Barclays has been unveiled as the new principal partner of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and Lord’s Cricket Ground.
As a top-tier sponsor of Lord’s, Barclays will be granted naming rights to the stadium’s media centre, which opened in 1999. The media centre was previously sponsored by US financial services firm JP Morgan.
Barclays will also support the MCC Foundation, the official charity of MCC, through a significant annual investment. Part of this investment will support the charity’s Hub Programme, a network of cricket hubs that provides free-to-access coaching and match play to state-educated children across the UK.
Through Barclays’ contribution, the Hub Programme will expand from 124 sites to 200 sites in 2026. Lord’s said the programme will benefit up to 6,800 young cricketers by 2026, rising to more than 10,000 by 2028.
The deal adds to Barclays’ sports sponsorship portfolio. The company also serves as the title sponsor of the Women’s Super League, and as the banking partner of the Premier League and Wimbledon.
Rob Lynch, interim chief executive and secretary of MCC, said: “This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for MCC, Lord’s and cricket as a whole. Barclays shares our passion for working for the good of the game and ensuring that as many young people throughout the UK can pick up a bat and ball and take part in our wonderful sport.
“Their incredible support for the MCC Foundation will help us make cricket more accessible to thousands of young people, fostering the next generation of talent and fans to Lord’s.”
C.S Venkatakrishnan, group chief executive of Barclays, added: “It is a privilege to partner with Lord’s, the Home of Cricket. Barclays and Lord’s, two great British institutions, will work together to build the next generation of budding cricketers.
“Barclays is invested in world-class sports partnerships. We are eager to work with the MCC Foundation on their grassroots cricket programmes, strengthening communities by providing access and facilities for all players.”
Barclays is the only principal partner of Lord’s and will sit at the top of the stadium’s sponsorship ladder. The stadium’s official partner and supplier list includes BrewDog, CGI, Veuve Clicquot, Stowford Press, the Professional Cricketers’ Association, Hendrick’s Gin, Re: Water and Destination Sport.
BrewDog was announced as the official beer partner of Lord’s in November, with the four-year contract beginning this month. BrewDog replaced Carlsberg Marston’s in the role.
Lord’s will host more international cricket than any other UK ground this year, and will stage its first ever women’s Test match in 2026.
