- August 8, 2025
Imagine paying £145 million for a cricket team without any concern about whether it was a good decision. Crazy leap of faith, huh? However, that is exactly what a group of investors calling themselves the Tech Titans had to be thinking in investing a 49% stake in London Spirit, one of the eight franchises for The Hundred. So, yes, they are betting that The Hundred might one day rival the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a multi-billion-dollar sporting proposition.
Big Tech’s Big Bet: Why They’re All in on The Hundred
Let’s start with the money — because, let’s face it, £145 million isn’t pocket change. That figure alone gave London Spirit the highest valuation among the eight hundred franchises. And it wasn’t just blind optimism. The investment group is loaded with Silicon Valley heavyweights, including CEOs from some of the biggest companies on the planet.
So, what do tech billionaires see in a cricket league that’s barely five years old? For one, potential. The IPL, now valued at £14 billion, started from scratch in 2008. If a format like The Hundred — shorter, punchier, and more entertainment-driven — catches on with fans and broadcasters, the sky’s the limit. Plus, these investors don’t just bring cash. They bring business brains, marketing muscle, and digital dominance.
From Lord’s to Living Rooms: Building the Product Before the Profit
What makes this project even more intriguing is the mindset behind it. Arora and his team aren’t talking about ROI or ticket margins — they’re talking about product. Just like Google Maps wasn’t created to make money (at first), The Hundred isn’t just about ticket sales and sponsorships. It’s about building a cricket experience fans can’t live without.
Their initial focus? Upgrading the on-field spectacle. Salaries in the men’s competition have already seen a bump, with the top pay bracket rising from £125,000 to £200,000. Big names like David Warner and Kane Williamson are already on board, and the goal is to push salaries even higher — potentially up to £500,000 — in the coming years.
A Nike kit deal is reportedly in place for next season, and there’s a massive push brewing for digital content. Think behind-the-scenes clips, real-time fan engagement, and maybe even AI-generated highlights. It’s not just cricket; it’s cricket 2.0.
Domestic First, Global Later: The New Blueprint for Cricket Leagues
Contrary to some companies that go for global expansion on Day 1, the Tech Titans start local, own the domestic opportunities, and then go big. Satyan Gajwani, Partner and co-founder of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States, believes the UK fan engagement could unlock everything else.
That’s where pricing, broadcasting, and in-stadium experiences come into play. Expect ticket prices to rise — but also expect major innovation in how the game is delivered to fans. Whether it’s immersive digital platforms, enhanced fantasy leagues, or VR match experiences, these investors want to make cricket feel like a tech product, not just a sport.
They also believe that cricket needs a shake-up. While leagues like the NBA and Premier League are driven by private ownership, cricket is still largely run by traditional governing bodies. Bringing in diverse, global stakeholders, they argue, is the spark needed to push the sport into the future.
And if that happens? Well, £145 million might end up looking like a bargain. So, here’s the big question: is cricket ready to be reimagined — or will tradition hold it back?
