The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining balance and diversity in ownership as the sale of stakes in The Hundred progresses as after the second round of bids passed, substantial interest has emerged, particularly from Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises and American investors.
Eight out of ten IPL franchises have actively participated in the process, exploring opportunities with host counties. Simultaneously, prominent American sports investors, including those with stakes in English football, have shown significant interest.
Notable names include Avram Glazer, co-owner of Manchester United, who submitted two bids, and Cain International, co-founded by Chelsea co-owner Jonathan Goldstein. Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny, co-owners of Wrexham AFC, have expressed interest in Welsh Fire, though it remains unclear if they submitted formal bids.
The ECB is keen to raise a minimum of £350 million from the sale, with 49% stakes in each of the eight franchises available. Speaking to international media, ECB Chairman Richard Thompson emphasized the importance of a diverse ownership pool, avoiding an “IPL takeover.”
“This isn’t going to end up being an IPL takeover,” Thompson stated about ECB’s plan for The Hundred. “There’s a huge amount of American money involved—sophisticated investors who understand franchise sport and the potential of cricket’s media rights.”
Tim Bridge, leader of Deloitte’s sports business group and an advisor to the ECB, highlighted a strategic approach to investment. “We’re not just maximizing value; we’re optimizing it for the long-term benefit of cricket,” he noted, signaling the ECB’s intention to prioritize sustainable growth over short-term gains.
The funds raised will be distributed among the 18 counties and MCC, with 10% allocated to grassroots cricket development.
Lancashire, MCC (London Spirit), Surrey (Oval Invincibles), and Warwickshire (Birmingham Phoenix) have expressed interest in retaining majority control of their franchises. Host counties will narrow their choices to two potential partners before entering exclusive negotiations early next year, aiming to finalize contracts by April.
Interest in The Hundred remains robust despite concerns about a potential player boycott related to ECB’s no-objection certificate policy. The involvement of IPL franchise owners, including those of Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders, underscores the tournament’s growing global appeal.
ECB CEO Richard Gould described the sale as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to secure a significant capital injection into English cricket. The board remains optimistic about achieving a successful outcome, with Thompson underscoring cricket’s unique appeal: “The world is realizing the unvalued potential of English cricket, and this process is about unlocking that.”
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