The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) concluded with Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lifting their maiden trophy, marking a historic chapter for the franchise. This success wasn’t just limited to the cricketing field — viewership numbers hit unprecedented highs, and the league’s global brand value continued its upward climb.
With each passing season, the IPL has grown significantly in stature and value, emerging as the second-most valued sports league in the world, trailing only behind the National Football League (NFL). However, the gap in overall valuation between the two remains considerable. To bridge this gap, Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Mohit Burman has proposed a bold plan: a 16-week window for the IPL.
PBKS Co-owner Mohit Burman Calls for Longer IPL Season
In a recent conversation with PTI, Mohit Burman stated that one of the key reasons the IPL is behind the NFL in overall brand value is its shorter tournament window. He highlighted how other major global sporting leagues, like the NFL (4.5 months), Premier League (9 months), and NBA (7 months), run for much longer durations.
“We’re already second in the world when it comes to per-match value, just behind the NFL. But overall brand value? That’s a different game. I think we need a 12-16-week window to get there,” said Burman.
According to Burman, expanding the IPL season would allow for deeper fan engagement, stronger team rivalries, and increased commercial value across all stakeholders.
“That gives us space to tell better stories, build rivalries, and create more value for everyone – fans, sponsors, broadcasters. But it’s not just about length. It’s about what we do in that time – the kind of content we push out, how we engage fans year-round, how we build the league beyond the season,” he added.
IPL Considering Longer Format From 2028 Onwards
Currently, the IPL is contested over 9 to 10 weeks, featuring 10 teams playing 74 matches. But there are reports that the IPL governing council is exploring a plan to increase the total number of matches to 94 from 2028 onwards, still with the same number of teams.
The proposed idea is to introduce a home-and-away format for every team, ensuring fair scheduling while naturally extending the season’s timeline. However, these changes can’t be implemented until 2028, as current agreements lock the IPL window until 2027.
Why Extending the IPL Makes Sense
Extending the IPL season could unlock multiple advantages:
- Greater advertising revenue for broadcasters and franchises.
- More match days = increased stadium attendance, merchandise sales, and digital engagement.
- Stronger player narratives and season-long fan loyalty.
- More time to market the league globally, reaching audiences beyond traditional cricket-following countries.
While challenges around player workload, international schedules, and logistics remain, the commercial and brand-building potential of a longer IPL is undeniable.
Conclusion
The IPL has already carved out a strong place for itself in the global sports arena. With fan following, player talent, and broadcaster interest at an all-time high, expanding the tournament’s window could be the next big step toward making it the most valuable league in the world.
If Burman’s vision aligns with IPL’s long-term goals, 2028 could be a transformative year not just for Indian cricket but for global sports business.
