Tom Dunmore: Launching Major League Cricket

Sports Content Strategy with MrRichardClarke: Exploring sports content, journalism, digital and social media

For the past two decades, cricket has been trying to cross new boundaries. Previously, its global footprint mirrored its past as the game of the British Empire but, in recent years, countries like the Netherlands, Namibia and Afghanistan have risen to prominence

In the next 10 years, the game will try to cross its biggest and most important new frontier - the USA. They have been awarded co-hosting rights for the 2024 T20 World Cup and a buzz is building around the chances of inclusion in the Olympics in Los Angeles four years later.

Minor League Cricket started last season and its Major League big brother begins in 2023. Tom Dunmore is VP of Marketing for both tournaments. In this podcast, we discuss the story so far, the challenges they face and the vision for success.

TOPICS

Where is the landscape of cricket in the US right now?

The reliance on the south Asian audience

Why Major League Cricket is the ‘tip of the spear’ but they are looking to grow a sport

‘It is a unique opportunity but the USA is not afraid to take a deep dive and make a big bet’

The ‘feel’ of a Minor League Cricket game and having 3,000 fans at the final

The 35 professionals brought in as mentors to raise the standard

The authenticity and integrity of the game in the wide variety of US climate conditions

Learning from the development of Major League Soccer - stadium build, fan experience, getting priority dates for fixtures, ownership models

“We’ll be able to have world-class players right away, up there with the CPL and BBL”

The different investment models

Content strategy for franchises

Using a YouTube influencer and video games as tools

Being one of many ‘Major League” sports trying to get a foothold in the US

Whose audience are they going to take?

Is the push for the 2028 Olympics realistic?