🏏 The Hundred Franchise Sale Deadline Extended – ECB Confirms Legal Delays But No Investor Exit 🚨

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially extended the deadline to finalise the sale of The Hundred franchises, as negotiations over the participation agreement face legal slowdowns. Despite the delays, investor confidence remains strong, and no party is expected to walk away from deals worth nearly £1 billion. 💷


💼 Key Highlights of The Hundred Franchise Sale

  • 🕒 Deadline extended beyond the initial eight-week exclusivity period

  • 🧾 Delays mainly due to legal negotiations over the participation agreement

  • 📺 Key sticking point: future control of television rights

  • 📅 New target: Sales expected to conclude by end of April 2025


💸 Big Deals, Bigger Investments

  • 🇺🇸 Tech billionaire consortium: £145M for a 49% stake in London Spirit

  • 🇮🇳 Ambani family (India’s richest): £60M for 49% of Oval Invincibles

  • 🏏 Total franchise valuation: Over £950M 💰

  • 📈 Total funds raised for cricket: More than £500M, distributed across:

    • 18 first-class counties

    • Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)

    • Recreational cricket (10% share)

One investor told the BBC: “I’d be flabbergasted if anyone walks away now.”


⚖️ What’s the Participation Agreement?

This legal document outlines:

  • 📺 Broadcast rights management

  • 🏟️ Franchise operations and responsibilities

  • 🤝 Terms of investor partnership with ECB
    The ECB retains majority control (51%) in every franchise, ensuring governance over The Hundred's future.


📆 What’s Next for The Hundred?

  • 🔄 Minimal changes expected for the 2025 season

  • 🧪 Seen as a transitional year for both the ECB and new owners

  • 🧠 Long-term focus: Streamlining investor-franchise-ECB collaboration

  • 🧲 Potential for new sponsorships, global player signings, and digital fan engagement


    🧠 Why It Matters

✅ The Hundred remains a crucial pillar in ECB’s financial and structural roadmap
✅ This cash injection comes at a vital time for grassroots cricket in the UK
✅ Global investor interest underscores the commercial growth potential of UK’s domestic cricket


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