The Abu Dhabi T10 has launched its Expression of Interest (EOI) process, inviting investors, sports organizations and business leaders to bid for franchise ownership as the league prepares for the 2026 season under a new ownership structure.
The league said only eight Founding Team ownership opportunities will be available through the 2026 Global Tender Process. Successful bidders will receive exclusive 50-year ownership rights to one of eight franchises being offered in the tender. Those teams will become part of the 12-team Abu Dhabi T10 league, with the remaining four franchises continuing under existing ownership or separate arrangements.
The EOI marks the first stage of the franchise selection process. Interested parties will undergo an evaluation before shortlisted applicants are invited to participate in the next phase of bidding. The league said it is seeking long-term strategic investors to support its commercial growth and international expansion.
The 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 is scheduled to be held from November 7-20 at Zayed Cricket Stadium and will be the first edition staged under the league's new ownership model.
The tender follows a change in ownership after the Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH) assumed majority ownership and commercial control of the tournament following the sale of founder Shaji Ul Mulk's controlling stake. The league is backed by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and supported by the Emirates Cricket Board.
Ownership of the tournament now rests with ASHRA Events LLC – S.P.C, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub, which oversees the competition within a government-backed sporting framework.
Founded by Shaji Ul Mulk in Sharjah in 2017, the T10 League began as an ambitious attempt to introduce a shorter, television-friendly version of cricket aimed at modern audiences. The inaugural season was staged entirely in Sharjah before the tournament expanded into Dubai and Sharjah in 2018 as its popularity and commercial appeal grew.
A significant turning point came in 2019 when Abu Dhabi secured exclusive hosting rights through a long-term agreement signed between the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi. The five-year partnership saw the tournament officially rebranded as the Abu Dhabi T10.
Since then, the competition has been staged at exclusively at Zayed Cricket Stadium, which has become the permanent home of the tournament. Over the years, the venue has hosted international stars, helping Abu Dhabi strengthen its position as a major destination for global cricket events.
The latest ownership development represents the clearest sign yet of Abu Dhabi’s long-term commitment to the format. By acquiring majority stakes in the league, Abu Dhabi Government is expected to play a more direct role in shaping the tournament’s future strategy, commercial structure and international footprint.
The league said only eight Founding Team ownership opportunities will be available through the 2026 Global Tender Process. Successful bidders will receive exclusive 50-year ownership rights to one of eight franchises being offered in the tender. Those teams will become part of the 12-team Abu Dhabi T10 league, with the remaining four franchises continuing under existing ownership or separate arrangements.
The EOI marks the first stage of the franchise selection process. Interested parties will undergo an evaluation before shortlisted applicants are invited to participate in the next phase of bidding. The league said it is seeking long-term strategic investors to support its commercial growth and international expansion.
The 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 is scheduled to be held from November 7-20 at Zayed Cricket Stadium and will be the first edition staged under the league's new ownership model.
The tender follows a change in ownership after the Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH) assumed majority ownership and commercial control of the tournament following the sale of founder Shaji Ul Mulk's controlling stake. The league is backed by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and supported by the Emirates Cricket Board.
Ownership of the tournament now rests with ASHRA Events LLC – S.P.C, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub, which oversees the competition within a government-backed sporting framework.
Founded by Shaji Ul Mulk in Sharjah in 2017, the T10 League began as an ambitious attempt to introduce a shorter, television-friendly version of cricket aimed at modern audiences. The inaugural season was staged entirely in Sharjah before the tournament expanded into Dubai and Sharjah in 2018 as its popularity and commercial appeal grew.
A significant turning point came in 2019 when Abu Dhabi secured exclusive hosting rights through a long-term agreement signed between the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi. The five-year partnership saw the tournament officially rebranded as the Abu Dhabi T10.
Since then, the competition has been staged at exclusively at Zayed Cricket Stadium, which has become the permanent home of the tournament. Over the years, the venue has hosted international stars, helping Abu Dhabi strengthen its position as a major destination for global cricket events.
The latest ownership development represents the clearest sign yet of Abu Dhabi’s long-term commitment to the format. By acquiring majority stakes in the league, Abu Dhabi Government is expected to play a more direct role in shaping the tournament’s future strategy, commercial structure and international footprint.
