Cost of all the franchises (USD) that have been part of IPL so far

The 2007 ICC T20 World Cup laid the stones for the rise of franchise cricket in the world. Even though there was franchise cricket being conducted on English soil, it was unable to gain much attention. But, this time, the attention was on BCCI, a board with a lot of wealth and power. 

With the introduction of the IPL, they were in the spotlight. Players from all over the world came to represent eight teams representing various parts of India. Excitement was at its peak. However, over the years, the dynamics of the tournament have changed. 

Apart from the platform that it provides, IPL is well known for money as well. The franchises put in a huge amount of money on their players. Adding on, they gain a huge amount of profit as well. Let us have a look at the-

Cost of all the IPL teams (USD million) over the years

Rajasthan Royals (67 million USD) and Kolkata Knight Riders (75.1 million USD)

The Rajasthan Royals is one of the eight initial franchises which took part in the inaugural edition of IPL in 2008. Under the leadership of Shane Warne, they went on to lift the trophy in 2008. Adding on, they were affected by the match-fixing scandal, due to which they were banned in 2016 and 2017. But, they made a comeback in 2018 and are a part of the circuit.

During the early days, they had a worth of 67 million USD. Its majority of stake is owned by Manoj Badale and the CEO of the team is Mike Fordham. Well, following them, the next team on this list is Kolkata Knight Riders.

 The two-time champions had a tag of 75.1 million USD in 2008 around them. It is owned by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. During the recently concluded 2021 season, they managed to finish second in the IPL. 

Punjab Kings (76 million USD) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (79.5 million USD)

Just like Rajasthan and Kolkata, Punjab was a part of the inaugural IPL season. The franchise managed to reach the semi-finals of the inaugural edition. However, they have failed to lift the trophy in their 14-year IPL experience.

Currently, they are owned by Mohit Burman, the Wadia Group, PZNZ Media, and Apeejay Surendra Group. With a worth of 76 million USD in 2008, they are still going strong when it comes to the management of the franchise. On the other hand, Sunrisers, which replaced the Deccan Chargers was bought at 79.5 million USD.

The Hyderabad-based franchise won the 2016 edition of the tournament. Currently, the team is owned by Sun TV Network. Adding on, Kaviya Maran is the CEO of the team. Well, the fans get to see the stability of the team, in terms of management, since 2013. 

Delhi Capitals(84 million USD) and Chennai Super Kings (91 million USD)

The Delhi Capitals, formerly known as Delhi Daredevils is a young side with a lot of talent under its belt. Delhi was a part of the inaugural edition and managed to reach the semi-finals of the 2008 season as well. But, just like Punjab, it has failed to win the IPL.

It is currently owned by JSW Group and GMR Group. During the early days, it was bought for 84 million USD. The franchise has managed to represent the national capital over the years. It is just a matter of time that the team lifts the trophy for the first time.

Talking about CSK, it is the second most successful franchise in the history of the tournament. Over the years, it has been consistent apart from a horrible season in 2020. The current champions were bought by Indian Cement in 2008 for 91 million USD. Currently, it is owned by Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited.

Deccan Chargers (107 million USD) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (111.6 million USD)

Deccan Chargers made the ultimate comeback in 2009 after they were thrashed by every team during the inaugural season. After the IPL shifted to South Africa because of the elections, Adam Gilchrist was elected the captain and he led a young side to glory. The team had a superstar named Rohit Sharma as well, who went on to become the most successful IPL captain.

The team was launched by BCCI as a part of an eight-team franchise in 2008. It was bought up by Deccan Chronicle Holdings Ltd for 107 million USD. Later on, it was terminated as it was unable to follow the IPL terms.

Next, we have the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The team was bought by Vijay Mallya’s company for 111.6 million in 2008. Currently owned by United Spirits, they are still looking for the first title in the league.

Mumbai Indians( 111.9 million USD) and Kochi Tuskers Kerela ( 333 million USD)

The Mumbai Indians have been the most successful franchise in the history of the IPL. They were unable to create any major impact until 2010, in which they reached the finals. But, in 2013, they went on to lift the trophy. Since then, they have been a champion side.

They were bought by Reliance Industries for 111.9 million USD in 2008. The face of the team is Nita Ambani, wife of the richest man in the country, Mukesh Ambani. Coming to Kochi Tuskers, it came into the IPL frame in 2011 after being bought for 333 million USD.

The owner was Anchor Earth group and it represented the state of Kerala. But, instability and inability to comply with the rules of BCCI meant that it went inactive within a short period. The team was led by Mahela Jayawardene.

Pune Warriors India (370 million USD) and Ahmedabad (yet to be named) ( 710 million USD)

The Pune Warriors India came into the IPL circuit in 2011 after Sahara India bought the company on 5th September 2010. The franchise had the DY Patil Stadium as their home ground and a power-packed team. But, instabilities within the management and fraudulent activities meant that it was dissolved within three years.

Subrata Roy had bought the franchise for 370 million USD. The only memorable part of their stint was the beating their bowlers received from Chris Gayle. He went on to score a mammoth 175* for RCB.

After the 2020 edition of the IPL, it was decided that BCCI will introduce two new teams. A private equity firm, CVC Capital Partners bought the Ahmedabad-based franchise for 710 million USD. The team will be named soon as the fans await the arrival of the franchise for the upcoming auctions.

Lucknow (yet to be named) (950 million USD)

The RPSG Group made it to the IPL franchise ownership circuit once again. After owning RPS for two years in 2016, and 2017, it has won the bidding for a new franchise. It will be interesting to see how they go into the auctions.

RPSG group made its presence felt as it spent 950 million USD during the biddings. With the IPL teams allowed to retain only a few players, Lucknow and Ahmedabad have a great opportunity to form a strong team. But, the challenge is to retain the core, which seems difficult.

It will not be easy for any franchise to come into the circuit. However, they are expected to step up and give the other franchises a run for their money. This expansion of the league adds more excitement to the scene.

Note: The source of the data mentioned in the listicle is Twitter.