A Study on the Valuation of Indian Premiere League (IPL)

Abstract: India is often not seen as a sports nation traditionally, considering our performance in football, athletics and other sports. Though in the past decade we are excelling in most sports like badminton, tennis, wrestling, hockey, etc. but primarily our main sports segment revolves around cricket. If we consider the financial or business side of it, then cricket serves as the epicentre. With the introduction of T20 cricket and the IPL, the cricketing business has gone to sky rocketing heights. We find that IPL is pushing the boundaries and competing with the major global leagues like NBA, NFL, EPL, etc. IPL value of media rights has climbed, compounding at 18% annually over the past decade and a half, where other global leagues like EPL, NFL was only 15% CAGR in about 30 years. The band and business valuations of IPL are reaching unimaginable heights in the last few years and thus researchers are trying to understand how this supernormal growth is occurring. Corporates, businesses, small enterprises must understand that its more than fun and games. The influx of money from IPL results in development of infrastructure, marketing, merchandising, increases demand of products and services like hotels, transportation, restaurants, etc. It boosts the economy as local businesses like printers, caterers, security personnel, even small vendors selling IPL team jerseys all can benefit from this growth story. Thus, this research will help to understand the IPL valuations over the years based on the business model, brand and analyse the variables on which the valuation depends. Six variables under study in this research are considered to frame a model which can predict the IPL valuations and can help businesses, corporations to align their products and services to these variables to join this growth story and grow along with the growth of this sports league. Key words: Auctions, broadcasting rights, cash flows, valuations, etc.