The Indian Premier League continues to be one of the biggest sporting leagues in the world. Recently, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal addressed concerns about the league’s future media value.
Some reports suggested that the value of IPL media rights might not grow much in the next cycle. However, Dhumal clearly stated that these concerns are not correct and that the league’s value continues to grow.
According to him, the IPL remains one of the most attractive sports properties for broadcasters and digital platforms.
Arun Dhumal Rejects Claims of IPL Losing Value
Arun Dhumal said the IPL is not facing any decline in value. Instead, he believes the tournament is becoming stronger with every season.
He explained that the IPL is currently the biggest franchise cricket league in the world. In India, no other sport or entertainment event attracts such a large audience and commercial interest.
Another reason for its success is the live nature of the game. Every ball in a T20 match can change the result, which keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
Current IPL Media Rights Value
The IPL media rights for the current cycle run from 2023 to 2027. The rights were split between television and digital streaming platforms.
| Rights Type | Company | Value (USD Billions) |
|---|---|---|
| TV Rights | Disney Star | 3.02 |
| Digital Rights | Viacom18 | 3.05 |
This deal made the IPL one of the most valuable sports leagues in the world in terms of broadcasting rights.
Growth of IPL Media Rights Over the Years
The value of IPL media rights has increased significantly since the league started.
| Period | Media Rights Value |
|---|---|
| 2008–2017 | ₹8,200 crore |
| 2018–2022 | ₹16,347 crore |
| 2023–2027 | ₹48,390 crore |
These numbers show how the tournament has grown commercially over time.
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Next IPL Media Rights Auction Could Be More Competitive
Dhumal believes that the next media rights auction will attract even more interest.
He said that both existing broadcasters and new companies are expected to participate when the next cycle begins.
With the IPL continuing to grow globally, he does not see any reason why the value of the rights would decrease.
Instead, he believes the price could increase because of the tournament’s strong brand and global popularity.
Digital Streaming and Audience Growth
One of the biggest changes in recent years has been the rise of digital streaming.
In some cases, IPL streaming numbers have even crossed traditional TV viewership. This shift has raised questions about whether paid streaming could reduce the audience.
However, Dhumal believes cricket fans are willing to pay small subscription fees to watch live matches, especially when the excitement of the game continues until the final ball.
IPL Franchises Are Financially Strong
Dhumal also highlighted that IPL franchises are performing very well financially.
The revenue from media rights has increased massively over the years, which has helped teams grow their business operations.
In addition, central sponsorship deals now bring around ₹850 crore every year for the league.
He also noted that watching a live IPL match in the stadium is still affordable compared to other entertainment options such as movie tickets.
According to Dhumal, the IPL is not only a cricket tournament but also a successful entertainment and business platform.
Over the last 18 seasons, the league has created enormous commercial value for teams, broadcasters, sponsors, and fans.
With strong viewership numbers and increasing global interest, the IPL continues to strengthen its position as one of the most valuable sporting events in the world.
