Reliance Industries Limited's Mumbai Indians have acquired the New York franchise in Major League Cricket, making it the first T20 league in the United States. This move also adds to the team's ownership of a cricket franchise in three different continents, four different countries, and five different leagues.
Mumbai Indians' New York team will be the fifth addition to its family, which already includes Mumbai Indians in IPL, MI Cape Town in SA20, MI Emirates in ILT20, and Mumbai Indians-Women in WPL. The inaugural season of Major League Cricket is set to begin in the summer of 2023.
Before participating in the inaugural edition of Major League Cricket (MLC), the acquisition will have to undergo customary due diligence, negotiation, and execution of definitive binding agreements, and receipt of required corporate, regulatory, and third-party approvals and compliances.
Mrs. Nita. M. Ambani, the owner of Mumbai Indians, said, "I am thrilled to welcome our New York franchise to the growing MI Family! With our entry into the first cricket league in the US, I hope we are able to establish Mumbai Indians as a global brand of fearless and entertaining cricket! This is another new beginning for MI and I look forward to the exciting journey ahead."
Mumbai Indians aims to promote and expand cricket globally and has close to 50 million digital fans across the world, supporting their #Onefamily of teams. They have grown by 99% brand value (Brand Finance) since 2009 and have been the preferred partner for brands looking to build and tell their stories to the world.
Over the last 16 years, Mumbai Indians have maintained their position as the most consistent cricket franchise with seven titles, including a record 5 trophies in IPL and two Champions League T20 titles.