The Hundred’s Franchise Race Nears Final Stage
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that the race to acquire stakes in The Hundred franchises has entered its final phase. Among the contenders are four Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises and a global consortium of tech leaders, with all shortlisted investors set to submit binding financial bids.
Ownership stakes in The Hundred’s eight teams will be determined by the highest bids, with new franchise owners set to take over from the 2026 season onwards.
IPL Franchises Eyeing Strategic Expansions
Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and Delhi Capitals co-owners GMR Group are among the IPL franchises vying for ownership. GMR Group, fresh from acquiring a majority stake in Hampshire, has already demonstrated its commitment to English cricket.
Mumbai Indians are particularly active, showing interest in both the London-based Oval Invincibles and Manchester Originals franchises. Manchester Originals, known for their strong sporting culture, have attracted multiple suitors, with the host county Lancashire reportedly willing to grant operational control to new owners.
Tech Titans Enter the Fray
A consortium of global tech leaders, spearheaded by Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks, has emerged as a serious contender. This group features industry heavyweights such as Sundar Pichai (Google), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Shantanu Narayen (Adobe), and Egon Durban (Silver Lake Management). Their focus has been on the London Spirit franchise, which calls the iconic Lord’s cricket ground its home.
London Teams Dominate Interest
The two London-based teams, Oval Invincibles and London Spirit, are the most sought-after in the bidding process. Mumbai Indians and the tech consortium are head-to-head for the Invincibles, while Lancer Capital, led by Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer, has shown interest in both London franchises.
Sanjeev Goenka’s RPSG Group, owner of IPL’s Lucknow Super Giants, is also in contention for London Spirit as well as Manchester Originals.
Sunrisers Hyderabad and Other Bidders
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s owners, Sun Group, have been shortlisted for three teams: Trent Rockets, Northern Superchargers, and Welsh Fire. Meanwhile, CVC Capital Partners, owners of the IPL’s Gujarat Titans, are eyeing Birmingham Phoenix.
However, not all IPL franchises are optimistic about the league’s future. Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings have reportedly withdrawn, citing concerns over The Hundred’s business model and projected media rights revenue.
Challenges in Securing Returns
Despite the widespread interest, some experts remain cautious about financial returns on investment. Concerns about the ECB’s revenue projections and the viability of the league’s business model have tempered enthusiasm among potential investors.
A New Era for English Cricket
The ECB’s move to sell 49% stakes in each franchise has attracted over 100 initial investors, a testament to the global appeal of The Hundred. The final bidding process marks a significant turning point in English cricket, promising to reshape its commercial landscape while solidifying its global connections.
The outcome of this process will reveal not only the new stakeholders but also the future direction of English cricket in a rapidly evolving sporting world.(online casino real money)