England’s marquee short-form event, The Hundred, is undergoing a major upgrade as the franchise cricket model receives a significant uplift in investment, salary caps and global ambitions. The move signals a serious push to position the competition as a top-tier global product — and to reshape domestic cricket’s commercial landscape in the UK.
At the heart of the transformation lies a nearly doubling of the salary cap for men’s teams in The Hundred. From roughly £1.2 million, the budget per team is set to rise to at least £2.1 million for the 2026 season, following the sale of equity stakes in each of the eight franchises. This influx of private investment has given franchises far greater financial firepower to sign marquee players, increase squad depth and enhance off-field operations.
The women’s competition will also benefit from a substantial uplift, although from a lower base. The salary pool for women’s squads has been raised, enabling top-tier players to earn six-figure contracts and, more broadly, increasing remuneration across multiple salary bands. It reflects growing recognition that women’s franchise cricket must scale up — both to retain top talent and to ensure the format remains competitive internationally.
These changes sit within a wider structural reset. The tournament is shifting away from the traditional draft model towards an auction-style system, resembling the player-market dynamics seen in the likes of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This means franchises will actively bid for talent rather than simply selecting via a fixed draft, and increased competition for players should drive higher salaries and greater exposure. Additionally, franchises now have broader flexibility for direct signings and more overseas players in their squads, further enhancing the global appeal of the tournament.
The reasoning behind the upgrades is clear: The Hundred must compete in an increasingly crowded global market of short-format leagues, where players have choices, and where franchise value depends on media rights, sponsor income and player star power. By elevating wages and squad investment, the tournament aims to raise its status, draw in international stars and rekindle its growth momentum.
However, the scale of the investment also raises questions. While higher salaries are welcomed, critics argue that widening gaps between top-paid and lower-paid players, and between the men’s and women’s competitions, must be managed carefully if the long-term health of the game is to be sustained. Ensuring that grassroots cricket, county structures and women’s pathways are not sidelined will be vital as the commercial layer expands.
In summary: England’s franchise cricket model has taken a bold step forward. With major raises in salary caps, more aggressive recruitment mechanisms and fresh capital involved, The Hundred is positioning itself as a serious contender among the global franchise portfolio. For players, especially those in the women’s game, it opens up richer opportunities and signals a maturation of the domestic franchise environment. But as with all fast-growing markets, balancing investment with sustainability, equity and development remains the challenge ahead.
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