IPL 2024: Aditya Birla Group Bids For Title Sponsorship, Eyes Five-Year Commitment In High-Stakes Deal - Reports

Aditya Birla Group (ABG) has intensified the competition for the title rights of the Indian Premier League (IPL). According to reports, Aditya Birla Group has proposed an annual bid of Rs. 500 crore for the title rights over the next five years, totaling Rs. 2500 crore.

The BCCI has set a yearly fee of Rs. 350 crore for the title sponsorship rights of the IPL. Tata Sons had previously paid Rs. 670 crore for the seasons of 2022 and 2023. There are plans to increase the number of matches to 84 in 2025 and 2026, and further to 94 in 2027.

Aditya Birla Group Shows Interest In IPL Title Sponsorship

As per the rules established by the BCCI, the Tata Group holds the primary right of refusal but is required to match the highest bid to secure the IPL title rights. The deadline for bidding was 5 pm on Friday, following the issuance of the tender on December 12, 2023.

As reported by the Times of India, Aditya Birla Group opted not to comment on the IPL title rights matter and stated their intention to assess the situation. In response, a Tata Group executive mentioned, “We will evaluate the IPL rights issue.”

Despite the 2024 general elections, the IPL is reportedly scheduled to take place as planned. Notably, the first half of the IPL 2014 occurred in the United Arab Emirates. In 2009, the entire season was conducted in South Africa due to scheduling challenges.

Fantasy Gaming Companies Banned From IPL Title Sponsorship

The BCCI has excluded fantasy gaming companies from bidding for the title sponsorship of IPL 2024. Additionally, the BCCI has hinted at refraining from entertaining bids from Chinese companies or brands due to diplomatic considerations.

“While specific countries or brands have not been mentioned explicitly, the BCCI’s decision stems from the public backlash and a negative experience with Vivo, a Chinese smartphone maker. This situation arose in the aftermath of the border standoff between India and China. Subsequently, Vivo chose to exit from the five-year sponsorship agreement, relinquishing the rights to the Tata Group,” as quoted by Cricbuzz.

A crucial clause in the Invitation to Tender (ITT) reads, “Each bidder which is a corporate entity must not be incorporated in a jurisdiction/territory with which India does not have a friendly relation. In the event, any corporate(s) which is a shareholder or a proposed shareholder in the Bidder is incorporated in a jurisdiction/territory with which India does not have friendly relations, the Bidder will be required to provide a detailed chart of the shareholding in such Bidder or it ultimate Parent Company and the details of ultimate owners/beneficiaries of all shareholders which are body corporate in such Bidder or its ultimate Parent Company along with the Bid Documents as a material obligations.”

The report further added that the second edition of the Women’s Premier League is set to kick off in Bangalore before shifting to Delhi. The WPL 2024 is scheduled to commence in late February and conclude by mid-March. The inaugural tournament was held across DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai last March.

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