The moment the new logo dropped, the reaction was instant, and brutal. As soon as Manchester Super Giants unveiled their fresh look, social media filled with groans, memes, and outright disbelief. For many fans, this wasn’t just a harmless refresh; it was the final confirmation of the long-discussed Manchester Originals name change, now made painfully real. What had once been one of the cleanest, most understated identities among the Hundred teams suddenly felt… loud. And not in a good way.
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How The Rebrand Finally Became Official?
To be fair, none of this came completely out of the blue. The Manchester Originals name change had been rumbling in the background since private investment arrived in English cricket. The final green light came after regulatory approval from the ECB, allowing the RPSG Group, owners of the Super Giants franchises elsewhere, to formally roll the brand out in Manchester.
The Manchester Originals have officially entered a new era after confirming their rebrand as Manchester Super Giants.
This marks the third Super Giants franchise across top-tier cricket leagues.#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/qE7LmJJlLJ
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) January 15, 2026
The rebrand folds the club into a growing global family that already spans India and South Africa. From a business perspective, it makes sense: shared identity, cross-market recognition, and one clear badge across leagues. From a fan’s perspective? That’s where things get messy. Among the Hundred teams, Manchester are now firmly aligned with the international franchise model.
Strength, courage, and the determination to soar to unprecedented highs. A new era kicks off in Manchester ❤️ pic.twitter.com/CyTueowwE0
— Manchester Super Giants (@ManchesterSG100) January 15, 2026
The Elephant In The Room (Quite Literally)
Let’s talk about the logo. A winged elephant, crowned, bold, and unmistakably dominant. According to the club, it symbolises strength, unity, and leadership, all noble traits, no doubt. What’s far less clear is what it has to do with Manchester.
MANCHESTER SUPERGIANTS LOGO. pic.twitter.com/fCYE5zlbWK
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 15, 2026
Fans were quick to point out the disconnect. The old Originals branding was all sharp geometry and modern restraint. This? A dramatic leap into something far more theatrical. Many supporters said the Manchester Originals name change was already hard enough to swallow. Seeing it paired with an elephant logo felt, to some, like the final straw.
It’s official — Manchester Originals have been renamed Manchester Super Giants for The Hundred 2026! ❤️🤝
The Super Giants continue to expand across the globe! 🌍🔴#ManchesterSuperGiants #TheHundred #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/wXhDxz2Go3
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) January 15, 2026
Scroll through replies and you’ll see the same fear repeated again and again: if the badge has gone, what’s next? The kit? The colours? The sense that something uniquely Mancunian existed among the Hundred teams is slipping away, replaced by something imported and unfamiliar.
Why Do Fans Feel This One Hurts More?
Rebrands always split opinion, but this one cut particularly deep. The Originals weren’t just another team name; they were a rare example of a Hundred franchise that felt rooted rather than manufactured. Losing that identity has stirred a wider conversation about what happens when local flavour meets global ambition. Across the Hundred teams, Manchester aren’t alone. Other franchises have already adopted overseas branding, and more may follow.
A look at the team name and logo changes in the Hundred 📋 pic.twitter.com/r5HevYjCvV
— Sport360° (@Sport360) January 15, 2026
A Squad That Still Means Business
Lost amid the logo debates is the simple fact that Manchester Super Giants have assembled a frighteningly strong squad. Jos Buttler remains the cornerstone, bringing leadership, star power, and deep ties to the city. Around him sit names like Heinrich Klaasen, Noor Ahmad, and Liam Dawson on the men’s side.
🚨 PLAYERS OF MANCHESTER SUPER GIANTS IN THE HUNDRED 🚨
– Jos Buttler
– Heinrich Klaasen
– Noor Ahmad
– Liam Dawson
– Meg Lanning
– Smriti Mandhana
– Sophie Ecclestone pic.twitter.com/Qg9PqEwmyL— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 15, 2026
The women’s squad is just as formidable, boasting Sophie Ecclestone alongside global icons Meg Lanning and Smriti Mandhana. Whatever fans think about the badge, the talent is undeniable, and among the Hundred teams, few can match this depth across both squads.
Jos Buttler on the rebrand of the Manchester Originals to Manchester Super Giants 🏏 pic.twitter.com/g4jQyef0Yf
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) January 15, 2026
Buttler, for his part, has taken the upheaval in stride. Speaking ahead of the new season, he framed the rebrand as part of the tournament’s natural evolution. He spoke warmly about Old Trafford, the competition, and the opportunity to build something new under the Manchester Super Giants banner. It was a measured response, and perhaps a reminder that, once the first ball is bowled, attention tends to shift back to cricket. Still, even Buttler acknowledged that this season carries a different feel, as the club adjusts to life after the Manchester Originals name change.
Introducing the Manchester Super Giants! 🤩🏏 pic.twitter.com/VkmSka2RDE
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) January 15, 2026
Final Words
Manchester’s transformation may prove to be a turning point. Among the Hundred teams, this is the clearest example yet of global franchise logic taking precedence over local branding. Whether that strengthens the competition or slowly erodes its individuality remains an open question. For now, Manchester Super Giants are here to stay. The elephant isn’t going anywhere. The debate, though? That’s likely to rumble on well into the summer.
