IPL Could Add Two New Teams in 2028: Pune and Vadodara Emerge as Frontrunners
The Indian Premier League (IPL) could be heading towards another major expansion, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly exploring the addition of at least two new franchises from the 2028 season.
According to a report published by Moneycontrol, citing a report by Mint, Pune in Maharashtra and Vadodara in Gujarat have emerged as potential destinations for the proposed teams. However, discussions remain at an early stage, and the final choice of cities could change as the plans develop.
The potential expansion comes amid growing commercial interest in the IPL, with franchise valuations rising sharply and investors showing interest in acquiring stakes in the competition.
If the proposal moves forward, the addition of two franchises could expand the league beyond its current 10-team structure and create new opportunities for players, sponsors, broadcasters and cricket fans.
IPL 2028 Expansion: What We Know So Far
The BCCI is reportedly examining the possibility of introducing at least two new IPL teams from the 2028 season. The proposal is expected to align with the league’s next media-rights cycle, which will cover the 2028–2032 period.
Here are the key details from the report:
- Potential expansion: At least two new franchises
- Possible start: IPL 2028
- Cities under consideration: Pune and Vadodara
- Potential valuation: More than US$1 billion for each new franchise
- Current IPL structure: 10 teams
- Status: Early-stage discussions; no official franchise announcement
The proposed expansion is not yet final. The BCCI will need to assess commercial opportunities, investor interest, the cricket calendar and the availability of enough leading Indian players to support additional teams.
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Why Are Pune and Vadodara Being Considered?
Pune and Vadodara are reportedly among the potential host cities because of their cricketing connections and their wider commercial and sporting opportunities.
Both locations could offer the IPL an opportunity to reach additional audiences, although their inclusion in the discussions does not guarantee that either city will receive a franchise.
Pune Has Previous IPL Experience
Pune has a history of hosting IPL teams and already has a connection with the tournament.
The city was previously home to Pune Warriors India, which competed in the league from 2011 to 2013 before exiting following financial disagreements with the BCCI over franchise fees.
Pune later hosted Rising Pune Supergiant during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, when Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended from the competition.
Rising Pune Supergiant reached the IPL final in 2017 but narrowly lost to Mumbai Indians by one run.
This history could make Pune an attractive candidate for a permanent franchise. Its existing cricket audience and previous experience hosting IPL matches may also be useful when assessing the city’s commercial potential.
However, the BCCI has not confirmed Pune as a future franchise location.
Vadodara Could Strengthen Gujarat’s Cricket Presence
Vadodara is another city reportedly under consideration for IPL expansion.
The city has a history of cricket and is located approximately 110 kilometres from Ahmedabad, the home city of Gujarat Titans.
Gujarat has also seen broader efforts to strengthen its position as a sporting destination, with Ahmedabad pursuing ambitions to develop international sporting infrastructure.
A franchise based in Vadodara could potentially expand the IPL’s reach in the state and give local supporters another team to follow.
Nevertheless, questions surrounding stadium facilities, commercial viability, local support and the overall franchise structure would need to be addressed before any decision is made.
New IPL Teams Could Be Valued at More Than $1 Billion
The financial side of the reported expansion is attracting considerable attention.
According to the report, each proposed franchise could command a valuation of more than US$1 billion, reflecting the IPL’s growing commercial appeal.
Recent ownership transactions have established new valuation benchmarks for existing teams. A consortium agreed to acquire Royal Challengers Bengaluru at a reported valuation of US$1.78 billion, while a separate consortium acquired Rajasthan Royals in a transaction valuing the franchise at US$1.65 billion.
These deals highlight the interest that major business groups and investment firms have in the league.
Potential investors reportedly being considered include private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, international investment entities, family offices and prominent Indian business groups.
However, these are reported valuations and expressions of investor interest, not confirmed sale prices for any new IPL franchises. The eventual value of a new team would depend on the BCCI’s tender process, commercial terms and investor demand.
How the 2028 Media-Rights Cycle Could Influence Expansion
The timing of the reported expansion discussions is significant because the IPL’s next media-rights cycle is expected to begin in 2028.
The current 2023–2027 media-rights package was secured for approximately US$6.2 billion, making the IPL one of the most commercially valuable sports competitions in the world.
Adding new teams could increase the number of matches, create more advertising opportunities and potentially expand the league’s audience.
At the same time, expansion would bring additional costs and challenges. Broadcasters would need to assess whether more matches would justify the extra investment, while the BCCI would need to balance commercial growth with the quality of the competition.
A larger tournament would also require a suitable schedule that accommodates international cricket, bilateral series and ICC events.
The media-rights cycle could therefore play an important role in determining whether and how quickly the BCCI proceeds with the proposal.
IPL Last Expanded in 2022
The IPL last expanded before the 2022 season, when Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans joined the competition.
The BCCI awarded the Lucknow franchise to the RPSG Group for approximately US$940 million, while CVC Capital Partners acquired Gujarat Titans for approximately US$750 million.
The addition of those teams increased the competition from eight to 10 franchises and expanded the tournament’s schedule.
Since then, the IPL has continued to grow commercially, attracting international players, sponsors, broadcasters and investors.
If two more teams are introduced in 2028, the league could undergo its next major structural change. However, the number of matches, tournament format and qualification system would depend on the BCCI’s eventual plans.
What Could Two New Teams Mean for Cricket Fans?
An expanded IPL could create new opportunities for cricket fans, particularly in cities that currently do not have their own permanent franchise.
Supporters in Pune or Vadodara could potentially gain a local team, bringing more high-profile matches to their region and creating stronger connections between the league and local cricket communities.
A larger tournament could also provide more squad positions for domestic players, potentially increasing opportunities for emerging Indian cricketers to play alongside established international stars.
Franchises would need additional players to build competitive squads, which could influence future auctions and talent recruitment.
However, expansion would not automatically guarantee more opportunities for every player. The availability of quality domestic talent, team budgets and the balance between Indian and overseas players would remain important considerations.
For fans, the main question will be whether additional teams can improve the competition without making the season excessively long.
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Challenges the BCCI Must Consider Before Expansion
Although the proposed expansion offers commercial possibilities, the BCCI would need to resolve several important issues before confirming new franchises.
1. Availability of Indian players
The IPL depends heavily on leading Indian cricketers. Adding teams would increase demand for quality domestic players, making squad depth and talent development important considerations.
2. International cricket calendar
The IPL must fit into an already crowded cricket schedule. More teams could mean more matches, requiring careful coordination with bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
3. Stadium and infrastructure readiness
Potential host cities would need suitable venues, supporting facilities and the ability to manage large crowds and broadcast requirements.
4. Investor interest and franchise costs
The BCCI would need to determine the commercial terms of the proposed franchises and ensure that interested investors meet its financial and operational requirements.
5. Broadcaster and sponsor demand
Additional matches could create new revenue opportunities, but the commercial benefits would need to justify the added costs and longer schedule.
These considerations will likely influence the timing and final structure of any expansion.
Conclusion
The IPL could add at least two new franchises from the 2028 season, with Pune and Vadodara reportedly emerging as potential host cities. The discussions are still at an early stage, and the BCCI has not officially confirmed the locations or finalised the expansion.
The proposal comes amid rising franchise valuations, growing investor interest and preparations for the next IPL media-rights cycle. If approved, the expansion could bring more matches, new local fan bases and additional opportunities for domestic players.
For now, cricket fans will have to wait for an official announcement from the BCCI before treating the reported plans as confirmed.
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