Economics Behind IPL
Economics Behind IPL
Table of Contents
Page 13: What Is Brand Building in IPL?
Page 14: How Companies Use IPL for Marketing
Page 1516: Inflation in Player Prices
Page 1718: IPLs Economic Impact on Tier-2 Cities
Page 1920: IPL and Job Creation
Page 2122: IPL vs Other Global Sports Leagues
Page 2324: Future of IPL Economics
Page 25: Final Thoughts & Bibliography
Page 13: What Is Brand Building in IPL?
Brand building means creating a strong image or identity that people remember and trust. In the IPL,
teams, players, and even companies use the tournament to grow their brand.
IPL is not just about cricketit's about entertainment, style, and popularity. Because so many people
watch it, it is a perfect platform for marketing and promotion.
1. Teams as Brands
Each IPL team has become a big brand. Teams like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and
Royal Challengers Bangalore have strong fan bases, logos, taglines, and brand colors. These
teams market themselves using:
- Star players (like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, or Virat Kohli)
- Merchandise (caps, jerseys, mugs)
- Theme songs and slogans (like Whistle Podu for CSK)
- Social media content and behind-the-scenes videos
This helps fans feel connected to the team and support them more.
Page 14: How Companies Use IPL for Marketing
Many companies use IPL to build their brand. They do this through:
2. Sponsorships
Big companies like Tata, Jio, Dream11, and Paytm become IPL sponsors so their brand is shown
during the matches. Their logos appear:
- On players' jerseys
- On stadium walls
- In ad breaks on TV and apps
3. Advertising Campaigns
During IPL, many companies launch special ads and offers.
4. Social Media and Digital Marketing
IPL teams and sponsors also use social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. They
post match highlights, interviews, fan contests, memes, and videos.
Summary: IPL helps teams and companies become strong brands. Marketing during IPL includes
TV ads, jersey sponsorships, and social media content.
Page 1516: Inflation in Player Prices
In the IPL, player prices have increased a lot over the years. For example, in 2008, the most
expensive player was sold for around 6 crore. In 2023, some players were bought for more than 18
crore! This is inflation.
Reasons:
1. High Demand, Limited Supply
2. Role of Performance and Popularity
3. Team Strategy and Salary Cap
4. New Teams and Extra Demand
Is This Bad for Teams?
Not always. Teams are willing to pay more for a player if he can win games, bring in fans and
sponsors, or fit into their long-term plan.
Page 1718: IPLs Economic Impact on Tier-2 Cities
Tier-2 Cities like Lucknow, Indore, Guwahati benefit from IPL matches:
1. Boost in Local Business: Hotels, shops, restaurants
2. More Jobs: Stadium staff, vendors, media, security
3. Better Infrastructure: Stadium upgrades
4. City Branding: Increases tourism and recognition
Page 1920: IPL and Job Creation
1. Direct Jobs: Players, Coaches, Managers, Security, Vendors
2. Media Jobs: Camera crew, presenters, editors
3. Digital and Marketing: Social media, design, content
4. Indirect Jobs: Hotels, travel, merchandise sellers
IPL supports multiple sectors and helps freelancers and small businesses too.
Page 2122: IPL vs Other Global Sports Leagues
Comparison with EPL, NBA, NFL, La Liga.
- IPL: Cricket, 10 teams, ~2 months, auction system, private ownership.
- EPL/NBA/NFL: Football/Basketball, 2032 teams, longer seasons, different player selection
systems.
IPL stands out due to:
- Short and exciting format
- Huge global viewership
- Rapid growth since 2008
Page 2324: Future of IPL Economics
1. More Teams & Matches
2. Higher Media Rights Value
3. Global Viewership Expansion
4. Womens IPL Growth
5. Digital Innovations: NFTs, gaming, metaverse
6. Eco-friendly Smart Stadiums
Page 25: Final Thoughts & Bibliography
IPL is more than cricketits a powerful economic engine. It creates jobs, promotes brands, and
supports cities.
Future looks bright with global expansion, digital trends, and continued fan support.
Bibliography includes:
- BCCI Annual Reports
- EY/KPMG/FICCI Reports
- Websites: iplt20.com, espncricinfo, moneycontrol
- News: Times of India, Economic Times, Hindustan Times
