£520 Million Boost for English Cricket as The Hundred Attracts Global Investors

Landmark franchise sales deliver funding lifeline and position the sport for growth on and off the field

ECB Secures Majority of The Hundred Franchise Sales

English cricket is set for a transformative windfall, as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirms the sale of stakes in six out of eight teams in its flagship short-format tournament, The Hundred. The deals, expected to be officially announced this week, have already raised the bulk of a £520 million cash injection for the sport.

Franchises with completed sales include:

• Birmingham Phoenix
• London Spirit
• Manchester Originals
• Northern Superchargers
• Southern Brave
• Welsh Fire

The two remaining teams—Oval Invincibles and Trent Rockets—are expected to finalise deals by 1 October.

Record-Breaking Investment Valuation Nears £1 Billion

This funding comes after an auction earlier in the year valued the eight Hundred franchises at a combined £975 million, making it one of the most valuable commercial properties in cricket history.

Major investors include:

• Tech billionaires from Google and Microsoft
• India’s Sun TV Network, which acquired 100% of the Northern Superchargers
• The Ambani family, owners of the Mumbai Indians, in talks to rebrand the Oval Invincibles

With the ECB retaining full control over the tournament’s structure, while franchises maintain rights to team branding and commercial direction, this hybrid model aims to balance innovation with tradition.

Strategic Wins for English Cricket and Grassroots Development

The proceeds of the £520m windfall will be spread across:

• All 18 professional county clubs
• £50 million earmarked for grassroots cricket
• Debt relief for struggling counties still recovering from years of financial pressure

The ECB also retains the exclusive window to host The Hundred annually and has agreed not to launch any competing short-form competition while it remains active. Investors will, however, have veto power over future expansions—ensuring long-term planning input from stakeholders.

How This Investment Will Boost the Game and Markets

This level of investment is expected to:

• Elevate the status of The Hundred globally, especially in markets like India and the U.S.
• Drive higher broadcast revenues and enhanced digital engagement
• Attract top-tier international players due to better funding and fanbase expansion

With deeper commercial backing, more tech-driven match-day experiences, and improved facilities, cricket in England is primed for modernisation and growth.

Investor Opportunities: Who Stands to Gain?

As elite investors move into The Hundred, there could be rising interest in:

• Sponsorship and merchandising firms aligned with the franchises
• Sports tech startups offering analytics, wearable tech, and fan engagement solutions
• Broadcast and streaming platforms targeting short-form cricket content

Publicly traded companies connected to cricket—from sports apparel brands to media outlets—could also experience share price momentum as the tournament grows in global stature.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for English Cricket

The £520 million franchise sale marks a historic turning point for English cricket. More than just a short-term financial boost, it lays the foundation for a sustainable, globally competitive ecosystem—on and off the field.

With elite investors on board, a new generation of fans engaged, and grassroots cricket set for revival, The Hundred may yet prove to be cricket’s most valuable innovation. For investors and fans alike, the game has never looked more promising.

Sources: (SKY.com, BBC.co.uk)