The Business of the IPL
Media Rights: The Biggest Cheque
Television and digital rights sold for tens of thousands of crores of rupees, forming the largest share of the IPL's income.
Broadcast money is the engine of the league.
First deal
The first ten-year media rights deal in 2008 went to Sony for about a billion dollars.
The 2022 auction
For 2023-27, rights were sold for over ₹48,000 crore, with television going to Star and digital going to Viacom18.
Consolidation
Reliance and Disney later merged their Indian media businesses, bringing both under one roof.
Why so valuable
Cricket draws huge audiences, so broadcasters and streamers pay for the chance to sell advertising.
Brands pay to advertise in the gap between overs because millions are watching.
Media rights are far bigger.
- Media rights are the top revenue source.
- The 2023-27 cycle exceeded ₹48,000 crore.
- Digital and TV rights are sold separately.
- Advertisers fund the bidding.
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