IPL 2023: Lalit Modi, the creator of the Indian Premier League (IPL), became emotional as the league celebrated its 1000th game. Modi predicted that the IPL would soon overtake the National Football League (NFL) as the world’s top league in any sport. The IPL’s value has skyrocketed, and its media rights costs have multiplied by more than six times. IPL is just behind the NFL in terms of value but in terms of viewership, it is no 1. Follow Indian Premier League 2023 Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.
Speaking to Cricbuzz from his London residence, he reflected on the league’s growth, stating that it had become the second-biggest league in the world in terms of value and number one in terms of viewership. In addition, Modi expressed confidence that IPL would soon overtake the NFL and will continue to grow stronger as the vast number of Indians follow cricketers.
IPL 2023: Lalit Modi predicts IPL will surpass NFL
“It’s all because of the fans and how they have embraced the league. It’s only looking like it is growing from strength to strength. It won’t be long before the IPL becomes the No. 1 league in any sport in the world. It is behind the NFL now, No. 2 currently. Going by the rate and speed of the IPL’s growth, that day is not too far,” said Modi.
“It’s really an emotional time. It is amazing to see the IPL grow so fast and become the second biggest league in the world in terms of value. In terms of viewership, it is No 1. More important than that is the number of youngsters we have seen in the landscape of the country. And the infrastructure that has come up across India. That is the byproduct of the IPL’s growth,” he added.
While talking about IPL, Modi recalled his statement in 2009 that the IPL was recession-proof. This statement has proven to be true as the league has continued to thrive despite global economic downturns. Modi also expressed his gratitude to the fans, players, stakeholders, and regulators for their support in making the IPL a success.
IPL vs NFL
Modi established the IPL in 2008 with eight teams, and since then, the league has grown significantly in all aspects. Its worth has increased tremendously and currently stands at over $10 billion. The media rights cost has also multiplied by more than six times, reaching a staggering $6.2 billion (Rs 48,390 crore). IPL makes a revenue of $10 billion in 2022.
In 2021, the National Football League (NFL) earned $16 Billion and the amount is only expected to rise. In 2022, Amazon acquired the exclusive broadcasting rights for Thursday Night Football on its streaming service for an annual contract value of around 1.2 billion U.S. dollars. On the other hand, Disney’s partnership with ESPN for airing Monday Night Football was estimated at a whopping 2.7 billion U.S. dollars per year.
Talking about the growth of IPL, Lalit Modi praised the BCCI, under Jay Shah & co, for its handling of the IPL. Noting that the league had progressed well and achieved its goals. He also pointed out that the IPL had been a boon for players, with many becoming millionaires overnight. And for teams, with all of them seemingly making profits.
While acknowledging that there is always room for improvement, Modi acknowledged the league’s impressive growth and success over the years. He credited the BCCI for doing a tremendous job in recent years, particularly in eliminating controversies and moving forward. The IPL has undoubtedly achieved its goals and is a shining example of India’s dominance in cricketing circles.
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