Its not new money going to be generated by this as its completely cannibalistic, with it running concurrently it will take money away from the shires. People who watch this, will be the same as those who would otherwise have watched the Blast. very few 'new' fans will go to watch it. Unless they give tickets away, you will still see half full grounds at Sofia Gardens, the Ageas, Trent Bridge, Old Trafford, Edgbaston, Headingley and the Riverside (if used). Indeed Warwickshires name change in T20 has had. I remember reading, 0 to negative impact on attendances and aliented countless members.
The Oval and Lords will always sell out or be close to as its an easy after work jolly up, and will remain so regardless of who's playing.
You have to think there will be 2 London teams (regardless of what people are saying on here, I'm sure the Oval and Lords will be hosts, if not the Olympic stadium will be used), Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Cardiff, Nottingham, Southampton. That's 8 teams already. Maybe Durham labelled as Newcastle in stead of one of them, although no idea whom as Cardiff is seen as strategic.
We are hard done by, but even more so are West Country fans as there nearest team will be Cardiff, unless they roam via Bristol and unlikely Taunton, as a Western Wanderers side.
I cannot see how it will work in any way as the demographics are completely different here to Oz, most people do not live in cities, and by centralising it in cities you are taking away access from most if the population. Not to mention alienating countless existing followers in places like York's and Lancs - Scousers wont support a Manchester team and most of York's will hate a Leeds team.
The whole scheme is a disgusting short term blinkered greedfest, driven by those who want to destroy county cricket in all forms as we know it, supported by ex players who have benefitted from it yet now despise it, Atherton Strauss, Willis, Vaughan etc.
Graves is a disgusting human being successful yet, but a horrible person and Harrison is little better. They have got their wish however and will have destroyed the shires and the county game long term as we know it.
Its inevitable long term, the counties will become semi professional, as the minor counties are now, with all cricket played in regions/cities or franchises. At least when that happens the existing 1st class counties along with the current minor counties will form a truly national competition, albeit it semi pro at best. At least then 'festivals', well at least more grounds, will be used you would think but it will be a pale imitation of what we have now.
Sad times.
