MI London Secures BKT Tyres Partnership for The Hundred

MI London, one of the eight franchises competing in England’s The Hundred cricket tournament, has officially welcomed BKT Tyres as a new partner. The deal, announced this week, marks a significant shift in the commercial landscape of the competition as franchises begin to assert more autonomy over their sponsorship portfolios.

A New Era for Commercial Strategy in The Hundred

Historically, all sponsorship agreements for The Hundred were negotiated centrally by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), ensuring a uniform commercial approach across all eight teams. However, following the recent introduction of private part-owners, the model has evolved. Teams are now empowered to negotiate their own commercial deals, and the agreement with BKT Tyres serves as a prime example of this transition.

MI London, formerly known as the Oval Invincibles, underwent a rebranding following a December 2025 part-acquisition by Reliance Strategic Business Ventures. The franchise is currently owned 51% by Surrey County Cricket Club and 49% by Reliance Industries. Under the terms of the new partnership, BKT Tyres will receive sleeve sponsorship rights for both the men’s and women’s MI London teams.

BKT’s Continued Commitment to Cricket

The partnership with MI London builds upon BKT’s extensive history in cricket sponsorship. The tyre manufacturer previously served as a sleeve partner for all eight teams in The Hundred during the 2024 season. Beyond the English short-form competition, the company maintains a robust sports marketing portfolio that includes engagements with the Indian Premier League, the Women’s Premier League, and Australia’s Big Bash League.

Outside of cricket, BKT has established a presence in global sports, partnering with LaLiga in Spanish football and the Six Nations Championship in rugby union.

Leadership Perspectives

MI London chair Oli Slipper highlighted the alignment between the team and the new sponsor. “BKT are a committed supporter of sport around the world and we’re pleased to have their backing this summer as MI London take to the field at the Kia Oval,” Slipper stated. He added that the partnership aims to celebrate the fan experience and the spirit of the game.

Rajiv Poddar, joint managing director of BKT, emphasized the strategic importance of the deal. “Cricket has always been a key pillar of BKT’s sports marketing strategy, and this partnership represents another key milestone in our willingness of strengthening our connection with fans around the world through one of the sport’s most exciting new platforms,” Poddar said.

Key Takeaways

• Expanded Rights: MI London is now managing its own commercial partnerships following changes to the league’s ownership structure.
• Sponsorship Scope: The BKT Tyres deal covers sleeve branding for both the men’s and women’s MI London squads.
• Tournament Dates: The 2026 edition of The Hundred is scheduled to take place from July 21 to August 16.
• Ownership Context: MI London is a joint venture between Surrey County Cricket Club (51%) and Reliance Strategic Business Ventures (49%).

As the franchise looks ahead to the upcoming summer season at the Kia Oval, the agreement signals a broader trend of individual teams within The Hundred seeking to cultivate unique brand identities and revenue streams in an increasingly competitive sports market.