IPL Considers Expanding to 12 Teams for 2028 Media Rights Cycle

The Indian Premier League is reportedly planning an expansion from 10 to 12 teams starting with the 2028 media rights cycle, with Pune and Vadodara emerging as the leading cities in contention for the new franchises. According to sources familiar with the matter, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has initiated preliminary discussions regarding the growth of the tournament.

Investor interest in the league remains at an all-time high, with potential new franchises projected to command valuations exceeding $1 billion each. Major international and domestic financial entities, including European buyout funds, sovereign wealth funds from West Asia, family offices, and prominent Indian conglomerates, are reportedly evaluating prospective investments.

The proposed expansion would align with the upcoming media rights cycle spanning from 2028 to 2032. The previous 2023-2027 media rights package fetched an astounding $6.2 billion, and industry expectations point toward the upcoming cycle surpassing that historical figure as the tournament continues to increase its match inventory and global reach.

Both shortlisted cities bring existing cricketing infrastructure and history to the table. Pune previously hosted two different franchises, including the Pune Warriors India from 2011 to 2013 and the Rising Pune Supergiant for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Vadodara's emergence as a candidate comes as the state of Gujarat seeks to further cement its footprint as a major sporting hub.

Meanwhile, discussions surrounding the overall framework of the tournament have also gained momentum among former players and franchise executives. Figures within the cricketing community have floated proposals to restructure the league's annual window, suggesting that moving away from the intense summer months into a winter schedule could enhance player conditions and fan experiences.

As the Board of Control for Cricket in India weighs the logistical and commercial feasibility of incorporating two additional teams, final decisions regarding the exact choice of host cities and the structure of the next media rights cycle remain under review.