Seattle Orcas

In November 2021, the Bellevue City Council passed a resolution to support further research into the cost and feasibility for a cricket facility in Seattle.[10] This was followed by a similar resolution passed by the Redmond City Council in January 2022.[11] Shortly thereafter, a motion of support was eventually passed in February of that year to develop a cricket facility in Marymoor Park – which was announced to eventually play host to the Seattle-based MLC franchise once its completion.[8] More information was revealed that April, with the venue set to span 20 acres and host up to 6,000 people.[12]

In May 2022, it was formally announced during a Series A and A1 fundraising round for Major League Cricket that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella – who were among many big-name investors such as Ross Perot Jr. and Tanweer Ahmed – would co-own the Texas franchise cricket team alongside other smaller majority investors such as Soma Somasegar and Sanjay Parthasarathy.[13]

MLC unveiled the logo and team name of the Seattle-based franchise, the Seattle Orcas, prior to the inaugural MLC domestic draft in March 2023.[14] It was also additionally announced its partnership with the GMR Group, who co-owns the Delhi Capitals.[15] Soma Somasegar, who is one of many investors backing the franchise, stated that the Orcas name and colors "pay tribute to our local community [of Seattle] that has helped build that spirit of support".[16]

Prior to the launch of the official season, it was announced the MLC's inaugural domestic draft would take place on March 19, 2023.[17] The Orcas had the first pick of the draft and selected Thunderbolts captain Harmeet Singh as their first overall draft pick.[18] Throughout the draft, the Orcas snapped up the likes of Shehan Jayasuriya, Angelo Perera and Shubham Ranjane while also announcing Mitchell Marsh and Quinton de Kock as two overseas signings set to play for the Orcas.[19]