Mumbai Indians’ owners, Reliance Industries, have secured a major foothold in English cricket by acquiring a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles for £60 million. This deal marks another step in their global cricket expansion, bringing The Hundred franchise into their growing portfolio of teams.
The acquisition took place as part of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) sale of The Hundred franchises, which is expected to generate £350 million in total. The Ambanis outbid private equity firm CVC Capital Partners in a three-way auction, solidifying their influence in the global T20 landscape.
How Many Teams Do Mumbai Indians Own?
Mumbai Indians have expanded their global cricket empire with the acquisition of a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles. This move further strengthens their presence in franchise cricket, adding to their already impressive portfolio. The Ambani-owned Reliance Industries now controls multiple teams worldwide, including:
- Mumbai Indians (IPL & WPL) – India
- MI Cape Town – SA20 (South Africa)
- MI Emirates – ILT20 (UAE)
- MI New York – Major League Cricket (USA)
- Oval Invincibles – The Hundred (England)
With this latest addition, MI continues to dominate the global T20 circuit, cementing its status as one of the most powerful brands in cricket.
What This Means for English Cricket
With MI’s involvement, the Oval Invincibles could undergo branding changes in the future, possibly adopting the iconic “MI” identity seen in other franchises. However, for now, no major changes are expected until the 2026 season.
The ECB sees this deal as a major win, not just for the financial boost, but also for the global exposure that MI brings. The money raised will be reinvested into county cricket and grassroots development, ensuring a long-term impact on English cricket.
A Growing Empire
Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, is already a dominant force in cricket with teams in India, South Africa, UAE, and the USA. Their foray into English cricket is expected to increase the Hundred’s global appeal, given MI’s massive fan following.
With five franchises across four continents, MI has established itself as the biggest cricketing brand in the world. Their latest move signals a new era where franchise ownership extends beyond national borders, making cricket a truly global sport.
