The debut of the women’s IPL, officially named the Women’s Premier League, has netted the BCCI more than 4500 crore, more than that for the inaugural men’s IPL in 2008, cementing India’s position as the biggest player in world cricket.
Adani Sportsline Pvt Ltd won the bid for the Ahmedabad franchise for a cool INR 1289 crore. The Mumbai franchise was won for INR 912.99 crore. by Indiawin Sports Pvt Ltd.
The Bengaluru franchise went to Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd, which owns the men’s team Royal Challengers Bangalore as well, for INR 901 crore.
JSW GMR Cricket Pvt Ltd, owners of Delhi Capitals, also took the Delhi women’s franchise with a bid of INR 810 crore.
The Lucknow franchise was bought for INR 757 crore by Capri Global Holding Pvt Ltd.
‘Today is a historic day in cricket as the bidding for teams of inaugural #WPL broke the records of the inaugural Men’s IPL in 2008! Congratulations to the winners as we garnered Rs.4669.99 Cr in total bid,’ announced Jay Shah from the BCCI.
‘This marks the beginning of a revolution in women’s cricket and paves the way for a transformative journey ahead not only for our women cricketers but for the entire sports fraternity. The #WPL would bring necessary reforms in women’s cricket and would ensure an all-encompassing ecosystem that benefits each and every stakeholder. The @BCCI has named the league – Women’s Premier League (WPL). Let the journey begin….’ Mr Shah added.
Viacom18 has already secured the Women’s Premier League (IPL) media rights at INR 951crore for a five-year cycle starting 2023.
BCCI President Roger Binny said ‘I congratulate the winners for making successful bids to own WPL teams. The league will give players from India and abroad a chance to learn and grow together. It will pave the way for development at the grassroots level with the inclusion of more women cricketers. I would also like to congratulate the BCCI team for the smooth execution of the auction process. I’m confident that the league will help our women cricketers shine on the global stage.’