Which England Stars Did London Spirit Sign for the 2026 Hundred?

London Spirit has made significant strides in the lead-up to the 2026 season of The Hundred, notably winning the women's title in 2024 while still seeking their first men's trophy. The franchise has bolstered its roster with eight new signings, including England trio Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, and Charlie Dean, alongside Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa and South African batter Dewald Brevis.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As London Spirit prepares for the 2026 season of The Hundred, the team's focus is on building a competitive squad capable of challenging for the men's title. With significant signings, including some of the best talents from England and abroad, the franchise is looking to enhance its performance on the pitch. The return of familiar faces combined with new additions aims to create a dynamic team that can compete at the highest level.

Key takeaways

London Spirit won the women's title in 2024 but are yet to secure the men's trophy.
The team has signed eight new players for the 2026 season.
Key signings include Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Adam Zampa, and Dewald Brevis.
Marizanne Kapp and Mahika Gaur have joined the women’s squad, which will be led by Jon Lewis.
The auction for additional players will take place in March 2026.

Timeline: how we got here

London Spirit's journey in The Hundred has seen them evolve significantly since the tournament's inception. Here’s a brief timeline of key events leading to the current season:

2021: The Hundred launches, introducing new formats and teams to the cricketing landscape.
2024: London Spirit wins the women's title, showcasing the team's potential.
2025: The men's team continues to develop but falls short of the title.
2026 (October): London Spirit announces eight new signings, including notable international players.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent signings of Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, and others highlight London Spirit's commitment to strengthening their squad. Additionally, the inclusion of players like Adam Zampa and Dewald Brevis aims to enhance the team's performance metrics significantly.

What was already established

London Spirit's women's team has demonstrated its capabilities by winning the title in 2024, while the men's team has yet to replicate that success. The franchise's strategy has focused on nurturing local talent while integrating skilled international players.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The strengthened London Spirit squad is likely to elevate the overall excitement and attendance at matches, enhancing the experience for fans. As the competition intensifies, ticket sales and merchandise may see a boost, benefiting local economies.

Businesses and jobs

By attracting high-profile players, London Spirit may create more job opportunities within the club, including coaching, administrative, and support staff roles. The franchise's growth could also positively impact local businesses surrounding Lord's Cricket Ground.

Policy and regulation

The Hundred's operational framework allows teams to directly sign or retain four players before the auction, a new feature for this season. This change is expected to enhance team stability and performance while also encouraging strategic planning among franchises.

Numbers that matter

46: The number of wickets taken by Marizanne Kapp in The Hundred, the fourth-highest in the competition's history.
30: Adam Zampa's wickets taken in The Hundred at an average of 13.13, showcasing his efficiency.
161: Dewald Brevis's highest T20 score, demonstrating his explosive batting capability.
8: The total number of new signings made by London Spirit for the 2026 season.
4: The number of players each team can retain or sign directly before the auction.

Definitions and jargon buster

The Hundred: A professional 100-ball cricket tournament in England and Wales, featuring both men's and women's teams.
Player of the match: An award given to the best performing player in a particular match.
Leg-spinner: A type of bowler who spins the ball with their wrist to deceive the batsman.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

London Spirit will focus on finalising their squad ahead of the auction in March 2026. Keeping an eye on player performances and team dynamics will be critical in shaping the final roster.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the new season approaches, London Spirit will look to build chemistry among the players and develop strategies that leverage their new talents while addressing any weaknesses from the previous season.

Signals to watch

Performance metrics of newly signed players in warm-up matches.
Fan engagement levels and ticket sales as the season approaches.
Outcomes of the auction and any significant trades or signings made by competing teams.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on player performances and team announcements as the season approaches.
Engage with local cricket clubs and communities to foster support for the team.
Consider attending matches to support the Spirit and enjoy live cricket.

Don’t

Assume that past performances guarantee future success; every season is different.
Neglect the impact that new signings can have on team dynamics.
Overlook the importance of fan engagement in the success of the franchise.

Checklist

Review the final roster after the March auction.
Follow player health and fitness updates leading into the season.
Engage with social media channels for the latest news and fan events.
Plan match attendance and support local businesses around Lord’s.
Watch pre-season matches to gauge team performance and chemistry.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the signings of high-profile players are promising, there are inherent risks, such as injuries or underperformance, that could affect team dynamics. Additionally, the competitive landscape is ever-changing, and other franchises may make significant signings that alter the balance of power in The Hundred.

Bottom line

London Spirit's ambitious signing strategy ahead of the 2026 season suggests a firm commitment to achieving success in both the men's and women's competitions. The blend of experienced internationals and promising local talents positions the franchise to make a strong bid for their first men's title while defending the women's championship. Fans can anticipate an exciting season ahead.

FAQs

What is The Hundred?

The Hundred is a professional 100-ball cricket tournament in England, featuring men’s and women’s teams competing in a fast-paced format.

Who are the notable signings for London Spirit in 2026?

Key signings include Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Adam Zampa, and Dewald Brevis, alongside women's players Mahika Gaur and Marizanne Kapp.

When is the auction for The Hundred players?

The auction for The Hundred players is set to take place in March 2026, where teams can make additional signings or trades.