ECB Opens Door To Private Investment In The Hundred

The Hundred [X.com]The Hundred [X.com]

On Friday, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the opening of its process to secure private investment for the eight teams competing in The Hundred. This initiative aims to enhance the future of the competition by attracting strategic partners. 

Recently, reports surfaced that investors from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the USA’s National Football League (NFL) are interested in acquiring stakes in The Hundred’s teams.

Structure of Investment and Teams Involved

The ECB has proposed a 49% private investment opportunity in each team, while the host teams will retain a majority stake of 51%. The competition's popularity, especially in the men's and women's categories, has soared, with Oval Invincibles and London Spirit winning the 2024 finals. 

Other teams include Birmingham Phoenix, Trent Rockets, Welsh Fire, Southern Brave, Northern Superchargers, and Manchester Originals.

Deloitte and the Raine Group are serving as co-financial advisers for the investment process, while legal support is being provided by Latham & Watkins and Onside Law LLP. Announcements regarding the first round of private investments are expected in 2025.

“With the competition now thriving, incoming investors will act as strategic partners for its future success, bringing best-in-class knowledge and expertise to grow the popularity of The Hundred with fans and players around the world.

“Over the coming months, the ECB will work collaboratively with the host County Cricket Clubs to assess the suitability of prospective partners, their values and their ambitions for the team of interest, as well as the wider competition.

“The proceeds from the sale will be shared across the recreational and professional game, securing its long-term financial sustainability across England and Wales and upholding the growth of women’s cricket and the grassroots game,” said ECB in a statement.

ECB Director's Vision for the Future of The Hundred

The Hundred has seen tremendous success, particularly in growing women’s cricket. In 2024, over one million fans attended the women’s competition, breaking global records for total attendance. Of the total 540,000 tickets sold, 31% were purchased by women, and 23% by juniors.

Vikram Banerjee, ECB Director of Business Operations, is leading the investment process and believes that The Hundred is entering an exciting new chapter. 

Commenting on the global interest from potential investors, Banerjee said, “Since announcing our intent to launch this process, we’ve received a phenomenal level of interest from a diverse mix of investors globally. Our priority over the coming months will be to select partners that share our passion and vision for the future of The Hundred, with the expertise to take the competition to the next level.”