Cricket, a sport widely popular in many parts of the world, is now gaining momentum in the United States. High-profile CEOs and investors are spearheading the effort to make cricket mainstream in the U.S. by investing nearly a billion dollars in the American professional league, Major League Cricket. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, Iconic Ventures, and executives from Google are among the key players driving this ambitious project.
Venture capitalist Soma Somasegar, alongside Satya Nadella, has been at the forefront of bringing cricket to the United States. The duo, who are part owners of the Seattle Orcas cricket team, have a shared passion for the sport. Their long-standing vision of introducing cricket to America is finally coming to fruition with the massive investments being pumped into Major League Cricket.
With nearly $850 million being invested in the development of a sustainable cricket league in the U.S., the future looks promising. Major League Cricket currently consists of six professional teams, each expected to invest between $75 million and $100 million in team formation, talent acquisition, and stadium construction. This significant investment underscores the commitment to establishing cricket as a mainstream sport in the country.
Coinciding with the surge in cricket’s popularity is the Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, happening for the first time in the U.S. The tournament, held across various locations in the U.S. and the West Indies, has captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts. The recent victory of the U.S. team over Pakistan has set the stage for a riveting match between India and Pakistan at the Nassau County stadium in New York, drawing in millions of viewers.
Satyan Gajwani, the vice chairman of Times Internet and an investor in Major League Cricket, recognizes the potential of cricket in the U.S. market. With Willow TV holding exclusive streaming rights for cricket in North America, including the T20 World Cup, Gajwani aims to tap into the loyal fanbase of South Asian expatriates and other cricket enthusiasts residing in the U.S. This targeted approach aims to leverage the affluent nature of the South Asian diaspora, who have a high disposable income for sports and entertainment.
M.R. Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora, acknowledges the competitive landscape of the U.S. sports industry, dominated by basketball and football. However, he sees a potential avenue for cricket to gain traction through baseball fans, given the similarities between the two sports. As cricket continues to make inroads into the American sports scene, the investments, strategic partnerships, and dedicated fanbase are vital components in the journey to establish cricket as a mainstream sport in the U.S.
By analyzing the efforts of key stakeholders, the investments in Major League Cricket, and the growing interest in cricket across the U.S., it is evident that the sport is on an upward trajectory. As major events like the T20 World Cup draw attention and drive engagement, the future of cricket in America looks promising, with the potential to capture a niche audience and expand its presence in the mainstream sports landscape.