Several NSW stars could soon begin playing cricket in the USA after the state signed a landmark deal with the Major League competition and a founding franchises in Washington D.C.
Under an agreement seven months in the making, Cricket NSW will become partners with Major League Cricket and assist with the sport's development in the USA.
The state will also become high-performance partners with the Washington-based side and assist with roster management and coaching, with IPL franchises expected to fill similar roles with the league's other five clubs.
Set to kick off in July, the cashed-up tournament will feature teams from Dallas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C, Seattle and New York City.
The prospect of playing in America would be an appealing option for several players, along with the compact schedule of 19 games in 18 days.
Steve Smith is among players known to have an affinity with the USA through New York.
The tournament's timing means Australia's Test players could not feature this year due to the Ashes, however it could be attractive for white-ball stars with July a quiet month for franchise cricket.
It is also already expected several IPL players could come across into the tournament, with a heavy overseas contingent likely.
"The opportunities for all our players is going to be brilliant," Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon said.
"Steve has made no secret he loves New York. But there are also two or three other players I have spoken to who would love to play cricket in the United States.
"We will look to use the players within the Cricket NSW ecosystem to not only highlight the T20 competition and MLC, but cricket in the United States as well.
"Put it this way: I don't think we'll be short of players putting their hands up."
Cricket NSW will prioritise the Washington DC franchise, but will also promote the idea of players turning out for other clubs to help grow the tournament.
The move is the first from any Australian state association, but Cricket NSW have not ruled out pursuing similar partnerships with other overseas teams and leagues.
The ICC has identified USA as the sport's No.1 development market, with part of next year's men's Twenty20 World Cup to be played there.
Players from the USA will also be given the chance to feature in grade cricket, with pathways tours to NSW and a coach exchange to be set up.
"This is the time now to help grow the sport in the United States," Germon said.
