On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave for Wednesday 24th April 2025, chief executive of NZC, Scott Weenink, runs through a few of the drivers behind their investment into Major League Cricket, the USA’s dive into T20 franchise cricket. What do they stand to gain? What are they bringing to the competition - and why New Zealand cricket?
D’Arcy extrapolates a fun fact from Super Rugby Pacific - and examines what it means and where it may lead.
The Chamber is inhabited by D’Arcy and Jason Pine as they pull apart the day's big sporting stories, including cricket in the Sates and the retention of Phoenix gaffer Giancarlo Italiano.
Big thanks to GJ Gardner Homes – New Zealand's most trusted home builder.
Get 'Sports Fix' every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from news Talks at b
follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Sportsfix. Howard by News Talk said.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Be hello there and welcome into the Sports Fix podcast
for Thursday, April twenty four. Funny old week with some
people having the whole week off, some people having some
of the week off. I'm, as you can probably hear
from the sound quality, not in the studio I'm Jason Pine,
but in the studio as my good friend.
Speaker 4 (00:34):
Darcy Waldegrave, and indeed I haven't had half the week
or only a time. I don't even know what I'm
doing anymore. I've had some of the week off. But
here I am bringing you the Sports Fix and association
with GJ. Gardner Holmes and New Zealand's finest home builders
without a shadow of a doubt.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Now I'm looking forward to hearing from Scott Weening today.
I know you've got them lined up for the podcast.
I'm can get your thoughts as well. I've got some
on this new cricket innovation, the New Zealand Cricket have
been it into also today, Darcy, you would have picked
up on the news that gmclo A Taliano the Chief
has been re signed for another year at the Home
of the Phoenix. When I have a chat about that
and the Wars as well. Look, I'm taking up too
(01:14):
much time. Is there anything goes to add before we
move on?
Speaker 4 (01:16):
Yeah, let's just climb into it. Eh, let's get into it.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
In other news.
Speaker 4 (01:23):
And talking sport today is a CEO, a coach and
another CEO. Look, athletes are to focus, but these dudes
make all the calls. New Zealander Cricket a big cheese.
Scott Winnick has talked around how their new investment into
the US T twenty Cricket League will work with the
domestic game.
Speaker 5 (01:43):
We believe they can both coexist. So it's about managing
the you know how how to best manage the two
types of cricket, cricketers growing globally and so you can
have the best of both.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
Worlds Warriors taskmaster Andrew Webster has explained his relationship with
the freshly re signed fullback Charms at nickel klokstart.
Speaker 6 (02:05):
The thing I find with chances that we're on the
same page so much. I think what he finds is
important I do as well. And it's just a really
good match and then he feels real comfortable that he's
having an impact on our place, which he is, and
he knows what he brings. It's simplified for him every week.
Speaker 4 (02:20):
And Crusader's head honcho, Colin Mansbridge and his executive have
yet to engage coach Rob Penny in coaching discussions. The
twenty twenty six we.
Speaker 7 (02:30):
Said as a board that we wouldn't do anything till
the end of the year, and then Rob's been recently
unequivocal with me, and you know, whenever I've even gone
to broach the subject, the big hands got up. Let's
just focus on this group for this year. Has always
been saying.
Speaker 4 (02:45):
Two fisheads and one drill sergeant. Speaking on Sport Today, you.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Scandervillion, It's Sports Fix with Jason Lyin and Dussy Waldegrave.
Speaker 4 (02:56):
The media and New Zealand Rugby and Super Rugby and
anyone involved have been trumpeting the success of Super Rugby
Pacific this year and rightly so. It has been a
vibrant competition, it has had jeopardy, it has had unexpected
victors and it's got an Australian set of teams that
(03:16):
know how to win. Here's the fun fact around this.
Did you know even though visits across the Tasman for
New Zealand based teams are reasonably rare, New Zealand teams
have yet to taste success in Australia. Who would have
funk it? Who would have thought that they're holding fought
(03:37):
in their own backyard and the New Zealand raiders from
over the ditch can't infiltrate at all. This may well
change in the next four or five rounds, but as
it stands right now, they are a clear and present danger.
You can look the verse and say the primary reason
is that the rebels are defunct, therefore they have stronger
(03:57):
teams in their own backyard. You could also look to
the fact that New Zealand now has not five super
teams but six super teams. No Pacifica aren't really part
of the New Zealand infrastructure, but they kind of are,
because they're pinching some players that maybe would be destined
(04:18):
for the Blues or the Chiefs or the Hurricanes, or
that the list goes on. Instead, they've decided to join
up with the crew at Muana Pacifica and try and
upset the Apple Cuts. So in that conversation, does that
mean for the betterment of Super Rugby Pacific In time
(04:39):
the six teams now coming out of our TIERA become
five and that means one of the teams has to
be gassed. I wouldn't like to think it would happen,
and I think we know the team that would fall
foul of this. But when push comes to shove, the
Australians are getting stronger, the New Zealand sides are getting weaker,
(05:01):
and I suppose in the wash up who everyone's Super
Rugby Pacific will say a lot about the strength of
rugby on each side of the Tasman.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, It's Sports Fix with Jason Vine
and Darcy Waldegrave.
Speaker 4 (05:17):
And the cricket landscape is a changing talking that and
the big deal they've just signed New Zealand Cricket. The
CEO Scott Weening joined us here on the Fixed podcast
day Scott, Hello, Darcy, how are you? A good? Big
day for New Zealand Cricket And that's probably an understatement
the announcement this morning around engagement with the American League.
(05:40):
When it comes to T twenty massive. How big is
this for the organization. Scott.
Speaker 5 (05:45):
Yeah, it's big, it's really exciting where we're very excited
about the opportunity and you know what it's going to
present to New Zealand cricket and the wider cricket network
for sure.
Speaker 4 (05:59):
Where did it come from? Who initiated this? Was yourself
or the franchise holders in the States.
Speaker 5 (06:04):
Yeah, So look, the original thought around this came up
the middle of last year when we were putting together
our five year strategic plan and we realized that, you know,
with potential pressure on broadcasting revenue and my sc distributions,
we needed to look at other ways to diversify our
revenue stack. And one of the one of the thoughts was,
(06:26):
you know, do we look at investing and overseas leagues
such as the MLC And that was kind of the
obvious one because it's the US, you know, it's close
to New Zealand, it's a growing league. So I then,
on the back of that, approached the founders of Major
League Cricket about four months ago to see what opportunities
they were. As it turned out that had actually been
(06:48):
hoping to speak to us, and so yeah, we first
started talking about it four months ago. It accelerated from
there really to where we are today and sort of
announcing announcing the deal.
Speaker 4 (07:01):
They launched Pro Cricket a few years ago, only lasted
a season. I'm presuming you've done the necessary work behind
this what to pro cricket, because it would be an
awful shame if this dissipated like that did.
Speaker 5 (07:13):
Yeah, I mean Major League Crickets sort of on a
different footing, you know this they come out to their
third year. The league itself is sort of in a
break even position. The franchises themselves have got some very
strong backers, including you know, IPL owners, so it's in
a different position to that other league. We also think,
(07:35):
you know, cricket in the US is set to really
take off on the back of you know, the World
Cup that was there last year, the twenty twenty eight Olympics,
which is going to be in Los Angeles. So we
think there's a real opportunity for cricket, and in particular
Major League Cricket to go well in the US in future.
Speaker 4 (07:55):
Of course, the US have got a major advantage compared
to other sports that aren't baseball, basketball and football getting
in and the fact the expact population in the United
States of America could probably feed the game of cricket,
such as the size Scott.
Speaker 5 (08:13):
Yeah, I mean, look, it would be it would be
great for cricket to aim to be become one of
the sort of major sports in the US. But the
reality is, as you suggest, that's not actually necessary for
it to be successful. There's twenty five million South Asian
diaspora in the US who are cricket fans, and these
(08:34):
are all very well held people. So the actual market
already for cricket in the US is very large and
very lucrative. So we'll just be tapping into that and
trying to help grow that.
Speaker 4 (08:47):
What did the true nor sports fenures you've gone on
partnership with This is what v Janes Samir Because they've
got rights to bring in some new franchises. What do
they see in New Zealand cricket? Why would they engage
with you guys?
Speaker 5 (09:02):
Essentially because of our track record in producing world class
cricketers and world class cricket teams. They see that we've
been able to do that off a small player base
and limited financial resources compared to our competitors, and thought
that that match with what they're trying to create with you.
(09:24):
With these two franchises, but also with Cricket in the US.
And then that combined with some of their other investors
such as the San Francisco forty nine ers and some
of the you know, these very wealthy tech titans. They
saw the combination of New Zealand Cricket being able to
provide the high performance cricket expertise together with you know,
(09:45):
the the expertise being brought by American investors. They saw
that as a really good combination.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
Joined by Scott Weening, CEO of New Zealand Cricket, we
talk about investment and what shape does this tape take.
I'm presuming there is a financial outlay, but there must
be other levels as well. What do you have to
bring to the party. What have you brought to the
party to bring this partnership into action.
Speaker 5 (10:13):
Yeah, look, there's two There's essentially two elements to it.
One is we will be being paid a service fee
for providing high performance services to the franchise. So in
other words, we'll providing the coaches, the backgroom staff, and
sports staff, management, physios, et cetera. And we'll fee for that.
(10:35):
That fee will be made up of cash plus a
sweet equity component. And then we've also been given the
opportunity to invest and take an equity stake in the
holding company that holds the rights to both a franchise
in twenty twenty seven, which will likely be based in
either Atlanta, Toronto or a major city like that, and
(10:58):
then also one in twenty thirty one, which is likely
to be based in someone like San Francisco. So two
two key elements to it.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
The Chamber is now in session.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
On Sportsfix, into the Chamber we go. Really interesting chat
with Scott ween Inc. I know you're going to play
a little bit more of that on Sports Talk tonight.
Darce on News Talk said, be between seven and eight.
But what's your main takeaway? Having had a chance to
ruminate over this and to listen to the chief executive
of New Zealand Cricket.
Speaker 4 (11:28):
I'm fascinated by the length of time their due diligence
till four months from from go to woh. That's intense,
but plainly they knew what they wanted, so they hit
go and they covered it off. It's a brave new world.
And Scott said, if you listen to the whole interview
and Sports Talk later on today, that nothing is guaranteed
(11:49):
in this world, but it sounds like they've set themselves
up in a position that isn't silver Lake.
Speaker 3 (11:56):
I think that's probably quite a good thing. If you're
not Silverlake, then it's a good place to be. Now
in terms of what it means for the black Caps,
what will this mean, Dars. Is this a place where
we're going to see black Caps play more regularly?
Speaker 4 (12:09):
I think so as far as their contractors concerned. I
haven't talked with Heath Mals yet, but I shall catch
up on them at some stage around what it means
for the contracted cricketers. But what I'm gathering here is
that there is going to be room for, as Scott
told me, black Caps involved in this, not all black Caps,
but some of the big names. And I'm sure that
(12:31):
will just help contribute to their retirement fund, which is
what they're all doing anyway. But we'll see some upcomings,
like we do. We'll see some established talent too. And
what I'm also interested in is how far this goes
when it comes to engaging with the Big Bash. Because
the Super Smash has been stand alone. They've been pretty
(12:52):
adamant that they're not going to try and go to
the Big Bash. But now this has changed everything, so
there are so many new threads opened up for New
Zealand crick Look, it's really exciting and I really like
what New Zealand Cricket are doing. The Scott Weening guys
turned out.
Speaker 3 (13:07):
All right in there. I like them.
Speaker 4 (13:08):
I really like them.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
What I like as well, Dars, is that in the
search for innovation in terms of revenue streams, new audiences,
new ways of doing things, that nothing seems to be
off the table with Scott Weiningk and his administration. Not
that I'm saying that it was before necessarily, but you
know what cricket's like, it's a very traditional sport, often
run by traditional rather conservative administrators. For them to say,
(13:32):
you know what, we're going to try something different, no
bad idea in a brainstorming session, as they say, I
like it. I'm keen and interested to see how it goes.
And by the sounds of things, there's a revenue stream there,
as you say, through the due diligence that might be very,
very valuable for New Zealand cricket.
Speaker 4 (13:48):
Well, resistance is pointless. Everything's changing. The landscape of world
cricket is just mental for one of a better phrase
right now? How they work out what columns, what pillars
they're going to build the game on. Is it a
case of separating out the Bilateral series and the Test
series into windows and then the rest of it is
built on the foundation of T tweety. I don't know,
(14:11):
and I don't think anybody quite knows. But if you
stand there and want to develop and do nothing, you're doomed.
So they're willing to climb. I on'ting to go right.
We need to be part of this brave new world.
So let's get busy and good on them.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Good chance to hear more from Scott Winning tonight on
news talks he'db and sports talk with you, Darcy, and
for people to interact with their thoughts as well. Between
seven and eight you may also have time for listener feedback.
On the retention of gian Carlo Italiano as Wellington Phoenix
head coach. A lot of people have asked me about
this before today. Do you think he'll stay? Will they
(14:46):
retain him? Will they move on from chief after a
poor season even though he had a very good season
last year. O'bviously to a lot of people, I thought
it was a fifty to fifty call. They've decided to
keep the Chief, and I think, you know, in terms
of the way that things should be done without instant
gratification always being at the heart of these decisions, I
(15:06):
don't mind it. I do need those to see a
lot more from the Phoenix next season. If you know,
if Jian Callotaliana was going to be the solution for
beyond next season, if you get my.
Speaker 4 (15:19):
Drift, We've got to look at the bigger picture, don't
We are one dead swallow does not a summer maketh
I've just messed around that little quote as old Yeah,
bad year, but does that really say a lot about
what Chief brings to the Phoenix.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
No.
Speaker 4 (15:34):
And funny thing is is yesterday all the buzzers around
when we found out about all is going to be
a Mets twelve o'clock out, it comes there AND's like, ah,
he's gone, and it was the general consensus up here.
So when it came out that no, he's being kept,
I was pleasantly surprised. I've really enjoyed dealing with this guy.
We know he's got what it takes, and this is
a slap in the face for him and his team,
but like Rob Penny, given a chance now to pick
(15:57):
the team up and do what he does best. Right.
Speaker 3 (16:00):
That is a very good, very very good analogy, a
very good comparison. And you look at the Crusaders of
twenty twenty five compared the Crusaders of twenty twenty four,
and you well know as one of their burgeoning fan
base that they are night and day. Look, if Jihan
Caloertaliano can do a Rob Penny in the twenty twenty
(16:21):
five twenty six A League football season, then it'll be
the right decision. My only concern, well actually my only one.
One of my concerns Stars is the imports. They just
haven't recruited well enough this season, and the results are
there for all to see. Three of their imports are
locked in for next season, so only two to play with.
And you know that recruitment's going to have to be
(16:42):
spot on if they are going to get themselves back
up to the heights of last season and challenge the
new boys on the block Auckland FC, who don't seem
to be having any problems with their coaching staff or
their player. Can I just ask you one more question
before you exit the chamber. They'll worry is they hardly
ever went on Anzac Day?
Speaker 4 (17:01):
You reckon?
Speaker 3 (17:02):
They went on Anzac Day tomorrow against the Knights in
christ Jurch.
Speaker 4 (17:06):
They should they want, doesn't.
Speaker 3 (17:11):
It was the hesitation for me that it was the
hesitation to slight pause that got me there does.
Speaker 4 (17:16):
Well chanser Nicole courtse that to be very happy with
resigning it and engaging, so he sees back at that
fall back. And we've got Rock o'berry who's come back
from being a naughty boy. So it's a It's a
strong team and the consistency of selection within the side
has given the team the results. Look the second equal
(17:38):
on the table, we're technically their fourth. But this is
a wild start for the Warriors, even though their first
game was a train wreck. And Melbourne do what Melbourne
always do. It's been a great season so far and
I see no reason to go, well why not? And
we know the fans and the antichrist Church love their
rugby league, so they'll be all over it. I'm a
(18:00):
gloud to say that because I am from there, you.
Speaker 3 (18:03):
Are from there, and you make us, you make us
a word of that of every possible. I love the
fair people of Christ us as well, and I hope
they have an awesome night here tomorrow night to watch
the Warriors continue on what has been, as you say,
a very good season apart from a couple of blips
along the way. That is us in the chamber for today.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
This is Sports Fix, your daily does of sports News
cower By the News Talks eb and.
Speaker 3 (18:29):
That brings to an end the Sports Fix podcast for
today and for this week antec Day tomorrow, So no
podcast tomorrow, but back on Monday. And if you subscribe
to the Sports Fix podcast, a new episode will drop
into your podcast feed pretty much every weekday does.
Speaker 4 (18:44):
And as Jason's been talking about throughout the whole podcast,
we thank you for this. So I on the show
tonight on Sports Talk have Scott Weening Sports Talk between
seven and eight Monday to Friday. Of course not tomorrow.
Piney's got it on Monday. I have it Tuesday through Friday,
and of course Piney, what are you delivering the weekends
weekend sport at Score between midday and three Saturday, and
(19:08):
they have an excellent long weekend US and you too
as well enjoy the fine clients. A far Anui for
more from.
Speaker 1 (19:15):
News Talk st B, listen live on air or online,
and keep our shows with you wherever you go with
our podcasts on iHeartRadio
You're listening to a podcast from news Talks at b
follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Sportsfix. Howard by News Talk said.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Be hello there and welcome into the Sports Fix podcast
for Thursday, April twenty four. Funny old week with some
people having the whole week off, some people having some
of the week off. I'm, as you can probably hear
from the sound quality, not in the studio I'm Jason Pine,
but in the studio as my good friend.
Speaker 4 (00:34):
Darcy Waldegrave, and indeed I haven't had half the week
or only a time. I don't even know what I'm
doing anymore. I've had some of the week off. But
here I am bringing you the Sports Fix and association
with GJ. Gardner Holmes and New Zealand's finest home builders
without a shadow of a doubt.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Now I'm looking forward to hearing from Scott Weening today.
I know you've got them lined up for the podcast.
I'm can get your thoughts as well. I've got some
on this new cricket innovation, the New Zealand Cricket have
been it into also today, Darcy, you would have picked
up on the news that gmclo A Taliano the Chief
has been re signed for another year at the Home
of the Phoenix. When I have a chat about that
and the Wars as well. Look, I'm taking up too
(01:14):
much time. Is there anything goes to add before we
move on?
Speaker 4 (01:16):
Yeah, let's just climb into it. Eh, let's get into it.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
In other news.
Speaker 4 (01:23):
And talking sport today is a CEO, a coach and
another CEO. Look, athletes are to focus, but these dudes
make all the calls. New Zealander Cricket a big cheese.
Scott Winnick has talked around how their new investment into
the US T twenty Cricket League will work with the
domestic game.
Speaker 5 (01:43):
We believe they can both coexist. So it's about managing
the you know how how to best manage the two
types of cricket, cricketers growing globally and so you can
have the best of both.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
Worlds Warriors taskmaster Andrew Webster has explained his relationship with
the freshly re signed fullback Charms at nickel klokstart.
Speaker 6 (02:05):
The thing I find with chances that we're on the
same page so much. I think what he finds is
important I do as well. And it's just a really
good match and then he feels real comfortable that he's
having an impact on our place, which he is, and
he knows what he brings. It's simplified for him every week.
Speaker 4 (02:20):
And Crusader's head honcho, Colin Mansbridge and his executive have
yet to engage coach Rob Penny in coaching discussions. The
twenty twenty six we.
Speaker 7 (02:30):
Said as a board that we wouldn't do anything till
the end of the year, and then Rob's been recently
unequivocal with me, and you know, whenever I've even gone
to broach the subject, the big hands got up. Let's
just focus on this group for this year. Has always
been saying.
Speaker 4 (02:45):
Two fisheads and one drill sergeant. Speaking on Sport Today, you.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Scandervillion, It's Sports Fix with Jason Lyin and Dussy Waldegrave.
Speaker 4 (02:56):
The media and New Zealand Rugby and Super Rugby and
anyone involved have been trumpeting the success of Super Rugby
Pacific this year and rightly so. It has been a
vibrant competition, it has had jeopardy, it has had unexpected
victors and it's got an Australian set of teams that
(03:16):
know how to win. Here's the fun fact around this.
Did you know even though visits across the Tasman for
New Zealand based teams are reasonably rare, New Zealand teams
have yet to taste success in Australia. Who would have
funk it? Who would have thought that they're holding fought
(03:37):
in their own backyard and the New Zealand raiders from
over the ditch can't infiltrate at all. This may well
change in the next four or five rounds, but as
it stands right now, they are a clear and present danger.
You can look the verse and say the primary reason
is that the rebels are defunct, therefore they have stronger
(03:57):
teams in their own backyard. You could also look to
the fact that New Zealand now has not five super
teams but six super teams. No Pacifica aren't really part
of the New Zealand infrastructure, but they kind of are,
because they're pinching some players that maybe would be destined
(04:18):
for the Blues or the Chiefs or the Hurricanes, or
that the list goes on. Instead, they've decided to join
up with the crew at Muana Pacifica and try and
upset the Apple Cuts. So in that conversation, does that
mean for the betterment of Super Rugby Pacific In time
(04:39):
the six teams now coming out of our TIERA become
five and that means one of the teams has to
be gassed. I wouldn't like to think it would happen,
and I think we know the team that would fall
foul of this. But when push comes to shove, the
Australians are getting stronger, the New Zealand sides are getting weaker,
(05:01):
and I suppose in the wash up who everyone's Super
Rugby Pacific will say a lot about the strength of
rugby on each side of the Tasman.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, It's Sports Fix with Jason Vine
and Darcy Waldegrave.
Speaker 4 (05:17):
And the cricket landscape is a changing talking that and
the big deal they've just signed New Zealand Cricket. The
CEO Scott Weening joined us here on the Fixed podcast
day Scott, Hello, Darcy, how are you? A good? Big
day for New Zealand Cricket And that's probably an understatement
the announcement this morning around engagement with the American League.
(05:40):
When it comes to T twenty massive. How big is
this for the organization. Scott.
Speaker 5 (05:45):
Yeah, it's big, it's really exciting where we're very excited
about the opportunity and you know what it's going to
present to New Zealand cricket and the wider cricket network
for sure.
Speaker 4 (05:59):
Where did it come from? Who initiated this? Was yourself
or the franchise holders in the States.
Speaker 5 (06:04):
Yeah, So look, the original thought around this came up
the middle of last year when we were putting together
our five year strategic plan and we realized that, you know,
with potential pressure on broadcasting revenue and my sc distributions,
we needed to look at other ways to diversify our
revenue stack. And one of the one of the thoughts was,
(06:26):
you know, do we look at investing and overseas leagues
such as the MLC And that was kind of the
obvious one because it's the US, you know, it's close
to New Zealand, it's a growing league. So I then,
on the back of that, approached the founders of Major
League Cricket about four months ago to see what opportunities
they were. As it turned out that had actually been
(06:48):
hoping to speak to us, and so yeah, we first
started talking about it four months ago. It accelerated from
there really to where we are today and sort of
announcing announcing the deal.
Speaker 4 (07:01):
They launched Pro Cricket a few years ago, only lasted
a season. I'm presuming you've done the necessary work behind
this what to pro cricket, because it would be an
awful shame if this dissipated like that did.
Speaker 5 (07:13):
Yeah, I mean Major League Crickets sort of on a
different footing, you know this they come out to their
third year. The league itself is sort of in a
break even position. The franchises themselves have got some very
strong backers, including you know, IPL owners, so it's in
a different position to that other league. We also think,
(07:35):
you know, cricket in the US is set to really
take off on the back of you know, the World
Cup that was there last year, the twenty twenty eight Olympics,
which is going to be in Los Angeles. So we
think there's a real opportunity for cricket, and in particular
Major League Cricket to go well in the US in future.
Speaker 4 (07:55):
Of course, the US have got a major advantage compared
to other sports that aren't baseball, basketball and football getting
in and the fact the expact population in the United
States of America could probably feed the game of cricket,
such as the size Scott.
Speaker 5 (08:13):
Yeah, I mean, look, it would be it would be
great for cricket to aim to be become one of
the sort of major sports in the US. But the
reality is, as you suggest, that's not actually necessary for
it to be successful. There's twenty five million South Asian
diaspora in the US who are cricket fans, and these
(08:34):
are all very well held people. So the actual market
already for cricket in the US is very large and
very lucrative. So we'll just be tapping into that and
trying to help grow that.
Speaker 4 (08:47):
What did the true nor sports fenures you've gone on
partnership with This is what v Janes Samir Because they've
got rights to bring in some new franchises. What do
they see in New Zealand cricket? Why would they engage
with you guys?
Speaker 5 (09:02):
Essentially because of our track record in producing world class
cricketers and world class cricket teams. They see that we've
been able to do that off a small player base
and limited financial resources compared to our competitors, and thought
that that match with what they're trying to create with you.
(09:24):
With these two franchises, but also with Cricket in the US.
And then that combined with some of their other investors
such as the San Francisco forty nine ers and some
of the you know, these very wealthy tech titans. They
saw the combination of New Zealand Cricket being able to
provide the high performance cricket expertise together with you know,
(09:45):
the the expertise being brought by American investors. They saw
that as a really good combination.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
Joined by Scott Weening, CEO of New Zealand Cricket, we
talk about investment and what shape does this tape take.
I'm presuming there is a financial outlay, but there must
be other levels as well. What do you have to
bring to the party. What have you brought to the
party to bring this partnership into action.
Speaker 5 (10:13):
Yeah, look, there's two There's essentially two elements to it.
One is we will be being paid a service fee
for providing high performance services to the franchise. So in
other words, we'll providing the coaches, the backgroom staff, and
sports staff, management, physios, et cetera. And we'll fee for that.
(10:35):
That fee will be made up of cash plus a
sweet equity component. And then we've also been given the
opportunity to invest and take an equity stake in the
holding company that holds the rights to both a franchise
in twenty twenty seven, which will likely be based in
either Atlanta, Toronto or a major city like that, and
(10:58):
then also one in twenty thirty one, which is likely
to be based in someone like San Francisco. So two
two key elements to it.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
The Chamber is now in session.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
On Sportsfix, into the Chamber we go. Really interesting chat
with Scott ween Inc. I know you're going to play
a little bit more of that on Sports Talk tonight.
Darce on News Talk said, be between seven and eight.
But what's your main takeaway? Having had a chance to
ruminate over this and to listen to the chief executive
of New Zealand Cricket.
Speaker 4 (11:28):
I'm fascinated by the length of time their due diligence
till four months from from go to woh. That's intense,
but plainly they knew what they wanted, so they hit
go and they covered it off. It's a brave new world.
And Scott said, if you listen to the whole interview
and Sports Talk later on today, that nothing is guaranteed
(11:49):
in this world, but it sounds like they've set themselves
up in a position that isn't silver Lake.
Speaker 3 (11:56):
I think that's probably quite a good thing. If you're
not Silverlake, then it's a good place to be. Now
in terms of what it means for the black Caps,
what will this mean, Dars. Is this a place where
we're going to see black Caps play more regularly?
Speaker 4 (12:09):
I think so as far as their contractors concerned. I
haven't talked with Heath Mals yet, but I shall catch
up on them at some stage around what it means
for the contracted cricketers. But what I'm gathering here is
that there is going to be room for, as Scott
told me, black Caps involved in this, not all black Caps,
but some of the big names. And I'm sure that
(12:31):
will just help contribute to their retirement fund, which is
what they're all doing anyway. But we'll see some upcomings,
like we do. We'll see some established talent too. And
what I'm also interested in is how far this goes
when it comes to engaging with the Big Bash. Because
the Super Smash has been stand alone. They've been pretty
(12:52):
adamant that they're not going to try and go to
the Big Bash. But now this has changed everything, so
there are so many new threads opened up for New
Zealand crick Look, it's really exciting and I really like
what New Zealand Cricket are doing. The Scott Weening guys
turned out.
Speaker 3 (13:07):
All right in there. I like them.
Speaker 4 (13:08):
I really like them.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
What I like as well, Dars, is that in the
search for innovation in terms of revenue streams, new audiences,
new ways of doing things, that nothing seems to be
off the table with Scott Weiningk and his administration. Not
that I'm saying that it was before necessarily, but you
know what cricket's like, it's a very traditional sport, often
run by traditional rather conservative administrators. For them to say,
(13:32):
you know what, we're going to try something different, no
bad idea in a brainstorming session, as they say, I
like it. I'm keen and interested to see how it goes.
And by the sounds of things, there's a revenue stream there,
as you say, through the due diligence that might be very,
very valuable for New Zealand cricket.
Speaker 4 (13:48):
Well, resistance is pointless. Everything's changing. The landscape of world
cricket is just mental for one of a better phrase
right now? How they work out what columns, what pillars
they're going to build the game on. Is it a
case of separating out the Bilateral series and the Test
series into windows and then the rest of it is
built on the foundation of T tweety. I don't know,
(14:11):
and I don't think anybody quite knows. But if you
stand there and want to develop and do nothing, you're doomed.
So they're willing to climb. I on'ting to go right.
We need to be part of this brave new world.
So let's get busy and good on them.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Good chance to hear more from Scott Winning tonight on
news talks he'db and sports talk with you, Darcy, and
for people to interact with their thoughts as well. Between
seven and eight you may also have time for listener feedback.
On the retention of gian Carlo Italiano as Wellington Phoenix
head coach. A lot of people have asked me about
this before today. Do you think he'll stay? Will they
(14:46):
retain him? Will they move on from chief after a
poor season even though he had a very good season
last year. O'bviously to a lot of people, I thought
it was a fifty to fifty call. They've decided to
keep the Chief, and I think, you know, in terms
of the way that things should be done without instant
gratification always being at the heart of these decisions, I
(15:06):
don't mind it. I do need those to see a
lot more from the Phoenix next season. If you know,
if Jian Callotaliana was going to be the solution for
beyond next season, if you get my.
Speaker 4 (15:19):
Drift, We've got to look at the bigger picture, don't
We are one dead swallow does not a summer maketh
I've just messed around that little quote as old Yeah,
bad year, but does that really say a lot about
what Chief brings to the Phoenix.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
No.
Speaker 4 (15:34):
And funny thing is is yesterday all the buzzers around
when we found out about all is going to be
a Mets twelve o'clock out, it comes there AND's like, ah,
he's gone, and it was the general consensus up here.
So when it came out that no, he's being kept,
I was pleasantly surprised. I've really enjoyed dealing with this guy.
We know he's got what it takes, and this is
a slap in the face for him and his team,
but like Rob Penny, given a chance now to pick
(15:57):
the team up and do what he does best. Right.
Speaker 3 (16:00):
That is a very good, very very good analogy, a
very good comparison. And you look at the Crusaders of
twenty twenty five compared the Crusaders of twenty twenty four,
and you well know as one of their burgeoning fan
base that they are night and day. Look, if Jihan
Caloertaliano can do a Rob Penny in the twenty twenty
(16:21):
five twenty six A League football season, then it'll be
the right decision. My only concern, well actually my only one.
One of my concerns Stars is the imports. They just
haven't recruited well enough this season, and the results are
there for all to see. Three of their imports are
locked in for next season, so only two to play with.
And you know that recruitment's going to have to be
(16:42):
spot on if they are going to get themselves back
up to the heights of last season and challenge the
new boys on the block Auckland FC, who don't seem
to be having any problems with their coaching staff or
their player. Can I just ask you one more question
before you exit the chamber. They'll worry is they hardly
ever went on Anzac Day?
Speaker 4 (17:01):
You reckon?
Speaker 3 (17:02):
They went on Anzac Day tomorrow against the Knights in
christ Jurch.
Speaker 4 (17:06):
They should they want, doesn't.
Speaker 3 (17:11):
It was the hesitation for me that it was the
hesitation to slight pause that got me there does.
Speaker 4 (17:16):
Well chanser Nicole courtse that to be very happy with
resigning it and engaging, so he sees back at that
fall back. And we've got Rock o'berry who's come back
from being a naughty boy. So it's a It's a
strong team and the consistency of selection within the side
has given the team the results. Look the second equal
(17:38):
on the table, we're technically their fourth. But this is
a wild start for the Warriors, even though their first
game was a train wreck. And Melbourne do what Melbourne
always do. It's been a great season so far and
I see no reason to go, well why not? And
we know the fans and the antichrist Church love their
rugby league, so they'll be all over it. I'm a
(18:00):
gloud to say that because I am from there, you.
Speaker 3 (18:03):
Are from there, and you make us, you make us
a word of that of every possible. I love the
fair people of Christ us as well, and I hope
they have an awesome night here tomorrow night to watch
the Warriors continue on what has been, as you say,
a very good season apart from a couple of blips
along the way. That is us in the chamber for today.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
This is Sports Fix, your daily does of sports News
cower By the News Talks eb and.
Speaker 3 (18:29):
That brings to an end the Sports Fix podcast for
today and for this week antec Day tomorrow, So no
podcast tomorrow, but back on Monday. And if you subscribe
to the Sports Fix podcast, a new episode will drop
into your podcast feed pretty much every weekday does.
Speaker 4 (18:44):
And as Jason's been talking about throughout the whole podcast,
we thank you for this. So I on the show
tonight on Sports Talk have Scott Weening Sports Talk between
seven and eight Monday to Friday. Of course not tomorrow.
Piney's got it on Monday. I have it Tuesday through Friday,
and of course Piney, what are you delivering the weekends
weekend sport at Score between midday and three Saturday, and
(19:08):
they have an excellent long weekend US and you too
as well enjoy the fine clients. A far Anui for
more from.
Speaker 1 (19:15):
News Talk st B, listen live on air or online,
and keep our shows with you wherever you go with
our podcasts on iHeartRadio
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