The Hundred 2026: The Oval Invincibles completed their trilogy of titles at The Hundred Final, stamping their monopoly on the tournament in style. Sam Billings raised the golden ‘H’ trophy over his head, celebrating with teammates, officials, and a range of shareholders at the ground. But just as their celebrations began, lurking in the background was a wave of uncertainty.
While the Oval Invincibles were celebrating, behind-the-scenes conversations were already putting in motion a very different future for the competition.
The Hundred 2026 to Enter New Ownership Era
From next month, subject to paperwork completion, the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) will transfer team operational control to new owners such as Oval Invincibles. In the Invincibles’ case, Surrey County Cricket Club will partner with Reliance Jio, controlled by Akash Ambani.
This is a new era for The Hundred, where private investment forms a key part of the structure of the competition. The implications are massive: new team names, shirts, and sponsorships are all on the cards.
Radical Overhaul Due After The Hundred Final
With The Hundred Final 2025 now completed, the competition is ready for a total revamp:
Read More
A squad rethink, similar to the IPL mega-auction, is likely. Dominant teams like Oval Invincibles (men) and Southern Brave (women) will be split so they are competitive. While teams remain limited in wages, they will have to make strategic decisions in the next draft.
Squad Reset Unavoidable, States Jordan Cox
Jordan Cox, men’s MVP and part of Oval Invincibles’ dominance, confessed that he would be “devastated” to witness the squad being dispersed but realized it’s unavoidable.
“Being three from three, it’s going to be hard to keep the same team unless we’ve got some serious money lying around,” he said.
Possible Rebrand: MI London on the Cards?
Surrey has not officially confirmed the name change but sources indicate the Oval Invincibles will rebrand as MI London, a part of the Mumbai Indians’ international cricket network.
Although the Invincibles brand has only been around for five years, it has proven popular with fans and has developed a genuine identity. If the rebranding goes ahead, however, it marks a larger trend: making The Hundred an explicitly global, franchise-based competition.
Players in Limbo After The Hundred Final
It’s not only the Oval Invincibles uncertain. Northern Superchargers captain Harry Brook disclosed that he had minimal contact with new owners, Sun Group.
“God knows what 2026 will be like. I don’t know if I’ll still be here,” he said.
Format Changes? 100 Balls vs T20 Debate
Speculation on a change to T20 format from the 100-ball format has emerged but is unlikely until the expiration of existing broadcast deals in 2028. Most players, including Cox, think that The Hundred must keep its own identity.
“You’re never going to beat the IPL. This is ideal for English cricket families, friends, children adore it. Why spoil it?” stated Cox.
Read More
The Hundred Final Highlights a Transition Year
This summer was largely seen as one of transition for The Hundred, but still managed to produce good performances:
Ticket sales returned to 2023 levels following a downturn.
TV viewing held steady.
The level of play, particularly in the women’s competition, was high.
Highlight of the day was Davina Perrin’s 101 in the Eliminator, a 42-ball century which exemplified women’s cricket growth through The Hundred. Only 14 when competition began, Perrin’s rise exemplifies the tournament’s increasing influence.
Equal Investment in Women’s Game Still a Question
The double-header schedule, which sees men’s and women’s matches on the same day, will persist until 2026. But increasingly, there’s doubt about whether women’s teams will be treated as equals by new investors.
The Hundred Managing Director Vikram Banerjee maintains investors see it as a “two-for-one” proposition, but players and spectators will be keeping close tabs on whether that is true in reality.
What’s Next for The Hundred After 2025 Final?
The Hundred Final of 2025 was clearly not just the final for this year’s competition; it was also the end of the startup phase. Recent reports suggest The Hundred has raised greater than £500 million in revenue for English cricket. Financially, it has already demonstrated its value.
Now the real challenge begins:
Can the tournament develop without losing its soul?
Will private investment strengthen or water down its vision?
And can The Hundred become a world-respected event up there with the IPL, NFL, or Wimbledon, as the ECB ambitions?
One thing is for sure: The Hundred will be very different in 2026. The “beginning” is at an end. What happens from here will determine its legacy.
ALSO READ: NSC vs SB: Northern Superchargers Win First Title In The Hundred Final 2025
