Two new teams may be added from IPL 2028; Pune and Vadodara potential candidates

A plan to add two new franchises from the 2028 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is being considered. According to a report by Gulf News, the BCCI is exploring the possibilities of expanding the competition, in which Pune and Vadodara have emerged as potential cities.

Based on a report by Mint, these discussions are currently in the preliminary stages and the final selection of cities may change. This proposed expansion is expected to align with the upcoming media rights cycle from 2028 to 2032. It is estimated that the value of each new franchise could exceed 1 billion dollars.

Private equity firm Permira, sovereign wealth funds from West Asia, state-backed investment institutions from Asia, US family offices, and large Indian business groups may show interest in this investment.

Vadodara's name has surfaced amidst efforts to strengthen Gujarat's sports infrastructure. This city is approximately 110 km away from Ahmedabad, where the Gujarat Titans team is currently based. On the other hand, India aspires to host the 2036 Olympic Games, as part of which Ahmedabad has been encouraged as a host for major international sporting events.

Talks of this expansion have arisen following the increase in franchise valuations. Royal Challengers Bengaluru was sold to a consortium of Aditya Birla Group, Bennett Coleman & Co, Blackstone, and Bolt Ventures for 1.78 billion dollars. Meanwhile, it has been learned that the acquisition of Rajasthan Royals was carried out by a consortium led by the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla at a valuation of 1.65 billion dollars.

However, the BCCI will have to consider the readiness of broadcasters for more matches, player availability, and the professional viability of adding two teams. The current 2023-27 media rights cycle was fixed at 6.2 billion dollars.

The last expansion of the IPL took place in 2022, when Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans joined the league.

Pune has previously been the home of IPL teams twice. Pune Warriors India played from 2011 to 2013 but exited due to financial disputes with the BCCI. Subsequently, Rising Pune Supergiant played in 2016 and 2017, reaching the final in its second season and losing to Mumbai Indians by one run.