ECB confirms franchise deals for six Hundred teams; Reliance’s Oval deal pending

The Hundred Franchise Deals Confirmed

Six Teams Secure Investors, Reliance's Oval Deal Pending

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed franchise agreements with six investors for The Hundred tournament. Negotiations are ongoing with two others, including Reliance Group for the Oval Invincibles.

Confirmed Investors

• US-based Tech Titans: 49% stake in London Spirit
• Sanjiv Goenka's RPSG Group: 70% stake in Manchester Originals (to be renamed Manchester SuperGiants)
• Chennai-based Sun TV Network: 100% stake in Northern Superchargers
• GMR Group: 49% stake in Southern Brave
• Sanjay Govil: 50% stake in Welsh Fire
• Knighthead Capital Management, LLC: 49% stake in Birmingham Phoenix

Pending Agreements

• Reliance Group: 49% stake in Oval Invincibles
• Cain International & Ares Management: 49% stake in Trent Rockets

Key Takeaways

• New owners will take operational control from October 1, 2025
• ECB retains full ownership of The Hundred competition
• Eight partnerships represent a valuation of over GBP 975 million
• Over GBP 500 million to be invested in English and Welsh cricket ecosystem
• A new "The Hundred Board" will be established to oversee strategic direction and commercial growth