Financial gap between Hundred host counties and others widening, report warns
The financial gap between Hundred host clubs and the other 11 counties is widening and could continue to do so, according to a new financial report.
The big four counties of Surrey, Lancashire, Hampshire and Warwickshire generated over half of the total revenue of all 18 first-class counties last year, with a “series of financial realities” on the horizon for cricket despite the £520m windfall coming from the sale of stakes in eight Hundred franchises.
Leonard Curtis’ Cricket Finance Report 2026 ranked Surrey as the top club financially, with the seven Hundred host counties – London Spirit’s MCC ownership does not feature – all sitting inside the top 10.
David Brown, a Leonard Curtis director and former player, said: “This year’s report shows English cricket at a genuine turning point. The £520m Hundred windfall is already helping counties pay down debt and invest in their futures, but the gap between host and non-host counties appears to be widening rather than narrowing.”
A number of counties have been able to wipe out debts with the windfall received from the Hundred stake sales, but teams like Sussex have been hit with points deductions over their finances.
Realities of the Hundred windfall
“As county cricket continues to evolve in a competitive landscape its ability to think like a business will remain essential,” Leonard Curtis’ Dan Booth said. “This report is not just designed to shine a light on issues but create a forum between business and sport to help solve problems. When we exchange lessons in leadership, innovation, performance and culture we will inspire both sporting and commercial success.”
Counties that do not host Hundred teams have or will receive a chunk of the windfall from the sale, with clubs like Gloucestershire able to announce themselves as debt-free as a result.
The Bristol-based county, who had been cited as a potential early Hundred expansion franchise, received around £400,000 – a drop in the ocean compared to the upwards of £40m generated from each of the eight sales, which rose to over £140m for London Spirit.
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Wednesday that kit partner Castore had donated £150,000 to support women’s and girls’ cricket.