBL teams to private investors, like the IPL model. But the ACA says no deal on the money is in place yet.
Where the fight is
The numbers are simple. Right now, players get 27.12 percent of Cricket Australia’s revenue. The ACA says players should also get a cut of whatever CA makes from selling teams. The ACA wants that cut as a bigger share of ongoing revenue instead.
Cricket Australia rejected that idea. It says selling teams is different from normal revenue. Talks are ongoing, and the ACA is now seeking arbitration. That means an independent judge may decide.
What this means for fans
Don’t panic yet. The ACA is not calling for a strike. This is pressure, not a boycott. But the warning matters. BBL|16 starts on 12 December. Zampa, Stokes and Bairstow just signed big deals under the new system. If the money fight drags on, the league’s biggest names could end up caught in the middle. Money fights decide how the league looks more than any signing does.
Book seats via the BBL 2027 tickets page and check where to watch BBL 2027. Story via Wisden.
FAQs
Who is the ACA?
The players’ union for Australian cricketers. It negotiates pay and conditions with Cricket Australia.
What does ACA want from BBL privatisation?
A 27.5 percent share of the money CA makes from selling teams, or a bigger cut of ongoing BBL revenue instead.
Could players really skip BBL|16?
Nothing is decided. Talks continue and the ACA wants arbitration. The warning is about leverage while a deal is missing.
Last verified: 8 October 2026