'Taking people for fools' - Gloucestershire to rebrand as Bristol for T20 Blast
Summary
Gloucestershire Cricket plans to play its men’s and women’s T20 Blast teams under a Bristol identity from 2027, while keeping Gloucestershire as the club’s overall name. The club says the change aims to attract new audiences and address falling Blast ticket revenue; some members and supporters oppose the move, saying it risks weakening the county club’s heritage.Key Facts
- The club has played as Gloucestershire since 1870.
- The new Bristol T20 name, kit and logo are expected to be announced with the 2027 fixtures on 24 November.
- The Blast generates 20% of the club’s ticketing revenue, and its revenue fell 21% in 2026 compared with 2025.
- The club said it consulted players, members, stakeholders and the England and Wales Cricket Board over several months.
- Gloucestershire won the T20 Blast for the first time in 2024, beating Somerset at Edgbaston.
- Life member Tim Lezzard criticized the rebrand, saying it could erase the club’s history and detach supporters.
- Warwickshire returned its T20 team from the Birmingham Bears name to the Warwickshire Bears banner in 2026.
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