(Image Source: Rediff)
[Saba Sports News] IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal predicts that the media rights value for the Indian Premier League (IPL) could surge to approximately USD 50 billion by 2043. Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has rapidly captured the cricket world’s attention, balancing its few low points with significant highs.
The league’s substantial growth is evidenced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s recent USD 6.2 billion media deal for a five-year period, placing the IPL second only to the NFL in terms of media rights value.
Dhumal believes that continued audience engagement and innovations could further increase the IPL’s media rights value. He also sees the potential inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) as factors that will strengthen the sport’s global appeal.
Highlighting the IPL’s evolution, Dhumal remarked on its growth from an initial value of INR 6000 crore in 2008 to surpassing many renowned leagues. He credits the IPL’s success to its wide appeal and its role as a unifying platform showcasing India’s diversity, calling it the best “Make in India” brand post-Independence.