IPL 2023-27 Media Rights: Tech-giant Apple fuels up tussle

As the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) released the Invitation-To-Tender (ITT) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023-27 media rights, it has come to notice that all the broadcasting giants have already bought the document. While TV18-Viacom, Zee, Sony, Disney and Amazon are interested in putting the IPL armoury in their bag, another unnamed company has entered the bidding war.

Adding further to the list, a TOI report claims that the tech-giants, Apple, will also go for the sought-after tender document next week. In addition, the report mentioned that the BCCI is eyeing to raise revenue close to USD 7.2 billion during the e-auction, which is scheduled for the second week of June.

The set ITT deadline is May 10, and the following 30 days will be used in case clarifications are needed by the purchasers of the document.

"Transparency will be the key, and the revenues coming from sale or rights will be directed to India's domestic structure, better infrastructure and welfare of the cricketing fraternity," BCCI secretary Jay Shah said as quoted by TOI.

Notably, the BCCI has decided to divide the tender into four packages, needing the bidding parties to submit separate bids for each category: 

1. Television rights for India subcontinenT
2. Digital rights 
3. A cluster of 18 matches (season opener, four playoffs, evening matches of weekend double-headers)
4. Rest of the World

The base price of the entire package has been set as INR 32,890 crores by the BCCI, including the pre-match base price of television rights at INR 49 crores, INR 33 crores for the digital rights, INR 16 crores for the 18 matches and rest of the world at INR 3 crores. 

Overall, 74 matches per season have been considered as of now, but the increase in games will lead to more money flowing from broadcaster's pockets on a pro-rata basis.

"The packages have been divided in a manner where it ensures maximum participation. This will keep the competition intense, transparent and allow BCCI to maximise its revenue potential to the fullest," BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told TOI.

The E-auction will run for two days, of which the first will be spent on the sale of packages of the initial two categories, while the final day will see the other two categories being sold. 

Only an Indian broadcaster with a net worth of more than INR 1,000 crore as of March 31, 2021, can bid for Package A. To bid on Packages B, C and D, the net worth of INR 500 crore is a must.

It is worth mentioning that only an Indian broadcaster, an Indian internet operator or an Indian mobile company alone can bid for Package B. However, by joining forces with an international broadcaster, an international internet operator, or an international mobile company, they can submit Packages C and D bids.