In a groundbreaking move for The Hundred, Lancashire Cricket Club have sold a 70% controlling stake in Manchester Originals to the RPSG Group, owners of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
This landmark partnership, the first of its kind in the league, follows a competitive bidding process that reportedly valued Manchester Originals franchise at approximately £116 million.
This joint venture significantly expands RPSG Group’s global cricket presence and provides a substantial financial boost to both Lancashire Cricket Club and Manchester Originals. The investment is expected to bolster player acquisitions, enhance the fan experience, and strengthen the franchise’s operations. The association with LSG is also anticipated to raise the profile of The Hundred, attracting a wider audience both domestically and internationally.
A Lancashire statement said: “We have been very focused on securing a great partner – ideally from the IPL – and RPSG has been our preferred bidder for some time.
“We are delighted by the outcome and look forward to working together to create an exciting future. Together, we have a shared ambition to create a very special cricket team for the people of Manchester and the wider North West region.”
The partnership offers potential opportunities for collaboration between Manchester Originals and RPSG’s other cricket franchises, including player exchanges, coaching development, and shared strategic insights. This deal highlights the increasing trend of IPL team owners investing in overseas cricket leagues, reflecting the globalization of the sport. The deal is pending final regulatory approvals.
This acquisition follows a pattern of significant investments in The Hundred. Knighthead Capital Management LLC, with NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority stakeholder, acquired a 49% stake in Birmingham Phoenix. Reliance Industries Limited, owner of Mumbai Indians (IPL), acquired the Oval Invincible. A consortium of tech leaders, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and Times Internet VC Satyan Gajwani, invested £295 million for a 49% share in London Spirit. These investments underscore the growing recognition of The Hundred’s potential by prominent investors, particularly from the tech and sports sectors.