Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), the owner of Mumbai Indians, has further strengthened its presence in global cricket by acquiring a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles, one of the most successful teams in The Hundred. This move comes as part of RIL’s aggressive expansion strategy in franchise-based cricket worldwide.
The deal, valued at £123 million, means RIL will invest over £60 million for its share in the team. The Oval Invincibles men’s team are the current champions of The Hundred, having won the title twice. Meanwhile, their women’s team has also been dominant, winning back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022.
Key Highlights:
Mukesh Ambani’s Growing Cricket Empire:
Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest businessman and the driving force behind RIL, has systematically built a global cricket empire. The acquisition of Oval Invincibles adds to RIL’s already impressive portfolio of cricket teams, which includes:
- Mumbai Indians (IPL & WPL – India)
- MI New York (MLC – USA)
- MI Cape Town (SA20 – South Africa)
- MI Emirates (ILT20 – UAE)
- Oval Invincibles (The Hundred – England)
This expansion highlights RIL’s commitment to cricket as a global investment, reinforcing its role in some of the world’s most competitive leagues.
The Bidding War and RIL’s Strategic Move:
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The acquisition of Oval Invincibles was a highly competitive process, with Silicon Valley investors and CVC Capital also bidding for a stake in the team. However, RIL outbid its competitors to secure the deal.
Initially, there were strong rumors that RIL was targeting London Spirit, the team based at Lord’s. However, as the sales process unfolded, RIL shifted its focus to Oval Invincibles, partnering with Surrey County Cricket Club, which retained its majority stake (51%) in the franchise.
Why RIL Chose Oval Invincibles Over London Spirit:
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RIL’s decision to invest in Oval Invincibles instead of London Spirit appears to be a strategic one. The Oval, home to Surrey County Cricket Club, is one of England’s most iconic cricket venues. The franchise has been one of the strongest in The Hundred, making it a valuable asset in RIL’s growing cricket portfolio.
The privatization process of The Hundred allowed host venues to sell a portion of their ownership, but Surrey was determined to maintain a controlling 51% stake. This collaboration ensures that Oval Invincibles retains its English cricketing identity while benefiting from RIL’s financial backing and global expertise.
What This Means for The Hundred and Franchise Cricket:
The acquisition of Oval Invincibles by RIL marks a major shift in The Hundred’s landscape, as private investments are now becoming a reality for the league. It also signifies:
- Increased global investment in English franchise cricket.
- More commercial opportunities for The Hundred and its franchises.
- A stronger Mumbai Indians brand presence in international cricket.
This move could also pave the way for other IPL franchise owners and global investors to explore opportunities in The Hundred, further integrating the league into the world’s fast-growing T20 ecosystem.
A Game-Changing Move for RIL and The Hundred:
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With the acquisition of a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has once again proven its commitment to dominating global franchise cricket. This move not only expands its Mumbai Indians brand but also strengthens The Hundred as a commercially viable tournament.
As Mukesh Ambani continues to invest in premium cricket properties worldwide, RIL’s influence in the sport is only set to grow, shaping the future of global franchise cricket.
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