Reports: New USA women's T20 franchise tournament to be in action soon

Women's cricket could soon have a potential women's T20 franchise tournament in the United States. While still in the early stages, influential stakeholders in American cricket seem keen to capitalize on the unique window of opportunity presented. This is due to the country's hosting of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the recent success of the inaugural Major League Cricket (MLC) men's T20 tournament.

With cricket set to make its Olympic debut in 2028 and the USA women's national team likely to qualify as hosts, there is a growing realization of the need to develop the women's game domestically. The remarkable rise of the Women's Premier League (WPL) in India, where stars worldwide earned good salaries, has further highlighted the commercial potential of women's T20 cricket.

While the project is still in the talking stage, the proposed tournament would aim to attract the world's best players and potentially operate alongside the existing men's franchises in the MLC.

Several MLC franchise owners, including the Ambani family that owns MI New York, have expressed interest in developing women's teams. This move could significantly boost the profile and earning potential of women's cricketers globally.

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USA to host its first ICC event 

If the plans materialize, it could have far-reaching implications for the international commitments of England's women cricketers and their participation in domestic tournaments like The Hundred. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has already taken steps to increase earnings for its domestic women's players, but compared to the offers in the WPL, there is still less.

Launching a women's T20 franchise league in the USA would mark a significant milestone for the game. It would provide a platform for the world's best talent to showcase their skills and potentially inspire a new generation of American women cricketers.

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In the past few years, USA Cricket has pushed the ranks and established itself in cricket. Interestingly, the upcoming ICC men's T20 World Cup 2024 will be the first ICC event hosted in America.