Overview
- Monday reporting across multiple outlets says Knight Riders Group would consider bidding for one of two new Hundred franchises if the ECB expands the competition from eight teams to ten.
- KRG previously explored buying into Trent Rockets but senior officials withdrew over valuation concerns and Cain International then paid just under £40 million for a 49% stake.
- The ECB's current broadcast rights cycle runs to the end of 2028 so any structural expansion is unlikely before 2029 when a new rights deal could be negotiated.
- Adding two teams would create more fixtures and broadcast inventory, which the ECB could use to seek higher TV revenue and which could attract more investors with IPL links.
- There is no formal ECB expansion decision and no active KRG bid at this stage, with any future offer contingent on the board approving expansion and franchises being priced at values KRG deems reasonable.