The Lord's-based Hundred franchise will continue to be known as London Spirit following the sale of a 49% stake to the Silicon Valley consortium known as the "Tech Titans", with former England performance director Mo Bobat announced as the incoming director of cricket.
MCC has been in discussions with its new equity partner for some time and is expected to unveil new team branding - possibly including the club's famous egg-and-bacon colours - ahead of the 2026 season. But they have opted to keep the name as part of an identity that reflects "the capital's energy, diversity, and cricketing heritage".
Bobat's appointment is the first significant move by any of the Hundred teams after six of the eight equity sale deals were signed off by the ECB last month. Bobat, who will retain his role in the IPL as Royal Challengers Bengaluru's director of cricket, is set to join up with Spirit from October.
"It's an honour to join London Spirit at such an exciting time," Bobat said. "The opportunity to shape the cricketing future of this franchise, working with MCC and our new partners, the Tech Titans, is incredibly exciting. I'm looking forward to building something special - on and off the field."
London Spirit chairman, Julian Metherell, said: "Today marks a significant moment for London Spirit. Mo Bobat brings unmatched expertise and vision to the role of Director of Cricket, and we're thrilled to welcome him. At the same time, retaining the London Spirit name reflects our belief in the identity that's been built - one that resonates with the capital, our fans, and our values. We now look ahead to a new era, with fresh energy and clear purpose."
London Spirit men, currently coached by Justin Langer, lost their opening game of the 2025 season after being bowled out for 80 in front of their new owners - but bounced back to record victory against Welsh Fire at the weekend.