IPL franchises in focus as ECB begins process of private investment into The Hundred

Sept. 6, 2024, 12:59 p.m.

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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officially began the process to secure private investment into its flagship white-ball league ‘The Hundred’.

The news was first reported last month and has been confirmed in an official statement by the English board. They are eager to attract investment from several Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises and other parties.

The board also has reportedly approached National Football League (NFL) teams for investment, and have claimed their announcement of the process has “sparked global interest from a variety of investors”.

While the focus will be on IPL teams with existing international T20 league ventures, a report in The Guardian on August 16th stated that IPL franchises can rebrand teams in The Hundred even if they don't have majority ownership. The report suggests that even minority investments could significantly influence these teams.

The ECB anticipates bids from all 10 IPL franchises for The Hundred teams. The Ambani family-owned Mumbai Indians are expected to submit a substantial bid for the London Spirit.

From 2025, the eight top-tier professional women's county teams will compete in the Vitality Blast women's competition and Metro Bank One Day Cup women's competition.

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— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) September 5, 2024 According to Sky Sports, the County hosts of the eight teams will be given a 51 per cent stake, which they can either keep or sell. The remaining 49 per cent will be sold by the ECB.

The board further stated that the funds generated from the sale of the 49 percent stakes in the eight teams will subsequently be distributed amongst the First-Class counties, the Marylebone Cricket Club, and the recreational game.

In its release, the ECB also added that it will be holding discussions with 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.”

Advertisement “This represents the most substantial private investment opportunity in the history of cricket in our nation, and there has never been a more opportune time for partners to participate in our sport. Cricket's global appeal continues to rise, and in England and Wales, we have witnessed record-breaking engagement with the sport.

“We are excited about the future of The Hundred and the opportunity we have to build an iconic competition for players and fans, while underpinning the long-term growth of the domestic game,” ECB Director of Business Operations Vikram Banerjee said in the release.

The board is anticipated to make a formal announcement regarding the private investment before the fifth season of the 100-ball league begins in 2025.

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