London, UK – March 12, 2026
The 2026 Men’s Hundred auction turned into a blockbuster event for emerging English stars, with James Coles and Jordan Cox securing the biggest contracts of the day as franchises splashed out to strengthen their squads.
London Spirit made headlines by winning the bid for 21 year old all rounder James Coles, agreeing to a record £390,000 deal. Coles, known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, has become one of England’s most promising young players, making him highly coveted by teams looking to build around versatile talent.
Meanwhile, Jordan Cox, who was last season’s Men’s Hundred Most Valuable Player,** attracted a massive £300,000 bid from Welsh Fire, reflecting his value as a dynamic and consistent batter.
Welsh Fire didn’t stop there they also secured England Test star Joe Root for £240,000, signaling their intent to assemble a formidable batting lineup.
This year’s auction, the first of its kind in The Hundred’s history, replaced the previous draft system and allowed teams to openly bid on players, similar to the model used in the Indian Premier League. The salary cap for men’s squads increased to about £2.05 million, up 45 % from prior seasons.
Other notable signings included:
Tom Curran to MI London for £260,000
Adil Rashid to Southern Brave for £250,000
Six-figure deals for Scott Currie and Dan Lawrence with their respective franchises
International talent also featured prominently, with Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed joining Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000, confirming that global stars remain in demand.
The 2026 season of The Hundred is scheduled from July 21 to August 16, promising exciting competition for both men’s and women’s teams. The record-breaking auction demonstrates the league’s growing financial clout and ambition to compete with the world’s top franchise tournaments.