BCCI is reportedly planning IPL Expansion 2028 with two new teams. Pune and Vadodara are potential franchise destinations. Check all the details.

IPL Expansion 2028: The Indian Premier League (IPL) could become bigger from the 2028 season, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly exploring plans to introduce two additional franchises. Pune and Vadodara have emerged as potential destinations for the proposed teams, although the cricket board has not made any final announcement.

According to a report by Mint, the BCCI has started examining the possibility of expanding the tournament amid rising franchise valuations and increasing interest from domestic and international investors. The proposed expansion could take the IPL from its current 10-team format to a 12-team competition.

The discussions are still at an early stage, with the board assessing possible locations, commercial opportunities and the long-term financial benefits of adding more franchises.

IPL Expansion 2028: Why Is BCCI Considering Two New Teams?

The reported IPL Expansion 2028 plan comes at a time when the financial value of IPL franchises is increasing rapidly. Recent ownership deals have attracted major business groups and international investors, strengthening the tournament’s position as one of the most valuable sporting leagues globally.

The BCCI is reportedly considering adding two franchises to capitalise on this growing commercial interest. If approved, the new teams could enter the competition from the 2028 season.

Another important factor is the upcoming IPL media rights cycle, which will cover the 2028-2032 period. Introducing additional franchises around this time could create new commercial opportunities for the league and its broadcasting partners.

Reports suggest that each new franchise could command a valuation of more than $1 billion, highlighting the growing business potential of the tournament.

Pune and Vadodara Shortlisted for New IPL Teams

Pune and Vadodara are reportedly among the leading candidates for the proposed franchises.

Pune already has a history with the IPL. The city previously hosted Pune Warriors India, which participated in the tournament from 2011 to 2013 before withdrawing following a financial dispute with the BCCI.

Later, Rising Pune Supergiant represented the city during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The franchise enjoyed an impressive campaign in 2017, reaching the final against Mumbai Indians but losing by just one run.

Vadodara could also become an interesting destination for a new franchise. Located around 110 kilometres from Ahmedabad, the city could further strengthen Gujarat’s presence in Indian cricket. Ahmedabad is already home to Gujarat Titans, one of the existing IPL franchises.

However, neither city has been officially confirmed by the BCCI for the proposed expansion.

Big Investors Showing Interest in IPL Franchises

The possibility of adding new teams has reportedly attracted attention from several major investors.

According to the report, potential buyers include international private equity firm Permira, West Asian sovereign wealth funds, Asian state-backed investment organisations and American family offices.

Several prominent Indian business groups and ultra-high-net-worth individuals are also reportedly exploring opportunities to invest in IPL franchises. Some investors may consider entering through minority ownership rather than acquiring complete teams.

The growing interest reflects how IPL franchises are increasingly viewed as valuable long-term commercial assets.

also read:- Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav Set For SMAT 2026 Return As…

RCB and Rajasthan Royals Deals Increased Franchise Valuations

Two major ownership transactions have played an important role in increasing the market value of IPL teams.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were acquired by a consortium involving the Aditya Birla Group, Bennett Coleman and Co, Blackstone and Bolt Ventures for a reported $1.78 billion.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals were purchased by a group led by the Lakshmi Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla at a reported valuation of $1.65 billion.

These transactions have established new benchmarks for IPL franchise valuations and could influence the pricing of potential new teams.

With such high-value deals taking place, the proposed IPL Expansion 2028 could attract even greater interest from investors looking to enter the cricket business.

When Did IPL Last Expand?

The IPL’s previous major expansion took place ahead of the 2022 season. During that period, two new franchises, Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans, joined the competition.

Their entry increased the number of participating teams from eight to 10, introducing a new format and expanding the tournament’s commercial reach.

Gujarat Titans also made an impressive start, winning the IPL title in their debut season in 2022.

If the latest expansion proposal moves forward, the tournament could once again undergo a major structural change after six seasons.

What Challenges Could BCCI Face Before Adding New Teams?

Although the proposed IPL Expansion 2028 offers significant commercial opportunities, the BCCI will need to examine several important factors before making a final decision.

These include broadcasting demand, stadium infrastructure, financial sustainability and the availability of leading Indian players.

Adding two more franchises would also increase the number of matches, requiring adjustments to the tournament schedule. The board would need to ensure that the expanded competition remains commercially attractive without placing excessive pressure on players and the overall cricket calendar.

For now, the proposal remains under consideration, and there is no official confirmation regarding the new franchises or their locations.

If the plan receives approval, IPL Expansion 2028 could mark another major milestone in the league’s growth, bringing new cities, investors and commercial opportunities into the world’s most popular T20 cricket competition.