The Indian Premier League (IPL) is trying its best to deliver the best action to its stakeholders with its 16th edition. Since 2008, the T20 league has been serving cricket buffs efficiently by delivering top-notch cricketing action. The league’s popularity has made it the most successful cricketing league in terms of per-match value. In June 2022, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sold media rights for IPL 2023-27 seasons for a massive INR 48,390 crore.
This stunning deal has not only strengthened IPL’s position in the cricketing circle but also in the entirety of the sporting realm. With these figures, the league has achieved a sensational milestone of becoming the second-most valued sporting league in terms of per-match value. This remarkable accomplishment of the cash-rich league has brought joy to the faces of Delhi Capitals (DC) owners too as they might witness a rise in their franchise’s revenue
Talking more about it, let’s glance at DC’s net worth and sources of income in the league
1. Media rights
David Warner. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)
In the last 15 years, the BCCI has received a massive amount by selling the media rights of the cash-rich league. Viacom18 and Disney Star won the bid for the digital and television broadcasting rights respectively for the 2023-27 block, in June last year. The digital rights went to Viacom18 for 23,759 crores, whereas Disney Star retained the TV broadcasting rights for 23,575 crores.
This deal hit headlines as it helped the T20 league to gain more popularity and profit. With the league’s notable success, DC is expected to see a boost in its revenue share as well, as the board shares 40% to 50% of the amount earned through the sale of media rights, to the franchises in accordance with its revenue distribution model.
The league also distributes the highest chunk of the sum among the top performers on the basis of IPL team rankings, after keeping aside their fees. As per reports, it’s estimated that the income of Capitals might get doubled, considering the boom in the sale of media rights.
2. Sponsorships
Delhi Capitals. (Photo Source: Twitter)
All IPL franchises receive a decent amount through sponsors and DC is not an exception. As per some media reports, it has come to the forefront that sponsors contribute 20-30% of franchises’ earnings. Talking about DC, prominent companies such as Idea, Panasonic, GMR, Flying Machine, and Lux Cozi have had connections with Capitals as their sponsors at various points in the league’s 16-year-old history.
In 2023, DC collaborated with JSW Paints and made the Indian multinational conglomerate their principal sponsor. This strategic partnership has resulted in the Mumbai-based company’s logo getting featured on the front of the DC jersey. Along with JSW, APL Appollo Tyres is also a principal sponsor of the franchise.
Other renowned brands such as Jio and Royal Stag are also associated with DC as they are associate sponsors of the team. Every year, Capitals form partnerships with a dozen of reputed companies and bring a colossal sum home through sponsorship deals.
3. Stadium ticket sales and gate passes
Arun Jaitley Staidum. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Delhi folks always shower love and support on DC, no matter whether their team provides desired results or not. From 2013-18, Capitals went through a rough patch, struggling to advance to the Playoff stage. Despite noting their team’s horrendous run, the lively DC fan base didn’t lose faith in their team and showed up at the Arun Jaitley Stadium consistently.
Every year, a massive crowd amasses at the iconic Delhi stadium to cheer for their IPL team and this results in DC owners pocketing a humongous sum. Stadium ticket sales are one of the major sources of income for Capitals to earn profit. In a metropolitan city like Delhi, cricket fans do not hesitate to splurge money on match tickets to enjoy the T20 extravaganza.
During the two-year tenure from 2020-22, the stadium got only four matches to host due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During these three years, the franchise couldn’t obtain much amount from ticket sales and ground passes but in 2023, the tournament returned to its typical form, with the home-and-away format allowing franchises to bank upon their tested source of income, yet again.
2. Merchandise sales
DC Merchandise. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Delhi Capitals rely on their merchandise sales as well to strengthen the franchise economically. By selling T-shirts, polos, vests, shorts, hoodies, and more, the franchise not only adds some money to its account but also keeps track of its fan following.
Unlike many other franchises, DC doesn’t have an online retail store but the franchise has roped in Wrogn as its official merchandise and lifestyle partner. Realising the rising trend of merchandise sales, DC stitched an alliance with the Bangalore-based fashion brand to accelerate their sales. The deal between both parties grabbed a lot of eyeballs as it helped DC supporters get easy access to their high-quality products and apparel.
With the support of the illustrious fashion brand, the Delhi-based franchise is striving to reserve a special place in the hearts of its supporters through its top-notch products.
1. Prize money
Delhi Capitals. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)
Delhi Capitals are yet to win the trophy after the completion of 15 editions of the league. In the inaugural edition, DC made it to the knockout stage but lost to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the semi-final. In the following edition, they played a fierce brand of cricket and topped the round-robin stage. However, they again choked in the knockout round after being defeated by Deccan Chargers in the semi-final. In 2012, their campaign again concluded in the playoffs round.
After 12 years of the league, Capitals made their first appearance in the final in 2020. On that huge day, Mumbai Indians (MI), however, assaulted Delhi and shattered their dream of winning the trophy.
Despite failing against Mumbai in the competition’s final, Capitals bagged the prestigious prize money of INR 12.5 crores, their highest-ever amount on account of their position in the league since the inception of the IPL.