Will the Renamed Super Giants Keep Buttler and Ecclestone?

The Manchester Originals have been rebranded as the Manchester Super Giants for the upcoming 2026 Hundred season, retaining key England internationals Jos Buttler and Sophie Ecclestone. This significant change comes after the RPSG Group acquired a 70% stake in the franchise, which has previously struggled to secure a title. With a new coaching team and several high-profile players on board, the Super Giants aim to improve their fortunes in the forthcoming season.

Last updated: 13 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The rebranding of the Manchester Originals to Manchester Super Giants marks a new chapter for the franchise as they prepare for the 2026 edition of The Hundred. With the retention of England stars Jos Buttler and Sophie Ecclestone, along with the addition of renowned international players like Meg Lanning and Smriti Mandhana, the Super Giants are looking to build a competitive squad. Under new management, the team also aims to break their title drought after finishing as losing finalists in 2022 and 2023.

Key takeaways

The Manchester Originals have officially become the Manchester Super Giants.
Jos Buttler and Sophie Ecclestone have been retained for the 2026 season.
Notable new signings include Meg Lanning and Smriti Mandhana.
Justin Langer and Matthew Mott are appointed as head coaches for the men's and women's teams respectively.
The franchise's rebranding follows a 70% stake acquisition by RPSG Group.

Timeline: how we got here

The evolution of the Manchester Super Giants can be traced through several key milestones:

2020: The Hundred tournament commenced, with Manchester Originals as one of the franchises.
2021: The Originals struggled to find consistent success in the tournament.
2022: The men’s team reached the final but did not secure the title.
2023: The Originals again finished as runners-up, failing to clinch the championship.
October 2023: RPSG Group purchased a 70% stake in the franchise, leading to the rebranding as the Manchester Super Giants and the announcement of new signings.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most significant update is the rebranding to Manchester Super Giants, which reflects new ownership and a shift in strategy. The retention of key players like Jos Buttler and Sophie Ecclestone, along with the signings of high-profile internationals, signals a strong intent to compete for the title in 2026.

What was already established

Prior to the rebranding, the Manchester Originals faced challenges in securing a title despite reaching the finals in 2022 and 2023. The team's performance under previous management did not meet expectations, leading to a reassessment of their approach ahead of the upcoming season.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The rebranding and strengthened squad could enhance fan engagement and attendance at matches. A successful season may also positively impact local businesses and the sports economy in Manchester, attracting more visitors and boosting matchday revenues.

Businesses and jobs

The introduction of new coaching staff and high-profile players may create job opportunities within the franchise. Successful performances could lead to increased sponsorship deals and partnerships, benefiting local businesses associated with the team.

Policy and regulation

The team’s new ownership structure may lead to changes in governance and operational policies. The success of the Super Giants could influence the landscape of The Hundred, prompting other franchises to reconsider their strategies and investments in player development and recruitment.

Numbers that matter

70%: Percentage of the franchise acquired by RPSG Group.
4: The number of England internationals retained, including Buttler and Ecclestone.
2: The number of seasons Meg Lanning has played at Oval Invincibles before joining the Super Giants.
3: The number of successive titles won by Tom Moody's Oval Invincibles men's team between 2023 and 2025.
5: The number of seasons the Originals have competed without winning a title.

Definitions and jargon buster

The Hundred: A professional franchise cricket tournament in England and Wales that features teams playing 100-ball matches.
RPSG Group: A multinational group that owns sports franchises, including Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
Franchise: A team that operates within a league, often owned by private investors or corporations.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, fans can expect announcements regarding ticket sales and promotional events for the Super Giants. The team will also focus on preparing for the upcoming season with training sessions and team-building activities.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Leading up to the 2026 season, the Super Giants will look to solidify their team dynamics through practice matches and strategic planning. Their performance in pre-season fixtures will be crucial for building momentum.

Signals to watch

Results of pre-season matches and player fitness updates.
Fan engagement metrics, including ticket sales and social media following.
Performance of key players in domestic leagues leading up to The Hundred.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on team announcements and player performances via official channels.
Engage with fan communities to share insights and excitement about the new season.
Consider attending matches to support the team and experience live cricket.

Don’t

Skip pre-season activities, as they can provide insight into the team's preparedness.
Dismiss the potential impact of new signings and coaches on the team's success.
Neglect to follow the team's social media for updates and promotions.

Checklist

Check the schedule for the 2026 Hundred season.
Follow the official Manchester Super Giants social media accounts.
Secure tickets for upcoming matches as soon as they go on sale.
Watch for news on player performance in other leagues.
Stay informed about changes in team management and strategy.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the rebranding and new signings signal a positive direction for the Manchester Super Giants, uncertainties remain regarding team cohesion and performance under new management. The impact of ownership changes on the franchise's long-term strategy also warrants caution. Additionally, the competitive nature of The Hundred means that past performance does not guarantee future success.

Bottom line

The transition from Manchester Originals to Manchester Super Giants represents a fresh start for the franchise ahead of the 2026 Hundred season. With a strong roster and experienced coaching staff, the team has the potential to become serious contenders. It will be essential for fans to engage with the team’s journey as they seek their first title.

FAQs

What led to the rebranding of Manchester Originals?

The rebranding to Manchester Super Giants followed a 70% stake acquisition by RPSG Group, aiming to revitalize the franchise's performance in The Hundred.

Who are the key players retained for the 2026 season?

Jos Buttler and Sophie Ecclestone are among the key players retained by the Manchester Super Giants, alongside other notable signings.

What changes have been made to the coaching staff?

Justin Langer has been appointed as the head coach for the men's team, while Matthew Mott will lead the women's side, replacing previous coaches Simon Katich and Michael Klinger.