NZC has dissolved its franchise deal with True North Sports Ventures, which was expected to assist the formation of an MLC team in 2027. The two parties agreed to split ways on October 21, 2026, roughly 18 months after the agreement was first announced in April 2025.
The original relationship was designed to provide NZC with high-performance and operational support for the introduction of the MLC franchise. Under the initial terms, NZC also had the option to invest in and support a second MLC squad in 2031. Toronto, Atlanta, and Las Vegas had all been considered as potential franchise host cities. NZC CEO Geoff Allott, who took on the post in July 2026, confirmed the withdrawal.
Allott made it clear that the choice was based on where NZC considered its attention and resources were most needed. After further consideration, the board determined that focusing resources on opportunities within New Zealand and creating a stronger domestic high-performance ecosystem was the best course of action. The exit represents a purposeful shift in organizational goals, not a breakdown in the relationship with the franchise or its backers.
Allott also thanked MLC co-founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan for the opportunity to explore the venture.
NZC said that it expects to maintain communication lines with both Mehta and Srinivasan moving forward.
What implications does the exit have for the MLC franchise and True North Sports Ventures?
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True North Sports Ventures retains complete ownership of the MLC franchise initiative and continues to work independently toward the 2027 start date. Because NZC made no capital commitment in the partnership, the franchise’s financial base remains untouched by the departure.
