Launched in 2021, The Hundred was the English Cricket Board’s bold experiment to bring franchise cricket to the domestic stage, facing its fair share of critics who questioned both its relevance and format.
Breaking away from the traditional county system, the tournament regionalized cricket in England and Wales into eight teams, adopting a model that had already proven successful in India and Australia. The major talking point was the departure from conventional Twenty20 cricket, introducing 100-ball matches as a fresh, fast-paced alternative. This new format quickly became a staple for both domestic and international cricket fans, as well as bookmakers.
Change in top-level sports always meets resistance, and initial skepticism was high. Yet, five seasons on, the tournament has thrived, with the ECB gradually scaling back its direct involvement as intended. With the 2025 edition in full swing, planners are looking ahead to the future of the eight teams as independent, standalone franchises.
Investment Potential
The sports investment landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, with prominent figures across industries recognizing the value of backing sports teams. Success on the field brings revenue, but exposure through broadcasting, sponsorship, and social media significantly boosts a team’s commercial appeal.
Now regarded as the flagship event in domestic cricket for both men and women, The Hundred has attracted the attention of outside investors, seeing potential in each of the eight franchises. Regional loyalty naturally influences who supports which team, and strong crowd attendance at matches has highlighted the tournament’s consistent growth year after year.
What Will The Hundred Look Like in 2026?
Welsh Fire has already been acquired by the owners of Washington Freedom, while the Sun Group, famous for running IPL’s Sunrisers Hyderabad, paid £100 million to take charge of Northern Superchargers.
The Lucknow Super Giants, another IPL powerhouse, have added Manchester Originals to their portfolio, and the GMR Group, owners of Delhi Capitals, have made significant investments in Southern Brave.
With discussions reportedly underway regarding London Spirit and Oval Invincibles, the Hundred is on track to become an integral part of the global franchise cricket network.
From the beginning, the Hundred has focused on delivering high-octane cricket featuring some of the sport’s biggest stars.
As it enters this new phase with overseas investment and expansion, it will be intriguing to see whether the tournament maintains its status as a cornerstone of the English cricketing calendar.
