A significant challenge in the negotiations involves reconciling different international TV market models, such as the subscription-based approach in the UK versus the ad-funded model in India. New investors are keen to manage and retain revenue from TV rights, while the ECB prefers to maintain a bundled deal for the 2028-2032 cycle with Sky Sports. This conflict needs resolution to finalize the £520 million investment expected to boost English cricket.
The sale has attracted significant global interest, with prominent investors from India and the US, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, participating. The valuation of the eight teams in The Hundred exceeds $1.2 billion, aiming to secure the future of the domestic game, which has faced financial difficulties.
In parallel, the ECB has announced a new review of the domestic cricket schedule, led by counties and the Professional Game Committee, aiming to address overscheduling and propose changes by 2026. This review may result in fewer T20 Blast and Championship matches while maintaining some 50-over cricket outside of August. The ECB is striving for consensus among counties to achieve a more sustainable and cohesive domestic schedule.
While the immediate financial relief from the franchise sales is welcomed, there is concern about the long-term financial impacts. Counties are losing their lifeline of annual ECB handouts, potentially leading to a decline in future income as media rights plateau or decrease. Smaller counties might struggle to maintain their viability, raising uncertainty over the sustainability of county cricket in the long term.
The ECB remains optimistic about the future of The Hundred, with Chief Executive Richard Gould suggesting that the competition’s expansion is highly likely due to its financial success and the global interest it has attracted. However, the ECB is committed to maintaining governance and structure by the ECB and its members, ensuring that the game remains governed by its members.
Recent Developments in The Hundred Franchise Sales
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the sale of the eight franchises in The Hundred by the end of April 2025, despite ongoing complexities in broadcasting rights negotiations. ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould emphasized that the delays are not due to high valuations but stem from efforts to maximize returns from sponsorships, ticket sales, and particularly broadcast revenues.
A significant challenge in the negotiations involves reconciling different international TV market models, such as the subscription-based approach in the UK versus the ad-funded model in India. New investors are keen to manage and retain revenue from TV rights, while the ECB prefers to maintain a bundled deal for the 2028-2032 cycle with Sky Sports. This conflict needs resolution to finalize the £520 million investment expected to boost English cricket.
The sale has attracted significant global interest, with prominent investors from India and the US, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, participating. The valuation of the eight teams in The Hundred exceeds $1.2 billion, aiming to secure the future of the domestic game, which has faced financial difficulties.
In parallel, the ECB has announced a new review of the domestic cricket schedule, led by counties and the Professional Game Committee, aiming to address overscheduling and propose changes by 2026. This review may result in fewer T20 Blast and Championship matches while maintaining some 50-over cricket outside of August. The ECB is striving for consensus among counties to achieve a more sustainable and cohesive domestic schedule.
While the immediate financial relief from the franchise sales is welcomed, there is concern about the long-term financial impacts. Counties are losing their lifeline of annual ECB handouts, potentially leading to a decline in future income as media rights plateau or decrease. Smaller counties might struggle to maintain their viability, raising uncertainty over the sustainability of county cricket in the long term.
The ECB remains optimistic about the future of The Hundred, with Chief Executive Richard Gould suggesting that the competition’s expansion is highly likely due to its financial success and the global interest it has attracted. However, the ECB is committed to maintaining governance and structure by the ECB and its members, ensuring that the game remains governed by its members.
