The Hundred is back for its sixth season on 21 July with several significant modifications off the field and on the field. The men's and women's 100-ball tournament has skyrocketed in popularity since its inception in 2021. This season will be noticeably different from all its previous editions.

 

The first game is between reigning champions MI London and Sunrisers Leeds. The same format of tournament is being applied, but team names, owners and jerseys have changed, plus a revamped tournament structure.

 

New Combined Trophy Introduced

 

The biggest innovation for The Hundred 2026 is that of a combined franchise trophy.

 

A new overall franchise cup will also be awarded to the team that does best in both the men's and women's competitions, rather than just limiting prizes to the men's and women's champions individually.

 

Here's how the points system works:

 

• Winning each match is worth four points.


• Combine points from the men's and women's teams.


• Leaders in the league stage will receive 4 bonus points for reaching the final directly.

 

If two franchises finish level on points, the tie-breakers are:

 

• The team that won the final


• Number of finals reached


• Combined net run rate

 

The winners for men and women will also get to be crowned, together with the new title.

 

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All Franchises Now Have Overseas Investments

 

Yet another big development is the arrival of overseas investors in all of the 8 franchises.

 

An increasing number of franchises are being associated with IPL owners or foreign investment groups. Ownership also brings about new team names and branding.

 

Some of the biggest changes include:

 

• Oval Invincibles are now MI London.


• Northern Superchargers: Now Sunrisers Leeds.


• Southern Brave now share the colours of Delhi Capitals.


• The Manchester Originals are now called the Manchester Super Giants.


• London Spirit, Birmingham Phoenix and other franchises have new investors.

 

This is also reflected in the updated team kits; many of the franchises now have similar colours to their IPL equivalents.

 

Record-Breaking Auction Brings Huge Contracts

 

Ahead of the 2026 season, several players also set records in the Hundred player auction.

 

Some of the biggest signings were:

 

• James Coles for £390,000, the highest men's deal. Joined London Spirit


• Jordan Cox was signed by Welsh Fire for £200,000.


• Dani Gibson joined Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000


• Two players, Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine, signed contracts valued at £210,000.


• Female spinner Tilly Levee secured £105,000 from Southern Brave

 

The auction revealed the increasing monetary power of the opposition and proved that investments have come into both men's and women's cricket.

 

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A New Era for The Hundred

 

The Hundred starts its 2026 season with a new identity. New owners, rebranded franchise names, revitalised kits and a united trophy have taken the tournament in new directions, but what is one thing that has been added?

 

While the competition is still played over 100 balls, these changes represent a new chapter for the tournament. As it prepares for its season, supporters can anticipate a very different affair from that which kicked off five years ago.