IPL Expansion, The Indian Premier League (IPL) has established itself as one of the most lucrative and popular cricket leagues in the world. However, Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Mohit Burman believes that for the IPL to compete with global sports giants like the NFL, NBA, and English Premier League (EPL), it must expand its season from the current eight weeks to at least 12-16 weeks.
In a recent statement, Burman emphasized that while the IPL excels in per-match value, its overall brand value still lags behind major international leagues due to its shorter duration. This article explores why an extended IPL season could be a game-changer for Indian cricket, its financial implications, and how it can enhance fan engagement, sponsorship deals, and global recognition.
Why the IPL Needs a Longer Season to Compete Globally
Comparing IPL with NFL, NBA, and EPL
Currently, the IPL runs for just two months, whereas other major sports leagues operate for much longer:
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English Premier League (EPL): ~10 months
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NBA (National Basketball Association): ~7 months
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NFL (National Football League): ~4.5 months
The extended schedules of these leagues allow for:
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More matches, increasing fan engagement.
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Stronger rivalries, creating deeper storylines.
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Higher sponsorship and broadcasting revenue due to prolonged visibility.
Burman argues that the IPL must adopt a similar model to enhance its brand value and compete on a global scale.
IPL’s Current Brand Value vs. Global Leagues
According to investment bank Houlihan Lokey, the IPL’s total valuation stands at USD 16 billion, which is impressive but still behind top sports franchises:
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Dallas Cowboys (NFL): USD 9 billion
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New York Yankees (MLB): USD 7.1 billion
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New York Knicks (NBA): USD 7 billion
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Real Madrid & Manchester United: USD 6 billion each
IPL Expansion, While the IPL ranks second in per-match value (USD 16.8 million), just behind the NFL (USD 36.8 million), its shorter season limits its cumulative financial impact.
Benefits of a 16-Week IPL Season
Increased Revenue from Broadcasting and Sponsorships
A longer season means:
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More advertising slots, attracting higher sponsorship deals.
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Enhanced media rights value, as seen in the NFL’s billion-dollar TV contracts.
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Greater opportunities for in-stadium branding and partnerships.
Improved Fan Engagement and Loyalty
Extended seasons help:
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Build deeper fan connections through consistent engagement.
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Develop intense rivalries (like MI vs. CSK) over more matches.
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Increase merchandise sales with prolonged team exposure.
Player Development and International Appeal
A 16-week IPL could:
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Attract more overseas stars, as they’d have a longer dedicated window.
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Provide young Indian players more high-pressure match experience.
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Make the IPL a stronger competitor to leagues like the Big Bash and The Hundred.
Challenges in Extending the IPL Season
IPL Expansion, While a longer IPL has clear benefits, there are hurdles:
Scheduling Conflicts with International Cricket
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The BCCI must negotiate with the ICC to ensure no major international tours clash with an extended IPL.
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Player workload management will be crucial to prevent burnout.
Stadium Availability and Logistics
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More matches require better scheduling to avoid venue clashes with other sports.
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Weather conditions, especially in April-May, may need consideration.
Maintaining Fan Interest Over a Longer Period
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The league must introduce innovative formats (like playoffs, mini-tournaments) to keep fans engaged.
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Digital content and fan interactions must be amplified.
Punjab Kings’ Vision for the IPL’s Future
Mohit Burman emphasized that the IPL must grow beyond India without moving overseas. Key takeaways from his statement:
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“We don’t need to take IPL abroad—we need to build global relevance.”
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Instead of hosting matches in Dubai or the USA, the focus should be on global broadcasting and digital engagement.
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“IPL has the scale; now it’s about consistency and depth.”
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A longer season will allow better storytelling, rivalries, and marketing strategies.
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“Fan experience must evolve—it’s not just cricket, but sport, entertainment, and culture.”
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Incorporating more entertainment elements (like the NFL’s halftime shows) could attract casual viewers.
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Case Study: How NFL’s Long Season Boosts Its Dominance
The NFL’s 4.5-month season (including playoffs) is a major reason for its success:
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17 regular-season games per team (soon to be 18).
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High-stakes playoffs leading to the Super Bowl, the most-watched sporting event in the US.
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Year-round hype through drafts, trades, and offseason analysis.
If the IPL adopts a similar model, it could see a comparable rise in popularity and revenue.
What’s Next for the IPL?
The BCCI must consider:
Gradually increasing the season (first to 10 weeks, then 12-16).
Securing a dedicated ICC window to avoid player unavailability.
Enhancing digital engagement (fantasy leagues, behind-the-scenes content).
Expanding women’s IPL (WIPL) alongside the men’s league.
Read More: The Most Consecutive Wins in Test Cricket – Which Team Dominated the Longest?
Conclusion
IPL Expansion, The Punjab Kings’ proposal for a 16-week IPL season is a bold but necessary step to rival the NFL, NBA, and EPL. While challenges exist, the potential benefits—higher revenue, stronger fan loyalty, and global recognition—make it a compelling idea.
For the IPL to truly become the world’s premier sports league, it must think bigger, play longer, and engage deeper. The BCCI’s next move could redefine cricket’s future.
