IPL Backstage : 16 years and 5 sponsors; a look at how Indian Premier League filled its coffers over the years

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a cricketing spectacle that combines the excitement of the sport with significant financial stakes, attracting not just fans but also major corporations vying for its lucrative sponsorship opportunities. Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has seen a remarkable increase in its title sponsorship value, reflecting the league's growing popularity and commercial success. Let's delve into the journey of IPL's title sponsorship from 2008 to the present and examine how events, including the controversy of match-fixing, have influenced its financial landscape.

DLF: The Beginning (2008-2012)

The first title sponsor of the IPL was Delhi Land and Finance (DLF), which secured the sponsorship rights for the initial five years. DLF's deal, considered the biggest in cricket history at the time, was worth $100 million for four years from 2008 to 2011. The agreement was later extended to 2012, bringing the total value to $150 million. This meant that DLF paid the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) around Rs 200 crore, equating to Rs 40 crore per season, a pioneering move that set the stage for future deals.

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Pepsi Steps In (2013-2015)

As the IPL's popularity soared, competition for the title sponsorship intensified. Pepsi won the bid in 2013 for the next five years at a total cost of Rs 396 crore. However, the 2015 season was marred by a match-fixing scandal that led to the suspension of the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. As a result, Pepsi opted to end its contract early, having paid a total of Rs 238.2 crore for the three seasons from 2013 to 2015.

Vivo's Entry and Exit (2016-2019)

Following Pepsi's withdrawal, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer Vivo stepped in to take over the remaining two years of Pepsi's contract, initially agreeing to a Rs 100 crore. Recognising the IPL's lucrative potential, Vivo then signed a record-breaking five-year contract with the BCCI in 2017 worth Rs 2,199 crore, raising the per season value to approximately Rs 439.8 crore. However, geopolitical tensions between India and China led to Vivo's exit two years into the agreement, ending the partnership prematurely in 2019.

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Dream11's Short Stint (2020)

With Vivo's abrupt departure, Indian fantasy sports platform Dream11 took over the IPL title sponsorship for the 2020 season, paying half of Vivo's rate at Rs 222 crore for just one season. This shift highlighted the dynamic nature of IPL sponsorships and the league's ability to attract diverse partners.

Vivo Returns (2021)

In 2021, Vivo made a comeback to fulfill its previous contract with the BCCI, resuming its role as the title sponsor and paying Rs 439.8 crore for the season. This move reinstated Vivo's commitment to the IPL and showcased the enduring appeal of the league's sponsorship rights.

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Tata's Historic Deal (2022-2028)

The Tata Group, one of India's most prestigious conglomerates, entered the fray in 2022, securing the title sponsorship for the IPL with the highest bid yet. Tata agreed to a two-year deal, paying Rs 335 crore per season. Following the completion of this term, Tata and the BCCI reached an even more significant agreement for the 2024 to 2028 IPL seasons, with a total deal value of Rs 2,500 crore, translating to an unprecedented Rs 500 crore per season. This agreement marks the most expensive title sponsorship in IPL history, reflecting the league's exponential growth and commercial value.

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