The Oval Invincibles to rebrand as MI London in 2026
The Oval Invincibles, the most dominant team in The Hundred, will rebrand as MI London starting in 2026, reports BritPanorama.
Following extensive negotiations between Surrey and Reliance Industries Limited, the latter has secured a 49 per cent stake in the franchise, which is now valued at £123 million, making it the second-most-valuable team in the competition after London Spirit.
This agreement marks the conclusion of the ECB’s equity sale process, with Reliance acquiring the team nearly five months after completing six other transactions. The men’s and women’s squads will now be aligned with the Ambani family’s expanding Mumbai Indians network, which already includes teams in leagues across various continents.
The rebranding integrates the Kia Oval-based side into a broader franchise network that has proved successful, with the Mumbai Indians brand encompassing teams in multiple leagues, including the IPL, SA20, ILT20, and Major League Cricket, along with a women’s team in the WPL.
Despite initially being hesitant to part with the Invincibles name due to its strong association with their home ground, Surrey chairman Oli Slipper acknowledged the advantages of adopting the MI branding, which has a storied history of success, including 13 titles across 17 years.
“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with the Reliance team over our partnership in the Hundred franchise team,” Slipper stated, highlighting the depth of cricket expertise that Reliance brings through its global experience.
Nita Ambani, co-owner of the Mumbai Indians, expressed her enthusiasm for the rebranding, noting London’s significant role in cricket. Akash Ambani underscored the Invincibles’ impressive track record, stating it reflects the MI ethos of “passion, resilience, and teamwork.”
This transition signals a strategic move for both the franchise and the wider Mumbai Indians network, aiming to enhance their global footprint while maintaining competitive standards in the evolving landscape of cricket.
Ultimately, MI London’s emergence adds an intriguing chapter to the ongoing narrative of cricketing franchises, melding local heritage with a global vision—an example of how tradition and modernity can intertwine in sport.
