Key Points
- Northern Superchargers franchise rebranded as Sunrisers Leeds following complete takeover by India’s Sun Group.
- Rebranding effective from 2026 season of The Hundred, with new logo unveiled featuring orange and black colours.
- Sun Group acquired 100 per cent stake for 100.5 million pounds in July 2025, approved by ECB and Yorkshire CCC.
- Daniel Vettori appointed head coach for men’s team; Adrian Birrell for women’s team.
- England players Harry Brook and Brydon Carse retained ahead of 2026 edition.
- New name aligns with Sun Group’s global brands like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
- Women’s team won 2025 Hundred title; men’s team reached Eliminator stage.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) January 13, 2026 – The Northern Superchargers, the Leeds-based franchise in The Hundred cricket competition, have been officially rebranded as Sunrisers Leeds following a full acquisition by India’s Sun Group. The change, effective from the 2026 season, introduces a new logo and aligns the team with the conglomerate’s international cricket portfolio.
The rebranding marks a significant shift for the team, which plays at Headingley, Yorkshire’s home ground. Sun TV Network Limited, part of the Sun Group, finalised the 100.5 million pound purchase in July 2025 after emerging as the highest bidder in February that year. Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the England and Wales Cricket Board sold their shares, granting the Indian media giant complete operational control, according to reporting from India Today and SportPreferred.
What prompted the rebranding of Northern Superchargers?
The takeover by Sun Group, one of India’s largest players in sport and media, drove the name change to create a unified global identity. The new moniker Sunrisers Leeds mirrors the group’s existing franchises, including Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in South Africa’s SA20 league. This alignment extends the “Sunrisers” brand across Asia, Africa, and now Europe, strengthening the group’s presence in major T20 competitions.
SportPreferred reports that the rebranding signals fresh ambition both on and off the field, coming at a positive juncture for the franchise. The women’s team secured the Hundred title in 2025, while the men’s side advanced to the Eliminator stage, demonstrating competitive progress.
As reported by India Today, the franchise unveiled its new logo via an official social media video captioned: “A new sun rises with the same fire. Orange army of Headingley, welcome your team, Sunrisers Leeds.” The design incorporates the signature orange and black colours synonymous with the Sunrisers’ “Orange Army” fanbase, replacing the previous purple kit.
Who are the key appointments and retentions for Sunrisers Leeds?
Sunrisers Leeds confirmed Daniel Vettori, former New Zealand spinner, as head coach for the men’s team. Sky Sports notes Vettori’s appointment alongside Adrian Birrell leading the women’s side. These changes position the franchise strongly for the upcoming season.
England internationals Harry Brook and Brydon Carse have been retained for the 2026 edition. Brook, England’s Test vice-captain and white-ball skipper, and Carse, both fresh from the Ashes series, bolster the squad’s core. Sky Sports highlights their retention as a key move by the newly renamed outfit based at Headingley.
How has the franchise performed historically?
Past seasons under the Northern Superchargers banner showed mixed results. Wikipedia records detail the women’s team finishing second in 2023 and winning the title in 2025, while the men’s team reached third place in 2025 after earlier group-stage exits. This trajectory underscores growing strength leading into the Sun Group era.
What broader changes are coming to The Hundred?
The rebranding forms part of wider transformations in The Hundred league. SportPreferred indicates two additional franchises will undergo name changes, alongside the introduction of a player auction system from 2026. These steps aim to elevate player salaries, draw top overseas talent, and heighten competition.
The Sun Group’s investment, reported at 100.5 million pounds by India Today, reflects surging interest from international buyers. The deal’s approval in July 2025 followed negotiations with stakeholders, paving the way for enhanced resources and global marketing for Sunrisers Leeds. This positions the team to compete aggressively in a revitalised competition format.
According to Sky Sports, the franchise’s evolution follows the 100 per cent takeover, with retentions like Brook and Carse ensuring continuity amid the new identity. The shift to orange and black kits will visually transform the side at Headingley, fostering a distinct fan experience.
The rebranding to Sunrisers Leeds ushers in a new chapter for The Hundred’s Leeds franchise, backed by substantial Indian investment and aligned with proven global brands. With coaching appointments secured, key players retained, and league-wide innovations on the horizon, the team enters 2026 poised for heightened contention.
