In the just concluded e-auction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) media rights cycle for the 2023-27 cycle,the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) managed to rake in more than 48 thousand crore rupees, which is almost three times the amount it had received in the previous cycle.
Commenting on the auction, BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly said that despite the monetary value touched new heights, the game was just about talent.
In a statement, he said: “The game has never been just about money, it is about talent. The IPL e-auction just showed how strong the game is in our country. The numbers should be the biggest motivation for all the young players to take their ability and Team India to the highest level.”
“IPL’s growth story and its phenomenal rise in the sporting world is a result of people’s immense faith and belief in the BCCI leadership and its workforce to keep on delivering under all adversities. I am sure with the constant support of everyone in the eco-system we will be able to take brand IPL to new heights on the global sports stage,” he added.
On the other hand, BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah said: “It gives me immense joy and makes me proud that IPL has grown to what it is today. The e-auction today has catapulted IPL into the big league in terms of per match media rights value. We ensured that the process was transparent and fair to all stakeholders. I congratulate all the winners and thank the bidders for participating in the e-auction process. I also express my gratitude to the market forces for believing in the brand and showing their faith and confidence in BCCI to take IPL to newer heights. I am sure, together, we will keep adding value to brand IPL and make it the biggest sporting league in the world in terms of revenue, participation and performance.”
“The whole idea is to balance cricket and commercial interests as BCCI is committed to developing sports in the country through cricket. The money we generate through media rights will ultimately benefit grassroots cricket in India and that is what ultimately matters. The BCCI is also committed to launching the Women’s IPL in 2023 apart from creating maximum opportunities for the growth of women’s cricket in the country. In BCCI’s attempt to ensure that sports should travel beyond cricket, it is also setting up indoor sports academies in the Northeast and stadiums in select locations to promote sports in every nook and corner of the country. The BCCI will also build a resource pool to provide pension and financial aid to former players and widows of cricketers,” he added.
Notably, STAR INDIA has won the India TV rights while Reliance-backed Viacom18 acquired the digital rights for the 2023-27 cycle of the league.
The IPL is now the second- most valued sporting league in the world in terms of per match value. STAR INDIA won India TV rights with their bid of Rs 23,575 crore, while Viacom18 bagged digital rights with its winning bid of Rs 23,758 crore.