Sports/Alive News: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering expanding the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 10 to 12 teams from the 2028 season. Pune and Vadodara have emerged as potential locations for the two new franchises, according to reports.
The proposed expansion is expected to increase the league’s commercial value ahead of the 2028-2032 media rights cycle. The IPL’s current media rights valuation stands at around $6.2 billion, making it the world’s most valuable sports league on a per-match basis. Reports suggest that each new franchise could be valued at more than $1 billion.
Pune has previously been home to two IPL teams. Pune Warriors India, owned by the Sahara Group, participated in the tournament from 2011 to 2013 before withdrawing following a financial dispute with the BCCI over franchise fees. Later, Rising Pune Supergiant, owned by the RPSG Group, played in the 2016 and 2017 seasons when Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended.
Vadodara is another potential destination for a new franchise. It is around 110 km from Ahmedabad, the home ground of Gujarat Titans. The city’s sporting infrastructure and Gujarat’s plans to promote itself as a host for the 2036 Olympic Games could also support its prospects.
The financial interest in IPL franchises has grown significantly. Royal Challengers Bengaluru was recently acquired by a consortium for a reported $1.78 billion, while Rajasthan Royals were taken over by a consortium led by the Lakshmi Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla for around $1.65 billion.
The league last expanded in 2022, when Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans joined. The BCCI is expected to examine the bidding process and other details before taking a final decision.
