Sports team ownership is seeing a significant shift as high-profile investors, including billionaire businessmen, secure stakes in The Hundred ahead of the upcoming 2025 season. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) initiated this investment opportunity last summer, inviting private investors to join the league, which will return in August.
The eight team hosts have collectively obtained a 51 percent stake, which can be fully sold, partially sold, or retained. The remaining 49 percent of shares are sold by the ECB, with the generated funds benefiting the 18 first-class counties and the MCC.
Valuations for the eight teams in The Hundred are currently estimated at around £950 million. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the latest investments:
Team Investments Overview
| Team | Percentage Sold | Buyer | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Spirit | 49% | US-based tech consortium | £145 million |
| Oval Invincibles | 49% | Ambani family | £60 million |
| Birmingham Phoenix | 49% | Knighthead Capital | £40 million |
| Manchester Originals | 70% | RPSG Group | £81 million |
| Northern Superchargers | 100% | Sun Group | £100 million |
| Welsh Fire | 49% | Sanjay Govil | £40 million |
| Trent Rockets | 49% | Todd Boehly (Cain International) | £40 million |
| Southern Brave | 49% | GMR Group | £48 million |
Birmingham Phoenix
Knighthead Capital has made a £40 million investment in Birmingham Phoenix, a team based at Edgbaston. Warwickshire CEO Stuart Cain highlighted the financial commitment and expertise of Knighthead in elevating high-performance sports.
London Spirit
An 11-member consortium of tech billionaires has secured a 49 percent stake in London Spirit for £145 million. This investment has notably included leaders from major tech companies, showcasing the growing interest from the tech industry in cricket.
Manchester Originals
The RPSG Group, owners of the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, acquired the Manchester Originals, with reports estimating the team’s value at over £100 million.
Northern Superchargers
Sun Group, owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has purchased full ownership of the Northern Superchargers for approximately £100 million, allowing Yorkshire to resolve its significant debts.
Oval Invincibles
Reliance Industries Limited, owners of Mumbai Indians in the IPL, have acquired a stake in the Oval Invincibles, believed to value the entire team at around £125 million.
Southern Brave
The GMR Group, well-known for their involvement in IPL teams, has secured a 49 percent stake in Southern Brave, valuing the team around £98 million.
Trent Rockets
Todd Boehly has purchased a 49 percent stake in Trent Rockets for nearly £40 million, expanding his sports portfolio that includes ownership in various international leagues.
Welsh Fire
Sanjay Govil, backer of the Washington Freedom cricket franchise, acquired a 49 percent stake in Welsh Fire for about £65 million.
As The Hundred approaches its 2025 season, the impact of these investments may significantly reshape the cricketing landscape, attracting more fans and elevating the profile of the sport globally. Watch every match in August live for more thrilling action in The Hundred!
