Described by NZC as a "first-of-its-kind agreement," the partnership marks the first collaboration between an ICC full member board and a professional franchise league team. TNS is currently considering cities such as Toronto and Atlanta as possible bases for the team.

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As part of the deal, NZC will contribute high-performance expertise and operational support, which includes providing coaching, team management, and support staff for the T20 competition, whose first edition was held in 2023.

"As franchise cricket grows globally, NZC needs to adapt to seize strategic opportunities that ensure the sustainability of our cricket network," NZC chief executive Scott Weenink said in a statement.

"This helps diversify our revenue streams, expands our global brand and fan base, and creates new talent development and retention pathways for both our players and coaches."

MLC currently has six teams based in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Texas and Washington DC. They plan to expand to eight teams by 2027 and 10 by 2031.

NZC also said it has the opportunity to partner with MLC co-founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan on other opportunities, which include a second franchise planned for 2031.