Top 10 Richest Cricket League In The World In 2026

The IPL is the wealthiest cricket league in the world and is the only league to do so much. The IPL, which began in 2008, changed the cricket industry from how the game was watched to how it is now monetized. The IPL has franchising, star players, sold-out stadiums, and enormous audiences watching on television. In 2022, an increase of 2.3 times in either fans or sponsors was achieved when IPL media rights were sold for 2023-2027 for $6.2 billion, the highest previous amount ever for a media rights contract. Despite declining from 2023, due to increased brand value of 2.7 times, to $9.6 billion by 2025, the IPL has maintained its position. Its extraordinary commercial capability and devotion of fans have done so.

The ILT20, which began in 2023 in the UAE, is now one of the most popular cricket leagues globally and has an immediate impact due to the financial backing of significant corporate investors and state-of-the-art facilities. The ILT20 has become the premier league for international cricket players, as it has the resources and ability to pay them top dollar. Its location, tax-friendly environment, and international reach are ideal settings to allow for its rapid expansion within the world T20 marketplace.

The SA20 in South Africa started in 2023 and was able to gain respect quickly. The SA20 was created when IPL franchise owners purchased teams for the league and, therefore, provided it with financial security from the beginning of the league. With excellent sponsorships, growing sold-out stadiums, and solid broadcasting partnerships, the SA20 grew swiftly and is now considered one of the more commercially successful leagues in Africa.

The Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia was developed to be a more entertaining and accessible version of the sport and has been successful since its debut in 2011. Due to its city-based franchises and summer schedule, the BBL has drawn large television audiences. Although the annual revenue ($60 million) is less than the IPL, it is currently one of the most popular sports leagues in Australia.

England launched The Hundred in 2021 as a new approach to Cricket by focusing on innovation. By having a shorter format, strong branding, and ensuring equal prominence for Women's Cricket, The Hundred successfully attracted many new fans. Major broadcast partners (BBC, Sky Sports) provided additional exposure and made it the most valuable of the new leagues currently being developed in World Cricket.

Major League Cricket started in 2023 in the USA with immense potential. The league has backing from IPL stakeholders and individual investors and aims to capitalize on the huge size of the American sports market. The rapidly growing league has a promising business model, several international signings, and significant media interest. This is why we expect MLC to enjoy sustained long-term growth potential.

Since launching in 2016, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has increased significantly and has become fully hosted within Pakistan. This was made possible by broadcasting partnerships and corporate sponsorships totaling $36 million per year to make the PSL one of South Asia's premier professional cricket leagues.

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has been an essential part of Bangladesh cricket since its inception in 2012. The size of the market is considerably smaller than the larger leagues; however, consistent growth, international players' presence, and domestic interest keep the league monetarily viable.

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is unique for blending cricket with Caribbean culture. Tourism, enthusiastic crowds, and global interest allow the league to be sustained financially while developing local cricketers.

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) is Sri Lanka's only major franchise tournament and began play in 2020. Although it operates at a much smaller scale than larger leagues, the LPL continues to receive sponsorship, domestic broadcasts, and an increase in international participants, which continues to enhance the LPL's value.

The four leagues above show that T20 cricket has evolved into a global business as opposed to being just a sport.