London/Lucknow: In a major development in international franchise cricket, RPSG Group, owned by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) boss Sanjiv Goenka, has acquired a 70% stake in Manchester Originals, a team in England’s popular ‘The Hundred’ league. The high-profile deal is reportedly valued at ₹935 crore, signaling a significant Indian expansion into English cricket.
According to media reports, the official signing of the deal took place during the first session of a Test match at Old Trafford cricket ground, Manchester. While the agreement was finalized earlier this week, the official signing was reserved for Thursday, making the occasion a ceremonious landmark.
Manchester Super Giants: A Brand Expansion
Sources indicate that the franchise will now be rebranded as “Manchester Super Giants,” an extension of the LSG brand already established in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The move aligns with RPSG’s global ambitions and reflects a growing trend of Indian stakeholders expanding into overseas cricket markets.
India Strengthens Its Footprint in English Cricket
The deal marks another instance of Indian entities investing in ‘The Hundred’, England’s 100-ball-per-side competition that’s rapidly gaining international traction.
According to a report by The Observer, five out of the eight teams in the league have either finalized such stake sales or are in advanced stages of negotiation. The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is expected to earn around ₹6,073 crore in total from these franchise deals.
- GMR Group (owners of Delhi Capitals) recently acquired 100% ownership of Southern Brave for ₹1,144 crore.
- Knighthead Capital picked up a 49% stake in Birmingham Phoenix for ₹467 crore.
- Deals for London Spirit, Northern Superchargers, and Welsh Fire are expected to be finalized by the end of the week.
Big-Ticket Clash: Ambani vs Boehly
Meanwhile, a major face-off is brewing for ownership of Oval Invincibles and Trent Rockets, as Reliance Group, owned by Mukesh Ambani, and Todd Boehly, owner of Chelsea Football Club, are both eyeing these marquee teams.
However, with The Hundred’s 2025 season beginning August 5, sources suggest that these specific franchise deals may not be completed in time for the season opener.
What is ‘The Hundred’?
Launched by the ECB, The Hundred is a fast-paced, innovative cricket league where each team faces 100 balls per innings. The format, designed to attract younger audiences and newer fans, has seen a surge in popularity and significant investment interest from global conglomerates.
With RPSG Group’s latest acquisition, India’s presence in global cricket leagues has grown stronger, setting the stage for an exciting new era of international franchise cricket business.
