MCC Secures 51% Stake in London Spirit

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) members have voted in favour of acquiring a 51% stake in the London Spirit franchise ahead of upcoming sales in The Hundred tournament. During a recent Special General Meeting, MCC members, who own Lord's Cricket Ground, overwhelmingly supported this move, with 81.12% of the 6,037 valid votes cast in favour of a controlling share in Spirit.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has already initiated the process to sell shares in the tournament's eight franchises. As part of the deal, each franchise host holds a 51% share, which can be sold or retained, while the ECB will sell the remaining 49% stake in each team.

An MCC representative informed that the club's Hundred steering group will oversee collaboration with the ECB as the sales process unfolds. They noted that the MCC also retains the authority to veto any investment partner if necessary.

Earlier this year, the ECB enlisted the Raine Group and Deloitte to advise on franchise sales for The Hundred. Proceeds from the sale of the 49% shares in each team will be allocated among the 18 first-class counties, the MCC, and grassroots cricket initiatives.