The IPL’s financial juggernaut rolls on, with former commissioner Lalit Modi dropping a bombshell: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s bidding war has hit $1.75 billion. Speaking exclusively, Modi confirmed the figure, noting interest from Manchester United’s Avram Glazer, highlighting the franchises’ status as blue-chip investments.
Current valuations hinge on the 74-match structure, but Modi envisions a 94-game future as non-negotiable. This shift aligns with IPL’s foundational home-and-away blueprint, set to supercharge franchise worth and overall league earnings. ‘It’s essential for BCCI’s fortification,’ he stressed, amid looming threats to core revenues.
Modi foresees dire cuts: ICC shares plummeting 50-60%, bilateral media deals halving. However, IPL’s allure will more than offset these hits. He predicts the upcoming media rights auction, wrapping up soon, will at least double prior values—no doubts there.
Broader trends amplify this: overburdened international schedules and player fatigue will shrink bilateral series and ICC tournaments. Flush with cash, domestic T20s like IPL will magnetize stars. BCCI, Modi argues, is perfectly positioned to capitalize. ‘Global fans adore Indian cricket above all else,’ he quipped, encapsulating the league’s invincible draw.
RCB’s soaring bid price not only validates IPL’s model but forecasts a valuation boom across teams, cementing India’s dominance in world cricket commerce.