The Hundred 2026 gets under way on Tuesday, and this year’s competition arrives with some important changes from previous editions. The biggest confirmed development is off the field, where the tournament enters a new phase after major investment decisions were completed ahead of the season.
In 2025, the England and Wales Cricket Board finalised the sale of stakes in all eight teams, bringing in more than £500m. That deal represents one of the most significant shifts in the short history of The Hundred and changes the competition’s structure compared with earlier seasons.
For fans asking what is different in The Hundred 2026, the answer starts with that ownership picture. The investment move is likely to shape how the tournament is positioned and managed going forward, making this season notable even before the first ball is bowled.
So while The Hundred keeps its place on the summer cricket calendar, the 2026 edition begins under a changed backdrop. With new financial backing now in place across all eight sides, this year’s tournament stands out as a fresh chapter for the competition.
