The pre-signing window for the sixth edition of The Hundred has closed, and the landscape is already taking shape. With the first-ever player auction set for March 2026, the squads aren’t complete yet, but the early moves tell us a lot about which franchises mean business this season.
Manchester Super Giants look dangerous
The newly rebranded Manchester Super Giants have made a statement. Retaining Jos Buttler, Heinrich Klaasen and Noor Ahmad while adding Smriti Mandhana and Meg Lanning on the women’s side signals a franchise with serious ambition. With Justin Langer heading the men’s coaching setup, expect a well-drilled, high-powered unit. If the auction goes their way, they could be the team to beat.
Southern Brave are quietly building again
Jofra Archer’s retention was the headline, but pairing him with Marcus Stoinis and Tristan Stubbs gives the Brave genuine firepower across both batting and bowling. On the women’s side, retaining Lauren Bell and Laura Wolvaardt alongside Jemimah Rodrigues makes them one of the most balanced squads in the competition. Don’t sleep on Southampton.
MI London carry the champions’ pedigree
Three-time men’s champions MI London have retained their core with Sam Curran, Will Jacks and Rashid Khan, while adding Nicholas Pooran, one of the most destructive batters in short-format cricket. Their women’s side looks equally strong with Hayley Matthews and Amelia Kerr joining Danielle Wyatt-Hodge. They know how to win this tournament, and that experience counts.
Sunrisers Leeds are the women’s team to watch
As reigning women’s champions, Sunrisers Leeds enter 2026 with confidence. Retaining Kate Cross, Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland keeps their title-winning core intact. On the men’s side, Harry Brook and Mitchell Marsh is an exciting combination that could make serious noise in the competition.
Welsh Fire: the dark horses
Phil Salt, Rachin Ravindra and Marco Jansen is not a quiet set of signings. The Fire have assembled a well-rounded men’s squad with genuine match-winners, and with Chris Woakes returning to the competition, they have experience to complement their firepower. They could surprise a few teams this season.
The verdict
It’s still early, and the auction in March will reshape every squad. But based on what we’ve seen so far, Manchester Super Giants and MI London look like the frontrunners for the men’s competition, while Sunrisers Leeds and Southern Brave appear strongest on the women’s side.
One thing is certain – the 2026 edition of The Hundred is shaping up to be the most competitive yet.