Mukesh Ambani’s family and Tom Brady-backed group acquire a major stake in the hundreds of Oval Invincibles

English cricket received a seismic financial boost as Asia’s wealthiest family and NFL legend Tom Brady’s investment group pumped over £100 million into The Hundred. The Ambani family, owners of IPL giants Mumbai Indians, purchased a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles, valuing the franchise at £123 million.

This landmark investment marks the first phase of The Hundred’s franchise sale, which the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) hopes will inject long-term stability into the competition. The Ambanis, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, have long dominated cricket’s financial landscape through the IPL. Now, they are expanding their influence into English cricket with this blockbuster deal.

Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, has also entered the cricketing world through Knighthead Capital, the US investment firm that owns Birmingham City Football Club. The move underscores growing American interest in English sports, following recent US investments in the Premier League and Formula 1.

The ECB’s decision to sell stakes in The Hundred franchises aims to secure funding and global exposure for the short-format tournament, which has faced scrutiny over its sustainability. With this injection of funds, English cricket is now positioned to compete more aggressively on the world stage.

Industry experts predict more high-profile investors will follow, further transforming the landscape of the English game.