The Hundred 2026: New Owners, Bigger Budgets & Name Changes 2026

The Hundred 2026 is set to revolutionize domestic cricket with new private owners, a £500m investment, and major changes to team names, player salaries, and league structure. This transformation mirrors the Indian Premier League’s global influence and promises an exciting season ahead.

What’s New for The Hundred 2026?

On the surface, the format remains the same: eight teams, 100-ball innings, and a group stage leading to a final. However, nearly every other element has been overhauled. Private investors have purchased stakes in all eight teams, injecting over £500m into the league. Three teams have rebranded to align with IPL parent franchises: Oval Invincibles become MI London, Northern Superchargers become SunRisers Leeds, and Manchester Originals become Manchester Super Giants.

Bigger Budgets and Higher Player Salaries

The financial boost is dramatic. Men’s salary pots have increased by 45% to £2.05m per team, while women’s pots have doubled to £880,000. Top male players now earn up to £200,000 (up from £125,000 in 2024), with Harry Brook reportedly earning £465,000 at SunRisers Leeds. Minimum men’s salaries remain at £31,000. Women’s top earners like Australia’s Beth Mooney and New Zealand’s Sophie Devine have also seen significant raises.

Salary Comparison Table (2024 vs 2026)

Team Ownership and Branding Changes

All eight teams now have new or significantly altered ownership. Three have new names and logos, sparking both excitement and debate among fans. The MI London branding, for example, draws from the Mumbai Indians IPL franchise, while SunRisers Leeds and Manchester Super Giants follow similar patterns. Logos have been refreshed, though some—like the elephant logo for Manchester—have been widely discussed.

Key Takeaways for the 2026 Season

• Investment surge: Over £500m in private equity flows into English cricket.
• Rebranding: Three teams adopt IPL-linked names and logos.
• Record salaries: Men’s and women’s pay increases by up to 100%.
• Format unchanged: Still 100-ball innings, same eight cities, but enhanced competition.
• Global talent draw: Higher wages attract top international players like Brook, Mooney, and Devine.

FAQ

The Hundred 2026 is not just a tournament—it’s a statement of intent for English cricket’s future. With deeper pockets, global branding, and a commitment to parity between men’s and women’s leagues, the competition is poised to attract world-class talent and captivate audiences like never before. Stay tuned for the action starting Tuesday and running through to August 12.