Knight Riders Group Open to Joining The Hundred if Tournament Expands to Ten Teams
Knight Riders Group, the parent organisation of Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, has signalled an interest in rejoining the investment process for The Hundred if the England and Wales Cricket Board expands the competition to ten teams.
What Happened
When the ECB invited outside investors to acquire stakes in its eight existing franchises, Knight Riders Group explored purchasing an ownership share in the Nottingham-based Trent Rockets. However, the organisation decided against submitting a formal bid after determining that the team was priced higher than its fair market valuation.
A 49 per cent stake in Trent Rockets was subsequently purchased by Cain International, an investment firm led by Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly and his partner Jonathan Goldstein, for an amount marginally below £40 million. Following this development, Knight Riders Group indicated that its ambition to participate in English cricket remains open, under specific operational conditions.
Key Highlights
- Knight Riders Group withdrew from the bidding for Trent Rockets due to concerns regarding valuation.
- Todd Boehly and Jonathan Goldstein acquired a 49 per cent stake in Trent Rockets for just under £40 million through Cain International.
- The group is prepared to re-engage if the ECB moves from eight to ten franchises in The Hundred.
- Candidate locations discussed for potential expansion sides include Durham in the north, alongside Bristol or Taunton in the south west.
- Expansion is considered unlikely prior to 2029 because the ECB’s current broadcast agreement with Sky runs through the end of 2028.
Why This Matters
England remains the primary major cricket territory missing from the Knight Riders Group global footprint. The organisation currently oversees Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20, and Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket. Joining The Hundred would align the group with other IPL-associated investors who hold interests in sides such as MI London, Manchester Super Giants, Sunrisers Leeds, and Southern Brave.
What to Watch Next
Any prospective bid depends on two separate developments: the ECB approving an expansion plan and franchise stakes being offered at valuations the group deems fair. Because the current broadcast arrangement with Sky remains active until late 2028, structural changes or the introduction of new teams are not expected before 2029.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Knight Riders Group withdraw from bidding on Trent Rockets?
The organisation chose not to lodge a formal proposal after concluding that the Nottingham-based franchise had been valued above its fair market worth.
What conditions must be met for Knight Riders Group to bid on The Hundred?
The group’s potential return requires the ECB to expand the tournament from eight to ten teams and to offer team valuations that the investors consider commercially acceptable.
When could new teams be added to The Hundred?
Because the ECB has a broadcast contract with Sky in place through the conclusion of 2028, any structural addition of new franchises is considered unlikely before 2029.
Source: Crictracker