Pakistan Super League franchise to seize broadcast rights as PCB closes in on historic deal

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is nearing the finalization of its most expensive commercial deal ever for the Pakistan Super League (PSL). As per The Express Tribune, a PKR 18 billion media rights contract for the PSL is on the table, and the proposed deal is expected to set a new benchmark for sports broadcasting.

The upcoming season of the PSL is set to begin on March 26. Notably, the league’s growth has raised the value of media rights. The PSL schedule clashes with the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the second consecutive time, which could limit the availability of overseas stars for the T20 tournament in Pakistan.

Pakistan Cricket Board Eye Record PKR 4.5 Billion-Per-Year PSL Media Rights Deal

The PCB recently opened bidding for a four-year media rights deal for the Pakistan Super League, but two major sports channels were disqualified after failing to clear long-pending dues. Despite being given additional time, the broadcasters did not settle their liabilities.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

According to The Express Tribune, a company that already owns a PSL franchise has emerged as the frontrunner. The bid is valued at PKR 4.5 billion per year, taking the total deal to around PKR 18 billion over four years. If finalized, it would become the most expensive broadcast agreement in PSL history.

The matches are likely to be aired on Pakistan Television (PTV), the state broadcaster. Meanwhile, the two disqualified channels reportedly owe the PCB PKR 4.7 billion and more than PKR 600 million, respectively, which ultimately ruled them out of the bidding process.

PCB Bars Consortium Bids to Ensure Fair Competition in PSL Media Rights Auction

The PCB has changed its rules for the PSL media rights bidding process. Broadcasters are not allowed to form consortiums. The board has taken this step to avoid any kind of collusion and ensure fair competition.

Companies can place bids separately for television and digital streaming rights. Each bid requires a security deposit of PKR 100 million. The winning bidder’s deposit will be adjusted, while the others will receive refunds.

The PCB has not revealed the reserve price yet. However, estimates suggest broadcast rights could be valued at around PKR 18 billion, while digital streaming rights may start at PKR 6 billion and go up to PKR 7 billion.

PSL Expansion Boosts Media Rights Value Ahead of 11th Season

The PSL will see the number of matches increase from 34 to 44 following the addition of two new teams. The ten-match rise per season makes the proposed four-year media rights deal comparable in value to an earlier five-year contract. The 11th edition of the PSL is scheduled to begin on March 26.

Despite the expansion, costs are also rising, with production expenses crossing PKR 1 billion last year. One media channel in the bidding race was previously blacklisted and is not expected to submit a strong offer, leaving the field open for a company linked to a PSL franchise.

Under PCB rules, any broadcast deal worth more than PKR 3 billion will see part of the surplus set aside to sign iconic foreign players, with USD 500,000 reserved for that purpose. The remaining surplus will be shared, with 80% going to the PCB and 20% to the franchises.

Also read: Shahid Afridi humiliates Shadab Khan with savage ‘BETA’ taunt