IPL set for expansion to 12 teams in 2028, Pune and Vadodara among likely destinations

IPL set for expansion to 12 teams in 2028, Pune and Vadodara among likely destinations

BCCI Weighs IPL Expansion From 2028 as Pune and Vadodara Emerge as Possible New Homes

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly exploring the addition of at least two franchises to the Indian Premier League from the 2028 season. Pune and Vadodara are among the cities under consideration, according to a report by Mint, though the discussions are at an early stage and no final decision has been announced.

If the plan moves forward, it would mark another significant step in the IPL’s growth, bringing new markets, investors and potentially more matches to the world’s most commercially powerful cricket league. The expansion, however, will depend on several factors—including the value of the next media-rights deal, the availability of Indian players and the BCCI’s assessment of whether the tournament can support more teams without losing its competitive balance.

Why Pune and Vadodara Are Being Considered

Pune already has a connection with the IPL. The city hosted Pune Warriors India from 2011 to 2013, after the league expanded from eight teams to 10. The franchise, owned by the Sahara Group, withdrew after disagreements with the BCCI over its franchise fee.

The IPL returned to Pune in 2016, when Rising Pune Supergiant joined the competition during the suspensions of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. The team reached the 2017 final, where it lost to Mumbai Indians by just one run. That narrow defeat remains one of the league’s most memorable title matches and helped renew Pune’s profile as a major cricket market.

Vadodara, meanwhile, could benefit from Gujarat’s wider ambitions to build its reputation as a sporting destination. Located around 110 kilometres from Ahmedabad, the city may be able to draw on the state’s investment in sports infrastructure and the growing attention surrounding Ahmedabad’s plans for international-standard venues. Those ambitions have also been discussed in connection with India’s interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.

For the BCCI, selecting a new host city would involve more than identifying a large population or an existing cricket following. Stadium capacity, transport links, accommodation, local sponsorship potential and the ability to host a full season of matches would all be important considerations.

New IPL Franchises Could Be Worth More Than $1 Billion

The financial stakes could be substantial. The proposed teams may each attract valuations above $1 billion, with potential interest reportedly coming from international private equity firms, West Asian sovereign wealth funds, Asian state-backed investors, Indian business groups and wealthy US-based family offices.

Some parties are said to be considering minority investments rather than taking full ownership. That approach could allow investors to gain exposure to the IPL’s commercial growth while sharing the cost and risk of owning a franchise. The BCCI would still need to determine the bidding structure, ownership requirements and financial safeguards for any new teams.

The league’s previous expansion provides a useful benchmark. Ahead of the 2022 season, the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group secured the Lucknow franchise for $940 million, while CVC Capital Partners acquired the Ahmedabad franchise—later named Gujarat Titans—for $750 million. Those prices reflected strong expectations for the IPL’s audience reach, sponsorship income and media value.

Recent Team Sales Strengthen the Valuation Prediction

More recent ownership deals have pushed franchise valuations even higher. United Spirits agreed to sell Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a consortium involving the Aditya Birla Group, Bennett Coleman and Co, Blackstone and Bolt Ventures for a reported $1.78 billion.

In a separate transaction, a consortium led by the Lakshmi Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla acquired Rajasthan Royals at a reported valuation of $1.65 billion. The Torrent Group also purchased a 67% majority stake in Gujarat Titans for approximately $875 million last year.

These deals have strengthened the prediction that new IPL franchises could command premium prices. However, past transactions do not guarantee that every new team will reach the same valuation. The final amount would depend on the bidding environment, the rights attached to the franchise, the chosen city and the league’s expected future revenue.

Media Rights and Player Availability Will Shape Expansion

Commercial demand will be central to the BCCI’s decision. Adding two teams would increase the number of fixtures, potentially creating more advertising inventory and broadcast opportunities. At the same time, a longer schedule could affect player workloads, the international cricket calendar and the value broadcasters place on each match.

The current IPL media-rights cycle, covering 2023 to 2027, generated $6.2 billion. That deal made the league one of the world’s most valuable sports competitions on a per-match basis. The next cycle is expected to begin in 2028, the same year the proposed expansion could take effect. If the IPL continues to grow its audience and commercial appeal, the next rights package could surpass the existing figure—but broadcasters will need to see a clear return from any increase in matches.

Player availability is another major consideration. Each additional franchise would require a larger squad and more domestic talent, placing extra pressure on the pool of Indian players. The BCCI would need to balance the league’s expansion with opportunities for emerging cricketers and the demands of international cricket.

What an Expanded IPL Could Mean for Fans

For supporters, two new teams could bring more local rivalries, fresh team identities and greater access to live IPL cricket. A franchise in Pune could revive a market with a history of high-profile league matches, while Vadodara could introduce the tournament to another growing Gujarat audience.

Expansion could also create new opportunities for sponsors, local businesses and stadium operators. But the success of any new team would depend on more than its launch price. Strong ownership, sustained fan engagement and competitive performances would be essential to building a lasting franchise.

For now, Pune and Vadodara remain possible destinations rather than confirmed choices. The BCCI’s next steps are likely to be guided by the economics of the 2028 media-rights cycle, investor interest and the practical demands of a larger tournament. If those conditions align, the IPL could enter its next phase with 12 teams—and a new set of cities competing for a place at the centre of Indian cricket.

Latest News