Latest news with #BirminghamPhoenix
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Phoenix investor Wagner has 'confidence' in deal
Birmingham Phoenix's US investor Tom Wagner says he has "every confidence" a deal for the Hundred franchise will be finalised, and he remains "committed" to the of shares in the eight teams, worth around £520m, were announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in an eight-week exclusivity period to agree terms was extended in March, and there remains no clarity on when contracts will be Knighthead Capital agreed to pay £40m for a 49% share in the speaking publicly about the reasons behind the delay for the first time, the American told BBC Sport: "What everybody wants is the ability to make The Hundred even more commercially viable and to grow the product."It really should see more exposure globally, so I think a number of the conversations are around how that happens and what timeframe, how that moves forward."There's a good alignment of interests and, as is the case with any negotiations, there's always a bit of back and forth."There is no suggestion that any of the deals will fall through, however there is the possibility they will not be completed before this year's edition begins on 5 ECB confirmed the extension of the exclusivity period more than two months the time, the prospective buyers of the two London franchises raised concerns over the competition's participation American consortium of tech billionaires agreed to pay £145m for a 49% stake in Lord's-based London Spirit, while India's richest family - the Ambanis - purchased the same stake in the Oval Invincibles for £60m. There have also been discussions over the sale of future TV rights. The current United Kingdom TV deal, principally held by Sky, expires in 2028. When it is renegotiated, rights for The Hundred will again be sold as a complete package, rather than separated from international and other domestic TV rights, seen as a key area of growth, are piecemeal. Deals for separate competitions or series arise at different added: "I won't comment on the specific negotiations but what I will say is we're very excited at the prospect of investing in the Phoenix."We're committed to it, we're excited by it and I have every confidence we'll get to closing."The Knighthead Group also includes legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady. They are already owners of Birmingham City, and last week the prospect of a new 62,000-seater stadium as part of a £3 billion 'Sports Quarter' took a significant step forward when the government confirmed £2.4bn investment in transport who founded Knighthead, said: "We think it's a fantastic opportunity. It shows our commitment to Birmingham, beyond simply Birmingham City Football Club."We really, genuinely want to see Birmingham continue to develop and grow. The Phoenix is a great way to expand the exposure of the city to a broader, more global audience. It's also a way for us to tie-in to the substantial south Asian community that is here in Birmingham."Proceeds from the sales will be shared among the 18 first-class counties, Marylebone Cricket Club and the domestic game in England and ECB will retain overall control of the competition, but investors could change the name, colours and branding of their teams. The American investor in Welsh Fire has already said he would prefer The Hundred to switch to a T20 if deals are completed before the beginning of the 2025 competition, there is little change expected this year. Both the ECB and the investors see it as a transitional season.
1News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- 1News
Tim Southee to work as a consultant with England's cricket teams
Former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee will work with England's cricket teams as a "specialist skills consultant" for all formats over the upcoming international summer. The 36-year-old Southee, who retired from international cricket in December, will start his role ahead of next week's one-off test against Zimbabwe and work through to the end of the five-match test series against India in early August. "With his vast experience of playing in a wide range of conditions around the world and across all formats, he brings valuable insight and knowledge to the players," the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Thursday. Following his consultancy stint, he will resume playing duties in The Hundred competition for Birmingham Phoenix in August, the ECB said. Southee is New Zealand's all-time leading wicket-taker across the formats. He took 391 in test matches, placing him 18th on the all-time list and No. 2 for a New Zealander behind Richard Hadlee.
RNZ News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Former Blackcaps captain Tim Southee joins England coaching set up
England coach Brendon McCullum and New Zealand test captain Tim Southee at a NZ XI v England warm-up match at Seddon Park, Hamilton, 8 February 2023. Photo: Photosport Former Black Caps captain Tim Southee has joined the England coaching set-up as a specialist skills consultant. The England and Wales Cricket Board announced 36-year-old Southee will take up the job on a short term basis, working with England in all formats of the game until the end of their test series against India in August. His tenure will begin in England's home test against Zimbabwe, starting at Trent Bridge next week. Southee's former teammate, Brendon McCullum, is the head coach of the English team in all formats. Southee retired from international cricket in December, finishing as New Zealand's all-time leading wicket-taker, with 776 across a combined 394 test, ODI and T20 matches. His 391 test wickets left him second in the Black Caps all-time list behind Sir Richard Hadlee's 431. Following his consultancy stint, he will resume playing duties in The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NDTV
15-05-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
England Appoint New Zealand Great As Specialist Skills Consultant For India Series
Former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee was on Thursday appointed as England's Specialist Skills Consultant till the conclusion of the five-match Test series against India, the ECB announced on Thursday. India will start their tour of England with the first Test at Leeds on June 20, and the tour will conclude with the July 31-August 4 fifth Test at the Oval. Southee had retired from international cricket in December, 2024, as New Zealand's all-time leading wicket-taker. The Kiwi will link up with the squad ahead of England's opening fixture of the international season, a one-off Test against Zimbabwe that gets underway at Trent Bridge next Thursday. "With his vast experience of playing in a wide range of conditions around the world and across all formats, he brings valuable insight and knowledge to the players. "Following his consultancy stint, he will resume playing duties in The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix," the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement. The 36-year-old Southee has bagged 391 wickets from 107 Tests, 221 wickets from 161 ODIs and 164 wickets from 126 T20Is. Listen to the latest songs, only on
Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
England appoint Tim Southee Specialist Skills Consultant ahead of India series
With the India series coming up next month, the England cricket team on Thursday appointed former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee as a Specialist Skills Consultant till the conclusion of the five-match Test series. The tour will start with the first Test at Leeds on June 20, and the tour will conclude with the July 31-August 4 fifth Test at the Oval. 'With his vast experience of playing in a wide range of conditions around the world and across all formats, he brings valuable insight and knowledge to the players. Following his consultancy stint, he will resume playing duties in The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix,' the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement. 'Following his consultancy stint, he will resume playing duties in The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix,' it added. Last year, Southee announced his retirement and finished his career with 391 wickets in 203 innings, and has also contributed with the bat over time. He has seven half centuries to his name, highest being 77*, and in his last match, equalled Chris Gayle in his tally of 98 sixes. Our new Specialist Skills Consultant 😍 We're delighted to announce that Tim Southee, New Zealand's all-time leading wicket-taker, is joining us on a short-term basis. Read more 👇 — England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 15, 2025 The right-arm seamer who made his international debut in 2008 holds the distinction of being the only pacer to play 100 matches in each of the three formats. Southee is also the only bowler to bag 300 Test, 200 ODI and 100 T20I wickets. Before retiring, Southee had relinquished his Test captaincy before New Zealand whitewashed India 3-0 at home under Tom Latham. He featured in four ODI World Cups, seven T20I World Cups, two Champions Trophy events. Southee was integral to New Zealand's WTC final triumph in the inaugural edition in 2021 over India, picking five wickets in the summit clash. The Kiwi will link up with the squad ahead of England's opening fixture of the international season, a one-off Test against Zimbabwe that gets underway at Trent Bridge next Thursday.
