Major Franchise Valuation Milestone for The Hundred

The recent acquisition of Southern Brave by the co-owners of Indian Premier League (IPL) side Delhi Capitals has significantly elevated the total valuation of The Hundred’s eight franchises to over £900m. This marks a pivotal moment for the competition, reflecting growing investor confidence and the league’s strategic alignment with global cricket giants.

Deal Structure and Financial Impact

GMR Group, which took over host county Hampshire last year, finalized the purchase of Southern Brave in the latest auction, valuing the franchise at approximately £98m. This transaction contributes to the cumulative valuation of The Hundred franchises, now standing at around £920m. The financial influx, totaling £550m, is set to be distributed among the 18 county teams, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), and domestic cricket initiatives, bolstering the sport's infrastructure across England and Wales.

IPL Connections and Strategic Partnerships

The involvement of IPL entities in The Hundred continues to expand, with four out of the eight franchises now linked to IPL teams. This aligns with the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) vision for a diverse investor base, blending domestic and international stakeholders. Notable deals include:

• Oval Invincibles: Mumbai Indians’ owners secured a 49% stake for £60m, with Surrey retaining the remaining 51%.
• Birmingham Phoenix: Knighthead Capital acquired a 49% share for £40m.
• Welsh Fire: IT entrepreneur Sanjay Govil purchased a 49% stake for £40m.

High-Profile Transactions and Future Prospects

Among the most significant deals was the £145m investment led by Nikesh Arora for a 49% share in London Spirit. Lancashire sold 70% of Manchester Originals to Lucknow Super Giants’ owners for £81m, while Yorkshire’s Northern Superchargers were fully acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Sun Group for over £100m. Chelsea owner Todd Boehly also entered the fray, acquiring a 49% stake in Trent Rockets for nearly £40m.

Transitional Phase and Potential Rebranding

The ECB has indicated that the 2025 season will serve as a transitional period, with no immediate substantial changes expected. However, subsequent adjustments, including potential rebranding of team names, colors, and logos, are anticipated during the following winter. This strategic evolution aims to enhance The Hundred’s appeal and solidify its position in the global cricket landscape.