New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has taken a significant step in expanding its global presence by joining hands with True North Sports Ventures (TNS) to co-launch a new Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise. The franchise, which is expected to debut in 2027, will be backed by MLC co-founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan, and is currently being explored across key North American markets like Toronto and Atlanta. Also Read: Kavya Maran’s Reaction Goes Viral After SRH Collapse vs MI NZC will not only co-own the franchise but also provide operational and high-performance support, which is an unprecedented move for a full ICC member. NZC’s contribution will range from coaching and management to turf expertise, ensuring the franchise is well-integrated with its domestic high-performance systems. A unique and exciting milestone for New Zealand Cricket 🇺🇸 Story | https://t.co/Ba7yIpFVYz #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/xDFTjG2lRC — WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) April 23, 2025 Speaking about the new franchise, NZC chief executive Scott Weenink called it an exciting milestone for NZC. “This agreement marks a unique and exciting milestone for NZC. As franchise cricket grows globally, NZC needs to adapt to seize strategic opportunities that ensure the sustainability of our cricket network.” Weenink also confirmed NZC's equity stake in TNS, with an option to increase investment by the end of 2025. He believes this partnership will not only unlock new revenue but also help NZC build a larger global fan base while creating more development pathways for players and coaches. “This helps diversify our revenue streams, expands our global brand and fan base, and creates new talent development and retention pathways for both our players and coaches.” The potential for cricket in North America is immense’: TNS co-founders TNS, led by serial entrepreneurs and MLC architects Mehta and Srinivasan, is aiming to transform the cricket landscape in the USA by joining forces with NZC. Their upcoming franchise, which remains unnamed for now, will be among the first of MLC’s two planned expansions by 2031. MLC has already made its mark since launching in 2023, gaining List A status and hosting top global talent like Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and NZ stars Trent Boult and Rachin Ravindra. The league, which runs during June and July, will expand from six to ten franchises by the end of the decade, with NZC’s support expected to fast-track the process. “TNS is delighted to partner with NZC, an organisation admired for its sustained success despite limited financial and playing resources compared to other international cricketing bodies,” said Mehta. “With NZC’s expertise, our expansion franchise will elevate MLC’s world-class T20 product and support cricket’s rapid growth in our region. The potential for cricket in North America is immense, and we look forward to working with NZC to deliver on both our ambitions and theirs, including broader strategic and corporate opportunities globally.” The formal announcement of the franchise is expected later this year.