Highest-ever Hundred salaries set as 2026 squads finalized

The Hundred’s 2026 squads are now complete following an auction that doubled women’s wages and hiked men’s funds by 45%.

New auction replaces draft system The Hundred’s first-ever player auction has wrapped up, locking in the eight teams’ squads for the 2026 season. Previously, players were assigned through a draft with fixed salary tiers for the competition’s first five editions. Major private funding has since overhauled the system, shifting to an auction where uncapped players set both their team and compensation. Each squad will consist of 16 to 18 players, governed by a salary cap and a mandatory spending minimum known as a salary collar. ## Men’s budget jumps by nearly half The men’s competition’s collective pay pot has surged by 45% to £2.05 million per franchise for 2026, reflecting the auction’s elevated stakes. All-rounders and emerging talents secured headline figures, with 21-year-old James Coles landing £390,000 and batter Jordan Cox netting £300,000. Veteran stars Joe Root and Adil Rashid also earned substantial deals. Teams will later add two wildcard selections after the T20 Blast concludes. ## Women’s wages double in record deals The women’s teams’ spending pool has doubled to £880,000 for 2026, driving some of the richest contracts ever for UK sportswomen. All-rounder Danielle Gibson, pace bowler Issy Wong, and 18-year-old spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman all inked deals surpassing £100,000. These figures underscore the competition’s commitment to elevating female cricketers’ earnings. Two extra wildcard picks per side will also join after the domestic T20 tournament. ## Men’s squads take shape ahead of season Captains and key signings have been confirmed for the men’s teams ahead of the 2026 schedule. Jacob Bethell leads his side as captain on a £340,000 contract, while Liam Livingstone captains his team for £350,000. Leus du Plooy joins for £120,000, and Phil Salt takes the reins for £450,000. The rosters now reflect the auction’s outcome, with stars and emerging players allocated across the eight franchises. ## Women’s captains and replacements announced The women’s squads feature established leaders and fresh faces for the 2026 campaign. Ellyse Perry captains her team on £100,000, while Charlie Dean leads hers for £85,000. Nadine de Klerk secures £170,000, and Hollie Armitage captains for £45,000. Katie George has been drafted in on July 11 to replace the injured Mahika Gaur, rounding out the finalized lineups.