Abu Dhabi T10 opens global bidding for franchise ownership
Abu Dhabi, July 3 (TNT): Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH) on Friday launched the global Invitation-to-Bid (ITB) process for team and franchise ownership in the Abu Dhabi T10, marking a key milestone in the tournament’s transition to a new governance structure.
The bidding process, which opened on July 3 and will remain open until July 16, follows ADCSH’s assumption of majority ownership and stewardship of the tournament earlier this year with the support of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).
The ITB aims to identify new franchise owners for the 2026 edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 through a competitive and independently managed evaluation process.
Global professional services firm Deloitte has been appointed as the independent adviser to oversee bidder qualification and assess applications based on financial capability, governance standards, integrity, operational expertise, reputation and long-term commitment to the league.
Abu Dhabi T10 and ADCSH Chief Executive Officer Matt Boucher said the tournament was seeking long-term strategic partners capable of supporting its vision of becoming one of world cricket’s most innovative and best-governed competitions.
The bidding process will be conducted in two stages. Following the initial expression of interest, shortlisted applicants will gain access to a secure data room containing detailed commercial and operational information before the final evaluation.
The successful franchise owners are expected to be announced in August, ahead of player registrations and the draft for the 2026 Abu Dhabi T10, which is scheduled to be held at Zayed Cricket Stadium from November 7 to 20, the Sports Hub said in a release..
The Abu Dhabi T10 recently transitioned into a government-owned and government-managed competition, with authorities positioning it as a long-term national sporting asset aimed at strengthening governance, attracting global investment and expanding its international footprint.
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