Reliance Industries Limited Expands Global Cricket Footprint with Acquisition of Oval Invincibles
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), the Indian business conglomerate known for owning the highly successful Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise in the Indian Premier League, has recently made a significant move in the world of cricket. RIL has acquired a 49 per cent stake in the London-based Oval Invincibles, a franchise in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s The Hundred competition. This strategic deal, facilitated through RIL’s subsidiary, RISE Worldwide, marks a substantial leap in Mumbai Indians’ global cricket footprint.
Investment and Success of Oval Invincibles
RIL will be investing a substantial 60 million GBP for its stake in the Invincibles, a team currently valued at 123 million GBP. The Oval Invincibles hold the title of the most successful team in the history of The Hundred competition, having dominated both the men’s and women’s formats.
Nita Ambani’s Excitement
Nita Ambani, Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm about incorporating the Oval Invincibles into the Mumbai Indians family, which will further expand the brand’s global fanbase. She stated, “Cricket is more than just a sport, it’s a passion that unites people across geographies and cultures. Welcoming Oval Invincibles into our Mumbai Indians family is a proud and special moment.”
She went on to say, “With this partnership, we expand our MI fan base across India, New York, the UAE, South Africa, and now England – ushering in a new chapter of our global cricketing journey. At Mumbai Indians, we remain deeply committed to nurturing young talent, building champion teams, and bringing fans closer to the game.”
Partnership Praise from Surrey CCC
Oli Slipper, Chair of Surrey County Cricket Club, commended Mumbai Indians for sharing their passion for cricket and highlighted the potential of this partnership to bring continued success both on and off the field. He mentioned, “From the beginning, we set out to find the best partner to ensure Surrey continues to lead the way in English cricket, and with Mumbai Indians, we have certainly found that.”
He added, “They share our passion for the game, they own the largest and most successful team in the IPL, and we are confident this partnership will bring continued success to both Surrey CCC and our team in The Hundred.”
Mumbai Indians’ Legacy and Success
Mumbai Indians (MI) have established themselves as the most successful team in IPL history, clinching five title victories and two Champions League T20 titles. Their recent triumph in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and MI Cape Town’s victory in the SA20 2025 further solidify their dominance in global cricket.
Acquisition Process and Competition
The acquisition of Oval Invincibles followed a competitive bidding process, where Reliance outbid a consortium led by tech giants Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella, as well as private equity firm CVC Capital Partners. The finalization of the deal is subject to customary documentation and diligence.
This strategic move by Reliance Industries Limited to acquire a stake in the Oval Invincibles showcases their commitment to expanding their presence in the global cricketing arena. With the merger of these two successful franchises, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the impact they will make in upcoming tournaments and leagues.
Impact of RIL’s Expansion
With RIL’s acquisition of a stake in the Oval Invincibles, the Indian business giant is not only further solidifying its presence in the global cricketing landscape but also strengthening its reach across different continents. This move highlights RIL’s commitment to fostering talent, building champion teams, and creating a strong global fanbase that transcends borders.
Global Fan Engagement
By incorporating the Oval Invincibles into the Mumbai Indians family, RIL is not only expanding its fan base but also creating a platform for fans from various regions to connect through their shared love for the sport. The collaboration between these two successful franchises has the potential to bring diverse cricketing communities together, creating a sense of unity and camaraderie among fans worldwide.
Diversification of Cricketing Portfolio
RIL’s investment in the Oval Invincibles demonstrates the company’s strategic approach to diversifying its cricketing portfolio. By venturing into different leagues and formats, RIL is showcasing its adaptability and willingness to explore new opportunities within the cricketing sphere. This diversification enables RIL to tap into a broader audience and cater to the varying preferences of cricket fans globally.
Commitment to Excellence
With the successful track record of both Mumbai Indians and the Oval Invincibles, this partnership represents a union of excellence and a shared commitment to success. Both franchises have a history of dominating their respective leagues, and this collaboration is poised to elevate their performance to new heights, setting a benchmark for excellence in the cricketing world.
Future Prospects and Expectations
As RIL continues to expand its global cricket footprint through strategic acquisitions like the Oval Invincibles, the future looks promising for both franchises. With access to each other’s expertise, resources, and talent pool, Mumbai Indians and the Oval Invincibles are well-positioned to make a significant impact in upcoming tournaments and competitions, setting the stage for a new era of cricketing excellence.
In conclusion, RIL’s acquisition of a stake in the Oval Invincibles not only marks a significant milestone in the company’s global cricketing journey but also heralds a new chapter in the evolution of cricket as a unifying force that transcends boundaries and brings people together through the spirit of the game.
