In a groundbreaking move, Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad has become the first entity to fully own an English cricket team by acquiring the Northern Superchargers for £100 million. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the evolving landscape of cricket, reflecting the increasing globalization and financial integration within the sport.
The Sun Group, owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad, have secured 100% ownership of the Leeds-based Northern Superchargers, making them the first organization to wholly own a team in The Hundred. This move sets a precedent, as previous investments by IPL franchises in The Hundred involved partial stakes.
Yorkshire County Cricket Club, the host of the Northern Superchargers, views this acquisition as a strategic alignment with their vision for long-term success. This sentiment is echoed by the ECB which invited and investment in the team’s in order to generate substantial revenue from the sale of some portions of its domestic competition.
This deal is also expected to alleviate Yorkshire’s financial burdens, particularly a £15 million debt owed to a trust established by chairman Colin Graves.
The acquisition by Sunrisers Hyderabad is part of a broader trend of IPL franchises investing in The Hundred. The Ambani family, through Reliance Industries, has acquired a 49% stake in the Oval Invincibles, while RPSG Group, owners of the Lucknow Super Giants, have invested in the Manchester Originals.
The Hundred’s New Owners:
| Team | New Owner(s) | Stake | Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Spirit | Consortium (Google, Microsoft, Adobe) | 49% | £145 million |
| Oval Invincibles | Ambani Family | 49% | £60 million |
| Birmingham Phoenix | Knighthead Capital | 49% | £40 million |
| Manchester Originals | RPSG Group | 70% | £81 million |
| Welsh Fire | Sanjay Govil (Washington Freedom) | 49% | £40 million |
| Northern Superchargers | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 100% | £100 million |
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