For the first time in the last four years, the valuation of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has declined. The value of the league has decreased by 10.6% in one year. The total cost of IPL in 2023 was 92.5 thousand crore rupees. In 2024, it was 82.7 thousand crore rupees. Mumbai Indians topped the franchise valuation rankings, while Chennai Super Kings came second. This information comes from a study by valuation service provider firm D&P Advisory. According to the study, the value of Women's Premier League (WPL) has increased. There has been an increase of 8% in one year. In 2023, the value of WPL was 1250 crore rupees. Now it has increased to 1350 crore rupees. Impact of growing broadcasting monopoly According to the study, the value of IPL has decreased in the last few years due to growing monopoly of cricket broadcasting in India. Monopoly means increasing the dominance of one company. The merger of Reliance and Disney Star has reduced the competition for the broadcast rights of the league. Earlier these two companies used to compete to buy the rights of IPL. Sony Sports was also in the competition. Now due to the blocking of the merger of Sony and Zee and the merger of Disney Hotstar, the competition in this regard has become less. Now there is little hope of further increase in media rights According to the study, the biggest reason for the fall in valuation is the changing broadcasting scenario in India, which is moving towards a monopoly after the Disney Star-JioCinema merger. When the IPL broadcast rights were bid for in 2022, there was stiff competition between Disney Star and Jio Cinemas. In this, BCCI earned Rs 48,390 crore from Jio Cinemas for a 5-year deal. A report by DP Advisory claims that the IPL may face fewer competitors and bidders in the next broadcasting cycle following the merger of these two companies. Thus, a reduced field of competition may suppress bidding, which has historically driven media rights. Damage due to non-Sony-Zee merger The report said that the failed Sony-Zee merger has changed the market dynamics to such an extent that the two entities will struggle to challenge Disney Star and Jio Cinemas. In case of a merger, Sony and Zee would be in a stronger position to bid for IPL broadcast rights in future. Also, they would have given Disney and Jio a tough competition for the rights. Why did WPL's valuation increase? WPL is making good progress in last 2 years due to increasing confidence of sponsors. Big brands have shown interest in partnering with emerging brands of women's cricket like the IPL. The report states that audience participation at the league's matches has increased by 50%, indicating the popularity of the WPL. This adds to its appeal among global brands. Franchise Branding Rankings MI Top in Franchise Branding Rankings The study also provided information on franchise branding rankings. In this, the team of Mumbai Indians has once again remained at the first position. Chennai Super Kings are at the second position due to the Dhoni factor, while Kolkata Knight Riders are at the third position due to Shahrukh Khan's influence and Royal Challengers Bangalore are at the fourth position due to Virat Kohli.
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