Lucknow Owners Secure Majority Stake in Manchester Originals Team

Lucknow owners secure a majority stake in Manchester Originals, marking a major partnership move in cricket. Learn more about this exciting new chapter.

Advertisement

Lucknow Owners Secure Majority Stake in Manchester Originals

The RPSG Group and Lucknow Super Giants’ owners have made news by acquiring a 70% stake in Manchester Originals, the latest in a series of high-profile deals involving Indian Premier League (IPL) clubs and The Hundred cricket franchises. After deciding to sell a controlling ownership in the Originals, Lancashire took this strategic move in response to the current trend of IPL teams growing their global presence.

A Major Deal for Manchester Originals

Advertisement

Lucknow Owners Secure Majority Stake in Manchester Originals Team
Manchester Originals Team

By spending a total of £116 million on Manchester Originals in the virtual auction, RPSG managed to acquire the majority ownership stake of the team. The host county Lancashire will keep only the 30% of the business. After the Surrey-Mumbai Indians’ collaboration for the Oval Invincibles, this is the second time when an IPL team owner has partnered with a Hundred franchise.

“We have been very focused on securing a great partner – ideally from the IPL – and RPSG has been our preferred bidder for some time,” said Daniel Gidney the chief executive of Lancashire, who expressed interest in the deal. He also emphasized the two sides of the common objective of establishing a successful cricket future for Manchester and the North West region.

RPSG’s Global Cricket Footprint

The Durban Super Giants of South Africa’s T20 league are also owned by the RPSG Group, which has been set to increase its influence in other cricketing nations.

The Lucknow Super Giants, one of the league’s more recent teams were established in 2021 when the IPL expanded its teams and their partnership with Manchester Originals reflects another phase in their global plan. Remarkably, RPSG secured this stake by outbidding other IPL teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders in the virtual auction.

A Growing Trend in The Hundred

This deal is part of a broader trend of IPL teams acquiring stakes in The Hundred franchises. Just last week, three other deals were finalized:

  • Surrey negotiated a £60 million deal with the owners of Mumbai Indians for a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles.
  • Warwickshire sold a 49% stake in Birmingham Phoenix to Birmingham City owners, Knighthead Capital.
  • Glamorgan sold 49% of Welsh Fire to IT entrepreneur Sanjay Govil for £40 million.

Additionally, a record-breaking £145 million deal for a 49% stake in London Spirit was secured between Marylebone Cricket Club and a Silicon Valley consortium led by Nikesh Arora.

Lancashire’s Future Plans

Lancashire’s decision to sell a controlling stake in the Originals will not only reduce their debt, but also support many development projects. The funds will be used to construct a second pitch in Farington, open a new indoor school and improve amenities for their members. These enhancements are part of the county’s overall goal of long-term growth in the region.

The Impact of IPL on Global Cricket

Following the inclusion of IPL teams in The Hundred League, the cricket world has witnessed this incredible cooperation between leagues and nations. This Lucknow-Manchester alliance also showcases a stronger merging of international cricket, with IPL franchises becoming key stakeholders outside of their respective leagues. The future of cricket is very bright as this kind of international collaboration will continue to change the game.

Also Read: Mumbai Indians Acquires 49% In The Hundred League Franchise