Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) cricketer and England all-rounder Danielle Wyatt has found herself in the headlines once again — this time, not for her on-field heroics, but for a sponsorship controversy during The Hundred tournament. Wyatt, who recently joined adult content platform OnlyFans just five days ago, has now been barred from promoting it on her cricket bat during matches.
The decision came after tournament organisers deemed the promotion to be in violation of their advertising and sponsorship guidelines. According to reports, The Hundred has strict rules about on-field branding, especially when it involves content or services not deemed “appropriate for a family audience.”
What Happened?
Wyatt, who played for RCB in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) earlier this year, announced her association with OnlyFans earlier in the week, sparking massive discussions on social media. The platform, often linked to adult content, also caters to lifestyle, fitness, and behind-the-scenes exclusives — something Wyatt clarified she intended to use for sharing personal updates and cricket-related content.
However, her attempt to display the OnlyFans logo on her cricket bat in The Hundred met immediate resistance from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and event organisers. They ruled that such branding could breach broadcast and sponsorship standards, particularly since the tournament is marketed as a family-friendly event with a significant youth audience.
Tournament’s Standpoint
An official from The Hundred stated that while players are free to engage in personal sponsorships, any branding displayed on equipment or kits during the tournament must comply with broadcast partner regulations, child audience guidelines, and commercial agreements.
The spokesperson explained:
“We understand players have their personal brand partnerships, but on-field sponsorship must align with our audience profile and tournament values.”
Why the Ban?
The ban largely revolves around the perception and reputation of the OnlyFans platform. While it hosts a wide range of content creators, its strong association with adult entertainment makes it a sensitive choice for promotion in a mainstream sporting event that prioritises inclusivity and family engagement.
Sports marketing experts have pointed out that high-profile leagues like The Hundred are bound by their obligations to sponsors, broadcasters, and regulatory bodies — making it challenging for players to showcase brands with controversial public images.
Wyatt’s Response
So far, Wyatt has not issued an official statement regarding the ban. However, sources close to the player suggest she had anticipated some level of pushback but was surprised at how quickly the restriction was enforced. She is reportedly exploring other ways to promote her OnlyFans content outside of match settings.
Fans’ Reactions
The incident has sparked mixed reactions online.
- Supporters argue that Wyatt should be free to promote legal platforms and that the ban is a form of censorship.
- Critics believe the organisers made the right call to maintain the event’s family-friendly image.
Many fans also noted that sports bodies have previously allowed gambling, alcohol, and cryptocurrency sponsorships — industries that carry their own controversies. This, they say, raises questions about consistency in sponsorship ethics.
Bigger Picture for Sports Sponsorships
This episode adds to the ongoing debate about where sports organisations should draw the line in brand partnerships. With athletes increasingly building personal income streams outside of traditional cricket contracts, such conflicts between personal deals and league regulations are likely to become more common.
For now, Danielle Wyatt will continue competing in The Hundred without the OnlyFans logo on her bat — but the discussion around personal branding, freedom of sponsorship, and sports’ moral boundaries is far from over.
