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Tag: WPL

  • IPL’s surging IPL valuation slides back as gambling ban and media merger collide

    IPL’s surging IPL valuation slides back as gambling ban and media merger collide

    MUMBAI: The Indian Premier League, the commercial behemoth that has redefined cricket economics, is experiencing something unprecedented: contraction. After years of relentless upward momentum, the IPL’s valuation has plummeted to Rs 76,100 crore in 2025—a staggering Rs 16,400 crore collapse over two years. The league that once seemed destined to become sport’s most valuable franchise now faces an altogether different reality: the era of exponential growth has ended.

    Two seismic forces have conspired to puncture cricket’s golden goose. First, India’s crackdown on real-money gaming has eviscerated the advertising market, stripping an estimated Rs 1,500–2,000 crore from annual sponsorship revenues. Second, the 2024 merger of Disney Star and Viacom18 into JioStar eliminated the competitive media rights bidding war that had inflated valuations for over a decade. Together, these shocks have shattered the financial architecture upon which the IPL’s boom was built.

    Fantasy and gaming platforms were the IPL’s most profligate sponsors, lavishing Rs 1,500–2,000 crore annually across league, franchise, and broadcaster deals. Dream11’s Rs 358 crore national jersey sponsorship exemplified this era: premium pricing underpinned by what amounted to speculative betting cash. Then the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act descended like a guillotine. The gaming sponsors evaporated overnight, leaving franchises scrambling to replace lost revenue with comparatively cheaper deals from fast-moving consumer goods, banking, and electric vehicle makers.

    The vacuum revealed an uncomfortable truth: gaming sponsorship wasn’t additional revenue flowing into cricket’s ecosystem. It was unsustainable froth, inflating numbers on spreadsheets rather than building durable commercial value. When it disappeared, so did the illusion of inexhaustible growth.

    For years, competing broadcasters—Star Sports, Sony, Amazon, others—bid ferociously for IPL rights, each convinced that exclusive access to India’s cricket audience justified premium prices. In 2023, with two strong bidders and whispers of global tech giants entering the fray, valuations soared to Rs 92,500 crore. But the promised tech invasion never materialised. Netflix, Amazon, and Apple pivoted away from sports streaming. Disney and Viacom18 merged, eliminating one bidder entirely. The competitive tension that had driven rights auctions simply evaporated.

    D&P Advisory managing partner Santosh N summarised the revised reality: media rights will no longer deliver the 40–50 per cent appreciation once confidently projected. The IPL’s “fundamentals remain strong,” he insisted, but “the pricing environment will remain under pressure.” Translation: viewers will watch, advertising inventory will sell, but sponsors will pay less.

    The Women’s Premier League, still in its formative years, has already buckled. Its ecosystem value fell 5.6 per cent to Rs 1,275 crore in a single year. Unlike the IPL’s entrenched commercial machinery, the WPL lacks pricing resilience. Dream11’s sponsorship withdrawal and the gaming ban have left the BCCI scrambling to secure title sponsors before the next season—a predicament that would have been unthinkable two years ago.

    Amidst the financial carnage, audience enthusiasm remains robust. The 2025 IPL season crossed a billion cumulative viewers, with digital viewership surpassing television for the first time. JioStar recorded 1.19 billion unique viewers and 514 billion minutes watched. Stadium attendance remained strong; travel searches spiked across Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Lucknow during matches. In short, Indians remain obsessed with cricket. They’re simply less willing—or able—to pay premium prices for the privilege.

    The road forward demands what the boom years never required: structural innovation. Subscription bundles, regional packages, commerce integrations, and renewed competitive tension from global streaming platforms must replace the twin engines of gaming sponsorship and auction-driven bidding wars. 

    If they don’t materialise, the IPL faces not terminal decline but permanent diminishment: a mature, cash-generative business rather than the exponential growth machine it once promised to be. For a league built on the premise that tomorrow would always dwarf today, that’s a bitter recalibration indeed.
     

  • Building Digital Communities Through Sincerity: The NoDee Unfiltered Journey

    Building Digital Communities Through Sincerity: The NoDee Unfiltered Journey

    MUMBAI: From Nomaan Unfiltered to NoDee Unfiltered, this unique YouTube channel has stepped up its game by offering viewers unbiased, unfiltered content that leaves an impression.

    With their sincere yet offbeat approach to content, No Dee Unfiltered aims to build a community of like-minded people who are looking for honest reviews and opinions.

    From Nomaan Unfiltered to NoDee Unfiltered: Why the Change

    Nomaan Unfiltered was geared toward delivering content that is bias-free, candid, and direct. NoDee Unfiltered, i.e., a different name but the same channel, took this approach and gave it a revamp.

    But this is not just a revamp or a rebranding. Instead, it is a call for all who enjoy a no-holds-barred commentary to be a part of their journey.

    Today, the Channel, which started its journey by making press conference-based parodies for cricket to highlight the gaps between players and fans, has expanded to a broad range of topics, like movie reviews and opinions on all topics that revolve around daily life.

    Mapping the Market: NoDee Unfiltered’s Target Audience

    Trying to learn what the YouTube audience prize, NoDee Unfiltered found a gaping hole – a lack of channels that are honest in their opinion and content. With a huge amount of subscription-driven and sponsored content, people come across biased content more times than they care to admit or view.

    By expanding their content beyond cricket, NoDee Unfiltered is set to create a larger audience. These people will not just be those who love cricket and need some sharp insights, but people from all walks of life who want to know more.

    Whether it is cricket or a movie review, what a celebrity said to how something can impact you, NoDee Unfiltered offers raw commentary that speaks to the audience instead of the polished content that exists just for entertainment.

    The NoDee Unfiltered Journey: Leveraging the Market Through Experience

    NoDee Unfiltered built its primary listener base with cricket enthusiasts. They provided clear, crisp, and sharp insights on how a match is going to unfold, predicting play-by-plays, and learning what is the true meaning hidden behind a celeb’s words.

    Where other influencers and channels delivered mainstream content, they have set themselves apart with their knowledge, creativity, honesty, and out of the box topics. This approach has helped them create a loyal following that values their input and loves the real-time community experience they are trying to build.

    Today, NoDee Unfiltered has expanded its scope. They are no longer just about cricket commentary and insights. Sure, they still do that, but they are also creatives who challenge the norm, questioning trends, narratives, and creators and calling out the half-truths of mainstream digital content.

    Making an Impact: Top Topics Delivered by NoDee Unfiltered

    NoDee Unfiltered is gearing up to both take the market by storm and build a community loyal to them. Most of their content revolves around cricket, spanning formats and leagues like IPL, WPL, Test Matches, ODIs, T20s, and more.

    A noteworthy and memorable event for NoDee Unfiltered was when they were able to predict a ball-by-ball of a WPL match with surprising accuracy.

    In recent times, NoDee Unfiltered has not shied away from any topic. To garner attention and a bigger audience, they have presented the following: 
    ●    Honest and Witty Teaser Reactions for Upcoming Movies. 
    ●    Movie reviews for both popular and underrated productions. 
    ●    Live Streams of the Cricket matches. 
    ●    Live Streams of WWE matches. 
    ●    Watchalongs for live matches. 
    ●    Inputs on Popular Series and Game Shows. 
    ●    Shorts on social issues with honest opinions. 
    ●    Unfiltered opinions on what’s happening.

    This is a clear show of how they are expanding beyond their usual domain, i.e., cricket and live streams. Further, NoDee Unfiltered presents only true, honest opinions, offering not just entertainment value but unbiased opinions with courage and clarity.

    The Long-Term Plan: A Connected, Loyal Audience

    The two prongs of NoDee Unfiltered, Nomaan and Desai Bhai, are committed to creating honest content that resonates with people. By striking a balance between comedy and honest, unfiltered opinion, the NoDee Unfiltered team approaches every topic and content with raw bravery that is a breath of fresh air.

    They care less for sponsorships and more about presenting the truth to their audience, which is where they deviate from the usual mainstream content creators. Instead of making biased content, which can generate revenue and new sponsorships, they prefer making content that their audience can relate to.

    And what’s more, they experiment with formats to learn what viewers love and want to see more. This confidence and flexibility are rapidly making them the top choice among their viewers.

    The NoDee Unfiltered Promise

    Honest, unbiased commentary with zero hidden promotions and half-truths is what NoDee Unfiltered revolves around. They experiment with different formats to learn what people like best and relate to most. Their fearless approach and sharp insights are why people value their opinion.

    With a commitment to creating not just a channel but a movement, NoDee Unfiltered makes people laugh but also think. Just like the creators, NoDee Unfiltered goes beyond simple, empty entertainment, creating a unique channel that is ready to tackle every topic.

    Thus, it is not just a channel ready to experiment, but one prepared to stay unfiltered in the interests of its audience. 
     

  • District by Zomato aces it as official ticketing partner for World Padel League Season 3

    District by Zomato aces it as official ticketing partner for World Padel League Season 3

    MUMBAI: The World Padel League (WPL) is back and it’s bigger, bolder, and now backed by a brand-new ticketing ace. ‘District by Zomato’ has been announced as the official ticketing partner for Season 3 of the WPL, scheduled from 12-16 August at Nesco Center, Mumbai. Tickets for the league stage are now live on the District app and website.

    From high-speed rallies to global talent across 6 fierce teams, the five-day spectacle promises 11 action-packed matches with two games a day to keep fans on their toes. Courtside seats start at just Rs 999, letting you dive into the drama without breaking the bank.

    Commenting on the partnership, World Padel League spokesperson said, “Our partnership with District by Zomato is a strategic move to enhance fan experience and cater to a larger attendance this season. By making the ticketing process seamless and accessible, we are ensuring that more fans can experience global padel action live, which is crucial for the growth of the sport in India. We are gearing up for an exciting season ahead and we look forward to welcoming padel-lovers courtside, soon!”

    “The impressive growth of padel among urban consumers aligns perfectly with District by Zomato’s culturally-first ethos. It is about identifying and shaping new trends. We’re excited to be the official ticketing partner of the World Padel League, ensuring every fan can easily immerse themselves in the high-energy of live, world-class padel”, said District by Zomato spokesperson.

    It’s the sport taking over social feeds and urban weekends. A sizzling blend of tennis and squash, padel is played in doubles on a glass-walled court. With its quick-fire rallies, strategic rebounds, and social-first appeal, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the fastest-growing sports globally.

    Book early. Get close. Feel the smash. This August, the World Padel League is serving up pure adrenaline and only a few seats remain.

    Book your tickets on: https://link.district.in/DSTRKT/WorldPadelLeagueSeason3

  • Sahil Chopra promoted as associate VP at Viacom18 Media

    Sahil Chopra promoted as associate VP at Viacom18 Media

    Mumbai: Sahil Chopra has been promoted as associate VP at Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. He announced the news via Linkdin post stating, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Associate Vice President at Viacom18 Media Private Limited!”

    Previously, he was associated with JioCinema as senior director – Brand & Sports Marketing, where he was the creative strategy lead for sports portfolio – TATA IPL, BCCI domestic series, Olympics, WPL etc.

    Chopra is a marketing specialist with 11+ years of experience in content marketing across Media platforms. Skilled in creating value for businesses via brands. Trained in Digital Marketing and Social media marketing from the Indian School of business (ISB), Hyderabad and PGDM in Brand Management from MICA.

  • PUMA & Delhi Capitals come together for a multi-year deal

    PUMA & Delhi Capitals come together for a multi-year deal

    Mumbai: Sports brand PUMA India has joined forces with Delhi Capitals as the official kit partner, ahead of the year’s high-powered WPL and IPL season.

    PUMA’s partnership with Delhi Capitals furthers its footprint in the cricketing landscape. With this multi-year alliance, PUMA will also deepen engagement into the capital’s high voltage fandom and tap into the growing pool of sporting talent in the region.

    PUMA’s association with Royal Challengers Bangalore has proven to be a big success in the league.

    As kit partner, PUMA’s logo will be present on the leading arm of the jersey of both the men’s and women’s teams of Delhi Capitals. Inspired by the pulse of the country’s capital, the jersey incorporates the route map of the Delhi Metro Rail – the iconic representation of the city’s enterprising spirit. The players’ kit will also comprise training wear, accessories, travel gear and athleisure, capturing the same design aesthetic as the jersey.

    Commenting on this historic collaboration, PUMA India managing director Karthik Balagopalan,, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Delhi Capitals and begin our association with the young vibrant team. Delhi is emerging as a huge magnet to sporting talent with an inimitable fanbase that has a pulse on the city’s soul and local culture. As a brand, PUMA has continuously championed cricket across levels, and this alliance underscores our commitment towards building the future generation of cricket as well as strong sports merchandising assets. We believe in the power of cricket to unite people, ignite aspirations and are here to push cricket & cricket culture forward.”

    This partnership also reinforces the long-standing relationship between PUMA and Delhi Capital’s parent company JSW through the sports brand’s association with Bengaluru Football Club.

    Jemimah Rodrigues, cricketer and Delhi Capitals’ Vice Captain said, “We’re excited to have PUMA, a brand that’s shown tremendous commitment towards women’s sports, on board with the Delhi Capitals team. We’re thrilled for them to be a part of our journey as we look ahead to another smash hit season of the Women’s Premier League.”

    Commenting on the occasion, Sukhvinder Singh, interim CEO, Delhi Capitals said, “Delhi Capitals is beyond thrilled to partner with PUMA for both our women’s and men’s squads. Being a franchise that focusses on young cricketing talent has always been crucial for us, which makes our association with a youth brand like PUMA an organic one. We’re confident that this partnership which kicks off with the upcoming seasons of the Women’s Premier League & the Indian Premier League is going to be a cracking success.”

    Over the years, PUMA has forged partnerships with diverse sporting teams, encompassing global and Indian football giants such as Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Mumbai City FC, and Bengaluru FC, as well as the both the teams of Royal Challengers Bangalore. The brand also boasts a star-studded lineup of brand ambassadors featuring batting icon Virat Kohli, champion sprinter Usain Bolt, football stars Neymar Jr and Sunil Chhetri, celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom, and cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Mohammed Shami.

    Additionally, PUMA has demonstrated its commitment to support emerging and versatile sports and activities by venturing into the thriving Esports industry in India through kit partnerships with organisations such as Revenant Esports and Orangutan Esports.

  • CricFan TV to exclusively broadcast world’s first women’s cricket chat-show, “Queens of Cricket”

    CricFan TV to exclusively broadcast world’s first women’s cricket chat-show, “Queens of Cricket”

    Mumbai: CricFan TV, today announced the exclusive India broadcast of the world’s first ever women’s cricket chat-show titled “Queens of Cricket”. Shooting for the first of the 20-episode series that features Indian cricketers Radha Yadav and Shikha Pandey, began here at a city studio in the presence of Marc Hayward the driving force behind CricFan TV. The show will go on air with its first episode on the Sports18 network and Jio Cinema on 27 December 2023.

    Sharing his thoughts on the development, Marc Hayward said, “We are thrilled to announce our most significant production to date, “Queens of Cricket,” a ground-breaking chat show format that marks a historic milestone in our commitment to providing captivating content and exceptional experiences for cricket enthusiasts. This ground-breaking show is the first-ever female-focused cricket chat show, designed to celebrate and empower women in sports showcasing the rapid growth of Women’s cricket not just in India but across the world.”

    Set against the backdrop of India, the cricket capital of the world, and anticipating the exponential growth of women’s cricket in the country, “Queens of Cricket” is poised to become a trailblazing force in this emerging era. The 30-minute episodic series that spreads across 20 episodes would feature some prominent names in the world of women’s cricket from India and abroad.

    Hayward further added, “We recognize that women’s cricket in India is on the cusp of becoming the next big decacorn, and this show aims to spotlight the exceptional women cricketers who are not just breaking records but also transcending boundaries, bringing them closer to their fans.

    This momentous occasion signifies our dedication to elevating the profile of women in sports and providing a platform for their extraordinary stories. The format incorporates various interactive fan elements, staying true to the CricFan brand architecture, alongside our acclaimed shows FanZoneTV and Cricket Chrips.

    We are delighted to share that “Queens of Cricket” and our other engaging formats will be available on the Jio Sports platform starting this December and throughout 2024. This marks a significant step forward in our mission to bring immersive and interactive cricket content to audiences, reinforcing our commitment to providing unparalleled fan experiences for cricket lovers throughout India. Stay tuned for an exciting journey with “Queens of Cricket” and the entire CricFan line-up on Jio Sports! “

    Radha Yadav, who has played 67 WT20Is & solitary WODI for India and plays for the Delhi Capitals WPL team, said, “It was truly fun, the questions were interesting and playing games added a delightful touch. Having Shikha Di by my side made it even more fun. I believe young girls and boys watching will find inspiration to be the part of a show like this. Overall, it was a positive experience. As I mentioned, young women will be inspired to pursue a career in cricket and take steps towards supporting their dreams.”

    IAF Squadron Leader Shikha Pandey (retired), who also features in the first episode along with Radha and has 55 WODIs, 62 WT20I and 3 WTests under her belt, said, “Shooting for Queens of Cricket was great fun, especially with Radha alongside me. We have played for the Delhi Capitals together in the last WPL, and she is my Indian team mate as well. The engaging questions and segments made it a memorable experience. Shows like this are important because it not only brings more women cricketers to the ground but also allows fans to connect with us on a personal level. With growing visibility of women’s cricket through platforms like WPL, it’s great to know the personalities behind the game. I am hoping the audience has as much fun watching as we did shooting the episodes.”

    In the last six months, CricFan TV has been diligently forging partnerships and curating a diverse portfolio of fan-driven formats, laying the early-stage foundations for their official launch during IPL 2024. The highly anticipated “Queens of Cricket” will span over 20 episodes, airing throughout the month of December on WPL, Sports18, and Jio Cinema.