Manchester Originals, Oval Invincibles, and Northern Superchargers have rebranded for 2026, becoming Manchester Super Giants, MI London, and Sunrisers Leeds. The changes align them with Indian Premier League ownership groups, with new logos and colours, including a controversial elephant for Manchester. The league's first overseas investment wave drives this transformation.

A player auction in March will finalise squads, but franchises have already signed four players each. Jos Buttler and Sophie Ecclestone stay put, while Liam Livingstone and Alice Capsey moved. Salary pots jumped 45% for men (£2.05m) and 100% for women (£880,000), with pre-auction deals deducted from that total.

The auction reshapes the competition, with stars like Joe Root and Alana King still unsigned. Justin Langer and Daniel Vettori switch teams, mirroring their IPL roles. The changes signal a more commercial, global direction for The Hundred, aiming to rival other franchise leagues while deepening ties to Indian cricket ownership.