Sutherland's comments come less than a week after Cricket ACT boss Cameron French said Canberra would be ready to swing into action should the BBL be expanded.

Canberra has hosted just one BBL game in the competition's short history, when a sell-out crowd of 11,837 witnessed a final-ball thriller in the BBL|04 final at Manuka Oval.

Canberra is one of a number of regions expressing interest in a BBL team, but increasing the number of games is first on Cricket Australia's agenda.

The ACT government are pushing to host a BBL game next summer as compensation for Canberra being left off the international schedule, despite a four-year deal with Cricket Australia to have internationals played in the capital.

Canberra could have a BBL team of its own in two years' time with expansion a chance to take place in the 2018-19 season.

It would be the icing on the cake in a landmark season with Manuka Oval scheduled to host its first Test that same summer.

"We certainly like the fact that people are very keen to have their own team," Sutherland said on ABC Grandstand.

"We've got interest from all different parts of the country - Gold Coast, Canberra, Geelong, Fremantle.

"I think our inclination is first we'll probably expand the number of games before we expand the number of teams. At the same time we do think it's merely a formality that we will expand the competition.

"We have seen other sports and other codes do that. We don't feel we need to do it for the same strategic reasons as they do or have done, but at the same time we'll carefully think that through and make sure we get it right."

Christmas Day is increasingly being seen as a window of opportunity and more games could see the date used to host a BBL game.

The BBL is beamed into lounge rooms around the country almost every night for six weeks but Cricket Australia have an eye on mimicking the success of American sports.

It looks unlikely the landmark move would take place next season but Sutherland says "there is a growing sentiment" it could happen down the track.

"We need to think about the right venue for it, and we also need to consult widely," Sutherland said.

"I think it is an opportunity and it would be a good thing for the game and for cricket fans around the country."

While Australian Test great Michael Hussey says the concept could be a tough sell for players, Sutherland says "it's part of the job".

"The Australian cricket team come in a few days before Christmas and they're here [in Melbourne]," Sutherland said.

"It's part and parcel of what happens as a professional cricketer today. I think that's a concern or a matter we'll talk through.

"The reality is a lot of cricketers are on the move at that time of year anyway."