European Central Bank Faces Criticism Over Data Transfer Cessation Deadline for Opt-Outs
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is facing criticism for requiring fans of The Hundred to opt out of having their personal data transferred to the new franchise owners, with many feeling that the short notice given for this decision raises concerns over privacy and informed consent.
When the ECB finalized deals transferring ownership stakes in six of the eight Hundred franchises to new investors, they also arranged for fan data to be passed on to these new franchise owners as part of the operational control transition starting October 2025. Fans were notified that to prevent their data being transferred, they would need to actively opt out by a certain cutoff date.
The criticism stems from the short deadline fans had to respond, which many felt was inadequate for fans to make fully informed decisions about their private information. The concerns include data privacy and control, inadequate notice, and transparency issues.
Fans are effectively losing control over how their personal data is used by third-party franchise owners unless they act quickly to opt out. The time allowed to opt out was considered too brief for large numbers of fans to review the implications and decide, potentially leading to unwanted data transfer by default.
Some fans and observers question whether the ECB fully explained how the data would be used and what protections new owners would have. This criticism aligns with ongoing tensions about The Hundred’s commercial direction and governance, as it shifts from a centrally managed ECB competition to one involving multiple strategic investors, with consequential challenges in balancing fan engagement and business interests.
As part of the change of ownership, fans' personal data may be shared with the teams whose home matches they have previously purchased tickets for or selected as their favorite team. An ECB spokesperson stated that fans have built strong connections with their teams in The Hundred and they want to strengthen these connections alongside new partners in the competition's growth.
Despite the criticism, no direct mention was found in the search results of official ECB statements addressing this criticism or adjustments to the opt-out process as of August 2025. Critics have insisted that fans should be asked to opt-in to such a data transfer instead, rather than having to actively opt out.
Notable new stakeholders in the Hundred range from Indian conglomerates to Silicon Valley giants, with the Ambani family set to enter the group of Hundred franchise stakeholders through a deal with Surrey CCC's Oval Invincibles. Chanel chief Leena Nair has also joined the investment group who control 49% of the London Spirit franchise.
This news has sparked discussions about the commercial future of The Hundred and the role of fan privacy in this transition. The ECB has until August 21st for fans to opt-out of having their data shared, but the debate on data privacy and informed consent remains a pressing issue for many fans and observers.
- The requirement for fans to opt out of having their personal data transferred to the new franchise owners in The Hundred, as a result of the ECB's business decisions, has sparked discussions about technology, specifically data privacy and digital consent.
- However, with the short window of time given for fans to take action, the concern arises that fans are losing control over their personal data, potentially in the hands of sports investors such as Indian conglomerates and Silicon Valley giants, increasing the need for a more transparent, fan-friendly approach in sports finance and business operations.
