Rosa Simkin (@rosatalksball) – 12/01/26
The Hundred has taken another significant step towards shaping its next chapter, following the completion of the competition’s team partnership last month, which valued the eight teams at a combined total of over £975 million.
A series of announcements today have underlined both continuity and change across the women’s tournament, as England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt’s retention by the Trent Rockets provides a familiar centrepiece, whilst young star Alice Capsey’s move to Birmingham Phoenix, alongside the official rebrand of Northern Superchargers to Sunrisers Leeds, signal a league in evolution. The changes come in a key year for the women’s game, as England prepares to host the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Sciver-Brunt stays at Trent Bridge:
Trent Rocket’s decision to retain Nat Sciver-Brunt carries considerable weight. Arguably the most influential all-rounder of the modern era, Sciver-Brunt has been central to the Rockets’ identity since the competition’s inception. The England captain is the most successful batter in the history of the women’s tournament, with 1,223 runs, and has enjoyed an unparalleled 12 months in franchise cricket, lifting both the 2025 WPL trophy with Mumbai Indians and the 2025 WBBL title with Hobart Hurricanes.
With Mumbai Indian’s acquisition of Oval Invincibles, and Sciver-Brunt’s three-year involvement with the franchise in the WPL, questions had been raised about a potential move to Mumbai London for the all-rounder. However, the today’s announcement cements her commitment to Trent Bridge, where she also plays domestic cricket with The Blaze. Nat Sciver-Brunt said:
“Trent Bridge has always been my home in The Hundred, and I had no hesitation about returning to the rockets in 2026. I’ve loved playing here, not least because of the amazing fans we get supporting us, and I can’t wait to step out for the Rockets again at the start of The Hundred’s new era.”
Northern Superchargers Rebrand & Announce First Signings
Perhaps the most symbolic change comes in the north, where Northern Superchargers have officially rebranded as Sunrisers Leeds, following their integration into the Sunrisers ownership group after the completion of The Hundred’s team partnerships.
Whilst the move aligns the team with a globally recognised IPL brand, it also raises concerns surrounding identity. Northern Superchargers had, over five seasons, established a strong and distinctive presence within The Hundred, closely tied to Leeds and the surrounding region. The shift to a new name and branding arguably risks diluting that existing connection, particularly given the side’s role as a northern hub for the competition. In recent seasons, supporters from across the region, including many Durham County followers, had come to identify with the Superchargers. However, this relationship may now feel less clear with the franchise more explicitly branded around Leeds and, by extension, Yorkshire.
Alongside the rebrand, Sunrisers Leeds have announced the appointment of Adrian Birrell as their women’s Head Coach, marking a surprising departure for 2025 Hundred trophy-winning coach Lisa Keightley. While no official reason has been given, speculation points to Keightley’s continued involvement with Mumbai Indians in the WPL as a potential factor in her exit. On the playing front, Sunrisers Leeds have retained key talent, including England pace-bowler Kate Cross and the explosive Australian duo Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland.
Alice Capsey Joins Birmingham Phoenix as they retain Ellyse Perry:
Elsewhere, Birmingham Phoenix have secured the talents of one of England’s brightest young stars, with Alice Capsey joining the side after five seasons at Oval Invincibles (now Mumbai London). Capsey brings dynamic top-order batting, handy off-spin, and proven experience on the international stage, offering Phoenix both versatility and firepower.
The 21-year-old has scored nearly 800 runs in the tournament, and for a Phoenix side that has struggled with consistency in posting competitive totals in recent seasons, she could prove a vital signing ahead of the 2026 campaign. Her ability to accelerate the innings and contribute in multiple roles makes her an exciting focal point for Phoenix’s batting line-up.
The announcement follows the recent retention of Phoenix’s skipper and Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry, reinforcing the franchise’s intent to blend proven match-winners with emerging talent as they aim to mount a genuine title challenge next summer.
