BBL clubs, boss mull problems, changes for 2019-20

BBL franchises have already discussed potential improvements for next season’s schedule, while league boss Kim McConnie has vowed to listen to fan feedback regarding changes.

It is understood the eight BBL general managers recently met, sharing thoughts on what worked and what didn’t during the past two months.

The overriding sentiment was that a major overhaul is not required but minor schedule adjustments for the 2019-2020 campaign could help after average crowds dropped in every state’s capital city.

The Twenty20 competition’s growing pains came after it expanded to a complete home-and-away season on the back of a $1.2 billion TV rights deal, in which Cricket Australia (CA) agreed to deliver 59 matches.

One notable proposed change is for the regular season to run until the end of January, so finals will be the only matches staged in February. CA, well aware of the mental association that most Australian sport fans have with September, would then aim to create finals fever in February.

The equity of the brief playoffs is being debated by officials, players and pundits, as it has since the league’s inception.

The eight club bosses will meet again in late March, hoping to reach agreement with McConnie regarding the structure and schedule of the ninth BBL season.

Franchises and broadcasters, who have already flagged concerns, will shape CA’s final decision but McConnie told reporters that fans will be the ultimate drivers of change.