Middlesex County Cricket Club is in advanced negotiations with two international investment groups to secure funding for a permanent home away from Lord's, with Uxbridge Cricket Club in west London emerging as the preferred site for a new ground and training base.
A source involved in the discussions said the proposals are not mutually exclusive, and a final decision is expected by the end of the year. The club aims to stage around 70% of its men's matches at Lord's, while using the new venue for the remainder.
Middlesex has been seeking external investment for about 18 months and appointed Oakvale Capital in February to review its ownership. The club resolved to seek a financial partnership for a new ground rather than sell a stake, which could have been blocked by members.
The club has received interest from global groups already invested in sport, including the NFL and Indian Premier League, prioritising investors with a sporting background over private equity firms. Middlesex is also in talks with Marylebone Cricket Club to extend its 12-month lease at Lord's, which expires at the end of the summer, though financial terms are yet to be agreed.
MCC remains committed to the landlord-tenant relationship dating back to 1877, but increasing domestic cricket demands, including the growth of women's cricket and the Hundred competition, are putting pressure on Lord's availability. Middlesex has used Radlett, Merchant Taylors' School, and Chelmsford for fixtures this season, but Uxbridge has not hosted a match since 2017 due to needed development.
Separately, Middlesex has begun work on a new venue for its women's and girls' operation in Brentford, set to open next year and serve as a training base for national teams in the women's T20 World Cup. Middlesex Women currently play in tier two of the new county set-up but hope for promotion to an expanded tier one by 2029.
