Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer is reportedly among six remaining candidates competing to invest in London Spirit, a cricket franchise based at Lord’s.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is selling 49% stakes in the eight teams of The Hundred, aiming to raise up to £650 million. The remaining 51% stakes will be given to the counties hosting the matches, although these counties can choose to sell their stakes if they wish.
According to reports, Lancer Capital, chaired by Glazer, is interested in acquiring London Spirit, the most valuable franchise. It is unclear if Glazer plans to purchase the entire stake in Spirit. Reports also suggest that Glazer has held meetings with Surrey about buying a minority stake in the Oval Invincibles, another team in the competition.
Surrey reportedly intends to retain its 51% share in the Invincibles. While Glazer is a key contender for London Spirit, he faces competition from other high-profile investors.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is also vying for the stake in The Hundred’s most valuable team. In addition, owners of Indian Premier League teams Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants, along with Liberty Media, the owners of Formula One and MotoGP, are in the race for shares.
Meetings between these six potential investors, including Glazer and Boehly, are set to continue this week and into the next before the candidate list is narrowed further. Meanwhile, Glazer’s other UK investment, Manchester United, has announced Ruben Amorim as their new head coach following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag—a decision made by Ineos figureheads.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff