Sun TV Network Limited, India’s prominent media conglomerate, has officially approved the acquisition of a 100% equity stake in the Northern Superchargers, a franchise team in The Hundred, England’s professional 100-ball cricket league. The deal is valued at approximately £100.5 million and gives them full ownership—covering both the ECB’s 49% and Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s 51% stake.
Why It Matters
- First complete ownership in The Hundred: Sun Group, owner of IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SA20), becomes the first entity to buy an entire Hundred franchise. Other IPL owners have acquired minority stakes—but Sun is the first to take full control.
- Strategic global sports move: This investment marks a key step in Indian media’s international expansion into English cricket, joining peers like Reliance and RPSG who hold partial stakes in other teams.
📌 Key Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Acquired | Northern Superchargers (based at Yorkshire’s Headingley ground) |
| Acquisition Cost | Approximately £100.5 million |
| Ownership Structure | 100% stake (incl. ECB’s and Yorkshire CCC’s shares) |
| Ownership Exclusivity | 8‑week window to finalize the agreement before completion |
| Parent Group | Sun TV Network / Sun Group (owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad & Eastern Cape) |
🧑💼 Quotes & Stakeholder Views
Yorkshire CCC’s CEO Sanjay Patel welcomed the deal as “a huge milestone,” praising Sun Group’s vision as closely aligned with Yorkshire’s long-term strategic goals. The partnership is expected to elevate both the team and the county’s cricketing profile.
Broader Context: Hundred’s Franchise Sale Wave
- The ECB launched an auction process for all eight Hundred franchises—selling 49% owned by ECB, while host counties held the remaining 51%. Most counties opted to sell partial stakes; Sun Group is the only one to take full ownership.
- Other notable deals include:
- Reliance’s Mumbai Indians paying ~£60m for a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles
- RPSG Group’s acquisition of ~70% of Manchester Originals for ~£81m
- Knighthead Capital buying Birmingham Phoenix’s 49% for £40m
- Tech-led consortium (including Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella) acquiring 49% in London Spirit for £145m
🌐 What’s Next?
- The agreement enters an 8-week exclusivity period to finalize documentation and complete the deal—expected by December 31, 2025. BBC
- Sun Group may leverage its global cricketing portfolio to cross-promote talent and brand value.
- As full owners, Sun Group gains full control on operations, sponsorships, and long-term team strategy.
✅ Why This Deal Stands Out
- Positions Sun Group at the forefront of cricket’s international commercial ecosystem.
- Signals growing Indian investment interest in UK sports.
- A landmark move that could reshape franchise models for The Hundred moving forward.
