The Hundred is set to make history as the first major UK sporting competition to adopt an auction system for player allocation. Scheduled for 11-12 March in London, the auction marks a significant shift from the previous draft system used in the competition’s first five editions.
This transformation follows substantial private investment in the eight city-based franchises, with four teams now partially owned by Indian Premier League (IPL) groups. The move reflects the growing influence of franchise cricket models, with squads expanding and salary caps significantly increased for both men’s and women’s competitions.
Investment Drives Major Format Change
The transition to an auction-based system mirrors the highly successful IPL model, which has utilised this format since 2008. Four Hundred franchises now share ownership with IPL teams, resulting in rebranded names including MI London, Sunrisers Leeds, and Manchester Super Giants, whilst Southern Brave retained their original identity despite Delhi Capitals’ backing.
The financial landscape has transformed dramatically, with the men’s competition salary pot increasing 45% to £2.05m per team, whilst the women’s fund has doubled to £880,000. Notably, the minimum salary for female players has risen 50% to £15,000, and overseas player allowances have expanded from three to four per squad.
Pre-Auction Signings Secured
Teams have already secured 60 players through direct signings and retentions before the auction. Star names including Jos Buttler, Ellyse Perry, Jofra Archer, Laura Wolvaardt, Rashid Khan, and Nat Sciver-Brunt will return, whilst newcomers Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, and Mitchell Owen join the competition.
The 2026 season commences on 21 July with a double-header at The Oval between MI London and Sunrisers Leeds, featuring 64 group-stage matches before the final on 16 August.
The Hundred 2026: Pre-Auction Signings & Retentions
| Team | Women’s Players | Men’s Players |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Phoenix | Alice Capsey (DS), Lauren Filer (DS), Lucy Hamilton (DS), Ellyse Perry (R) | Rehan Ahmed (DS), Jacob Bethell (R), Donovan Ferreira (DS), Mitchell Owen (DS) |
| London Spirit | Charlie Dean (R), Mahika Gaur (DS), Grace Harris (R), Marizanne Kapp (DS) | Dewald Brevis (DS), Liam Livingstone (DS), Jamie Overton (R), Adam Zampa (DS) |
| Manchester Super Giants | Sophie Ecclestone (R), Meg Lanning (DS), Smriti Mandhana (DS) | Noor Ahmad (R), Jos Buttler (R), Liam Dawson (DS), Heinrich Klaasen (R) |
| MI London | Amelia Kerr (DS), Hayley Matthews (DS), Danni Wyatt-Hodge (DS) | Sam Curran (R), Will Jacks (R), Rashid Khan (R), Nicholas Pooran (DS) |
| Southern Brave | Lauren Bell (R), Maia Bouchier (R), Jemimah Rodrigues (DS), Laura Wolvaardt (R) | Jofra Archer (R), Jamie Smith (DS), Marcus Stoinis (DS), Tristan Stubbs (DS) |
| Sunrisers Leeds | Kate Cross (R), Phoebe Litchfield (R), Annabel Sutherland (R) | Harry Brook (R), Brydon Carse (R), Nathan Ellis (DS), Mitch Marsh (DS) |
| Trent Rockets | Sophia Dunkley (DS), Ash Gardner (R), Kim Garth (DS), Nat Sciver-Brunt (R) | Tom Banton (R), Tim David (DS), Ben Duckett (DS), Mitch Santner (DS) |
| Welsh Fire | Freya Kemp (DS), Georgia Voll (DS), Georgia Wareham (DS) | Marco Jansen (DS), Rachin Ravindra (DS), Phil Salt (DS), Chris Woakes (R) |
