IPL set to expand to 12 teams with two new franchises in 2028
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is exploring two new franchises for the 2028 season, with Pune and Vadodara as potential host cities.
The Indian Premier League may grow from 10 teams to 12 teams from 2028, according to reports. Pune and Vadodara are the cities under consideration, and each new franchise could be valued at more than $1 billion.
Key takeaways
- IPL may expand to 12 teams from the 2028 season
- Pune and Vadodara are potential destinations for the two new franchises
- Expansion may coincide with the 2028-2032 media rights cycle
- Each new franchise could be valued at over $1 billion
- Final choice of cities has not been confirmed
The Indian Premier League could expand to 12 teams from the 2028 season, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India exploring the addition of two new franchises, according to a media report by Mint cited by Business Standard. Pune and Vadodara have emerged as potential destinations, although discussions remain at an early stage and the final choice of cities has not been confirmed.
The IPL started with eight teams in 2008 before expanding to 10 teams in 2011 with the addition of Pune Warriors India and Kochi Tuskers Kerala.
Kochi was terminated after one season, while Pune Warriors played from 2011 to 2013 before exiting following financial disagreements with the BCCI over franchise fees.
Pune returned in 2016 with Rising Pune Supergiant, which participated in the 2016 and 2017 seasons when Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended, and reached the 2017 final before losing to Mumbai Indians by one run.
The league expanded again ahead of the 2022 season when Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans joined, with Lucknow acquired for $940 million and Gujarat Titans for $750 million.
Vadodara is located around 110 km from Ahmedabad and could become Gujarat's second IPL centre alongside the Gujarat Titans' home base. Ahmedabad has also been part of India's ambitions to develop international-standard sporting infrastructure in connection with the country's aspiration to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
The proposed expansion is expected to coincide with the next IPL media rights cycle, covering the 2028-2032 period.
Each new franchise could command a valuation of more than $1 billion amid interest from domestic and international investors, including private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds and major business groups. 78 billion. 65 billion.
The BCCI's plans will depend on commercial considerations, broadcaster interest and the availability of leading Indian players. No final decision has been taken on the proposed expansion.
Recent IPL franchise sale valuations
Franchise | Buyer group | Reported valuation |
|---|---|---|
Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Aditya Birla Group, Bennett Coleman and Co, Blackstone, Bolt Ventures | $1.78 billion |
Rajasthan Royals | Lakshmi Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla | $1.65 billion |
Lucknow Super Giants | RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group | $940 million |
Gujarat Titans | CVC Capital Partners | $750 million |
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