Standing as the only team in a small market amongst the six-team Major League Cricket, the Seattle Orcas have a bold vision for their brand. #MajorLeagueCricket #UnitedStates
The Orcas’ Ambitious Plan
Drawing inspiration from the Dallas Cowboys, who are recognized as the world’s most profitable sports team by Forbes, the Orcas are striving to become the nation’s pride in Major League Cricket MLC – a profitable T20 league that has just embarked on its crucial second season.
The Inspiration Behind the ‘Pod Squad’
Much like the Seattle Sounders’ fanbase in Major League Soccer, the Orcas have managed to gather a passionate group of fans, fondly referred to as the ‘Pod Squad’. This nationwide fan group exemplifies the Orcas’ ambition to extend their influence beyond just Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
The Advantage of Being in a Small Market
Despite being in a small market compared to other franchises located in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, the Orcas have a unique advantage.
The team’s location has garnered them more press coverage than their rivals, helping to raise their profile whilst also focusing on grassroots development to grow the sport.
Community Engagement and Development
The Orcas are committed to fostering a cricketing culture from the ground up. They’ve launched initiatives like ‘cricket in a box’ to introduce the sport to schools, aiming to showcase cricket as a potential career path for children.
Future Plans and Expectations
The Orcas have big plans for the future, which include establishing their own cricket stadium by the 2026 season. They also aim to make a mark in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will be making its first appearance since 1900.
Conclusion
With star players like Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, and Aaron Jones, creating a cricket franchise in Seattle has become a dream come true for India-born co-owner Soma Somasegar. He believes in the potential of cricket in America and is excited about the journey ahead.
Picture credit: CC BY-NC 2.0, via Flickr
