What did the 5 Owners of Women’s Premier League 2023 had to say?

The Women’s Premier League (earlier referred to as the Women’s IPL) is finally here and has sent all the fans, experts, and former and current cricketers into a tizzy as the need for this league has been addressed.

The BCCI has also in the process of bidding for franchises earning a handsome Rs. 4,699.9 Crores for the sale of the five teams. What is all the more remarkable and perhaps noteworthy is how the bidding of the teams for this inaugural edition has eclipsed the records set in 2008 by the men’s IPL. The intense bidding war witnessed over 30 odd teams buying the ITT (Invitation to Tender) document and expressing their interest to purchase teams. Besides the men’s IPL teams, there were a lot of new companies and investors who had thrown their hats in the ring.

But the pressing question is who are the successful bidders, and what amounts did they pay to acquire teams besides looking at the venues?

1. Adani Sportsline Pvt. Ltd – Ahmedabad Team

The Adani group acquired the Ahmedabad franchise with the highest bid of Rs. 1289 Crores. Their home base will be Ahmedabad. Speaking more about their acquisition to Cricbuzz, “Cricket is an inseparable part of the country’s fabric and Adani Sportsline was keen to begin their association with the sport with the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League. While I wish every other franchise the very best, I look forward to the Gujarat Giants standing out as the top team in this new, exciting league,” said Pranav Adani, director of Adani Enterprises.”

2. Indiawin Sports Pvt. Ltd.- Mumbai Team

Mukesh Ambani, owner of the Mumbai Indians franchise in the men’s IPL was able to acquire the Mumbai team in the WPL for INR 912 crore, the second-highest bid of the day. Mumbai will serve as their home base and venue. Nita Ambani was quoted saying, “I’m sure our Women’s MI team will take the Mumbai Indians brand of fearless and entertaining cricket to a new level altogether.

Owner Nita Ambani welcomed the move, saying it was a landmark event in the history of Indian cricket 💙💙#CricketTwitter #WIPL pic.twitter.com/4VvMyB2v07

— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) January 25, 2023

My heartiest congratulations to the BCCI on this landmark announcement! It will pave the way for more and more young women to take up professional sports. At Reliance, we remain committed to the glorious rise of women not just in cricket, but sport in general.”

3. Royal Challengers Sports Pvt. Ltd- Bangalore Team

After purchasing the team for Rs 901 crore, Diageo-backed RCB will operate from Bengaluru. What is interesting to note is only Royal Challengers Bangalore is not represented in any overseas leagues and now they have a women’s team to their expanding portfolio which is remarkable. Prathmesh Mishra, the Chairman of RCB said, “We held back all our investments in overseas teams to own a team that aligns with this philosophy and core value, and it gives us immense pleasure to have marked this accomplishment positively.” Talking more about it was Rajesh V Menon, the Vice President of RCB, “We have been following women’s leagues very closely and our scouting team has set their eyes on women cricketers for some time now, as part of RCB Hinterland scouting system, and it gives us immense joy to see it all coming together for a team that sets to play for the inaugural edition of women’s IPL in the country.”

Virat Kohli excited for RCB that now owns a team in the Women’s Premier League 😍#CricketTwitter #WomensIPL #WIPL pic.twitter.com/GSExFUskbd

— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) January 25, 2023

4. JSW GMR Cricket Pvt. Ltd- Delhi Team

JSW GMR Cricket Private Limited (formerly known as ‘GMR Sports Private Limited’) spent 801 crores to win the WPL bid for Delhi. Parth Jindal, Director of JSW Sports, who owns the Delhi club in the IPL with GMR Group, was overjoyed about the prospect of purchasing a franchise in the Women’s Premier League and was quoted saying, “Proud to announce that The JSW Group GMR Group and Delhi Capitals are the proud owners of the Delhi Women’s IPL team. This marks a historic moment for Indian cricket and for the women’s game and we could not be more proud to own the Delhi Capitals WIPL franchise!”

5. Capri Global Holdings Pvt. Ltd. – Lucknow Team

Capri Global Holdings Private Limited (CGCL), a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), was awarded the bid for Lucknow for Rs.757 CR. Capri Global was the lowest bidder among the top five bidders, accounting for 16.20 percent of the total bid valuation. Rajesh Sharma, Capri Global Founder- Director said, “Capri Global’s association with WPL has been strategic in achieving our vision of encouraging sports across all strata and genders and establishing a deeper connection with our stakeholders and customers. We believe cricket is the most natural route to further that vision given its history in India.  We are proud and honored to associate with the Women’s Premier League and extend our vision for sports in India while shining a light on the tremendously talented women of India. With the Lucknow WPL team, we are delighted to be a part of this historic moment in cricket and especially women’s sports.”

Neha Shetty

I am a first year postgraduate student pursuing a MA in Media and Communication Studies at Christ University, Bengaluru. I am a podcaster, blogger and an avid cricket fan. When not glued to cricket matches, you can find me submerged in books and thinking about cricket all the time.

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