The Hundred’s financial landscape has changed dramatically on the back of major equity sales and Harry Brook has emerged as perhaps the biggest beneficiary. New investors have arrived, and retentions have been locked in ahead of March’s auction, meaning a host of star players in both the men’s and women’s competitions are in line to earn unprecedented sums.
Harry Brook Cashes in £470,000 Deal with Sunrisers Leeds
England star Harry Brook is in line to make around £470,000, and could become the highest-paid player in The Hundred this summer. Presumptive Brook is currently out of the IPL for two years for pulling out of a Delhi Capitals contract. Now he has opted to commit to England duty and domestic commitments.
He remains skipper of rebranded Sunrisers Leeds, formerly Northern Superchargers, the franchise that wholly purchased Yorkshire’s 51 per cent stake earlier this year. It is a sizeable outlay from Sunrisers, indicative of their wish to keep Brook as the face of their new era.
How New Investments Transformed Player Salaries
Where private investors are now co-running franchises with counties, salary structures have rocketed.
- Top men’s wage band: £125,000 (2024) – £200,000 (2025)
- Top women’s wage band: £50,000 (2024) – £65,000 (2025)
Brook’s near half-million contract represents a fourfold rise in top-tier Hundred salaries inside two years.
New Recruitment Model: from Draft to Auction
The Hundred 2026: All you need to know as new auction system launches:
- Teams can pre-register up to 4 players
- At least 1 must be a retention
- Maximum 2 overseas players
- Maximum 2 England centrally contracted players (2024–26 cycle)
The retention window opened on November 27, and the teams quickly moved to secure their biggest stars. Deductions in salary-cap come into play based on retention numbers, but franchises retain flexibility in how they distribute payments.
Other Major Signings and Retentions Across the Men’s Hundred
Sunrisers Leeds – Harry Brook’s Team
Along with Harry Brook, the franchise has acquired:
Brydon Carse
Mitchell Marsh
Possible signing of an overseas fast bowler
Coach: Daniel Vettori (Andrew Flintoff left due to salary disputes)
Welsh Fire: Phil Salt Nets £450,000 Deal
Phil Salt is in line for a big payday after Welsh Fire secured his services ahead of London Spirit and Manchester Super Giants.
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Welsh Fire are also considering engagement with their sister franchise Washington Freedom, aimed at:
Marco Jansen
Rachin Ravindra
Coaching team:
Mike Hussey Head Coach
Michael Klinger (GM & Women’s Coach)
Manchester Super Giants Strengthen Core
Likely retentions:
Jos Buttler
Noor Ahmad
Heinrich Klaasen
Leadership changes end:
- Tom Moody as Director of Cricket
- Justin Langer to replace Simon Katich as Head Coach
- Trent Rockets and Birmingham Phoenix Build Power Squads
Trent Rockets: Peter Moores, Adam Voges
Retaining: Joe Root and Ben Duckett
Birmingham Phoenix: Shane Bond
Targeting Rehan Ahmed and Donovan Ferreira
Retaining Jacob Bethell
MI London and London Spirit Lock in Big Names
MI London expected retentions:
Sam Curran
Will Jacks
Rashid Khan
Final overseas spot: Nicholas Pooran or Trent Boult
London Spirit: Mo Bobat, Andy Flower
Signings: Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton
How about targeting Adam Zampa?
Coaching addition: Dinesh Karthik-batting coach & mentor
Southern Brave Sign Jofra Archer on a Lucrative Deal
Under the new owners GMR Group, Southern Brave have secured:
Jofra Archer
Jamie Smith
Marcus Stoinis
Tristan Stubbs
Likely new coach: Hemang Badani
Major Moves in the Women’s Hundred
Top Transfers & Retentions
Marizanne Kapp – London Spirit (after 5 years with Oval Invincibles)
Meg Lanning – Manchester Super Giants
Lauren Bell – Southern Brave – on a lucrative long-term deal
Freya Kemp – Welsh Fire on a six-figure contract
Sunrisers to retain Phoebe Litchfield & Annabel Sutherland
Deadlines & Season Dates
Deadline for retention: January 16
First auctions: March 2025
Dates: July 21 – August 16
Sandwiched between England men’s series vs India (T20Is & ODIs) and Pakistan (Tests)
Watch: IPL Auction – England Stars in the Mix
Several England players could cash in at the upcoming IPL auction.
Liam Livingstone-expected to draw major bids Jonny Bairstow Jordan Cox Jamie Smith Josh Tongue (top wicket-taker in last season’s Hundred)
ALSO READ: How Much Money Will Virat Kohli Earn In Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26?
