Cricket Fever 2025: Why Everyone Is Talking About T20 Leagues as Hot Investment Picks
It’s 2025, and let’s be honest, cricket is no longer just about thrilling sixes or exciting finishes. It’s also where serious money is being made. From billionaires to young entrepreneurs, investors are lining up to be a part of the game, especially in T20 leagues like the IPL, Big Bash, SA20 and the US’s emerging Major League Cricket (MLC). So what’s the reason for this massive interest? Well, cricket, especially the fast-paced T20 version, has grown into a commercial force. Here’s why T20 cricket has become a hot topic in the financial world.
T20: The Fast, Fun Format That’s Taking Over the World
T20 has completely changed the way people watch and enjoy cricket. It’s short, exciting, and perfect for today’s fast, scrolling, streaming generation. This year, the IPL scored an all-time high with 800 million viewers worldwide, up 15% from 2024! It’s not just a cricket match; it’s Super Bowl-level attention-grabbing.
In the US, the MLC is growing in popularity. Cities like New York and Dallas are hosting packed games with over 50,000 fans, and it’s only in its third season. SA20 in South Africa also did well, generating sponsorship deals worth $30 million. T20 isn’t just a trend, it’s becoming a global business movement.
And don’t forget social media. A single highlight of an IPL match can be viewed 10 million times in a day. This kind of online discussion is making cricket a gold mine for brands and investors.
Why Big Investors Are Betting on T20 Leagues
Let’s talk about money. The IPL alone is now worth around $12 billion. How is it earning so much? Well, first, let’s talk about media rights. Between 2023 and 2027, these deals generated over $6 billion in revenue. Viacom18 paid $3 billion just for digital rights!
Then let’s talk about sponsorships. Brands like Dream11, Paytm and Tata invested over $200 million for IPL 2025. Leagues like the BBL also saw brands like Toyota and KFC increase their ad spends by 12%. Brands consider cricket as their go-to destination.
And it’s not just about ads. Owning a team is like buying a growing tech startup. Investors paid $120 million for the first MLC franchise in 2023. As of now, teams like the New York Liberty are already worth $35 million. Mukesh Ambani, Ryan Reynolds… big names have jumped in. Why? Because T20 franchises are growing rapidly.
New Ways to Invest in Cricket Without Owning a Team
Buying a team sounds great, but what if you’re not a billionaire? Don’t worry, there are still ways to invest smartly.
Take branding and sponsorship, for example. Tech companies like Cred and fintech players like PhonePe have signed multi-year deals to get their names out during matches. That kind of visibility among millions of viewers? Priceless.
Then there’s digital. Streaming platforms are booming thanks to cricket. Disney+ Hotstar added five million subscribers during IPL 2025 alone. If you’re investing in stocks, think about these platforms—they’re directly tied to cricket’s growth. Even Dream11 is raking it in, with 200 million users and an $8 billion valuation this year.
Real estate near stadiums is also heating up. Property prices around venues like Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium are up 10% this year. More matches mean more tourism, and that’s driving up demand.
The Risks You Should Know
Of course, no investment is without its risks. With so many new leagues launching, like the ILT20 and LPL, the market is getting crowded. Some leagues are struggling to attract star players or fans. The ILT20, for example, had scheduling issues that caused a dip in viewership this year.
Then there’s the economic side. Brands are tightening budgets due to inflation, and some are pulling back on ad spending. Smaller leagues are feeling the pinch, with the CPL even reporting a $2 million loss this year.
And player burnout is real. Even top stars like Virat Kohli had to skip matches during IPL 2025 to manage their schedules. That affects the quality of the matches and fan excitement.
Future of Cricket Investments
Looking ahead, the future still looks bright. AI is transforming how fans watch cricket. Platforms like Cricbuzz are using AI to show customized highlights, which has boosted user engagement by 25%. Tech companies working on this stuff could be a great long-term bet.
Women’s cricket is another big area to watch. The Women’s Premier League saw 300 million viewers this year, a 40% jump! Brands are investing more, and the momentum is building fast.
India and Sri Lanka are co, hosting the 2025 T20 World Cup, which is set to bring in more fans, tourists, and yes, investors. Experts say franchise valuations could rise another 10–15% after the tournament. So if you’ve been waiting for the right time, now might be it.
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