Cricket has increasingly grown beyond the boundaries of just a sport; it has become a global business. Unforeseen investments, sponsorships, and fan followings are easily attracted to cricket leagues worldwide, thanks to the rise in popularity of T20 leagues.
Here’s the top 10 wealthiest cricket leagues globally:
10. Lanka Premier League (LPL)-Sri Lanka
- Started: 2020
- Administrator: Sri Lanka Cricket
- Net Worth: $10 Million
LPL gears towards enhancing the growth of domestic cricket in Sri Lanka while giving players a wide chance of international exposure. A gradual increase in foreign participation and investment has made the LPL competitive year after year.
9. The Caribbean Premier League (CPL)-West Indies
- Started: 2013
- Administered by: Cricket West Indies
- Net worth: $4.6 million
The CPL definitely knows how to sell its Caribbean culture in a vibrant party atmosphere. This is very important for West Indies cricketers as it brings together several Caribbean territories while bringing in international audiences and tourists as well.
8. Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)-Bangladesh
- Started: 2012
- Administrator: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)
- Net Worth: $4.8 Million
The BPL provides strong platforms for players to showcase their talent both locally and internationally. Though it has not reached the same financial platforms as other leagues, it is still on a growth curve, seeking sponsorships and aiding Bangladesh cricket to strengthen.
7. Pakistan Super League (PSL)-Pakistan
- Started: 2016
- Administrator: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
- Net Worth: $5.7 Million
The PSL showed slow growth since its inception, with the major early challenges concerning security and logistics. Since now being fully hosted in Pakistan, the league has grown as one major, owing to strong sponsorships, good broadcast deals, and ever-increasing international participation.
6. Major League Cricket (MLC)-USA
- Started: 2023
- Administered by: American Cricket Enterprises
- Net Worth: $6.9 Million
MLC is America’s first serious attempt at promoting cricket in a novel market. It has backing from IPL franchise owners and American investors, and creates wonderful opportunities for cricket development in the USA.
5. The Hundred-England
- Started: 2021
- Administered by: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
- Net Worth: $9 Million
The Hundred was set up to provide a unique 100-ball format aimed at attracting younger viewers and expanding the already-small fan base. Men’s and women’s competitions ran side by side, adding a fresh flavor into the domestic cricket culture in England.
4. Big Bash League (BBL)-Australia
- Started: 2011
- Administered by: Cricket Australia
- Net Worth: $10 Million
BBL is the prime T20 league of Australia, and quite popular among its locals. Although financially it pales in comparison to the IPL, it is now considered one among the top sports events with massive competition against the AFL and NRL among Australian viewers.
3. SA20-South Africa
- Started: 2023
- Administered by: Cricket South Africa (CSA)
- Net Worth: $12.5 Million
SA20 successfully rejuvenated South Africa’s domestic T20 scene after earlier ventures fell short. Strongly invested in, including IPL franchise ownership, it has matured rapidly as a competitive league with solid cricket and exciting matches.
2. International T20 League (ILT20)-UAE
- Started: 2023
- Administrator: Emirates Cricket Board
- Net worth: $15-20 million
The ILT20 is a rising T20 league backed by significant foreign investments, including several IPL franchise owners. Hosted in the UAE, the league benefits from tax-free operations and attracts top international players with high-paying contracts.
1. Indian Premier League (IPL) – India
- Initiated: 2008
- Governed by: BCCI
- Net Worth: $12-16 Billion
No other cricket league in the world can match the revenues and following generated by the IPL. It is truly a billion-dollar franchise with billions in sponsorship deals and billions in broadcasting rights. The IPL sold its media rights for USD 6.2 billion over five years in 2022, establishing itself as one of the most lucrative sporting properties on earth.
Conclusion
The international rise of these cricket leagues proves ample financial opportunity in T20 cricket. While the IPL is very much the richest, others like ILT20, SA20, and MLC are trying hard to make their strong impression with substantial investments and a fresh approach. These leagues are now going to play quite an important role in cricket and its future as a big international business.
- Note: (Networth are subject to change due to market forces)
Written by RITESH SINGH
