The Rebranding and Partnership with Reliance

The Hundred's most successful franchise, Oval Invincibles, will change its name to MI London in the 2026 season. This change comes after protracted talks between Reliance Industries Limited and Surrey were concluded. This was the eighth and last key agreement to come out of this year's equity sale of The Hundred.

This name change also includes the women's team, now aligned under the same MI brand as the men’s team, joining other Ambani-owned teams such as MI Cape Town in the SA20, MI Emirates in the ILT20, MI New York in Major League Cricket, and the Mumbai Indians Women's team in the WPL.

Reliance completed this arrangement by purchasing a 49 per cent stake in Oval Invincibles, which had a valuation of £123 million for the squad, just after London Spirit, at £295 million. Surrey was reluctant to have the identity of the team associated with anything other than the Kia Oval, which explains why the announcement took place later, but the MI brand is a driving force behind the rebranding.

Impact on the Growth of The Hundred

Surrey chairman Oli Slipper recognized the value of the MI brand, which boasts 13 titles across various competitions, including five IPL trophies. "We're pleased to have reached an agreement with the Reliance team over our partnership in the Hundred franchise team," Slipper said. "Reliance brings significant depth of cricket and business expertise and has had great success with their franchise teams in India and around the world. There's no doubt that they are here to win."

Reliance co-owner Mrs. Nita M. Ambani shared her enthusiasm, saying, "We are delighted to welcome MI London into the #OneFamily and take the MI legacy to new frontiers. London holds a special place in the heart of cricket, and we are honoured to be part of its rich heritage. Together with Surrey, we look forward to nurturing young talent, engaging diverse communities, and uniting fans through their shared love of the game."

Akash Ambani, another key figure from Reliance, added, "We are happy to welcome MI London into the #OneFamily, marking a new chapter in our journey of uniting cricket fans, nurturing talent, and growing the game across continents. The Invincibles' winning record and spirit of excellence perfectly embody the MI ethos of passion, resilience, and teamwork."

The total valuation of the eight partnerships is over £975 million, with more than £500 million earmarked for investment in English and Welsh cricket, including a £50 million commitment to grassroots cricket. This development sets the stage for The Hundred’s continued growth and global expansion.

Vikram Banerjee, Managing Director of The Hundred, commented, "It's an exciting moment to now have all eight deals complete. The world-leading partners we now have on board will help us take The Hundred to the next level and establish it as the unmissable summer event. We’re already working closely together as we aim to make the 2026 season of The Hundred the best yet."