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The Hundred to hold first player auction in UK sport with improved salary pot

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. uction-in-uk-sport-with-improved-salary-pot.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 9:22 GMT by reuters.com
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An Expanded Salary Pot

The most striking feature of the auction is the expanded salary pot, which has been increased from the previous £12 million to a staggering £35 million. This surge reflects the Hundred’s growing financial muscle and its commitment to offering players a more lucrative, competitive compensation structure. Under the new framework, each team receives a base allocation from the pot, which they can augment through targeted bids on marquee players. The league’s governing body confirmed that the pot is designed to be flexible, allowing teams to balance star signings with developmental talent.

Auction Mechanics and Player Movements

Unlike the traditional auction systems seen in the Indian Premier League or the Big Bash, the Hundred’s format incorporates a combination of fixed salaries for core players and a bidding phase for the remaining slots. Teams first secure their core 10‑player squads, which are subject to a maximum salary cap, after which they participate in a live bidding session for additional talent.

Key marquee signings include:

• Jofra Archer – The England fast bowler was snapped up by the Birmingham Phoenix for £4.5 million, a record fee for a bowler in the competition. Archer’s versatility as a swing bowler and his recent return to form made him a hot commodity.

• Grace McDonnell – The Australian all‑rounder, known for her explosive batting and leg‑break spin, was signed by the London Lions for £3.8 million. McDonnell’s ability to play both as a top‑order hitter and a part‑time bowler gives the Lions a flexible option.

• David Willey – England’s left‑arm spinner, who had not played in the Hundred since its inception, joined the Sussex Sharks for £3.1 million. Willey’s left‑arm spin is expected to be a decisive factor against the fast‑batsmen of the competition.

• Mariam Rahman – A rising Pakistani wicket‑keeper batter, Rahman was acquired by the Manchester Originals for £2.7 million, marking a significant investment in international talent from the sub‑continent.

The auction also featured a number of domestic players who benefited from the enlarged pot, including England’s emerging talent Harley Dallow and Sammy Patel, each receiving contracts that reflected their rising status within the national framework.

Implications for the League

The larger salary pot and the new auction structure are poised to have far‑reaching implications for the competition. By offering players higher remuneration, the Hundred can compete more effectively with the international T20 leagues for top talent, thereby elevating the standard of play and enhancing fan engagement. The auction’s design also encourages teams to balance marquee signings with younger, home‑grown prospects, ensuring a sustainable talent pipeline.

From an operational standpoint, the league has introduced a “Salary Cap Shield” – a mechanism that ensures no single team can dominate the market, preserving competitive parity. The cap, set at £15 million per franchise for the core squad, is supplemented by the flexible bidding process for the remaining player slots.

A Wider Impact on UK Sport

The Hundred’s auction has sparked broader discussions about the financial ecosystem of UK sport. The £35 million pot is the largest in domestic cricket in a generation, and it signals a shift toward a more commercially driven model. Sports analysts note that this move could inspire other UK sports leagues, such as the English Premier League and the Rugby Premiership, to reconsider their salary structures and revenue sharing models.

Moreover, the auction has attracted significant sponsorship interest, with multinational brands pledging to invest in the league’s broadcasting and merchandising deals. The increased financial visibility is expected to create more lucrative opportunities for players, coaches, and support staff alike, potentially reshaping the career trajectories of those involved in UK cricket.

Looking Ahead

The inaugural auction is expected to set the tone for the upcoming season, which is slated to begin in early January. With an expanded salary pot and a fresh roster of talent, the Hundred promises to deliver high‑intensity cricket that will captivate audiences both at the ground and on global streaming platforms.

In a sports landscape where revenue streams are constantly evolving, the Hundred’s auction marks a bold step toward creating a financially robust, competitive environment that benefits players, teams, and fans. The next season will test the league’s new structure, but the 2025 auction has already redefined expectations and laid a foundation for a more vibrant future in English cricket.