We are proud to have advised Glamorgan County Cricket Club on its acquisition of a 50% stake in Welsh Fire, one of the eight teams competing in The Hundred competition. This investment forms part of a major evolution of The Hundred, as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) welcomes a new wave of partners across the tournament.
The Hundred is a professional cricket league in the UK, organised by the England and Wales Cricket Board. It is the only global competition to use the 100-ball format and runs annually during July and August.
As part of the transaction, 50% of the ECB’s shareholding will be transferred to Glamorgan Cricket, with the remaining 50% being acquired by Washington Freedom, a professional cricket team based in the United States, in a multimillion-pound deal.
The wider transaction values all eight teams at a combined figure of over £975 million, with the proceeds being reinvested across the sport.
This deal forms part of a broader restructuring of The Hundred competition, with similar equity transfers taking place across the other seven teams. While the ownership models may differ between teams, each deal is underpinned by a consistent set of commercial agreements designed to shape and govern the future of the competition.
Our specialist sports team has advised Glamorgan County Cricket Club on these agreements, as well as the corporate documents that will regulate the relationship between Glamorgan County Cricket Club and Washington Freedom as shareholders in Welsh Fire.
The team was led by Mark Loosemore, Head of our Sports team, supported by Matt Detheridge, Senior Associate in our Corporate Commercial team.
Commenting on the purchase, Mark said:
“This investment is a defining moment for the future of The Hundred and marks an exciting new chapter for Welsh Fire. As long-standing supporters of Welsh sport and a Cardiff-headquartered firm, we’re proud to support Glamorgan Cricket in shaping a more exciting, inclusive, and financially sustainable future for the game — further boosting the vibrant sporting landscape in the Welsh capital.”
Dan Cherry, Chief Executive of Glamorgan County Cricket Club, added:
“All at Glamorgan would like to thank Mark Loosemore, Matt Detheridge and the Hugh James team for their invaluable support and professional approach in bringing the Welsh Fire deal to completion. Their expertise and guidance played a key role, giving us full confidence at every step of the process.”
The ECB has confirmed that the successful completion of these transactions will inject over £500 million into professional and grassroots cricket across England and Wales. This investment will help secure the long-term future of the sport, supporting all 18 First-Class Counties and providing a significant boost to both grassroots and women’s cricket.
Notably, a share of the proceeds will benefit counties not hosting a team in The Hundred, reinforcing the ECB’s commitment to a united and thriving domestic game. As the competition prepares to mark its fifth year this summer, the ECB and its new partners are focused on building on The Hundred’s success to date.
