According to multiple media reports, Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of Serum Institute of India, was in negotiations with Diageo Plc, the owners of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), to potentially purchase the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) 2025 champion. Whether Diageo Plc intends to sell all of its shares in RCB is still unclear. United Spirits is a subsidiary of Diageo Plc.
Adar Poonawalla is the front-runner among other interested parties to acquire RCB, according to media reports, according to people familiar with the situation. According to media sources, the British multinational alcoholic beverage business is seeking a valuation of about $2 billion for RCB. According to Houlihan Lokey’s IPL Valuation Study 2025 report, RCB was the most valuable company this year, even in terms of business value.
IPL Valuation Study 2025 report
In its IPL Valuation Study 2025 report, Houlihan Lokey, a global, independent investment bank established in 1972, said that RCB’s performance went beyond the boundary. Off the pitch, the team expanded match-day experiences and grassroots projects throughout Karnataka, and it welcomed tech innovator Nothing as an associate sponsor.
RCB’s brand equity has been boosted by these community-driven initiatives, astute digital marketing, and the timeless appeal of international superstars.In February, private equity firm CVC Capital Partners agreed to sell the Gujarat Titans (GT) a 67% share to Ahmedabad-based Torrent Group through its holding company Torrent Investments.
GT is valued at about INR 7,453 crore, while this deal was valued at about INR 5,000 crore. Conversely, Diageo Plc officially joined the FIFA World Cup 26 as a North, Central, and South American tournament sponsor in June.
The recent FTA (foreign trade agreement) with the UK, which reduced the tax on importing Scotch in bulk, and the negative publicity following the M Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede, according to Ajimon Francis, managing director of Brand Finance, a valuation and strategy consultancy, could put pressure on the company’s margins because of increased competition.
“Some south-based conglomerate might be the first set of potential bidders,” Francis stated, adding that it might also be a group of investors, as was the case with GT. In general, RCB’s social media fan engagement, fan clubs, and fan groups are the foundation of its brand appeal.
The second lever that RCB has is Bengaluru’s pricing power, which draws corporate interest because it has one of the highest average revenues per seat among IPL sites, according to Francis. In a recent post on X, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi stated that there have been numerous rumours regarding the sale of an IPL franchise, notably @RCBTweets, but that these have previously be– it could be the only team which would be available as a whole as an IPL franchise.”
Quick Shots
•Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute, is in
talks with Diageo Plc to acquire Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
•Diageo seeks around $2 billion for RCB, currently
the most valuable IPL team according to Houlihan Lokey IPL Valuation Study
2025.
•Poonawalla is reportedly the leading bidder among
multiple interested parties.
•Boosted by community initiatives, grassroots
projects, digital marketing, and international stars.
The well-liked Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) might soon have a new owner.
According to a media report, Diageo Plc, the British corporation that controls RCB through United Spirits Ltd., its Indian subsidiary, is looking into selling all or a portion of its franchise.
A person cited in the report claim that Diageo has begun preliminary discussions with advisors and is amenable to a variety of options, including a full sale.
This development comes soon after RCB registered its first IPL trophy in eighteen years (Winners of IPL 2025). Although the business hasn’t decided yet, it may consider paying up to $2 billion for the club. No concrete action has been taken thus far, and these conversations are still confidential.
New Business Strategy by Diageo Plc
According to the report, Diageo might be considering its ownership’s future as part of a broader plan to streamline its international operations. Diageo has experienced pressure on spirits sales in the US, its largest market, as a result of tariffs and a decline in consumer demand for high-end alcohol goods.
RCB may be able to raise money and return its attention to its main business by selling a portion of the corporation. Growing government pressure could be another factor.
The health ministry has been advocating for the prohibition of the indirect promotion of tobacco and alcohol goods during sporting events such as the Indian Premier League.
Companies like Diageo have used famous cricket players to market soft drink brands like soda, despite the fact that direct advertisements for such items are already prohibited.
Companies who utilise cricket to reach customers may see a decline in brand visibility if more stringent regulations are implemented.
The Legacy of RCB and the IPL
Vijay Mallya, a prominent figure in India’s spirits sector and the owner of Kingfisher Airlines at the time, first purchased RCB. Following the demise of Mallya’s economic empire, Diageo acquired United Spirits, which allowed them to take over RCB.
Thanks in large part to Kohli and other well-known players like AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis, RCB has grown into one of the most talked-about IPL teams throughout the years. The IPL is more than simply a cricket competition anymore.
With a large global audience and significant advertising interest, it has grown to become one of the most valuable sports leagues in the world. It is ideal for digital and broadcast platforms due to its three-hour match format.
A hefty price for RCB’s sale might establish a new benchmark for future IPL franchise valuations. According to reports, the IPL is on par with major sports leagues such as the English Premier League in the UK and the National Football League (NFL) in the US.
This domestic cricket league was founded in 2008 as an audacious idea combining Bollywood glamour, auction drama, and T20 fireworks. Today, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is more than just a cricket tournament; it’s a commercial juggernaut and one of the wealthiest leagues in the world. With franchise valuations skyrocketing, record-breaking media rights, and a loyal fan base that spans continents, the IPL has transcended sports. It’s a brand, an emotion, and most importantly, a money-minting machine.
In 2025, the league’s valuation crossed $16.4 billion (approximately INR 1,34,858 crore) in 2024, as reported by American investment bank Houlihan Lokey, marking a 6.5% increase from the previous year, despite global economic slowdowns. What’s driving this relentless rise? How did IPL, within just 17 years, carve a space alongside elite leagues like the NFL, NBA, and Premier League?
Let’s break down the biggest reasons that transformed IPL from a cricketing experiment into a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse.
The Business of IPL: How a Cricket League Turned Into a Goldmine?
The IPL’s explosive commercial growth is not just a stroke of luck. It’s the result of innovative business strategies, digital disruption, and a keen understanding of what fans want: all packed into a tight, high-stakes sporting format. The unbeatable strategy that turned the IPL into a money-making machine is mentioned below:
Media Rights: The Real Jackpot
The IPL’s most significant revenue stream is its broadcasting rights. In 2022, the BCCI signed a 5-year media rights deal worth a record-breaking INR 48,390 crore (~$6.2 billion) for the 2023–2027 cycle.
Why does it matter?
Every IPL match now generates INR 118.02 crore ($14 million), making it the second most valuable sports property globally on a per-match basis only behind the NFL.
Breakdown of the 2022 Deal:
Disney Star secured TV rights: INR 23,575 crore
Viacom18 secured digital streaming: INR 20,500 crore
This deal completely changed the commercial landscape of Indian cricket.
Franchises Now Worth Billions
IPL teams are no longer just sports teams; they’re full-blown business assets. In 2023, Chennai Super Kings saw an increase of 80% and are worth $15.4 billion. Whereas the Mumbai Indians under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, the team’s brand value in 2023 is at $190 million, up by 34.8% from $141 million last year.
What’s driving team value?
Stable Revenues from Media Rights Share: The IPL’s media rights deal for the 2023–2027 cycle, valued at INR 48,390 crore (~$6.2 billion), has provided franchises with a substantial and consistent revenue stream. This stable financial backing is one of the primary factors fueling the growth in team valuations.
Massive Fan Loyalty and Brand Partnerships: The IPL’s franchises benefit from extremely loyal fan bases and strategic brand partnerships. The combination of these factors contributes to strong commercial appeal, not just locally, but globally, driving up the valuation of teams.
IPL’s popularity means brands are willing to spend big bucks for visibility. In 2024, TATA Group renewed its title sponsorship deal at INR 2,500 crore for 5 years, the biggest title sponsorship ever in IPL history.
Why brands invest?
Massive reach: 600M+ total viewers
Cross-platform visibility (TV + digital)
Audience: Urban + rural, Gen Z + families
Alongside TATA, brands like Dream11, JioCinema, Swiggy Instamart, and CEAT continue to spend crores for spot ads, team sponsorships, and digital campaigns.
In a landmark move that redefined digital sports broadcasting in India, Viacom18 streamed IPL 2023 and 2024 for free in HD on JioCinema. This bold decision removed the traditional paywall and democratized access to premium cricket content, especially benefiting audiences in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, where OTT subscriptions are less common due to affordability barriers.
Key Impacts
Massive Digital Reach: IPL 2023 witnessed over 44.9 crore viewers tuning in digitally via JioCinema, making it the most-watched digital sporting event in Indian history.
Record-Breaking Concurrent Viewership: The IPL 2023 final set a new global record with 3.2 crore (32 million) concurrent viewers, the highest ever for a live-streamed event in India, surpassing even global sporting events like the FIFA World Cup or previous ICC tournaments.
Global Distribution of IPL Matches
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has established a vast international broadcasting network, ensuring that matches are accessible to fans in over 120 countries. This extensive reach is facilitated through partnerships with major broadcasters across various regions:
United Kingdom: Sky Sports Cricket holds the exclusive rights to broadcast IPL matches in the UK and Ireland, providing comprehensive coverage for cricket enthusiasts in these regions.
United States & Canada: Willow TV is the primary broadcaster, offering live coverage of IPL matches to audiences in North America.
Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport broadcasts IPL matches across Sub-Saharan Africa, bringing the excitement of the league to a vast audience on the continent.
Australia: Fox Sports and Kayo Sports provide live streaming and television coverage of the IPL, catering to Australian cricket fans.
New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ airs IPL matches, ensuring New Zealand viewers can follow the tournament.
South Asia & MENA: Star Sports and beIN Sports cover the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East and North Africa regions, respectively.
Additionally, YuppTV streams IPL matches across more than 100 countries, including regions in Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America, making it one of the most expansive OTT providers for the tournament.
Beyond broadcasting, IPL franchises have actively expanded their presence by acquiring teams in international T20 leagues, thereby extending their brand influence globally:
USA’s Major League Cricket (MLC) – United States
The inaugural season of MLC in 2023 saw significant involvement from IPL franchises:
Mumbai Indians: Established MI New York, bringing their brand to the U.S. cricket scene.
Chennai Super Kings: Partnered to form the Texas Super Kings, based in Dallas.
Delhi Capitals: Collaborated with local investors to launch the Seattle Orcas franchise.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Took charge of the Los Angeles Knight Riders, expanding their global footprint.
SA20 – South Africa
Mumbai Indians: Own MI Cape Town
Chennai Super Kings: Manage the Joburg Super Kings.
Delhi Capitals: Operate the Pretoria Capitals
Rajasthan Royals: Control the Paarl Royals.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Run the Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
Lucknow Super Giants: Oversee Durban’s Super Giants.
The IPL has introduced AR overlays and VR experiences, allowing fans to immerse themselves in match previews and live analyses. These technologies provide interactive visualizations, enabling fans to explore player statistics, pitch conditions, and strategic insights in a more engaging manner.
Such innovations have been particularly impactful in Fan Parks across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, offering an immersive experience to a broader audience. Moreover, Reliance has conducted brain-mapping studies to understand viewer engagement during IPL matches. These studies revealed that ads streamed during live matches resulted in up to four times better engagement and memorability compared to other platforms.
Youth-Driven Content and Meme Culture
The IPL has mastered capturing Gen Z audiences with youth-centric content and meme culture. As a result of strategic use of social media, collaboration with influencers, and short-form content, teams such as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have significantly enhanced their level of engagement with fans.
Dominance in Short-Form Content: Teams such as RCB, KKR, and RR have excelled in producing short-form content tailored for platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. This approach aligns with Gen Z’s preference for quick, engaging videos, fostering a deeper connection with the teams.
RR’s YouTube Shorts
Meme Marketing and Viral Trends: The IPL’s embrace of meme culture has led to viral moments that resonate with younger audiences. Events such as Rinku Singh’s five consecutive sixes and the Kohli-Gambhir exchange have sparked widespread meme creation and sharing, amplifying the league’s reach beyond traditional cricket fans.
Influencer Collaborations: Collaborations with influencers like Danish Sait, Shubham Gaur, and Taran Singh have enabled teams to produce relatable and entertaining content. These partnerships have been instrumental in engaging fans off the field, particularly among Gen Z demographics.
RCB’s Collaboration with Danish Sait
Second-Screen Engagement: A significant portion of Gen Z fans engage with IPL content through second screens, using social media to interact during live matches. This behaviour underscores the importance of real-time digital engagement strategies to maintain and grow the league’s youthful fan base.
Boosts India’s Economy
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved into a significant economic catalyst for India, influencing various sectors beyond cricket. Here’s an overview of its multifaceted economic impact:
Contribution to GDP: According to a KPMG survey commissioned by the BCCI, the IPL 2015 season contributed INR 1,150 crore (approximately $182 million) to India’s GDP. The total economic output associated with IPL matches in India for that season was estimated at INR 2,650 crore (approximately $418 million), encompassing direct, indirect, and induced economic activities.
Employment Generation: Each IPL season creates a surge in employment opportunities across various sectors. Over 30,000 temporary jobs emerge in areas such as players, coaches, and support staff.
Boost to Tourism and Hospitality: Host cities experience increased tourism during the IPL season, leading to higher occupancy rates in hotels and increased patronage of restaurants and local attractions.
Support for Local Vendors and Small Businesses: The IPL season provides a significant boost to local vendors and small businesses. From merchandise sales to food stalls near stadiums, small enterprises benefit from the increased footfall and consumer spending associated with the matches.
What started as a cricket tournament has transformed into a billion-dollar business empire that stretches far beyond the boundaries of sport. From packed stadiums to second-screen streaming, from celebrity ownership to Silicon Valley tech partnerships, the IPL has crafted a strategy for the future of entertainment and commerce.
FAQs
What is the IPL and when did it start?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India. It was founded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the first season was played in 2008.
Who is the title sponsors for IPL 2025?
For 2025, Tata is the official title sponsor for the Indian Premier League.
Whether cricket or football, sports have continued to entertain every generation. Over the years, the sport has become an industry generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. The global sports market has experienced rapid expansion, growing from $486.61 billion in 2021 to an estimated $512.14 billion in 2023, and is projected to exceed $700 billion by 2026.
Lodging at the forefront of innovation and adaptation, sports leagues are a significant part of the global market, with showbiz glamor and attract fans widely.
Here’s the list of the 10 Biggest Sports Leagues in the world.
Top 10 Richest League in the World – National Football League
Formed in 1920, the National Football League, or NFL, being the most valuable and expensive sports league, tops the chart with a total revenue of $18 billion in 2024, with the Dallas Cowboys having the highest value of $10.32 billion. Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers was set to take $59.465 million in 2023, but he restructured his contract and now will make $75 million for two years.
With the NFL’s 32 franchises receiving the lion’s share of the revenue, the league also houses 29 of the world’s 50 most expensive stadiums. The NFL is known for its intense competition and high-stakes games. It is the highest level of professional American football, making it one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, and is one of the top sports leagues in the world.
Most of its revenue comes through broadcasting rights, sponsorship, and ticket sales, and the league’s long-term contracts with telecom companies like ESPN, Fox, NBC, and others, which fetch billions of dollars annually. The NFL has also partnered with several MNCs as PepsiCo, Nike, and Visa, to name a few. During the 2020 COVID-affected season, the league experienced pandemic-related shortfalls that decreased revenue, causing the NFL to reduce the salary cap. But after two great seasons, the NFL is back on track with an ambition to reach $25 billion in revenue by 2027.
Indian Premier League
League
Indian Premier League
Sport
Cricket
Formed
2008
Sponsors
Vivo, Dream 11, Byju’s
Top 10 Richest League in the World – Indian Premier League
The Indian Premier League, better known as IPL, is second to the NFL as the second richest sports league and one of the most valuable sports leagues, after hitting the $9 billion mark. With Mumbai Indians (MI) as the most valuable IPL team with a brand worth $86.4 million, IPL is also second in cutting big fat cheques, with players earning an average of $5.3 million annually. It is second in the top 5 richest league in the world.
The Indian T20 league, which commenced in 2008 as India’s first unicorn with a $1.1 billion valuation, has seen a 16-fold jump since its inception. Played each year during the Indian summer with ten teams in a 70-match tournament, followed by playoffs and the IPL Trophy for the past 15 seasons, the second-most lucrative league in world sports is now rubbing shoulders with the NFL, NBA, EPL, etc.
With uncontrollable popularity, the IPL has brought lucrative media and sponsorship deals, thus emerging as a premier sporting event with global viewership and popularity. IPL has partnerships with several major companies like VIVO, Paytm, TATA, and Dream11, to name a few. And this year, at $6.2 billion for the 2023–2027 cycle, IPL recorded a three-fold jump in media deals, breaking Walt Disney Star’s monotony, which had continued for the previous 5-year cycle in 2017. This media rights deal made IPL the second biggest sporting event after the NFL on a per-match basis.
Top 10 Richest League in the World – Major League Baseball
The third richest league by revenue we have is America’s Major League Baseball, or MLB, with $11.5 billion in revenue in 2024, with the Los Angeles Dodgers earning the most remuneration of $5 million, and is one of the top 5 richest league in the world.
With an average player salary of $4.9 million, the salary cap jumped 11.1% to record the largest since 2001. In the history of MLB, Aaron Judge became the highest-paid position player with a $360 million nine-year contract with the New York Yankees. With 1992 as the starting point, the baseball league houses 30 teams that play 162 games each year, followed by playoffs and the World Series, attracting millions of viewers. It is one of the most profitable sports leagues.
After being adversely impacted by the pandemic, America’s baseball league rebounded and hit a home run in 2022, propelling itself to record a spike in revenue and becoming one of the top ten leagues in the world. The MLB generates most of its revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales, and has a long-standing deal with television networks that brings in billions of dollars each year. The league is in partnership with several major companies– Chevrolet, Mastercard, and Nike, to name a few.
Global Sports Market Size
National Basketball Association
League
National Basketball Association
Sport
Basketball
Formed
1946
Sponsors
Nike, Pepsi, Ste Farm
Top 10 Richest League in the World – National Basketball Association
With just over $10 billion as its revenue in 2024, the NBA, or National Basketball Association comes fourth in the top 5 sports leagues in the world. North America’s NBA is the world’s most prestigious and affluent basketball league, with the average team worth around $3 billion and the Golden State Warriors being the most valuable, worth $7.56 billion. It is in the list of top 5 richest league in the world.
After being adversely affected by the pandemic for two consecutive years and posting $6.4 billion in revenue for the COVID-impacted 2020/21 season, the NBA jumped to record a $10 billion revenue last year. This implies that the NBA’s annual income has nearly tripled over the past decade, going from $3.7 billion in 2012 to $10 billion in 2024.
In addition to the world’s wealthiest players playing in this league, it has secured national television broadcasting contracts worth $500 million in international media revenue. But the main driver of this increase is the NBA’s jersey deal with Nike and their jersey patch program with individual teams, which reportedly fetched above $200 million in revenue last year alone.
Nike x NBA JERSEY UNVEILING | Partnership Launch Event
English Premier League
League
English Premier League
Sport
Football
Formed
1992
Sponsors
Barclays, Nike, EA Sports
Top 10 Richest Leagues in the World – English Premier League
The English Premier League is the fifth richest and biggest sports league, which generates an annual income of nearly £6 billion in 2024. With the average Premier League club worth $1.51 billion, the collective value of the league’s 20 clubs comes to a whopping $30.3 billion. It is one of the most valuable leagues in the world.
Excluding the COVID-impacted 2020/21 season, the revenue generation of EPL teams has increased significantly, mainly due to the successful acquisition of high-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku by Manchester United. Television broadcasting licenses, business operations, and sponsorship deals have leveraged EPL’s revenue, and this increase in media attention, global fan engagement, and lucrative sponsorship deals has boosted the financial prospects of EPL clubs. For the first time in 30 years, EPL witnessed more revenue generated from overseas broadcasters than domestic stations. With £5.1 billion generated for domestic rights after the pandemic, the league signed agreements to roll over the existing deals with Sky, BT Sport, and Amazon Prime Video through 2025.
National Hockey League
League
National Hockey League
Sport
Hockey
Formed
1917
Sponsors
Geico, Honda, Budweiser
Biggest Sports Leagues in the World – National Hockey League
North America’s National Hockey League, or NHL is the sixth richest sports league — one of the top sports leagues in the world, with an estimated value of $5.5 billion, with the New York Rangers being the most valuable team, worth $2.2 billion.
The ice hockey league is home to 32 teams that play an 82-game season each year, followed by playoffs and the Stanley Cup Finals. NHL generates most of its revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and lucrative deals with television networks that bring in billions of dollars each season. With the new ESPN TV contract and the addition of the Seattle Kraken, the NHL is projected to cross the $5 billion mark. It has also partnered with MNCs like Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Discover, to name a few.
La Liga Santander
League
La Liga Santander
Sport
Football
Formed
1929
Sponsors
Santander, Nike, Puma
Biggest Sports Leagues in the World – LaLiga Santander
Spain’s La Liga Santander is one of the most popular and one of the most valuable sports leagues in the world, with an estimated value of €4.5 billion in 2024. It houses Real Madrid, the richest football club in the world in 2024, with a net worth of $6.6 billion.
The La Liga Santander, one of the biggest leagues in the world, is home to 20 teams that play a 38-game season each year, attracting millions of viewers annually. Comprising some of the top European clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia, Villarreal, etc., the football league generates most of its revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales.
With lucrative deals with television networks, the league has also partnered with several major companies, such as Santander, Nike, and Coca-Cola, to name a few. According to estimates, the La Liga club sponsorship revenue is $930.95 million.
Bundesliga
League
Bundesliga
Sport
Football
Formed
1962
Sponsors
Adidas, Deutsche Telekom
Top 10 Sports Leagues in the World – Bundesliga
Home to 18 teams that play a 34-game each year, Germany’s Bundesliga generates about €4.3 billion to rank eighth richest sports league in the list of top 10 sports leagues in the world and is one of the top sports leagues in the world, with FC Bayern Munich having a value of about €3.8 billion in 2023. The German football league that draws large crowds to its stadiums— on an average of 42,738 tickets sold per game– has reported a 5.4% increase in combined revenues for the country’s professional teams.
Generating most of its revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales, the league has a lucrative deal with television networks. Earning €1.1 billion ($1.2 billion) yearly from national television rights, the Bundesliga, one of the biggest leagues in the world, has partnered with several major companies such as Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Puma.
Serie A
League
Serie A
Sport
Football
Formed
1898
Sponsors
TIM, Puma, Coca-Cola
Biggest Sports Leagues in the World – Serie A
Italy’s top-tier football league Serie A is the ninth wealthiest sports league generating a revenue of €2.8 billion and is at the bottom of the list. With its rich and storied history, Serie A’s AC Milan franchise has the highest market value of €1 billion in 2023.
Home to 20 teams that play 38 games, Serie A is known for its strategic play style over high-speed thrills. The Italian football league is gearing up to increase the revenue flow. It currently holds a domestic deal with sports streaming service DAZN for €2.5 billion (US$2.7 billion) that will run till 2024 along with Pay-TV broadcaster Sky Italia Serie A has reported a €262.5 million (US$280.9 million) deal over three years.
UEFA Champions League
League
UEFA Champions League
Sport
Football
Formed
1955
Sponsors
Gazprom, Nissan, Heineken
Most Valuable Sports Leagues – UEFA Champions League
Sitting at the bottommost, we have the UEFA Champions League as the tenth richest sports league with an estimated revenue of €3.5 billion, with Manchester City squad having the highest value squad worth €4.1 billion in 2024.
Featuring the top club teams from across Europe— the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and the Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League is one of the top 10 leagues in the world. For the 2021-22 season, UEFA, one of the top sports leagues in the world, suffered a drop in revenue of almost €2 billion after setting a record mark in the previous year— notably boosted by the delayed European Championship.
Despite the downfall, UEFA still recorded its second-best financial year since 2016-17, with most of the media revenue coming from UEFA’s four-year deal with global streaming service DAZN signing in June 2021. The hike figures come after UEFA adopted a new competition structure for the UWCL that included a group stage and a centralized commercial and broadcast rights model for the 2021-22 to 2024-25 cycle.
FAQs
Which are the top 10 richest leagues currently in the world?
Here’s the list of the 10 richest Sports Leagues in the world:
National Football League
Indian Premier League
Major League Baseball
National Basketball Association
English Premier League
National Hockey League
LaLiga Santander
Bundesliga
Serie A
UEFA Champions League
What is the revenue of the Indian Premier League?
The revenue of the Indian Premier League as of 2023 is $9.5 billion.
Which sports league makes the most money?
The National Football League or NFL makes the most money with a total revenue of $13 billion in 2023, with the Dallas Cowboys having the highest value of $10.32 billion.
Which are the top 5 richest leagues in the world?
The top 5 richest leagues in the world are as below:
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a massive event in cricket, known for its exciting matches and the money, sponsorships, and media rights it brings in. Profitable transactions, controversy, and tremendous brand value growth have all flourished in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its start in 2008.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a cricketing extravaganza; it’s a multibillion-dollar enterprise where controversies can significantly impact sponsors, broadcasters, and franchise valuations. While on-field action captivates fans, off-field incidents often have profound business repercussions. Here are some of the most notable IPL controversies with serious business consequences, updated as of 2025:
The Harbhajan Singh Commentary Critique (2025) – Balancing Feedback and Brand Image
What Happened?
In March 2025, former Indian cricketer and current commentator Harbhajan Singh responded to a fan’s criticism regarding the quality of Hindi commentary during the IPL.
The fan expressed concerns about the deteriorating standard, noting that earlier commentators provided more informative insights, whereas current commentary leaned towards sarcastic one-liners. Harbhajan took the feedback positively, acknowledging the need for improvement.
Business Impact:
Broadcast Credibility: Acknowledgment of commentary quality concerns by a prominent figure like Harbhajan Singh highlighted the need for broadcasters to ensure high standards, directly impacting viewer satisfaction and retention.
Sponsor Confidence: Constructive engagement with audience feedback can bolster sponsor confidence, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and audience engagement.
Social Media Meltdown: The spat dominated trending charts, with millions of tweets flooding the platforms, drawing brands into the battle unwillingly.
Lesson for IPL:
Maintaining high broadcasting standards is crucial. Open acknowledgment and responsiveness to feedback can enhance the league’s reputation and ensure sustained viewer and sponsor interest.
The 2024 Betting Scandal – A $50 Million Sponsorship Crisis
What Happened?
In 2024, a franchise official was implicated in illegal betting activities, leading to arrests and a media frenzy. Investigations uncovered a network of bookies operating within the IPL ecosystem, severely undermining the trust of corporate investors.
In response, the league’s governing body introduced stricter regulations, enhanced background checks for franchise officials, and ramped up monitoring to detect suspicious betting patterns.
Business Fallout:
Major Sponsors Withdrew: A fintech giant and a fantasy sports app terminated their sponsorships mid-season, resulting in losses exceeding $50 million.
Advertising Revenue Decline: Streaming platforms experienced a dip in ad spending as brands hesitated to associate with a league mired in controversy.
Legal Repercussions: IPL had to implement stricter compliance measures to regain credibility among investors and regulatory authorities.
IPL’s Response:
The league implemented stricter compliance measures, including comprehensive background checks for franchise officials, to restore credibility among investors and regulatory authorities.
Why does it Matter?
Betting scandals don’t just tarnish reputations, but they also directly hit revenue. Sponsors and broadcasters demand zero-tolerance policies to protect their investments.
The “Fake Social Media Engagement” Scandal (2023) – Inflated Metrics Undermine Trust
What Happened?
An investigation in 2023 revealed that multiple IPL teams had purchased fake followers and bots to artificially boost player and franchise popularity on social media platforms.
In response, platforms like Twitter (now X), Instagram, and Facebook were urged to crack down on fraudulent engagement practices, while the IPL governing body considered imposing stricter regulations on teams’ digital strategies. The scandal also ignited broader discussions about ethical marketing in sports and the fine line between strategic promotion and outright deception.
Why It Hurts Business:
Deceptive Metrics: Sponsorship deals negotiated based on inflated engagement figures led to brands feeling misled.
Platform Crackdowns: Social media companies took action by removing fake accounts, causing a noticeable drop in engagement metrics for teams.
Erosion of Trust: Sponsors now demand audited social media reports before signing endorsement deals.
Result:
To prevent future manipulations, the IPL mandated third-party audits of all team social media metrics, ensuring transparency and authenticity for sponsors.
Why does it Matter?
The IPL learned this lesson the hard way when its social media deception came to light, proving that in the long run, authenticity isn’t just preferable – it’s the only sustainable business strategy.
The “Dubai Relocation” Rumors (2025) – Speculation Over IPL’s Venue Sparks Uncertainty
The Buzz:
In 2025, reports emerged suggesting that the IPL might relocate part of its season to Dubai due to increasing taxes and political scrutiny in India. Given that the UAE had previously hosted IPL matches in 2020 and 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, these speculations gained traction.
Corporate Chaos:
Sponsor Apprehension: Indian brands expressed concerns, emphasizing that their primary audience was domestic, and a move could diminish their marketing impact.
Broadcast Rights Uncertainty: Broadcasters faced potential renegotiations, questioning the value of rights for a league possibly shifting away from its core Indian viewership.
Logistical Nightmare: Moving operations would mean renegotiating contracts, which could hurt teams financially.
IPL’s Damage Control:
League officials promptly denied the relocation rumors but hinted at the possibility of additional international matches to expand the IPL’s global footprint while retaining its Indian base.
Why does it Matter?
The IPL’s financial ecosystem depends on Indian viewership and sponsors. Any move abroad risks alienating its core market.
The Great “Player Salary Leak” (2024) – Transparency in Question
What Happened?
In 2024, a cyberattack exposed confidential salary information, revealing that certain star players were receiving up to 40% more than the officially declared amounts.
This disclosure led to allegations of financial discrepancies and favoritism. This scandal was a wake-up call, pushing league administrators to tighten cybersecurity measures and reinforce financial oversight mechanisms.
Fallout:
Fairness Debates: The revelations sparked discussions about the integrity of the salary cap system, with smaller franchises feeling disadvantaged.
Sponsor Reluctance: Brands reconsidered their investments, concerned about the financial stability and transparency of the teams they were endorsing.
Legal Backlash: The leak raised concerns over contractual transparency, forcing IPL to address potential loopholes.
IPL’s Fix:
In response, the league introduced blockchain-based contracts in 2025 to ensure complete transparency in player salaries and financial dealings, aiming to restore trust among stakeholders.
The Lesson:
Financial opacity breeds distrust. The league must ensure fair play both on and off the field.
Television Rating of IPL From 2018 to 2024
The Clash on Sponsorship
Deals like PepsiCo‘s 2015 withdrawal, which came to an abrupt end, showed how unstable these alliances can be. This was further demonstrated by Vivo’s entrance and later exit from the IPL as a result of geopolitical tensions and commercial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The extension of the Tata Group‘s contract as the title sponsor of the Indian Premier League for 5 years (2024–28) at a cost of ₹2,500 crore (US$310 million) is a landmark event in this context, as it represents the highest sponsorship amount in the league’s history. The IPL’s title sponsorship rights for 2022 and 2023 were originally held by the Tata Group.
Just like its financial success, the IPL’s brand worth has skyrocketed. The value of the event skyrocketed from $4.16 billion in 2016 to an incredible $6.13 billion in 2018, and recently, a media report stated that the current value of this league has touched an iconic figure of $10.7 billion. Profitable TV arrangements and creative approaches to engaging fans from all walks of life are two of the many reasons for this meteoric rise. The league was able to increase its viewership and revenue by branching out into regional stations that offered bilingual commentary.
There has been no downside to the IPL’s broadcasting experience. The league’s ten-year association with Sony Pictures Networks set the stage for groundbreaking accords, the most recent of which was Star India’s acquisition of worldwide media rights in 2017. A new era of accessibility began with the subsequent growth of digital streaming sites like Hotstar, which allowed millions of people worldwide to effortlessly tune into live matches.
Star Sports will once again be the official television broadcaster of the Indian Premier League this season, bringing the excitement of the games to fans throughout the country. Jio Cinema, in the meantime, is operating as a digital broadcaster, making sure that viewers can watch on their own digital devices.
IPL Title Sponsorship Over the Years
Difficulties and Disagreements
Since the beginning of the Indian Premier League (IPL), one of its defining characteristics has been the presence of controversies, which frequently overshadow the league’s outstanding performance on the pitch. Scandals involving match-fixing and ownership issues have tarnished the league’s generally impeccable image.
The Indian Premier League has a checkered past due to spot-fixing allegations in which players were accused of intentionally manipulating certain points in a match for financial benefit. One notable example is the 2012 Indian Premier League spot-fixing case, which resulted in the suspension and lifelong bans for specific players. A comparable incident surfaced in 2013, leading to bans, arrests, and broad censure from cricket fans and officials.
Several IPL franchises have been embroiled in ownership conflicts, which have resulted in contentious legal fights. The Rajasthan Royals ownership issue is a well-known example of a situation where claims of irregularities in shareholding and ownership structures surfaced. The participation of prominent figures, such as Bollywood stars, intensified the scandal and prompted inquiries over the openness and leadership of IPL clubs.
Team owners’ participation in cricket administration is one area where the IPL has come under fire for potential conflicts of interest. Case in point: N. Srinivasan’s ownership of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and his prominent roles inside the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prompted questions regarding the objectivity and fairness of team management and league administration.
Many people, including players, commentators, and fans, were skeptical and critical of the decision to use strategic time-outs in IPL matches. Although they were meant to give teams a chance to plan their strategies during games, many fans saw these timeouts as nothing more than a marketing ploy to boost ad revenue at the expense of the actual game. Stakeholders’ frustrations were already high due to slow over rates, which meant that matches frequently went beyond their allotted time.
As a result of escalating geopolitical tensions, Pakistani players have been informally barred from participating in the IPL. Pakistani players have encountered difficulties in obtaining contracts and competing in the league as a result of political sensitivities, even if they were chosen in previous seasons. Cricketing circles and fans have voiced their disapproval at this omission, which has brought attention to the way sports and geopolitics intertwine in the IPL.
These incidents underscore the complex interplay between the IPL’s on-field excitement and its off-field business dynamics, highlighting the importance of robust governance to sustain corporate partnerships and financial growth.
The IPL transcends cricket; it’s a commercial juggernaut where controversies can erode millions in value. Sponsors, broadcasters, and franchises operate in a high-stakes environment where reputation management is paramount.
The IPL extends far beyond the boundaries of the cricket field; it is a global sports and entertainment powerhouse. Every controversy, whether related to player conduct, team ownership, or administrative decisions, has the potential to disrupt investor confidence, impact sponsorship deals, and diminish broadcasting revenues.
In an era where public perception plays a critical role in shaping the value of sports leagues, mismanagement or ethical lapses can translate into significant financial losses, affecting everyone from franchise owners to advertisers and media partners.
2025’s Big Lesson?
Striking a balance between high-octane entertainment and ethical governance has never been more critical. As the IPL continues its rapid expansion on the global stage, transparency, accountability, and integrity will be fundamental to ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Without these pillars, even the most successful sporting leagues can face setbacks, proving that financial growth must go hand in hand with responsible management.
These disputes highlight the intricate dynamics within the IPL, where business concerns, problems with administration, and geopolitical tensions converge with the essence of cricket. Even while the league is still a huge deal throughout the world, it needs to deal with these scandals if it wants to keep its credibility and legitimacy intact.
FAQs
Who is the title sponsor of IPL?
Tata Group’s contract as the title sponsor of the Indian Premier League is extended for 5 years (2024–28) at a cost of ₹2,500 crore (US$310 million), and it represents the highest sponsorship amount in the league’s history.
Who is the official television broadcaster of IPL for this season?
Star Sports is the official television broadcaster of the Indian Premier League this season.
What is IPL’s brand worth?
The value of the event skyrocketed from $4.16 billion in 2016 to an incredible $6.13 billion in 2018 and recently, a media report stated that the current value of this league has touched an iconic figure of $10.7 billion.
The Indian Premier League, the most prestigious cricket tournament in the world, will soon begin after the Indian Women’s T20 League came to a close with RCB’s historic first title. The Indian Premier League is getting ready to deliver the excitement and thrills fans have come to expect in its 17th season. There may be other cricket leagues around the world, but none can compare to the Indian version in terms of scale, star power, sponsorship, etc. In a survey, brand valuation consultant Brand Finance stated that in 2024, the cumulative brand value of the Indian Premier League (IPL) surged to $12 billion, marking a 13% increase from the previous year. For the first time, four franchises, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Kolkata Knight Riders surpassed a brand value of $100 million.
This year’s IPL saw a significant increase in its brand value, according to the survey. The reason for this is the large number of spectators in the stadiums, the increased consumption of IPL matches online and through other means, and the mega-media partnerships.
According to the consultant, the Chennai Super Kings are worth $122 million, making them the most valuable franchise brand in the Indian Premier League followed by Mumbai Indians with $119 million worth.
In today’s world, several things influence the monetary worth of an IPL fan’s preferred franchise. As a result, we’ll go over a few important aspects that influence the brand value of IPL clubs, a subject that followers of IPL often think about.
Among Shah Rukh Khan‘s followeres is his iconic open-arms posture, which has made him known globally. As Shah Rukh Khan enthusiastically cheers on his Kolkata Knight Riders squad and as they spot Sourav Ganguly, the prince of Kolkata, the 70k-strong crowd at Eden Gardens in Kolkata bursts into cheers.
A large social media following and endorsement partnerships with different brands are opportunities for celebrity owners. More sponsors are eager to purchase shirt space from the club as a result of the team’s rising popularity. As reported by a renowned media group, KKR emerged as the most lucrative IPL club in 2018, clocking in at 19.87%. The value of a brand doubles as its popularity and profitability rise.
Cricket fans associate CSK with MS Dhoni. MS Dhoni has been showered with an abundance of love and admiration by CSK fans. Since Dhoni became the public face of CSK, he has greatly increased the value of the team’s brand.
Other IPL franchises rely heavily on the big players to boost their brand value. Fans have come to anticipate that their favorites will consistently wear the same uniform from season to season. Keeping star players is crucial for building a strong brand.
Being on the pitch excites fans, which in turn boosts the team’s social media following. Brand recognition and, by extension, value, rise in tandem with increases in audience size, ticket sales, and merchandise sales.
Approaches to Advertising
Teams in the Indian Premier League use strategies including fan clubs, contests, player-fan interactions, team anthems, Twitter polls, and more to promote and expand their franchises. Over the years, marketers have come up with marketing strategies that aim to appeal to a certain demographic. The RCB Insider featuring Mr. Nags is one example of a marketing campaign. An archetypal Bengalurean, Mr. Nags, unexpectedly shows up at the RCB locker room or the filming location and spills the beans on delicious insider rumors.
RCB Insider with Mr. Nags, Ft. Virat Kohli | IPL 2023
Bhajji Blast with CSK is the latest in a series of innovative marketing campaigns that have captured the imagination of cricket fans. The show is a YouTube series created by Harbhajan Singh, a member of CSK. In it, he talks to other members of the band and learns interesting things, hears inspiring stories, and makes fun of themselves. Franchisees can increase their brand value through the use of these broadcasts by providing fans with an intimate peek into the everyday routines of players or teams.
The worth of a team’s brand is proportional to how well it performs. The worth of a team’s brand goes up when they continuously perform well. The great brand value of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United is largely due to their continuous performance. Without a doubt, more fans, sponsors, and confidence among supporters may be attracted to cricket matches with regular pyrotechnics.
In addition to the team’s terrible performance in almost every IPL season, several other things bring disrepute to Delhi Capitals. Teams like CSK, MI, and KKR, on the other hand, have been incredibly valuable due to their regularly impressive results in the IPL.
FAQs
Which IPL team was the most valuable franchise in 2024?
Chennai Super Kings was worth $122 million, making them the most valuable franchise brand in the Indian Premier League 2024.
Which IPL team was the least valuable franchise in 2024?
Lucknow Super Giants was worth $60 million, making them the least valuable franchise brand in IPL 2024.
Who is the captain of the Mumbai Indians team?
Hardik Pandya is the captain of Mumbai Indians team in IPL 2025.
Which IPL team has most fans in India?
The Mumbai Indians (MI) are widely considered to have the most fans in India. Their large fan base is attributed to the team’s consistent success in the IPL, with multiple championship wins, as well as their strong presence in major cities across the country.
With the 17th season of the world’s premier cricket league, “The Indian Premiere League,” set to begin on March 22, 2024, cricket fever is in full swing in India. All around the world, cricket fans gather around their screens for almost 60 days to watch matches during this massive event, which is regarded throughout the country as cricket’s biggest festival. India has the world’s largest population and is home to countless cricket fans, so it’s no surprise that the country ranks first in IPL viewing. The figure indicates that 426 million people watched the IPL on television and via over-the-top services last year. Star Sports, the official television broadcaster of the 2023 Indian Premier League, reported an incredible 6230 crore minutes of viewing time over the first ten matches. With a total of 30.7 crore viewers over the first 10 matches, the broadcaster attracted 23% more people than the previous IPL season. According to JioCinema, the service had 5.5 billion unique video views in its first week of existence. The previous record-breaking number of concurrent viewers was achieved on April 12, 2023, during the match between the Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals, with an impressive 22 million.
Brands have been able to establish a unique identity and gain unparalleled exposure through the Indian Premier League (IPL) for many years. Online and over-the-top (OTT) advertising during the Indian Premier League has become an absolute must for most consumer firms. IPL gives companies the power to influence how consumers think and feel. A lot of companies, especially those in the consumer goods sector, see a spike in sales around this time of year. During the IPL season, brands reached their sales peak and accomplished 30% to 40% of their yearly sales objective. By identifying with such a widely-viewed platform, brands can influence how consumers see them and give dealers more confidence when pitching their wares.
With a massive and devoted fan base, the Indian Premier League is among the world’s most prestigious sports leagues. In order to connect with these fans, IPL teams have developed creative marketing campaigns.
A new age has begun for sports marketing in the digital age, and an omni-channel strategy is now crucial. In contrast to conventional broadcasting, today’s fan engagement strategies necessitate a unified integration of in-stadium, off-site, and digital elements. This implies that the IPL and WPL need to make sure that fans can interact with their favourite teams and players in a variety of ways, from in-stadium experiences to online forums and social media. In order to increase fan engagement and loyalty, leagues should make sure that all mediums provide a consistent and engaging experience.
Personalised content is the lifeblood of successful fan connection. Fans nowadays are looking for more personalised experiences, ones that take into account and honour their unique emotions and preferences. Leagues such as the IPL and WPL are able to provide fans with better experiences through data analytics and targeted communication, allowing them to access customised material and engage in more meaningful conversations. Personalised engagement, whether it’s providing unique access to behind-the-scenes footage or adapting match-day experiences to fan preferences, fosters a stronger emotional bond between fans and their beloved teams, increasing support and devotion.
Assuming the Perspective of the Viewer
Online and offline viewership of the IPL has skyrocketed after the COVID-19 relaxation. In order to reach the widest possible audience, brands are capitalising on this fact by developing tactics that cater to consumers’ mentalities. The IPL’s massive viewership provides a great opportunity for the business to work with influential people, run effective campaigns (live or online), test the waters with rivals, and reach a wider audience. The majority of viewers are glued to their phones during the IPL, so marketers may take advantage of that to their advantage by marketing themselves in an unsettling way while also generating a lot of buzz on social media.
Brands can make sure that fans can connect with their favourite teams and sports no matter where they are—at the stadium, offline, or online—and that this fosters a feeling of community. Sports leagues such as the IPL and WPL have a lot of room to grow their fan bases and reinvent fan interaction with the help of omnichannel engagement in sports marketing. Leagues can achieve more profound resonance with their fans by embracing personalisation, engaging experiences, and a smooth integration of offline and online activities. To ensure that the love for the game goes beyond the pitch and leaves a legacy of fan devotion as we continue to progress in this digital age, it will be crucial to focus on novel engagement tactics and meaningful relationships.
Social Impact: Inspiring Future Generations
Beyond its impact on sports, the IPL has sparked significant social change and inspired millions. Through initiatives like the IPL Foundation, the league has supported causes such as education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. These efforts have created a lasting impact, promoting social responsibility and community development. The IPL’s influence continues to grow, making a positive difference in various sectors and leaving a legacy well beyond the cricket field.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) was founded in 2008 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as a professional Twenty20 cricket league. It revolutionized cricket by combining sports and entertainment, attracting global players and significant commercial investments. Over the years, the IPL has grown in stature, becoming one of the most-watched and lucrative cricket leagues in the world.
What are IPL 2025 dates?
The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) is scheduled from March 22 to May 25, 2025. The tournament will feature 74 matches, with the playoffs commencing on May 20.
Who is the most expensive player of IPL 2025?
In the IPL 2025 auction, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player, joining Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for INR 27 crore.
Since its start, the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), an idea of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has captivated spectators. The value of the Indian Premier League (IPL), one of the world’s most popular sports competitions, increased by nearly 28 percent to a staggering $10.7 billion in 2023, up from $8.4 billion the previous year. According to a press release from Brand Finance, the top brand valuation consultant in the world, the overall brand value of the IPL system has increased by 433% since its introduction in 2008. A company is considered a decacorn if its valuation is greater than $10 billion.
Based on these numbers, it’s easy to see that the Indian Premier League is more than simply a cricket event for the BCCI; it’s a yearly moneymaker that helps turn the board into one of the wealthiest in the world. The fact that hardly a single nation plays a single tournament, bilateral series, test, or one-day international series during the two months that the IPL is running is evidence enough of the tournament’s thunderous influence.
Talking about the economics of the tournament and how it has been finically fueling the board over the years, it’s true that the League has increased tourism in India. Travelers from all over the globe go to India for the Indian Premier League season because of the event, which captivates cricket fans everywhere. Fans from around the world flock to India to see the matches in person, boosting the country’s tourist industry as they reserve plane tickets, hotels, and taxis. Fans are encouraged to explore other locations, partake in local experiences, and visit tourist attractions as the IPL matches are scattered throughout several cities inside India. Hotel rooms are in high demand during the matches due to the large number of fans, players, and media workers that need to stay somewhere. In sum, the Indian Premier League is a powerful marketing tool for tourism, drawing attention to India as a dynamic cricketing and vacation spot.
In terms of macro factors, the KPMG survey emphasized the importance of IPL’s impact on India’s GDP. The study also notes that these months are very busy for hiring, thus there is a significant increase in job opportunities. The need for club-specific cheerleaders, coaches, stadium staff, security, medical teams, etc., is high. It creates a tonne of job openings in all sorts of industries.
The study also highlighted the positive impact of media exposure on tier-2 cities. Due to the widespread nature of the Indian Premier League cricket matches, they receive extensive media coverage. Thanks to the increased visibility of the IPL in the media, Tier-2 cities are putting more money into their infrastructure and development projects, and they are also seeing an uptick in tourists, which means more money in their pockets.
More tax contributions meant more money for the government, and more money for the BCCI thanks to the IPL. Taxes totaling around INR 3,500 crore have been paid by BCCI from the 2007–2008 fiscal year. The BCCI did not have to pay taxes because it was a charity until the IPL. Nevertheless, the Income Tax department classified the IPL as a commercial operation following its launch, and the BCCI has been subject to annual taxes totaling INR 350 crore ever since.
Fantasy Sports Gamers in India
In 2023, IPL matches contributed 35% to 50% of the total revenue for fantasy sports platforms. During IPL 2023, the revenue of Indian fantasy sports platforms grew by 24%, reaching $342 million, up from $275 million in the previous year. According to a 2023 report by the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), the total enterprise value of the fantasy sports industry stands at USD 11.07 billion. Cricket dominates the sector, accounting for 85% of the registered users among all fantasy sports games. Between 2019 and 2023, fantasy gaming apps have experienced an 18% compound annual growth in the number of cash users each year during the IPL seasons.
Promotional and Corporate Events
Advertising and sponsorship opportunities are abundantly available through the Indian Premier League. The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a sought-after venue for advertisers to connect with a large demographic and forge lasting connections with consumers because of its devoted fan base and enormous viewership. Additionally, it provides opportunities for brands to become the tournament’s title sponsor. “The (Brand name) Indian Premier League” is one example of an official name that prominently features the brand name of the title sponsor. Any company can become an official sponsor of an Indian Premier League team. All sorts of team gear, including jerseys and helmets, feature the insignia of these sponsors. Advertising and sponsorship opportunities provided by the IPL help generate a lot of money for the league and give firms a great platform to sell themselves.
Finally, the Indian Premier League is largely responsible for the uptick in the country’s GDP. The IPL has boosted tourism and contributed to economic prosperity in many areas thanks to its capacity to draw in viewers from all over the world. Local economies have been greatly influenced by the league’s capacity to create job opportunities, back small businesses, and encourage the construction of infrastructure. The importance of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in establishing India as a premier cricketing destination and fostering brand loyalty is immeasurable. With its game-changing impact on cricket, the IPL has won over fans all over the globe and grown into a significant contributor to India’s GDP. With the tournament’s current level of success, its impact on the Indian market is only going to grow in the years to come.
The IPL has had a significant impact on the Indian economy, boosting sectors like sports, entertainment, tourism, and retail. It generates substantial revenue through sponsorships, media rights, and advertising, while also creating jobs and driving consumer spending. The tournament’s popularity has further fueled growth in related industries, including fantasy sports, merchandise, and hospitality.
How much does IPL contribute to Indian economy?
In 2024, the Indian Premier League (IPL) continued to significantly bolster the Indian economy. The tournament’s brand value surged by 13%, reaching $12 billion compared to the previous year.
What are the negative impact of IPL on Indian economy?
While the IPL contributes significantly to the Indian economy, it also has some negative impacts. The heavy commercialization of the tournament can overshadow traditional sports and divert attention from grassroots development. Additionally, the focus on gambling and fantasy sports during IPL seasons raises concerns about addiction and financial risks for some individuals.
The thrill of an IPL auction is no less than the tournament itself— seeing your favorite team bidding for your favorite player is enough to spark excitement.
The Indian Premier League is not just a regular sports event— it’s a mega cricket festival. In a franchise sports tournament like IPL, auctions play a significant role as players list their contracts for sale, and the owner bids to buy them.
Over the years, the IPL auction has given the game of cricket many unknown faces who became big names and millionaires. The auction room has also witnessed star players being left unsold, franchises fighting for players, and millions and millions of dollars being spent on buying their services. As the wealthiest T20 league in the world, the Indian Premier League has seen it all.
Here is the list of IPL highest price player of all seasons.
During the inaugural season of the IPL, MS Dhoni became the most expensive player when Chennai Super Kings bought him for INR 9.5 crore. It wasn’t a surprise that Dhoni got the highest bid. The then captain of the Indian T20I team, who won the ICC 2007 T20 World Cup, MSD in 2008, was unstoppable— the aura, the performances, the stats— he was the best finisher of the game. That year, leading CSK to the finals, Dhoni amassed 414 runs in 16 matches with a healthy strike rate of 133.54 and an average of 41.40. Under his captaincy, CSK won 4 IPL titles in— 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021. After playing in all the IPL seasons for CSK, the veteran keeper-batter has taken retirement from international cricket in 2020 and will serve CSK for the last time in 2023.
Most Expensive Players in IPL 2009 – Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen
The England duo of Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen were the joint most expensive players in IPL 2009.
Chennai Super Kings bought the English all-rounder, Andrew Flintoff for 9.8 crores INR, and Kevin Pietersen, the English top-order batsman, was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for the same price. But neither of the cricketers proved to be worth the money. Flintoff had his first and last appearance in India’s premier domestic league in 2009. After taking two wickets and playing three matches, he withdrew from the franchise because of a knee injury. Kevin Pietersen also had a difficult season with the bat– he totaled 96 runs in six matches. He last played in the IPL in 2016 for the Rising Pune Super Giants.
IPL 2010
Name
Shane Bond, Kieron Pollard
Team
Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians
Price
Rs. 4.8 crore
Most Expensive Players in IPL 2010 – Shane Bond and Kieron Pollard
The 2010 IPL season saw a mini-auction of sorts with only 11 players ending up in the team shopping cart, with Shane Bond and Kieron Pollard sharing the tag of the most expensive player. Bond was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders and played eight matches for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2010, and the legendary Kiwi speedster had an impactful season. Clinching nine wickets at a decent economy rate of 7.22, he was outstanding throughout the season. But sadly, 2009 was Bond’s only appearance in the IPL. Shane Bond is the current bowling coach for the Mumbai Indians (MI).
Kieron Pollard was bought by Mumbai Indians and had impressed the franchise by amassing 273 runs at an explosive strike rate of 185.71. He had the best figures of the season – 2/24 – for the franchise. The dashing right-arm batter and MI regular played a pivotal role in winning the title four times. Alongshore Shane Bond, Pollard is the batting coach for MI in the IPL 2023.
Most Expensive Players in IPL 2011 – Gautam Gambhir
Following Gautam Gambhir’s match-winning 97 off 122 balls in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka, he had to be the most wanted player that season. KKR went for the big move as the Shahrukh Khan-owned franchise made its highest bid ever– INR 14.9 crores and became the most expensive player in IPL 2011. Gambhir did not disappoint the franchise and made 378 runs in 15 matches with an average of 34.36. Gautam Gambhir also led the side to its twin titles in 2012 and 2014 and is considered to be one of the top 10 most expensive player in IPL history.
Now retired, Gambhir has been appointed the mentor for the Lucknow franchise and the 2023 IPL– along with Andy Flower and Rahul– Gambhir is working as the head coach for the team.
IPL 2012
Name
Ravindra Jadeja
Team
Chennai Super Kings
Price
Rs. 12.8 crore
Most Expensive Players in IPL 2012 – Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja became the most expensive player in IPL 2012. Bought by Chennai Super Kings for INR 12.8 crore, the Indian all-rounder failed to impress the franchise during that season and made only 191 runs and took 12 wickets. Although he was retained by CSK management for the next season at a reduced price of INR 7 crores, Jadeja has been an indispensable part of CSK over the last decade. In the 2023 IPL, CSK retained Jadeja for INR 16 crores.
The Aussie big-hitter, Glenn Maxwell, was picked by the Mumbai Indians for INR 6.3 crores before he became a star player. After aggregating 36 runs in three matches, he was released from the team. The subsequent year, Maxwell played for Kings XI Punjab and smashed a phenomenal 552 runs in 16 games, at an astounding strike rate of 187.75 and an average of 34.50. The Punjab-based franchise bought his services again before IPL 2020 for INR 10.75. For the 16th edition of the IPL, in 2023, the Aussie player was bought by the Bangalore franchise for INR 11.00 crore.
IPL 2014
Name
Yuvraj Singh
Team
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Price
Rs. 14 crore
Most Expensive Players in IPL 2014 -Yuvraj Singh
India’s white-ball legend, Yuvraj Singh, got the tag of the most expensive player when he was bought for INR 14 crore by RCB at the 2014 IPL auction. He had a decent season with the Bangalore franchise, amassing 376 runs in 14 games and picking up five wickets with his left-arm spin. It was the only year when the Southpaw represented Bangalore. He is also the only Indian player who, twice in a row, won the bid for the most expensive player.
Following Yuvi’s incredible 2014 season, he was again named the most expensive player during the IPL 2015 auction. Bought by the Delhi Capitals team for INR 16 crore, he had failed to perform for the Delhi franchise. Amassing 248 runs in 14 matches with a strike rate of just 118.09, Yuvraj took only one wicket that season. He later represented Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Mumbai Indians (MI) before retiring after the 2019 edition.
IPL 2016
Name
Shane Watson
Team
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Price
Rs. 9.5 crore
Most Expensive Players in IPL 2016 – Shane Watson
The Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 9.5 crore, was the most expensive player in IPL 2016. Although the Aussie player failed to impress with the bat and made only 179 runs in 16 matches, he was outstanding with the ball. Taking 20 wickets, Watson finished the season as the third-highest wicket-taker. In 2018, he represented CSK and even won the title with them that year. He is considered as the costliest player in IPL 2016.
Watson played his final IPL season in 2020 for Chennai, and in the same year, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. He stayed connected with cricket and joined Delhi Capitals as an assistant coach before the 2022 IPL season.
IPL 2017
Name
Ben Stokes
Team
Rising Pune Supergiant
Price
Rs. 14.5 crore
Most Expensive Players in IPL 2017 – Ben Stokes
Talismanic England all-rounder Ben Stokes played his debut IPL match in 2017 and was the most expensive player in IPL 2017. Sold to now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant for 14.5 crores INR, the English all-rounder justified his high price tag and did well in his debut season. The 28-year-old amassed 316 runs in 12 matches at a phenomenal strike rate of 142.98 and an average of 31.60. He also made 12 scalps at an economy rate of 7.18, returning with the best figures of 3/18. He is also the second player who twice won the bid for the most expensive player.
Ben Stokes again won the tag of the most expensive player in the IPL 2018 auction when the Rajasthan Royals bought him for INR 12.5 crore. Unfortunately, he failed to perform under the new franchise and made only 196 runs in 13 matches with a strike rate of around 120. Despite his hefty price tag, Ben Stokes struggled to live up to expectations in the 2018 season. However, his acquisition remains a testament to the immense faith teams put in his talent and potential.
IPL 2019
Name
Jaydev Unadkat, Varun Chakravarthy
Team
Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings
Price
Rs. 8.4 crore
Most Expensive Players in IPL 2019 – Jaydev Unadkat and Varun Chakravarthy
The duo became an overnight sensation when they shared the tag of the most expensive player in the IPL 2019 auction. Jaydev Unadkat was bought by Rajasthan Royals and Varun Chakravarthy by Punjab Kings for INR 8.4 crore each. Unfortunately, players were unable to impress with their performance.
Unadkat, unable to justify his price tag, let Rajasthan Royals down as he claimed only ten wickets in 11 matches at a poor economy rate of 10.66. During the IPL 2023 mega auction, the Super Giants bought him at his base price of INR 50 lakhs.
Varun Chakravarty, who started his IPL career with a tag of INR 8.4 crore in 2019, failed to make an impact and played just 1 match for the Punjab-based franchise, where he took one wicket at an economy rate of 11.66.He was the most expensive player in IPL 2019 together with Jaydev Unadkat. Following his failures, Varun is currently KKR’s mystery spinner, and during the IPL Auction 2023, the Kolkata franchise acquired his services for INR 12.00 crore.
IPL 2020
Name
Pat Cummins
Team
Kolkata Knight Riders
Price
Rs. 15.5 crore
Most Expensive Players in IPL 2020 – Pat Cummins
In 2020, the Aussie fast bowler made history when he became the highest auction player in IPL history after the Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for INR 15.5 crores. But Cummins ended up having a moderate season, claiming 12 wickets, with most of them coming in the second half of the season, and made 146 runs with the bat. Pat Cummins was the most expensive player in IPL 2020.
Although the right-arm pacer was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the IPL 2023 auction for INR 7.25 crore, the Aussie decided to skip IPL 2023 to take some rest ahead of Australia’s jam-packed cricket schedule.
The record of the most expensive IPL player was broken again in 2021 when Chris Morris became the most expensive player in IPL 2021 after the Rajasthan Royals bought him for a whopping INR 16.25 crores. The South African all-rounder claimed 15 wickets for Rajasthan Royals but had an economy of 9.17. The following year in January 2022, Chris Morris retired from all forms of cricket.
IPL 2022
Name
Ishan Kishan
Team
Mumbai Indians
Price
Rs. 15.25 crore
Most Expensive Players in IPL 2022 – Ishan Kishan
During the 2022 auction, Ishan Kishan became the second most expensive Indian player in the history of IPL after Yuvraj Singh. For INR 15.25 crore, he was bagged by Mumbai Indians. The Indian keeper-batter had a mixed campaign with the bat and concluded his season by scoring 418 runs with three fifties, despite MI finishing last in the points table.
IPL 2023
Name
Sam Curran
Team
Punjab Kings
Price
Rs. 18.5 crore
Highest Paid Player in All IPL Seasons – Sam Curran
The England all-rounder Sam Curran broke all records when he became the most expensive player in the history of IPL. During the 2023 auction, he fetched a whooping INR 18.50 crore bid from Punjab Kings after he recorded his best T20I figures— 5–10 against Afghanistan in 2022. Curran was part of the winning England team during the 2022 T20 World Cup, and he took the most wickets for England at the tournament and was named Player of the Tournament.
IPL 2024
Name
Mitchell Starc
Team
Kolkata Knight Riders
Price
Rs. 24.75 crore
Most Expensive Player in IPL History 2024 – Mitchell Starc
In the IPL 2024 auction, Starc was the center of a fierce bidding war, with multiple franchises vying for his services. Ultimately, the Kolkata Knight Riders emerged victorious, securing Starc’s signature for a staggering INR24.75 crore, the costliest player in the IPL auction history.
Starc’s exceptional performances in international cricket, particularly in the longest format, had made him a highly sought-after commodity. His ability to generate blistering pace, extract prodigious swing, and dismantle the best batting lineups in the world made him a prized asset for any team looking to bolster their bowling attack. He is considered to be the most expensive IPL player of all time. The Kolkata Knight Riders, who had struggled with their bowling in previous seasons, saw Starc as the missing piece to their championship puzzle. The franchise’s management was determined to secure the services of the Australian spearhead, understanding the immense value he would bring to their team.
IPL 2025
Name
Rishabh Pant
Team
Lucknow Super Giants
Price
Rs. 27 crore
Most Expensive Players in IPL 2025 – Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Rajendra Pant is an Indian cricketer who plays as a wicket-keeper batter for the Indian team. He also plays for Delhi in domestic cricket and captains Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Pant is known for scoring runs consistently in Test cricket. In the IPL 2025 auction, Lucknow Super Giants bought him for INR 27 crore. This bid is considered the highest bid in IPL history.
He was part of the Indian team that won the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Overflowing with the madness of gully cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has bewitched cricket lovers with power-packed, thrilling matches, bold colours, and catchy theme songs. India’s most affluent and biggest sporting tournament, IPL, is a uniquely engaging event and a splendid marketing opportunity for brands.
For the past 17 years, IPL has continued to give cricket fans a buzz and is the perfect breeding ground for a heady cocktail of money, glamour, sports, and showbiz. That being said, each year, with enormous marketing budgets of rands, they present exceptionally eye-catching ad campaigns.
Here is the top pick of the best IPL advertisements made for IPL since 2008:
It was a usual summer of 2008 for most Indians until the Manoranjan ka baap(father of entertainment) came. Breaking the regular features of cricket, the DLF-sponsored Indian Premier League announced its inaugural edition with an unforgettable advertisement campaign— Manoranjan ka baap.
The IPL, which started in 2008, marketed itself as a dramatic three-hour extravaganza of cricket, as DLF came up with an advertisement depicting the story that pitched the DLF IPL Championship as the ultimate destination for entertainment on TV. The 75-second commercial narrated a dramatic tale of a mother and her twin sons named Mano and Ranjan, who were constantly victimized and subjected to barbs by the entire village, asking, ‘Kab aayega tumhara baap?’ (When will your father arrive?). The frustrated and sad mother decides to end her life, and just like 90’s classic Bollywood masala film, the twins stop her in time, screaming that their father has arrived— the children dance with joy, and their mother tears with joy as the TV set with the voiceover announces ‘Aa Gaya, Manoranjan ka Baap, DLF IPL’.
IPL’s first ad campaign is iconic for its creativity and melodrama. DLF’s ‘Manoranjan Ka Baap’ was a complete entertainment package and is still unforgettable.
2009: Vodafone— ZooZoo
Best IPL Ads: Vodafone – Zoo Zoo
Vodafone surely knows how to use the right amount of that cute factor to win one’s heart. The mobile service company initially won hearts with a pug and wanted something unique for the second season of the IPL. Employing Ogilvy & Mather, Vodafone presented a striking commercial that made people go “Awwww”. They came up with ZooZoo— small white egg-headed, toothy-smile, gibberish-speaking creatures.
A series of 30 ZooZoo advertisements were created with a mini-funny story that aired daily during the IPL Season 2. Every Man of the Match player was escorted by these ZooZoos, with the IPL 2009 jingle playing in the background. These funny characters became an instant hit and gauged a massive fan following on social media. There are over 200 pages on ZooZoos on networking sites such as Facebook, Orkut, and Twitter— over 250000 fans. The ads were even viewed multiple times by thousands of people on YouTube.
In 2009, IPL was to be hosted in South Africa— the first time a domestic event took place on a foreign ground. This marquee event called for an ad that would be global but with Indian roots and ethos.
The commercial had a beautiful concept that showed the probability of what the world would have looked like without any borders— emphasizing the strong influence of the Indian diaspora. With a theme that sports have the power to bring the world together in one place, Sony Max, the then-official broadcaster of IPL, came up with this hypothetical yet beautiful narrative that brought the world closer to the viewer— in the face of live television. The global nature of this ad became an instant hit.
2010: Sony Max— Saare Jahan Se Acha
Best IPL Ads: Sony Max – Saare Jahan Se Acha
The IPL 2010 advertisement titled “Saare Jahan Se Acha” was a significant promotional campaign for the Indian Premier League. This advertisement aimed to capture the essence of the IPL as a cricketing extravaganza intertwined with entertainment, Bollywood, and corporate India. It highlighted the unique blend of cricket and entertainment that resonates with the Indian audience, which is known for its passion for cricket and movies. The ad showcased the vibrant and colourful nature of the IPL, featuring big names from Bollywood and corporate sectors, creating a product that appealed to a wide audience base.
The IPL 2010 advertisement was special because it effectively leveraged the concept of Mega marketing, incorporating elements of Public Relations and Power to promote the event. It strategically utilized the traditional Marketing Mix of 4Ps (Product, Place, Price, and Promotion) to establish a competitive advantage over similar sports and entertainment programs.
The IPL 2012 advertisement titled “DLF IPL 2012 MAX Campaign Mauka Stadium HD” was a significant promotional campaign for the Indian Premier League in 2012. This advertisement aimed to capture the excitement and grandeur of the IPL, showcasing the league as a premier cricketing event that combined sportsmanship, entertainment, and a sense of national pride. The ad featured high-quality production, engaging visuals, and a captivating narrative that resonated with cricket fans across India and beyond.
The IPL 2012 advertisement was special because it effectively encapsulated the essence of the IPL as a platform that not only celebrated cricket but also brought people together, fostering a sense of unity and pride. It highlighted the competitive spirit of the tournament, the thrill of the matches, and the camaraderie among players and fans. The advertisement’s special appeal lies in its ability to evoke emotions, build anticipation, and create a sense of belonging among viewers, making them feel part of something larger than a cricket tournament.
2013: Pepsi— Oh Yes Abhi!
Best IPL Ads: Pepsi – Oh Yes Abhi
Rightly called the mother of all IPL campaigns, Pepsi’s “Oh Yes Abhi!” has successfully captured the pulse of the Indian youth. IPL had become a prominent craze amongst youngsters, and this ad was all about the impatient Indian-youth raring to do things “right here, right now”.
The IPL ad campaign featured celebrities like Ranbir Kapoor, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, burning with passion and letting their guards down in a moment of joy. The campaign, “Oh Yes, Abhi” states that one should live for the moment as if there’s no tomorrow.
2014: Pepsi— Kanna Keep Calm
Best IPL Ads: Pepsi – Kanna Keep calm
For the 2014 IPL, Pepsi’s ad targeted a specific age group— the late teens to early 30s. Just like its commercial in the previous season of the IPL, Pepsi cast all young Indians for the ad who were stuck in the mundane situations of everyday life and wanted to escape. And the best way to do this is by watching IPL on their mobile devices. With a catchy background score and funny vocals, the ad became quite popular and secured over three lakh views on YouTube.
The IPL 2016 advertisement titled “IPL 2016 Promo Song ‘Pistah’” was a vibrant and colourful promotional campaign for the Indian Premier League in 2016. This advertisement aimed to capture the excitement and energy of the IPL, showcasing the league as a premier cricketing event that brought together cricket, entertainment, and a sense of national pride. The ad featured a catchy promotional song, engaging visuals, and a captivating narrative that resonated with cricket fans across India and beyond.
The IPL 2016 advertisement was special because it effectively encapsulated the essence of the IPL as a platform that not only celebrated cricket but also brought people together, fostering a sense of unity and pride. It highlighted the competitive spirit of the tournament, the thrill of the matches, and the camaraderie among players and fans. The advertisement’s special appeal lies in its ability to evoke emotions, build anticipation, and create a sense of belonging among viewers, making them feel part of something larger than a cricket tournament.
2017: Jio- Jio Dhan Dhana Dhan
Best IPL Ads: Jio – Jio Dhan Dhana Dhan
The advertisement with the plate number “plate_number_1” titled “Jio Dhan Dhana Dhan – bringing people together through cricket” was a special promotional campaign for the Indian Premier League in 2017. The aim of this advertisement was to capture the excitement and unity that the IPL brings to cricket fans not only in India but also worldwide. The ad featured a lively and energetic promotional song, engaging visuals, and a captivating narrative that resonated with viewers.
The advertisement featuring IPL 2017 was exceptional in the sense that it managed to capture the essence of the IPL as not just a cricket league, but a cultural phenomenon that brings people together, celebrates talent, and showcases the best of cricket and entertainment on a grand stage. The advertisement’s catchy promotional song, “Jio Dhan Dhana Dhan,” further enhanced its appeal by making it memorable and engaging for viewers.
In 2018, the online food-ordering company presented a wholesome ad that said, “No order is too small“. The commercial narrated the story of a man in his forties, ordering a piece of gulab jamun on Swiggy and popping it in his mouth before his wife realises what’s happening.
The dialogue-less ad, championed by Swiggy, showed that they value the people, not their order value. With their “No order too small” commercial, they let users order even the smallest quantity of food possible, which increased Swiggy’s new user orders by 23%.
2019: Star Sports— Game Banayega Name
Best IPL Ads: Star Sports – Game Banayega Name
The winner of the Campaign of the Year award at the Shark Awards, Star Sports favourite’ message with this ad ties back to the very spirit of IPL. The best ad of 2019, Star Sports’ “Game Banayenge Name”, fueled the cricketing spirit of Indians that rose from the streets. The ad narrated a single story seen through two sides— one gully cricket and IPL—with a clever use of the split screen. The two sides were fighting for space on the screen, and finally, the earthy background score took over with the jingle singing— whatever the ground was, the game would be the same. The small elements that contributed to the ad made it a hit— reflecting the spirit of young India and countless cricketers who rose from the streets to play in the biggest-ever IPL.
With the dawn of the Corona pandemic, 2020 was a rough year for everyone, and more than ever, we needed to see and hear inspirational stories of our communities working together.
For IPL 2020, Facebook infused this feeling in the cricket-theme rendition of their More Together campaign. With four ads knitted together, Facebook told inspirational stories of people coming together on the platform to make a difference. The ad film follows IPL fans ordering jerseys from their favourite teams to enjoy IPL from their homes, which brought profit to a small business. During the festive season of the IPL, Facebook wanted to highlight how our collective actions can create beautiful outcomes.
2021: Disney+Hotstar— #IndiaKiVibeAlagHai
Best IPL Ads: Disney+Hotstar – #IndiaKiVibeAlagHai
Disney+Hotstar’s music-themed IPL campaign is rightfully lauded as one of the best ad campaigns with a multilingual anthem. Created by one of India’s hottest musicians, Nucleya, the anthem had cricket fans feeling many emotions. Featuring eight Indian languages and sung by eight rappers across India, the anthem perfectly depicted the inter-city rivalry on the field. The fun and multilingual piece brought together fans from across the country to dance to its tune, heralding unity.
The Indian fintech company, CRED, founded in 2018, showed a unique and memorable ad for the 2022 IPL. Signing up Karishma Kapoor, the innovative ad with the slogan “Play It Different,” recreated a Nirma ad from the 90s. CRED used this ad to introduce its bounty for the 2022 IPL. This IPL ad campaign came with a contest that is open to CRED members and to partner with friends, family, or teammates to win the big prize.
2023: Dream11— #SabKhelenge
Best IPL Ads: Dream11 – #SabKhelenge
The fantasy gaming platform Dream11 won hearts with their 3 Idiots campaign titled #SabKhelenge. The multi-starred ad has infused India’s two biggest obsessions – Bollywood and cricket. Following the release of the initial ad, the fantasy gaming platform released a series of ads where the 3 Idiots actors and cricketers engage in hilarious banter.
The IPL 2024 advertisement titled “TATA IPL 2024 on JioCinema MS Dhoni Sab Yahaan, Aur Kahaan!” is a special promotional campaign for the Indian Premier League in 2024. This advertisement features MS Dhoni, a legendary cricket player and former captain of the Indian national team, and highlights the convenience and accessibility of watching the IPL on JioCinema.
The IPL 2024 advertisement is special because it features a well-known and beloved cricket star, MS Dhoni, who has a massive fan base in India and beyond. The advertisement’s use of Dhoni as the central figure adds to its appeal, making it more engaging and memorable for viewers. Additionally, the ad emphasizes the ease of watching the IPL on JioCinema, highlighting the platform’s features and benefits, such as high-quality streaming, accessibility, and convenience.
2024: Dream11: Iss Tournament Mein, #TeamSeBadaKuchNahi
Best IPL Ads: Dream11: Iss Tournament Mein, #TeamSeBadaKuchNhi
Dream11 surely knows how to make the most of the IPL advertising strategy. Its 2024 ad for IPL promotions made a big splash by bringing together cricketers like Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant, who shared playful banter, teasing each other about the season’s rivalry. Bollywood celebrities, including Daler Mehndi, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Preity Zinta, also joined the fun, adding star power to the campaign. The light-hearted and star-studded ad captured the excitement of the IPL while promoting Dream11’s fantasy sports platform in a fun and engaging way, making it one of the most memorable IPL ads of 2024.
2025: Dream11- #AapkiTeamMeinKaun
Dream11 #AapkiTeamMeinKaun – IPL Campaigns by Brands
Dream11 has gone all out for IPL 2025 with its star-studded ad campaign, “Aapki Team Mein Kaun?”. The ad brings together Bollywood and cricket in a fun clash of egos, featuring Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and more.
The ad kicks off with Pant asking Khan for a picture with Kapoor. Khan jokes, calling Kapoor “Ranbir Singh,” which sparks a hilarious rivalry. Rohit Sharma jumps in to correct him, but Khan laughs it off.
As the banter continues, surprise cameos from Arbaaz Khan and Jackie Shroff add to the drama. Kapoor even delivers his famous Animal dialogue, making fans cheer. The ad ends with Khan and Kapoor forming their own teams, leaving the cricketers in a tough spot—whom should they choose?
With its mega-budget production and witty script, this Dream11 ad has set social media on fire.
FAQs
What are the best IPL advertisements made for IPL since 2008?
Here are the top picks of the best IPL advertisements made for IPL since 2008 –
2008: DLF— Manoranjan Ka Baap
2009: Vodafone— ZooZoo
2009: Sony Max— The Home of IPL
2013: Pepsi— Oh Yes Abhi!
2014: Pepsi— Kanna Keep Calm
2018: Swiggy— No Order Too Small
2019: Star Sports— Game Banayega Name
2020: Facebook— More Together
2021: Disney+Hotstar— #IndiaKiVibeAlagHai
2022: CRED— Play It Different
2023: Dream11— #SabKhelenge
Which are the best IPL creative ads?
The best IPL creative ads are the IPL 2010 “Saare Jahan Se Acha” advertisement, the IPL 2012 “DLF IPL 2012 MAX Campaign Mauka Stadium HD” advertisement, the IPL 2016 “IPL 2016 Promo Song ‘Pistah’” advertisement, and the IPL 2017 “Jio Dhan Dhana Dhan – bringing people together through cricket” advertisement.
Which are the most viewed IPL social media campaigns?
The most viewed IPL social media campaigns are the IPL 2010 “Saare Jahan Se Acha” advertisement, the IPL 2016 “IPL 2016 Promo Song ‘Pistah’” advertisement, and the IPL 2017 “Jio Dhan Dhana Dhan – bringing people together through cricket” advertisement.
