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July 31, 2025

ECB Secures Franchise Deals for Six of Eight Hundred Teams

ECB Secures Franchise Deals for Six of Eight Hundred Teams
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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially finalised franchise partnerships for six out of the eight teams in The Hundred, marking a transformative moment in the competition’s evolution and funding structure.

The completed deals involve the following teams and investors:

  • London Spirit – Tech Titans consortium (49%)
     
  • Birmingham Phoenix – Knighthead Capital Management (49%)
     
  • Manchester Originals – RPSG Group (70%)
     
  • Northern Superchargers – Sun TV Network (100%)
     
  • Southern Brave – GMR Group (49%)
     
  • Welsh Fire – Washington Freedom (50%)
     

The remaining two franchises—Oval Invincibles and Trent Rockets—are expected to close their deals later in the year, with both agreements considered "on track".

Financial Impact & Strategic Significance

  • Valuation boost: These six transactions raise the collective value of The Hundred franchises to £975 million, with the ECB expecting to invest over £500 million back into the English and Welsh cricket ecosystem—of which £50 million is earmarked for grassroots development.
     
  • Operational shift: New investors will formally assume operational control from 1 October 2025, while the ECB retains overall ownership and regulatory authority over the competition.
     
  • Long-term structure: A new Hundred Board—comprising representatives from the ECB, host counties, and investor groups—will guide strategic, commercial, and regulatory decisions, covering aspects like sponsorship, player retention, and scheduling.
     

Why It Matters

  1. Sustainable growth: This windfall alleviates financial burdens across the county cricket structure and strengthens grassroots investment.
     
  2. Global momentum: Heavy strategic investment from groups like Tech Titans and GMR underscores The Hundred’s appeal and positions it as the second-most valuable cricket league globally.
     
  3. Women’s game uplift: Many investors have committed to elevating the profile and reach of the women’s competition, aligning with ECB’s inclusivity goals.
     

What’s Next

  • Remaining deals for Oval Invincibles (Reliance Group) and Trent Rockets (Cain International & Ares Management) are expected to be finalised by September 2025.
     
  • The 2025 edition of The Hundred will run from 5–31 August, with the new partnerships taking effect after the season.
     

This franchise milestone is more than a commercial victory—it’s a watershed moment that bridges tradition with innovation, reinforcing The Hundred as a central pillar of England and Wales cricket’s future.


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