Viewership for both the men’s and women’s editions of The Hundred 2024 has significantly declined compared to the 2023 season. Sky Sports reported a 28 percent drop in viewership for the men’s event and an even sharper 41 percent decline for the women’s tournament.
The BBC observed a 25 percent drop in viewership for the men’s edition, while the women’s numbers remained relatively stable compared to the previous year. Additionally, despite expectations for growth after three years of the 100-ball format, peak viewership for both finals also decreased.
The Telegraph primarily attributes the viewership decline to the overlapping 2024 Paris Olympics. Additionally, there is a growing sentiment that The Hundred’s initial momentum is stalling and could benefit from fresh investment and revitalization.
The 2024 edition of The Hundred has also faced criticism for on-pitch issues. Low scores have been attributed to worn-out pitches and excessive swing early in matches, leading to a generally underwhelming experience. These concerns have been voiced by both franchise owners and players.
The decline in viewership could impact The Hundred’s ability to attract investment, as it comes at a critical time when the event needs to secure sponsors. However, this dip might be temporary. Investors remain interested, as evidenced by ongoing discussions about acquiring stakes in the competition.
Reportedly, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is handling over 200 expressions of interest from potential investors. Additionally, there are rumors that the Mumbai Indians (MI) group, which already owns franchises in MLC, ILT20, and SA20, is looking to acquire the London Spirit as part of their global expansion strategy.
