The landscape of The Hundred has shifted dramatically with the conclusion of its inaugural player auction, finalizing the squads for the 2026 season. For the first five years of the competition, teams were built through a draft system and tiered salary structure. However, following significant private investment, the 2026 edition introduced a dynamic auction process, allowing teams to bid for players not previously signed or retained. This recent approach has resulted in some significant financial commitments and reshaped the competitive balance of the league.
The auction, held at Piccadilly Lights in central London on March 11th and 12th, saw nearly 1,000 players from 18 countries vying for a spot in one of the eight teams. The men’s competition boasts a salary pot of £2.05 million per side, a 45% increase from previous seasons, while the women’s teams will benefit from an even larger 100% increase, with a fund of £880,000 available [1, 4]. This investment underscores the growing prominence of The Hundred and its commitment to attracting top talent.
Key Signings in the Men’s Competition
The men’s auction witnessed several players commanding substantial fees. James Coles, a 21-year-old all-rounder, emerged as the most expensive acquisition, secured by London Spirit for a staggering £390,000 [1, 4]. Jordan Cox followed closely, joining Welsh Fire for £300,000 [1, 4]. Established England stars likewise attracted significant bids, with Joe Root moving to Welsh Fire for £240,000 and Adil Rashid joining Southern Brave for £250,000 [1, 4]. Other notable signings include Tom Curran to MI London for £260,000, and Sam Billings to Trent Rockets for £180,000 [1].
Women’s Auction Creates Highest-Paid Players
The women’s auction, held on March 11th, also saw record-breaking deals. Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine became the most expensive acquisitions, both securing contracts worth £210,000 [4]. The auction also elevated several players into the ranks of the highest-paid sportswomen in the UK, with all-rounder Danielle Gibson, pace bowler Issy Wong, and 18-year-old spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman all receiving deals exceeding £100,000 [1].
Squad Breakdown (as of March 12, 2026)
Here’s a look at how the squads are shaping up, including players retained or directly signed before the auction [4]:
- Birmingham Phoenix: Jacob Bethell, Rehan Ahmed, Mitch Owen, Donovan Ferreira, Usman Tariq (£140,000), Saqib Mahmood (£150,000), Scott Currie (£210,000)
- London Spirit: Jamie Overton, Liam Livingstone, Adam Zampa, Dewald Brevis, James Coles (£390,000), Jonny Bairstow (£160,000)
- MI London: Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Rashid Khan, Nicholas Pooran, James Vince (£190,000), Tom Curran (£260,000)
- Manchester Super Giants: Jos Buttler, Noor Ahmad, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Dawson, Sonny Baker (£95,000), Gus Atkinson (£70,000), Aiden Markram (£200,000), Josh Tongue (£200,000)
- Southern Brave: Jofra Archer, Jamie Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Tristan Stubbs, Luke Wood (£130,000), Adil Rashid (£250,000), Thomas Rew (£80,000), David Miller (£110,000)
- Sunrisers Leeds: Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan Ellis, Abrar Ahmed (£190,000), Dan Lawrence (£210,000), Zak Crawley (£180,000), Ryan Rickelton (£150,000)
- Trent Rockets: Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Tim David, Mitchell Santner, Finn Allen (£160,000), Sam Billings (£180,000)
- Welsh Fire: Chris Woakes, Phil Salt, Rachin Ravindra, Marco Jansen, Joe Root (£240,000), Jordan Cox (£300,000)
Teams will also have the opportunity to add two wildcard picks following the conclusion of the T20 Blast, allowing for further squad adjustments based on player form and availability [1].
The introduction of the auction format marks a significant evolution for The Hundred, injecting a new level of excitement and strategic complexity into the team-building process. With increased investment and a wealth of talent now secured, the 2026 season promises to be the most competitive yet. The focus now shifts to pre-season training and preparation as teams fine-tune their strategies for the upcoming campaign.
What impact will the new auction format have on the overall competitiveness of The Hundred? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow cricket fans!
