Sixes Cricket Venues Chain Enters Administration, 16 Sites Affected

The Sixes chain of cricket-themed entertainment venues, which counts England captain Ben Stokes among its investors, has officially entered administration. The company, operating 16 sites across England, cited "challenging" recent trading conditions as the cause.

Immediate Closure and Rescue Efforts

As a direct result of the administration, the group's Southampton venue has been closed with immediate effect. However, administrators from FRP Advisory have confirmed that all other locations will stay open for the time being. They are actively working to honour existing customer bookings and are exploring potential rescue deals for the business.

FRP Advisory was formally appointed to oversee the process on Wednesday, December 20, 2025. The firm has already entered into talks with "a number of interested parties about a sale" of the brand and its assets.

Rise, Investment, and Market Pressures

Sixes was founded in 2020 by entrepreneurs Calum Mackinnon and Andy Waugh and expanded rapidly as part of the booming "competitive socialising" sector, rivalling brands like Flight Club and Junkyard Golf. The business model combines cricket batting cages with food and drink.

In a significant boost to its profile, the chain secured investment in 2023 from the 4Cast Investment Group. This consortium included prominent England cricketers Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Stuart Broad. The group also operates a venue in the West Indies.

Despite a core of profitable sites, administrators noted that other venues have struggled amidst intense competition and reduced consumer spending, leading to the group's current financial distress.

Administrator's Statement and Future Hopes

Tony Wright, joint administrator and partner at FRP Advisory, commented on the situation. "Sixes has built a strong brand in the social entertainment space with its unique venues proving very popular with customers," he said.

"While some locations have struggled in an increasingly competitive market, the business has significant potential, and we're encouraged by the early interest we've received from parties interested in acquiring the brand and its strongest-performing sites," Wright added.

He emphasised that the immediate priority is to ensure customers can continue with their bookings over the Christmas period and to secure the best outcome for the business and its stakeholders. "We're confident that with the right investment and focus, Sixes can build on its core strengths," he concluded.

The full list of Sixes venues currently operating under administration is: