The auction process for team ownership in ECB’s Hundred League has started to sizzle, with some Indian Premier League (IPL) team owners emerging as top contenders for a share of this pie. As the equity sale enters its final stages, multiple IPL franchises are on the shortlist to purchase stakes in the league’s eight teams, and several high-profile investors are also vying for control. The sale of these franchises promises to bring new dynamics to the cricket world, as global business figures and sports investors join forces to invest in the rapidly growing Hundred League.
IPL Franchises Shortlisted for Final Round of Hundred League Franchise Sale
At least four IPL franchises have been shortlisted for the final round of the Hundred League franchise sale, These are:
– Mumbai Indians
– Sunrisers Hyderabad
– Lucknow Super Giants
– Delhi Capitals through co-owner GMR Group, which recently acquired a stake in the Hampshire team
The Mumbai Indians, arguably the most successful franchise in the IPL, have been particularly in the spotlight lately, especially as it relates to London-based teams like the Oval Invincibles. Investors around the world are scrambling to secure a place in the Hundred League, and the deep-pocketed owners of the IPL are in the best position to make competitive bids.
Besides, there is a group of global tech giants also on the shortlist with other notable persons in the technology world such as Google CEO, Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, Adobe CEO, Shantanu Narayen, and Silver Lake Management CEO, Egon Durban, among others. These individuals are highly interested in franchises that are at Lord’s and based in the capital city of London. This explains why the London Spirit team presents a great offer to them.
The Bidding Process and Financial Commitments
The process is likely to be highly competitive. Investors shortlisted are expected to present binding bids that would at least be at the level of the floor valuation that the ECB will have put out. The latter will then become the benchmark for final bids submitted and ensure that serious, financially committed investors attract the league. The shortlisted teams will ultimately be awarded based on the highest bid for each franchise, and the new owners will take control starting in 2026.
The ECB’s shortlist, which was finalized on December 23, 2024, follows a series of discussions between the host counties and prospective investors. In the first round, all eight franchises were open for a bid, but now it is narrowed down to match the investors with their favorite franchises. Though the schedule of the Hundred League’s final bid has not been published yet, the 2025 season will be an important and historical part of the cricket calendar.
Read More
Most Popular Teams and Investor Interest
Franchises that better capitalize on this London hype have included Oval Invincibles and London Spirit from the city, with its global appeal and the honor of playing at the world-famous Lord’s Stadium. Interest in the potential investor base has also been great for the Manchester Originals, largely owing to Manchester as one of the world’s premier sporting cities with top-flight teams in both Manchester United and Manchester City alongside a vibrant university attendance adding a younger demographic interested in sport.
Of late, some interesting bidders emerged in London: Lancer Capital has expressed keen interest in both of the franchises. Such sporting pedigree and business acuity by Lancer Capital whose owner Avram Glazer co-owns Manchester United speaks of a possible rivalry with respect to sporting franchises. Meanwhile, Lancer Capital, with its vested interest in the ILT20s through the team called Desert Vipers, had plans to continue building its strength through international cricket as well.
A group of tech executives, including Nikesh Arora who is the CEO of Palo Alto Networks, are making a strong bid for the London Spirit franchise which plays its home games at Lord’s Cricket Ground. This group also includes some other big names such as Sundar Pichai, Google CEO; Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO; and Shantanu Narayen, Adobe CEO, that highlight the growing interest from the technology sector in cricket.
It is a clear indication of the increasing overlap between business and sports as investors try to diversify their portfolios and tap into the global appeal of cricket. With their deep pockets and business acumen, tech giants could add significant sway to the Hundred League, further emphasizing its appeal as a global cricket property.
Other Notable IPL Group Interests
Sun Group, owners of the Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL franchise, are on the shortlist for several Hundred League teams including the Nottingham-based Trent Rockets, Leeds-based Northern Superchargers, and Cardiff-based Welsh Fire. Sunrisers’ parent company has expanded to other leagues, such as SA20 in South Africa, and continues to make strategic investments in international cricket properties.
Additionally, global fund manager CVC Capital Partners, which owns the Gujarat Titans IPL franchise, is on the shortlist for Birmingham Phoenix, further reinforcing the growing interest from investors with experience in the IPL and other cricket leagues.
Excluded IPL Franchises and Future Developments
While some of the IPL franchises are interested in acquiring stakes in the Hundred League, such as Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings, these teams have not been selected as part of the final list of the new owners. These teams’ futures remain uncertain with regard to their investment in international cricket, but past interest in the Hundred League implies that they would be looking forward to this opportunity in the near future.
The ECB has decided to sell a 49% stake in each of the eight Hundred League franchises. This will open the door for new investors to become involved in the competition. The franchises will initially operate as joint ventures with the host counties, providing an exciting new dynamic in the governance of the league.
IPL’s Expanding Global Footprint
The entry of IPL owners and global investors into the Hundred League is an indication of how cricket is gaining more popularity globally and how there is a growing interest in expanding the footprint of the sport across different markets. As the IPL continues to grow, owners are strategically positioning themselves in various international leagues, making investments that will bolster cricket’s global reach.
The final rounds of bidding for the franchises in the Hundred League will be followed closely as there is the potential for great changes in the landscape of world cricket. There will be great excitement as big business names, including those in the technology world and old cricket investors, will inject new blood and resources into the competition and enhance the profile of the Hundred League in the coming years.
ALSO READ: BCB To Sue Darbar Rajshahi For Outstanding Balances
