Staggering Investment in The Hundred! ECB Set to Receive Over £500 Million

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that it has finalized strategic partnership agreements for the first six franchises of The Hundred, marking the UK’s first major sporting competition to undergo such a wide-scale franchising model.

The ECB also confirmed that the remaining two franchise agreements—for Oval Invincibles and Trent Rockets—are expected to be completed soon. Once all deals are finalized, the total investment is expected to exceed £500 million, a significant portion of which will be channeled into professional county teams and grassroots cricket development.

Finalized Franchise Deals:

London Spirit – Tech Titans (49%)

Birmingham Phoenix – Knighthead Capital Management (49%)

Manchester Originals – RPSG Group (70%)

Northern Superchargers – Sun TV Network Ltd (100%)

Southern Brave – GMR Group (49%)

Welsh Fire – Washington Freedom (50%)

Upcoming Deals:

Oval Invincibles – Reliance Group (49%)

Trent Rockets – Cain International & Ares Management (49%)

The combined valuation of these eight franchise agreements exceeds £975 million, making it the largest commercial venture in the history of cricket in England and Wales.

ECB Chairman Richard Thompson said:

“The Hundred has already grown the game in England and Wales, attracted new audiences, and helped elevate women’s cricket. This investment will not only enhance the competition but will strengthen the overall cricket structure across the country—making the game more inclusive and accessible.”

Key Highlights:

ECB will retain full ownership of The Hundred.

A new ‘The Hundred Board’ will be formed, including ECB and investor representatives.

This board will oversee player salaries, sponsorship, and player drafts, among other commercial matters.

Operational control will transfer to franchise investors on October 1, 2025.

Fund Allocation Breakdown:

£50 million earmarked for grassroots cricket development

Remaining funds will support professional county teams’ growth and operations

Global Investment Footprint:

Prominent international entities from India, the USA, UAE, and the UK are involved, including:

Reliance, Sun TV, RPSG, GMR, Tech Titans, Knighthead, Cain & Ares, and Washington Freedom

This strategic move opens a new chapter in the history of English cricket, ensuring a sustainable, globally integrated future for the game at both elite and grassroots levels.