E-auction of IPL media rights for 2023-27 likely by March-end

“The invitation to tender (ITT) should be out by February 10 and we are planning to conduct the e-auction after around 45 days. During this time, the board will answer any queries and provide clarifications on the process and the rights,” said a BCCI official, who did not wish to be identified.

Star India had bought IPL’s media rights for the current cycle, 2018-22, for ₹16,347.5 crore. Prior to that, Sony Pictures Networks held the media rights for 10 years, for which it had paid ₹8,200 crore.

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Last month, the BCCI had hired consulting firm KPMG to assist in the e-auction. Queries emailed to the BCCI and KPMG did not elicit any response. Another person said the ITT will outline details such as the structure of the rights, the number of matches and the process of the auction.

“IPL is undoubtedly the most lucrative property for the BCCI. There was a debate internally on whether to go for an e-auction or a closed envelope bid, as done for the recent team auction, but finally the BCCI decided to go for an e-auction as it is much more transparent,” said the person, who did not to be identified. “With at least three broadcasters showing interest, we are hoping the number will far surpass our earlier expectation of ₹32,000 crore.”

With the league adding two new teams, IPL will be a 74-match tournament in 2023, while the number will be gradually increased to 84 matches in 2024 and 2025, while the last two years of the rights period will have 94 matches each.

Tuhin Mishra, managing director of sports marketing firm Baseline Ventures, said the BCCI has taken the right decision to hold an e-auction of the media rights, as it would build transparency into the system.

“I am sure this is what bidders also want, irrespective of whether they win or lose. It’s a no-brainer that the upcoming IPL media rights auction will be the biggest ever in the history of sports or, I would say, history of any sport in the world, if you look at the number of matches played in two months. It should be an interesting one as every top broadcaster and OTT player in India will want to throw their hat into the ring, including Star, Disney, Sony, Viacom18 and even Amazon,” said Mishra.

A senior sports broadcaster said on condition of anonymity that though bidders might bet aggressively, a lot will depend on how many afternoon games are scheduled.

“While the BCCI might be expecting more than double the amount raised in the last cycle, it may not make business sense if there are more afternoon matches. Also, with Star, Sony and Viacom18 all expected to bid, I hope it doesn’t become a winner’s curse and that business sense prevails,” he said.