LONDON — The Hundred, England's fast-paced cricket competition, has quickly become a fan favorite since its launch in 2021. But who actually owns the eight teams competing in the tournament? BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team delves into the ownership structures behind each franchise.
Unlike traditional county cricket, The Hundred features privately owned teams with a mix of investors, including sports franchises, private equity firms, and even former cricketers. The league's model mirrors other global T20 competitions, blending cricket with entertainment to attract a broader audience.
The Teams and Their Owners
1. Birmingham Phoenix
Owned by Warwickshire County Cricket Club, Birmingham Phoenix benefits from the county's deep-rooted cricket heritage. The club's CEO, Stuart Cain, emphasized the team's community focus: "Our goal is to make cricket accessible to everyone in the West Midlands, and The Hundred is a perfect platform for that."
2. London Spirit
London Spirit is owned by MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club), the guardians of the Laws of Cricket. The team plays at Lord's, adding prestige to its profile. MCC Chief Executive Guy Lavender stated: "Lord's is the home of cricket, and we’re proud to bring The Hundred to this historic venue."
3. Oval Invincibles
The Oval Invincibles are owned by Surrey County Cricket Club, one of the wealthiest counties in English cricket. Surrey’s CEO, Steve Elworthy, highlighted the team's ambition: "We want to dominate The Hundred and showcase the best of South London’s talent."
4. Manchester Originals
Owned by Lancashire Cricket Club, Manchester Originals have strong ties to Old Trafford. The club’s director of cricket, Mark Chilton, noted: "The Hundred allows us to engage with a younger, diverse audience in Greater Manchester."
5. Northern Superchargers
The Northern Superchargers are co-owned by Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club. This unique partnership blends cricket and rugby expertise. Yorkshire’s chair, Lord Patel, said: "Collaborating with the Rhinos brings fresh energy to our cricket operations."
6. Southern Brave
Southern Brave is owned by Hampshire County Cricket Club, with additional investment from Solly’s Sports, a private equity firm. Hampshire’s CEO, David Mann, explained: "Private investment has allowed us to enhance our fan experience and facilities."
7. Trent Rockets
Trent Rockets are owned by Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, with partial ownership by the Badminton Group, a local hospitality company. Notts’ director of cricket, Mick Newell, remarked: "The Hundred has revitalized cricket in Nottingham, and we’re proud to be part of it."
8. Welsh Fire
Welsh Fire is jointly owned by Glamorgan County Cricket Club and the Welsh Rugby Union. This cross-sport collaboration aims to boost cricket’s profile in Wales. Glamorgan’s CEO, Hugh Morris, said: "The Hundred is a game-changer for Welsh cricket, and we’re excited to be involved."
The Business Behind The Hundred
The Hundred’s ownership model is designed to attract investment while maintaining ties to traditional cricket counties. Key features include:
- Revenue sharing between the ECB and team owners
- Private equity opportunities for external investors
- Long-term partnerships with host venues
The league has also attracted high-profile sponsors, including Coca-Cola and Vitality, further boosting its commercial appeal. ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould commented: "The Hundred is not just about cricket; it’s about creating a sustainable future for the sport."
Controversies and Challenges
Despite its success, The Hundred has faced criticism. Some traditionalists argue it undermines county cricket, while others question the ownership transparency. Former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted: "The Hundred needs to clarify its long-term vision. Who benefits most—the counties or the private investors?"
The ECB has defended the model, stating that profits are reinvested into grassroots cricket. A spokesperson said: "Every penny generated by The Hundred goes back into the game, ensuring its growth at all levels."
Conclusion
The Hundred’s ownership reflects a modern approach to cricket, blending tradition with innovation. While questions remain, the league’s popularity suggests it’s here to stay. As BBC Sport’s analysis shows, the teams are in the hands of a mix of cricket institutions and private investors, each with a stake in the tournament’s future.
For fans, the key takeaway is simple: The Hundred is more than just cricket—it’s a business, a spectacle, and a bold experiment in the sport’s evolution. Whether it succeeds in the long term will depend on how well these ownership structures balance profit with the spirit of the game.