Cricket West Indies and Caribbean Cage Forge Decade-Long Partnership

This landmark agreement between Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Caribbean CAGE marks a pivotal moment for the future of West Indies cricket, promising a substantial influx of revenue to bolster the sport’s development and strengthen its ecosystem across the region. The long-term strategic alliance, endorsed by eight CARICOM governments, is projected to be the largest commercial deal ever signed by CWI, signifying a significant investment in revitalizing West Indies cricket and restoring it to its former glory. The partnership is designed not only to financially empower the men’s and women’s teams but also to contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the Caribbean community.

The core of this agreement lies in the generation of significant recurring revenue streams for CWI and participating Caribbean governments. Caribbean CAGE, the largest operator of video lottery, video gaming terminals, and licensed sports betting in the Caribbean, will leverage its extensive network and expertise to channel funds towards cricket development. This will translate into increased tax revenues for the governments involved, enabling them to further invest in educational, sporting, and cultural initiatives, thereby enriching the lives of their citizens. The collaboration represents a shared commitment to rebuilding West Indies cricket as a global powerhouse and leveraging its unifying power within the Caribbean.

The partnership is more than just a financial arrangement; it represents a strategic alignment of interests to promote sustainable growth and development within the region. Robert L. Johnson, Co-Founder and Majority Shareholder of Caribbean CAGE LLC, emphasizes the transformative potential of the agreement, highlighting its ability to positively impact the lives of Caribbean people and create greater socio-economic opportunities through cricket, a sport deeply ingrained in the region’s cultural identity. This sentiment underscores the belief that cricket, beyond its sporting significance, serves as a platform for positive change and development.

Bob Washington, CEO of Caribbean CAGE and a veteran with four decades of experience in the Caribbean across various sectors, expressed confidence in the groundbreaking nature of the deal. He believes this agreement holds the key to propelling West Indies cricket back to the pinnacle of the cricketing world. Furthermore, he highlights the agreement’s potential to address the issue of unregulated gaming in the region. By establishing a legitimate and licensed framework for sports betting and iGaming, the partnership aims to eliminate the grey market and unlicensed operators who currently operate without contributing taxes or license fees to Caribbean governments.

The implementation of this agreement, effective from April 1, 2025, marks a new era for West Indies cricket. The projected revenue streams are not only expected to elevate the performance of the national teams but also to strengthen the cricketing infrastructure at the grassroots level. This holistic approach, encompassing both elite and developmental aspects of the game, is crucial for creating a sustainable and thriving cricketing ecosystem. The partnership’s success will hinge on effective collaboration between CWI, Caribbean CAGE, and participating governments, ensuring that the generated resources are strategically deployed to maximize their impact.

This partnership represents a significant step towards securing the long-term future of West Indies cricket. It goes beyond the traditional sponsorship model, establishing a strategic alliance that generates sustainable revenue streams while simultaneously contributing to the economic well-being of the Caribbean community. The agreement’s success will be measured not only by the on-field performance of the West Indies teams but also by its contribution to the overall development and prosperity of the region, fulfilling the shared vision of a stronger, more vibrant Caribbean through the unifying power of cricket. The agreement’s innovative approach to generating revenue through regulated gaming also sets a precedent for other sporting organizations seeking sustainable funding models.