IPL media rights: BCCI to go for e-auction in Feb
As per media reports, the cricket body wants to ensure transparency in the process
The BCCI has decided to go for an e-auction for awarding the media rights of the Indian Premier League (IPL), according to multiple media reports.
The e-auction is likely to be conducted in the 2nd week of February. The media rights are likely to be sold for a 5-year term from 2023 to 2027.
It is pertinent to note that the BCCI had recently roped in KPMG to advise them on the best way of awarding IPL media rights. It is believed that the accounting firm has submitted its report to the BCCI.
There is a view in the BCCI that e-auction will be much more transparent, the media reports say. The previous IPL media rights e-auction was conducted through closed bidding.
The media rights for the Indian cricket team's home matches were subsequently awarded through e-auction in 2018.
The upcoming e-auction for the IPL media rights will see a strong triangular fight between Disney-owned Star India, Zee-Sony combo, and Reliance-backed Viacom18. Amazon Prime Video is also expected to throw its hat in the ring.
As reported earlier, sports media experts predict that the IPL media rights will easily touch a record Rs 40,000 crore due to a three-way fight between Star, Zee-Sony, and Viacom18.
The addition of two new teams and the increase in the number of matches will also help the BCCI to earn more from the sale of media rights.
