'Taking people for fools' – Gloucestershire to rebrand as Bristol for T20 Blast

Gloucestershire will compete under the name of Bristol in the T20 Blast from next season in a big to attract new audiences and address falling revenue. Gloucestershire's Jack Taylor lifts the Blast trophy in 2024 but income from the T20 competition has dropped sharply since that success Gloucestershire will no longer compete in the T20 Blast under the county's name, instead rebranding to Bristol from 2027. The club have played all formats of the county game since 1870 as Gloucestershire but are taking the strategic decision to change identity in a bid to "reach a new audience" to address falling ticket revenue and heralded it as 'an exciting new chapter.' The club revealed their intentions in a club strategy meeting for members in the Grace Room in the pavilion at Bristol's Seat Unique Stadium on Wednesday night, with another meeting set for Thursday evening in Cheltenham to discuss the plans.

Neil Priscott, the club's chief executive officer, and Jenny Hall, head of audience development, informed members of the club's strategic direction and future plans, with members of the club board also in attendance. Priscott told members they plan to "invest in Gloucestershire's future – strengthening our club identity as we pursue our top-eight ambition, while creating a distinct Bristol-based T20 team to reach a new audience." While overall attendances are