Middlesex County Cricket Club is in advanced negotiations with two international investment groups to secure funding for the construction of a permanent home away from Lord’s. The preferred location for the proposed new ground and training base is Uxbridge Cricket Club in west London. Despite the new development, around 70% of Middlesex’s men’s matches would still be staged at Lord’s.
The club has been exploring external investment for over a year and a half. Earlier this year, Middlesex resolved to pursue a financial partnership to develop a new ground in London while maintaining their tenancy at Lord’s. This approach was chosen over selling a stake in the club, which could have faced resistance from members. Potential investors with experience in sports, including those linked to the NFL and Indian Premier League, have shown interest, while some private equity firms have been turned away.
Middlesex is also in talks with Marylebone Cricket Club to extend its 12-month rolling lease at Lord’s, which ends this summer. The extension is expected, but financial terms are still under negotiation. While MCC remains committed to hosting Middlesex, increasing domestic cricket schedules, the rise of women’s cricket, and MCC’s involvement in The Hundred mean Lord’s availability is becoming more limited.
The MCC’s commercial partners in The Hundred are seeking greater access to Lord’s in return for their substantial investment, and the potential expansion of the competition would increase fixture demands. Additionally, the England and Wales Cricket Board is considering standalone women’s matches, further tightening venue schedules.
Middlesex has already been using outgrounds such as Radlett and Merchant Taylors’ School for County Championship, T20 Blast, and One-Day Cup games. The club also staged two Blast fixtures at Chelmsford last year, which proved financially beneficial but unpopular with members. Uxbridge, once a regular venue in the 1980s and 1990s, has not hosted Middlesex matches since 2017 due to the need for redevelopment.
In parallel, Middlesex is developing a new facility in Brentford for its women’s and girls’ teams, set to open next year. This venue will also serve as a training base for national squads ahead of the women’s T20 World Cup. Middlesex Women, currently in tier two of the new county structure, are aiming for promotion to tier one by 2029.
