IPL 2026 has begun with strong excitement among cricket fans. Ten teams are competing in the tournament, and the early matches have already created plenty of discussion about team performance and league value.
In the opening week, Punjab Kings have started well with two wins and one washout. Their net run rate stands at +0.637. On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings have struggled early in the season. The team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad lost their first three matches against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
While fans are enjoying the matches, there is also an important discussion about the IPL format and the money the league generates every season.
Early IPL 2026 Standings Snapshot
| Team | Record | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | 2 Wins, 0 Losses, 1 Washout | Net Run Rate +0.637 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 0 Wins, 3 Losses | Bottom of the table |
These early results have drawn attention, but the bigger conversation is about the league’s match format and the potential revenue it could generate.
Why IPL Could Miss ₹2400 Crore Each Season
Former IPL founder Lalit Modi believes the current schedule of 74 matches is limiting the league’s earning potential.
According to him, the ideal format should be a complete home-and-away system where every team plays each other twice. If that system is followed, the total number of league matches would increase from 74 to 94.
That means 20 additional matches could be played every season.
More matches would directly increase revenue from media rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales.
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Match Format Comparison
| Format | Total Matches | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Current IPL Format | 74 matches | — |
| Full Home-and-Away Format | 94 matches | +20 matches |
Those 20 additional games could significantly increase the total income generated by the league.
How Revenue Is Shared in IPL
Lalit Modi explained that the revenue from each IPL match is shared equally between the BCCI and the franchises.
| Revenue Distribution | Share |
|---|---|
| BCCI | 50% |
| IPL Teams | 50% |
With more matches, both the governing body and the teams would receive higher earnings.
Estimated Revenue Impact
Modi estimated that each IPL match generates around ₹118 crore in media rights revenue.
If the tournament had 94 matches instead of 74, the league could generate approximately ₹2400 crore more in media revenue.
| Category | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Extra Matches | 20 |
| Revenue Per Match | ₹118 crore |
| Total Potential Extra Revenue | ₹2400 crore |
From this amount:
| Beneficiary | Estimated Share |
|---|---|
| All IPL Teams Combined | ₹1200 crore |
| BCCI | ₹1200 crore |
| Average Per Team | ₹120 crore |
This means each franchise could earn around ₹120 crore more per season if the full home-and-away format was followed.
Modi believes the current schedule reduces the financial value of the tournament and limits the earnings of both the board and the teams.
IPL Valuation Continues to Rise
Despite this debate, the IPL remains one of the most valuable sports leagues in the world.
Reports suggest the total value of the league in 2026 has reached around $18 billion to $19 billion.
Recent franchise sales have also pushed valuations higher.
Estimated IPL Team Values
| Team | Estimated Brand Value |
|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | $269 million |
| Mumbai Indians | $242 million |
| Chennai Super Kings | $235 million |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | $222 million |
In addition, some franchise valuations have crossed the billion-dollar mark. One team reportedly reached a value of about $1.78 billion, while another franchise is valued at around $1.63 billion.
Experts believe the total value of the IPL could double again by 2030 as global interest and broadcast deals continue to grow.
What This Means for the Future of IPL
The IPL remains a massive financial success for cricket. However, discussions about scheduling and format could shape the league’s future.
If more matches are added through a full home-and-away format, both the BCCI and the teams could increase their earnings significantly.
If the current 74-match structure continues, some analysts believe a large amount of potential revenue could remain untapped each season.
For now, the focus remains on the matches as IPL 2026 continues, but debates about league structure and financial growth are likely to continue.
