KKR pushing for a New Team? Knight Riders may add another Franchise soon as expansion plans revealed

The Knight Riders Group, owners of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), could make another attempt to enter England’s The Hundred if the competition expands from its current eight-team structure to 10 franchises.

The development would mark a renewed push by the Knight Riders Group to establish a presence in English cricket. The group had previously explored an investment in The Hundred during the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) process to bring private investors into the eight existing franchises.

KKR Could Return to The Hundred

According to reports, the Knight Riders Group remain interested in expanding their global cricket portfolio, but the potential move is linked to the Hundred’s proposed expansion.

The group had previously considered a bid for Trent Rockets but ultimately did not proceed. Cain International and Ares Management eventually secured a 49% stake in the Nottinghamshire-based franchise, while the eight Hundred teams collectively attracted strategic investors.

The ECB’s private investment process transformed the ownership structure of The Hundred. Deals involving all eight teams were completed by the end of 2025, with the franchises collectively valued at more than £975 million.

As a result, KKR’s most realistic route into the competition could now be through a new expansion franchise rather than purchasing an existing team.

The Hundred Could Expand to 10 Teams

The Hundred currently consists of eight men’s and women’s teams. However, plans for a possible expansion to 10 teams have emerged, with Durham among the locations discussed as a potential home for a new franchise. Bristol and Taunton have also been mentioned as possible destinations.

Any expansion is unlikely to happen immediately, with the existing media-rights cycle running through 2028. A 10-team Hundred could therefore potentially become a reality from 2029.

That timeline could give the Knight Riders Group an opportunity to evaluate the commercial potential of entering the English market while also assessing the growth of The Hundred.

KKR already have an established international cricket portfolio. Besides the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, the group owns teams in the Caribbean Premier League, Major League Cricket and other global franchise competitions.

The Knight Riders brand is represented by Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20 and Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket.