How NPL Teams Make Money: Unlocking the Business of Cricket
The Nepal Premier League (NPL) is now one of the very popular cricket events in Nepal within a short period. This event not only encourages local cricketing talent; it also serves a business line for franchise owners.Â
You must have heard about the financial struggles of team owners in the previous T20 Leagues in Nepal, which were always highlighted in various media. However, the fact is the opposite in the case of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). It has created a more sustainable and lucrative environment for team participation. Such comprehensive planning and diverse streams of income have guaranteed various ways through which the NPL team is going to earn profit.Â
So in this article, we are discussing the sources of income for the NPL teams as well as How this league has made history in Nepal cricket statistics.
1. Sponsorships and Brand Collaborations
Sponsorship is an important source of revenue to NPL teams. Each franchise cooperates with the local or international partner of its choice, usually for financial purposes and to get more marketing reach.
For example: Kathmandu Gurkhas have tied up with BYD, which is one of the global electric vehicle brands, as their title sponsor.Â
Sudurpaschim Royals have got support from Ncell, one of the leading telecom companies in Nepal. These sponsorships cover player expenses, team operations, and event promotions.
Usually, sponsorships come with jersey branding, player endorsements, and advertising on the ground. The sponsors, in turn, get to showcase their brand during live matches, which are broadcast across the country and streamed online. For the teams, such types of deals assure some regular income and enhance the overall image about them.
2. Broadcast Rights Revenue
Star Sports has acquired the broadcast rights for the NPL in 2024, which has been an essential step towards the league’s existence.
The revenues generated from these rights will be shared between the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and the franchise owners. The matches of NPL, which will be international, will now also touch an audience from all over the world making them more valuable.
3. Ticket Sales
Ticket sales are one of the biggest sources of revenue for a team. The league made ticket prices from NPR 300 for the general admission ticket to NPR 500 for a VIP seat depending on the match for the very first season of the NPL.
Typically, about 10 to 15 percent of the ticket revenues go to the league organizers, and the other part is shared between the teams and stadium management.
High demand for tickets is evidenced by the fact that all the tickets for the opening matches were sold out. This really shows how profitable this can be.
4. Merchandising
Franchise-branded merchandise, such as jerseys, caps, and accessories, plays a very important role in building the revenue sources, whereas fans proudly wear their team jerseys.
The merchandising spikes up when it is the season for the league. Buying online or through local stores is also made easier with teams collaborating with e-commerce platforms like Daraz, providing an avenue to reach many customers.Â
5. Digital Media and Online Engagement
Through social media and YouTube, franchises have used these platforms to interact with fans and earn money from such through exclusive posts featuring behind-the-scenes content, highlights of matches, and exclusive interviews.
Such posts lead to generating revenue from ads. For example, the activity of online channels such as Facebook that the Lumbini Lions maintain has helped secure more sponsorship deals.
Also Read : ANFA Plans New International-Standard Football Stadium in Nepal
Final words
The Nepal Premier League (NPL) has made a mark in the history of cricket in Nepal. The league has actually brought a professional franchise-based model of operations and in its way has raised the stature of Nepali cricket domestically and globally. With a unique blend of local talent and international stars, the NPL has attracted the attention of fans, sponsors, and media creating a long-lasting ecosystem for the sport in Nepal.
This league has opened a new chapter in the history of cricket in this country with a better foundation to grow, invest and succeed in the years to come.
Which NPL team do you support? Let us know in the comment below!Â
