IPL since its inception has been the gold mine for investors. Forbes in 2009, had published its first valuations of the league’s teams, which were estimated to be around average of $67 million each. With an aim for a wider audience connection, IPL management decided to add 2 more teams for this season. With the expansion to ten teams, the valuation has now swollen to average $1.04 billion, accompanying annual growth of 24%.
“The IPL is the most prominent cricket league in the world in terms of attracting sponsors and media rights.”
Forbes Spokesperson
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Reasons for IPL’s swollen valuation
In a country of 125 million population where cricket is not just a game but a religion, there is a wide audience base. In IPL 2021, 400 million watched it on television and another 260 million on streaming platforms. This is the last year of the IPL’s media deal with Walt Disney subsidiary Star India, which is paying the league $2.4 billion over five years for television and streaming rights. The expectation is that the next round of media rights will be worth $6 billion to $7 billion over five years.
The second reason is IPL’s impeccable revenue model, which virtually guarantees that every team is profitable. In 2021, for example, the average revenue for the eight teams was $35 million. Whereas the operating income (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) was just $9 million. So IPL was profitable reasonably well even without the stadium audience.
Most Valuable IPL Teams in 2022
1. Mumbai Indians
With a valuation of $1.3 billion MI takes the top position in this list. Mumbai’s annual revenue is estimated to be around $33 million, with an operating income of $5.5 million. The franchise is owned by Reliance Industries.
2. Chennai Super Kings
The newest member of IPL franchises having entered the unicorn club, Dhoni’s CSK acquires the second spot in the list. Having valuation of $1.15 billion and annual revenue of $41.2 million, the India Cements owned team has operating income of just $14.8 million.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders
The two time champions are on the third spot, with valuation of $1.1 billion and an annual revenue of $41.2 million. The team is owned by Shah Rukh Khan, Jay Mehta and Venky Mysur.
4. Lucknow Super Giants
The newly in LSG is on the fourth position, with an valuation of $1.075 billion. The team is owned by RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group.
5. Delhi Capitals
Valued at $1.035 billion the Delhi Capitals are on the fifth position. Its annual revenue is around $35.4 million and operating income is $8.3 million. The team is owned by GMR Group & JSW Group.
6. Royal Challengers Bangalore
RCB is valued at $1.025 billion and has an annual revenue of $36.4 million. The team is owned by United Breweries.
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7. Rajasthan Royals
The inaugural season champions are the seventh position on this list. RR’s valuation is around $1 billion and has an annual revenue of $31.7 million. The team is owned by Emerging Media Ltd.
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad
Valued at $970 million, SRH acquires the eighth spot. It has an annual revenue of $31.8 million and an operating income of $3.2 million. The team is owned by Sun TV network.
9.Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings the ninth team on this list, with valuation of $925 million and annual revenue of $31.2 million. The team is owned by multiple owners i.e. Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia, PZNZ Media.
10. Gujarat Titans
The second new franchise of this season, Gujarat Titans on the tenth spot. With valuation of roughly $850 million, the team is owned by CVC Capital Partners.
