Major League Cricket (MLC) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have partnered to establish one of the competition's new franchises in 2027, making NZC the first national governing body to invest directly in an international T20 league.

New Zealand Cricket will invest in a new franchise that will join Major League Cricket in the United States from 2027. Chief executive Scott Weenink on Thursday said NZC will partner with U.S.-based True North Sports Ventures to form the new team,

New Zealand will provide specialized support and expertise as part of a partnership with a new Major League Cricket franchise expected to be based in Toronto or Atlanta.