ECB Sets £350 Million Minimum Target for The Hundred Sales Process

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has set a minimum target of £350 million for the sale of stakes in The Hundred, with expectations to exceed this figure when deals are finalized in early 2025. Chair Richard Thompson confirmed that this target was informed by a previous bid from private equity group Bridgepoint, which had offered to buy a majority stake in the competition two years ago.

The ECB is selling 49% stakes in each of the eight teams in The Hundred, which will be transformed into franchises. The sale process, managed by the Raine Group, is now in its second of three rounds, with a final deadline set for January 2025. Thompson noted a broader pool of investor interest than expected, with discussions ongoing and significant interest from major players in global sport.

The sale is expected to generate a substantial capital boost for English cricket, with the ECB highlighting its potential to secure long-term financial sustainability for the game.