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Key Takeaways

1The Hundred 2026
2London Spirit
3Dewald Brevis
4Adam Zampa
5Liam Livingstone
6Marizanne Kapp
7Franchise Cricket
8Cricket Transfers
9Andy Flower
10ECB

"The full list of signings also includes Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Mahika Gaur, Charlie Dean and Grace Harris"

London Spirit Land Dewald Brevis and Adam Zampa in Blockbuster Eight-Player Signing Spree for The Hundred 2026

London Spirit have fired an early salvo in the race for The Hundred 2026 supremacy, announcing eight high-profile direct signings that span both their men's and women's squads. The Lord's-based franchise has secured some of the most exciting names in world cricket before the player auction scheduled for March.

Headline Acquisitions: Brevis, Zampa and Livingstone Lead the Charge

The men's squad has received a significant boost with the arrivals of South African prodigy Dewald Brevis, Australian leg-spin maestro Adam Zampa, England's explosive all-rounder Liam Livingstone, and pace bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton.

Brevis, known for his audacious stroke-play and nicknamed 'Baby AB' for his similarities to AB de Villiers, brings a wealth of franchise cricket experience despite his young age. Zampa adds world-class spin bowling credentials, having established himself as one of the premier limited-overs leg-spinners in international cricket.

Returning Favourites

While Brevis, Zampa, Livingstone and the others represent fresh faces at Lord's, Jamie Overton returns having represented the Spirit in 2025, providing continuity and squad depth.

Women's Squad Strengthened with International Stars

The women's team has been equally bolstered with the signings of Marizanne Kapp, Mahika Gaur, Charlie Dean and Grace Harris.

South African all-rounder Kapp is widely regarded as one of the best players in women's cricket, capable of match-winning contributions with both bat and ball. Dean and Harris return to the Spirit after featuring in the 2025 campaign, while Gaur adds international bowling firepower.

Coaching Staff Express Excitement

Men's head coach Andy Flower spoke enthusiastically about the acquisitions:

"I'm excited to start working with Dewald and Adam and renewing my working relationships with Liam and Jamie. Each player brings phenomenal experience in franchise cricket both in The Hundred and across the world. Their skill sets provide a strong foundation for the squad and I look forward to completing the squad with more excellent players."

Women's Head Coach Jon Lewis echoed the sentiment:

"It is brilliant to be able to call upon players of such calibre in the women's game. I am delighted that London Spirit fans will see the return of two favourites in Charlie and Grace and I know Mahika and Marizanne will provide real skill and experience to our bowling attack."

New Era for London Spirit: Ownership and Leadership Changes

These signings arrive during a transformative period for the franchise. The announcements coincided with London Spirit unveiling a new brand identity and digital platforms.

In a significant structural change, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has transferred a 51% stake in the Lord's-based franchise to MCC, with the remaining 49% acquired by US-based tech investment group Tech Titans.

New Leadership Team

The franchise has made several key appointments to guide this new chapter:

Mo Bobat – First Director of Cricket
Heather Knight – First Women's General Manager
Julian Metherell – Board Chairman

The board also includes notable figures such as former England captain Eoin Morgan, alongside Rob Lawson, Donna Marie-Cullen, Nikesh Arora, Egon Durban and Satyan Gajwani.

Looking Ahead: March Auction to Complete Squads

With these eight signings providing a solid foundation, London Spirit will look to add further depth and specialisation at The Hundred auction in March. The combination of proven international performers and returning fan favourites positions the franchise strongly for the 2026 campaign.

The blend of explosive batting options like Brevis and Livingstone, combined with the spin prowess of Zampa and the all-round capabilities of Kapp in the women's game, suggests London Spirit are building squads capable of challenging for silverware at both levels.