IPL: Asia’s Most Valuable Sports Property
IPL’s Valuation Soars
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has emerged as one of Asia’s most valuable sports properties. According to U.S. investment bank Houlihan Lokey, the combined business enterprise and brand values of the IPL now total $16.4 billion.
A Star-Studded Tournament
Launched in 2007, the IPL features franchises based in key Indian cities, often backed by Bollywood celebrities and major business leaders. The tournament’s 20-overs per innings format, designed for television, has captivated audiences and sparked intense competition among media groups.
Rising Brand Value
The IPL’s stand-alone brand value has increased by 6.3% to $3.4 billion (INR 28,000 crores) over the past year, according to Houlihan Lokey. Title sponsorship, secured by the Tata Group for a five-year period from 2024 to 2028, has risen to approximately $300 million—a 50% increase over the previous per-season cost.
Advertising Opportunities
On average, a T20 match features around 80 to 100 ad slots strategically placed between overs, during innings breaks, timeouts, and after wickets fall. The bank compares the IPL to the NFL’s Super Bowl, where new TV commercials are launched annually. This year, advertisers ranged from fantasy apps, FMCG, FinTech, banks, and consumer electronics, all releasing new commercials during the games.
Valuable Franchises
Individual franchises within the IPL are also becoming increasingly valuable. “The eight legacy teams that have been part of the IPL for a long time now reap substantial profits from both the central pool’s income distribution and their own franchisee revenues from sponsorships, gate receipts, and merchandise sales,” the bank notes.
Top Teams
The Chennai Super Kings, ranked No.1 in both brand ranking and business value ranking, are valued at $231 million. They are the league’s most consistent team, having qualified for the playoffs in 12 out of their 15 seasons and won five titles. Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders follow closely, with a 19% surge bringing their value to $216 million.
The IPL’s growth and success continue to set new benchmarks in the world of sports, showcasing the immense potential of cricket as a global entertainment powerhouse.(cricket betting app)