The Hundred returns in 2026, with live broadcasts set to air on Sky Sports from Tuesday, July 21, to Sunday, August 16. Significant changes are on the horizon for this unique 100-ball cricket competition organized by the ECB.
Introduction of a Mixed Trophy
This year sees a noteworthy innovation: a mixed trophy will be awarded to the team that excels the most across both the men’s and women’s competitions. In addition to the individual titles, the new accolade will highlight combined performance.
Each win in the group stage, eliminator, or finals contributes to a franchise’s total score, with every match victory being awarded four points. Teams that finish at the top of the league table and advance directly to the finals will also earn four bonus points, offering a crucial advantage in the title race.
In the event of a tie in points at the end of the tournament, the team with a victory in the finals will take the title. If both teams win or lose, the overall champion will be determined by the number of times they reached the finals and, if necessary, their combined net run rate.
Ownership Changes and Team Affiliations
All eight franchises in The Hundred now feature foreign investments. Notably, the Ambani family’s Reliance Industries Limited has secured a 49% stake in MI London, previously known as Oval Invincibles, while Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly’s Kane International is set to acquire a similar stake in Trent Rockets by the end of 2025.
This season marks a turning point, as new investors have the opportunity to assert their influence within the tournament. English footballer Jude Bellingham, who holds a 1.2% stake in Birmingham Phoenix, is actively promoting increased local participation in cricket.
Knighthead Capital Management, which owns Birmingham City and counts NFL star Tom Brady among its minority shareholders, controls a 48.4% stake in Birmingham Phoenix. Other teams in the league also boast noteworthy ownership, with MI London and Sunrisers Leeds establishing vital connections in the Indian Premier League.
Revamped Team Kits
The influx of foreign investment has led to significant updates in team kits, aligning many franchises with their IPL counterparts. MI London, formerly draped in green, will don blue with gold accents akin to the Mumbai Indians. Sunrisers Leeds will transition from purple to orange, reflecting the branding of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Similarly, Southern Brave will adopt the blue and red colors associated with Delhi Capitals, while Manchester Super Giants have shifted their palette from black and gray to red and blue stripes. Birmingham Phoenix’s new look features black stripes, replacing their previous orange and yellow scheme. The London Spirit retains its blue uniform but now incorporates the MCC’s distinctive ‘Eggs & Bacon’ yellow and red design.
Significant Financial Investment
Investors have injected over £500 million into The Hundred, enhancing the league’s financial clout and driving competition. The first auction earlier this year showcased this capital, with Sussex all-rounder James Coles securing a staggering £390,000 contract with the London Spirit, while Welsh Fire invested £200,000 on Jordan Cox, the 2025 Player of the Tournament.
The women’s auction also highlighted financial growth, with England all-rounder Dani Gibson fetching £190,000 after being picked up by Sunrisers Leeds. Legends Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine commanded wages of £210,000 from Trent Rockets and Welsh Fire, respectively.
Notably, the burgeoning opportunity presented by The Hundred has been life-changing for some players. For instance, 18-year-old spinner Tilly Courteen-Coleman will join Southern Brave for £105,000, illustrating the increasing profitability of a career in cricket.
Fans will be able to watch all matches from The Hundred live on Sky Sports, starting on Tuesday, July 21, and continuing through Sunday, August 16. Each day will feature a women’s doubleheader followed by a men’s fixture at the same venue, with reigning women’s champions Sunrisers Leeds facing MI London in the tournament opener.
