Reliance Acquires 49% Stake in Oval Invincibles, Rebrands Franchise to MI London
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has expanded its global cricket empire with a strategic partnership in The Hundred. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Limited (RSBVL), RIL acquired a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles Limited from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for GBP 60.27 million (approximately ₹722 crore). Surrey County Cricket Club retains 51% ownership. Starting in 2026, both the men’s and women’s teams will be rebranded as MI London, marking the seventh team in the Mumbai Indians (MI) family.
Partnership Highlights: Building on Success
The Oval Invincibles, incorporated in 2019, are the most successful franchise in The Hundred’s history, clinching five titles in five years—including back-to-back women’s wins (2021-2022) and three consecutive men’s titles (2023-2025). The team’s dominance features homegrown stars like Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Will Jacks, and Alice Capsey, alongside internationals such as Marizanne Kapp, Rashid Khan, and Adam Zampa.
This move aligns with MI’s vision to nurture talent and grow cricket globally. The MI family now spans seven teams across five countries: IPL’s Mumbai Indians, WPL’s Mumbai Indians, MLC’s MI New York, ILT20’s MI Emirates, SA20’s MI Cape Town, and now MI London. Over 17 years, MI has secured 13 league titles, making it the most successful T20 franchise group.
Nita M. Ambani emphasized London’s cricket heritage and the partnership’s focus on talent and community engagement. Akash Ambani highlighted the Invincibles’ excellence aligning with MI’s ethos. Surrey Chair Oli Slipper praised Reliance’s expertise, noting the rebranding’s potential to boost fanbase and commercial value.
Oval Invincibles’ turnover: GBP 2.33 million (2025), GBP 2.10 million (2024), GBP 2.13 million (2023). The transaction is not related-party and required no regulatory approvals.