Liam Livingstone Signs with London Spirit
Liam Livingstone has officially signed a deal to play for London Spirit in The Hundred for the 2026 season. This move marks a significant shift in his career, as he was previously the captain of Birmingham Phoenix.
In a related development, Jacob Bethell has been appointed as the new captain of Birmingham Phoenix, taking over the leadership role from Livingstone. This change comes as the inaugural player auction for The Hundred is set to take place in London on March 11 and 12, 2026.
The financial landscape of The Hundred has also seen substantial changes. The salary pot for the men’s competition has risen by 45%, reaching £2.05 million per side. This increase reflects the growing popularity and commercial success of the tournament.
Furthermore, the fund allocated for women’s teams has doubled, increasing by 100% to £880,000. This significant investment aims to enhance the visibility and support for women’s cricket, which has been gaining traction in recent years.
As part of these changes, the minimum salary for female players has risen by 50%, now set at £15,000. This adjustment is expected to attract more talent to the women’s game and provide better financial security for players.
In addition to the salary increases, the number of overseas players permitted in both the men’s and women’s competitions will rise from three to four. This change is anticipated to enhance the competitiveness and quality of the matches.
Liam Livingstone’s contract with London Spirit is valued at £350,000, underscoring his marketability and the expectations placed upon him in this new role. His move to London Spirit is seen as a strategic decision to further his career in a high-profile environment.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how Livingstone’s transition will impact Birmingham Phoenix’s performance in the upcoming season, particularly with a new captain at the helm.
As the player auction approaches, all eyes will be on how these changes will shape the teams and the competition in The Hundred for 2026.
