The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is on the verge of a groundbreaking move as it prepares to sell stakes in its popular cricket competition, The Hundred. The final match of the tournament's fifth staging is scheduled for 31 August, marking a significant milestone in the competition's evolution. The ECB has reported initial interest from over 100 potential buyers, which has now been narrowed down to approximately 15 bidders. This critical step could potentially generate hundreds of millions of pounds, with proceeds benefiting the 18 first-class counties and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
The stakes sale follows the ECB's confirmation last May of its intention to sell portions of The Hundred teams. Each of the eight teams hosts has been granted a 51% stake in their respective franchises, which they can choose to sell or retain. The remaining 49% will be sold by the ECB. This strategic move aims to secure financial sustainability for English cricket for generations to come.
The eight hosts include Lord's (MCC/London Spirit), The Oval (Surrey/Oval Invincibles), Southampton (Hampshire/Southern Brave), Cardiff (Glamorgan/Welsh Fire), Trent Bridge (Nottinghamshire/Trent Rockets), Edgbaston (Warwickshire/Birmingham Phoenix), Old Trafford (Lancashire/Manchester Originals), and Headingley (Yorkshire/Northern Superchargers). The ECB has shortlisted between two and four bidders for each franchise, with some investors expressing interest in more than one team.
"We are looking to create the blend of the best eight partners that can help the tournament grow and also use this process to raise funds that will create financially sustainable gain for a generation to come," stated Banerjee, reflecting the strategic aspirations behind the sales.
"We are looking to create the blend of the best eight partners that can help the tournament grow and also use this process to raise funds that will create financially sustainable gain for a generation to come." – Banerjee
In a bid to diversify investment sources, the ECB has engaged with a range of potential investors, including owners of Premier League football clubs and Indian Premier League (IPL) teams. This approach aims to leverage expertise from other sports industries to enhance The Hundred's growth and appeal.
"It's a really exciting moment. I do think this will help the whole game grow at quite a rate." – Banerjee
The upcoming season is deemed "transitional" by the ECB, with significant changes anticipated in 2026, including alterations to team names, colors, and branding. The 2025 season is set to commence with a highly anticipated London derby between London Spirit and Oval Invincibles at Lord's on 5 August.
The tournament's structure includes an Eliminator match between the second and third-placed teams in the standings, scheduled for the day before the final at The Oval. Unlike the final, this match does not have a provision for a reserve day.
"We've got a real variety in our shortlist. It's a really exciting moment. I do think this will help the whole game grow at quite a rate." – Banerjee
Banerjee emphasized the potential benefits of learning from other sports that have successfully implemented similar investment strategies. This experience will likely contribute to accelerated growth for The Hundred and broader cricketing community.
"It's an opportunity for us to learn from other sports that have done it, and done it really well. I do think this will help the whole game grow at quite a rate." – Banerjee
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