The recently concluded e-auction of the IPL media rights took the world by storm as the BCCI earned a windfall gain of a whopping Rs. 48,390 crore in the process. Breaking the amount into earnings per match, IPL is now the second most valued sporting league in the world after NFL. The auction for the IPL media rights was conducted in a virtual mode for the first time since the tournament’s inception in 2008.
Year-wise comparison of IPL media rights
| Years | Amount | IPL Media Rights Winner | Earnings per match |
| 2008-17 | Rs. 8,200 crore | Sony Pictures Network | Rs. 14 crore |
| 2012-18 | Rs. 3,851 crore | Star India | Rs. 43 crore |
| 2018-22 | Rs. 16,347.50 crore | Star India | Rs. 55 crore |
| 2023-27 | Rs. 48,390 crore | Star India (TV) & Viacom 18 (Digital) | Rs. 118 crore |
The 2023-2027 cycle saw a three-fold increase in the auction amount compared to 2018-22 from Rs. 16,347.50 crore to Rs. 48,390 crore. Similarly, the earnings per match rose more than 100% from Rs. 55 crore per match in 2018-22 to Rs. 118 crore per match in 2023-27.
This time, for the first time, BCCI split the television and digital rights of the IPL offering four packages as follows:
| Packages | Inclusion | Winner of the Package |
| A | India sub-continent television | Star India |
| B | India sub-continent digital | Viacom 18 |
| C | India digital non-exclusive special package (18 matches, including opening match, play-offs and double headers) | Viacom 18 |
| D | Rest of the world (television + digital) | Viacom 18 (Australia, South Africa, UK)
Times Internet (Middle East, North Africa, USA) |
Star India bagged Package A which is for television rights in India, Viacom 18 won Package B and C which are related to the digital rights in India and Package D, which includes the television and digital rights, had two winners in Viacom 18 and Times Internet. Viacom 18 will broadcast the IPL matches in Australia, South Africa and UK, whereas Times Internet will broadcast the IPL matches in Middle East, North Africa and USA.
These numbers indicate that IPL has been a cash cow for the BCCI and the media rights for the same were sold like hot cakes. In just a span of 15 years, IPL has been one of the most lucrative businesses in India and the sky-rocketing popularity of the brand suggests that this is just the beginning with sky being the limit.
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.
