The IPL (Indian Premier League) isn’t just about cricket—it’s a massive business powerhouse that’s been shaking up India’s economy since 2008. Every year, it pulls in millions of viewers, fuels brand rivalries, and pumps money into everything from advertising to hospitality.
Now, with the 2025 season around the corner, investors and market watchers are buzzing with one big question: How will the IPL impact the Indian stock market this time?
This deep dive looks at how the league has influenced the market in the past, the psychological factors that drive investor behavior during the season, and what’s new for 2025 that could shake things up. Plus, certain industries—like media, consumer goods, and even aviation—tend to see major action during this cricket season. Understanding these trends could give investors an edge.
So, whether you’re a cricket fan, an investor, or just curious about the business side of the game, let’s break down the the event’s financial impact and what it could mean for the stock market this year.
History of Indian Premiere League
The Indian Premier League (IPL) isn’t just a cricket tournament—it’s a global spectacle that has redefined the sport by blending high-octane action with entertainment and big business.
Since its inception, it has transformed the way cricket is played, watched, and even marketed.
How It All Started
Back in 2007, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced the IPL, a franchise-based T20 league envisioned by Lalit Modi.
The idea? To bring together top cricketers from around the world and create a high-energy league that would captivate fans.
The first season kicked off in April 2008 with eight city-based teams, marking the beginning of a cricketing revolution.
Big Money, Big Teams
The franchise auction in January 2008 saw jaw-dropping bids, with the eight teams collectively selling for over $723 million—far beyond initial estimates.
Some of the biggest names in business and Bollywood got involved:
| Team | Owner(s) | Team Worth (in million USD) |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | Reliance Industries | ₹9,287.7 crore |
| Bangalore Royal Challengers (RCB) | Vijay Mallya’s UB Group | ₹9,262.8 crore |
| Hyderabad Deccan Chargers (DC) | Deccan Chronicle | ₹8,881 crore |
| Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | India Cements | ₹7,553 crore |
| Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals – DC) | GMR Group | ₹6,972 crore |
| Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings – PBKS) | Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia, and others | ₹6,308 crore |
| Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | Red Chillies Entertainment & Mehta Group | ₹6,232.47 crore |
| Rajasthan Royals (RR) | Emerging Media | ₹5,561 crore |
A Dream Debut & Instant Success
On April 18, 2008, the first match of this league saw Kolkata Knight Riders take on Royal Challengers Bangalore. The season ended with Rajasthan Royals, led by Shane Warne, lifting the trophy—setting the stage for the event’s explosive growth.
Expansion, Challenges & Evolution
Over the years, IPL has seen teams come and go. New franchises like Pune Warriors and Kochi Tuskers joined but later exited.
The Deccan Chargers became Sunrisers Hyderabad, and CSK and RR faced suspensions before making a grand comeback.
In 2022, the league expanded to ten teams, welcoming Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants.
A Global Phenomenon
Today, Indian Premiere League isn’t just about cricket—it’s a billion-dollar industry that has inspired leagues worldwide. Its mix of sports, entertainment, and massive brand sponsorships makes it one of the most valuable and followed leagues in the world.
From record-breaking viewership to game-changing sponsorship deals, IPL is more than a tournament—it’s a movement that has reshaped cricket forever.
How IPL Affects the Indian Economy and Stock Markets
The Indian Premier League (IPL) isn’t just about thrilling sixes and nail-biting finishes—it’s a financial powerhouse that fuels industries far beyond the cricket field.
From massive sponsorship deals to stock market trends, let’s break down how this mega tournament influences India’s economy and businesses.
Big Money Game: The Event’s Revenue Machine
The entire event’s cash flow is a mix of broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise. In 2022, the BCCI secured a record-breaking ₹48,390 crore (around $6.4 billion) media rights deal for the 2023-2027 seasons. That’s more than what some global sporting leagues generate!
- Sponsorship Frenzy: Brands line up to be associated with this event, spending big to get their names on jerseys, stadiums, and TV ads.
- Ticket Sales & Merch: Fans pour into stadiums and online stores, making match days a goldmine for teams and retailers.
- Streaming & Ads: With millions glued to their screens, this cricket fiesta’s advertising revenue skyrockets, benefiting broadcasters and digital platforms.
The result? A cricket league that’s not just about sports—it’s a multi-billion-dollar business.
Jobs, Travel, and Hospitality: Event’s Economic Ripple Effect
The Indian Premiere League isn’t just making money; it’s creating jobs—lots of them.
- Direct Jobs: Think cricketers, coaches, team managers, and ground staff.
- Indirect Jobs: The tournament fuels demand in hotels, airlines, event management, tourism, and media. Local vendors, taxi drivers, and food stalls also thrive when IPL fever hits town.
A KPMG study found that in 2021 alone, IPL added ₹11.5 billion (around $182 million) to India’s GDP. That’s the kind of impact that goes way beyond the stadium!
The league has become a significant event in India, not only as a sporting spectacle but also for its economic implications. Its influence extends to various sectors of the economy, including the stock market. This analysis explores historical stock market performance during the cricket seasons and identifies categories of stocks that have historically benefited during this period.
Historical Stock Market Performance During IPL Seasons
The impact of the IPL on the Indian stock market has varied over the years, influenced by a combination of the tournament and other prevailing economic factors. Here’s an overview of market trends during specific cricket seasons:
- 2009 Season: The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex experienced a significant bullish trend, gaining approximately 26% during the league’s season. This surge was largely attributed to the political stability brought about by the re-election of the incumbent United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, which boosted investor confidence.
- 2010 Season: The market remained relatively neutral, with high inflation rates counterbalancing potential gains. The Sensex showed minimal movement during this period.
- 2015 Season: A bullish trend was observed, with the Sensex gaining approximately 3% during the cricket season. Positive investor sentiments and economic indicators contributed to this upward movement.
- 2016 Season: The market experienced a bearish phase, with the Sensex declining by about 4%. This downturn was influenced by global economic uncertainties and cautious investor behavior.
- 2020 Season: Held amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the IPL season saw the Sensex decline by approximately 3%. The pandemic’s impact on sectors like travel, hospitality, and retail, coupled with overall economic uncertainty, contributed to this decline.
It’s important to note that while the IPL can influence market dynamics, other factors such as political events, global economic conditions, and investor sentiments play a significant role in determining market performance during the IPL season.
Categories of Stocks That Perform Better During IPL
Certain sectors have historically shown improved performance during the IPL season due to increased consumer engagement and spending. These include:
- Media and Broadcasting: Companies involved in broadcasting IPL matches often see increased viewership, leading to higher advertising revenues. For instance, networks holding broadcasting rights experience a surge in ad sales during the tournament.
- Consumer Goods and Beverages: The IPL season often leads to increased consumption of snacks and beverages as viewers enjoy matches at home or in social gatherings. Companies in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, such as those producing snacks and soft drinks, may see a boost in sales during this period.
- Hospitality and Tourism: The influx of fans traveling to attend matches can lead to higher occupancy rates in hotels and increased business for travel agencies. The hospitality sector often benefits from the increased footfall during the IPL season.
- Fantasy Sports and Online Gaming: The popularity of fantasy sports platforms tends to rise during the IPL, leading to increased user engagement and revenue for companies in this sector.
- Retail and Merchandise: Sales of team merchandise, such as jerseys and accessories, typically see an uptick during the IPL season, benefiting companies involved in manufacturing and retailing these products.
Stock Market & Business Impact: Which Sectors Score Big?
IPL isn’t just entertainment—it influences India’s financial markets too. Some industries see a surge in sales and stock prices, while others experience temporary dips in trading activity.
- Media & Streaming: Broadcasters and streaming platforms rake in advertising revenue as millions tune in. Companies like TV18 and Disney Star see a spike in business.
- Consumer Goods: IPL season = higher demand for snacks, soft drinks, TVs, and even smartphones, as people prep for match nights.
- Hospitality & Travel: Hotels, airlines, and local businesses in IPL-hosting cities get a major business boost from traveling fans and teams.
While the IPL season sometimes causes a slight dip in stock market trading volumes (because traders are busy watching matches!), this effect is temporary and doesn’t impact long-term market trends.
Psychology & Investing: How IPL Fever Affects the Market Psychology
The excitement of IPL doesn’t just stay on the field—it spills into the stock market.
- Investor Sentiment: The festival-like vibe of IPL can boost confidence in certain sectors, leading to increased investments.
- Herd Mentality: With so many brands tied to IPL, investors often flock toward companies associated with the tournament, sometimes driving stock prices up based on hype alone.
While IPL can temporarily sway investor behavior, long-term market trends remain driven by broader economic factors.
IPL 2025: What’s Next?
The 18th edition of IPL, scheduled from March 22 to May 25, 2025, will feature 10 teams and 74 matches across 13 venues. Here’s what to expect:
- Bigger Sponsorships: New brands will fight for a piece of IPL’s massive viewership, influencing stock movements in advertising and retail sectors.
- Tech Upgrades: Expect enhanced streaming, augmented reality (AR) features, and interactive fan experiences that could impact the stock performance of media and tech companies.
As IPL continues to evolve, so will its economic and business influence—proving that it’s much more than just a game!
Which Stocks will Benefit from IPL?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just about cricket—it drives business across multiple industries.
From media companies to food delivery services, many sectors see a boost during the IPL season. Here’s a look at the ones that benefit the most.
Media & Broadcasting
- IPL attracts millions of viewers, increasing ad revenue for broadcasters and streaming platforms.
- Companies with media rights or OTT platforms see higher engagement.
- Examples: TV networks, OTT platforms, advertising agencies.
Consumer Goods & FMCG
- More matches mean more people snacking at home or in public screenings.
- Sales of chips, soft drinks, and beer typically rise.
- Examples: Packaged food brands, beverage companies, and alcohol manufacturers.
E-commerce & Online Shopping
- Online platforms run IPL-themed discounts, boosting sales.
- Demand for jerseys, team merchandise, and accessories increases.
- Examples: E-commerce platforms, online fashion brands.
Hospitality & Tourism
- Fans travel for matches, leading to higher hotel bookings and flight sales.
- Restaurants and sports bars see an increase in customers.
- Examples: Hotels, airlines, travel booking platforms, sports lounges.
Fantasy Sports & Gaming
- Fantasy leagues and gaming apps see a surge in users.
- More players mean higher ad revenue and in-app purchases.
- Examples: Fantasy sports platforms, online gaming companies.
Sportswear & Apparel
- Demand for jerseys, cricket gear, and sportswear rises.
- Footwear brands also see increased sales.
- Examples: Sports apparel brands, footwear manufacturers.
Digital Payments & Fintech
- Online transactions increase due to ticket bookings, food orders, gaming, and shopping.
- Digital wallet and UPI transactions see a jump.
- Examples: Payment processors, digital wallets, fintech companies.
Logistics & Delivery Services
- More IPL screenings lead to higher demand for food delivery.
- Online shopping boosts shipments and deliveries.
- Examples: Courier services, food delivery platforms.
Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR)
- Fast food chains see more home deliveries and takeout orders.
- IPL-themed offers and combo deals drive higher sales.
- Examples: Pizza chains, fast-food brands, restaurant franchises.
Telecom & Internet Providers
- Streaming IPL matches increases data consumption.
- Mobile recharges and internet pack purchases go up.
- Examples: Telecom companies, internet service providers.
What Can a Common Investor Do During IPL 2025?
IPL isn’t just about cricket—it also shakes up the stock market. If you’re an investor, here’s how you can make the most of it:
- Spot the Winning Sectors: Keep an eye on media, FMCG, e-commerce, hospitality, and fintech stocks. These sectors usually see a boost during IPL.
- Look for Short-Term Trades: Stocks linked to fantasy gaming, online shopping, and food delivery often experience short-term spikes. If you’re into trading, this could be your moment.
- Think Long-Term: The IPL hype can cause stock fluctuations, but don’t make impulsive moves. Stick to companies with solid fundamentals.
- Beware of FOMO Investments: Not every stock riding the IPL wave will sustain its rally. Avoid investing just because it’s trending.
- Diversify & Manage Risk: If you’re investing in IPL-linked stocks, balance them out with stable sectors like IT or pharma to minimize volatility.
- Track Market Sentiment: Investor psychology plays a huge role during IPL. Keep an eye on trends and trading volumes to make informed decisions.
Bottom Line
The IPL isn’t just a cricket tournament—it’s a full-blown money fest where industries hit jackpot season. Broadcasters cash in on skyrocketing ad revenues, brands spend big bucks on sponsorships, and food delivery apps brace for record-breaking orders. Even airlines, hotels, and local businesses ride the IPL wave, turning every match night into an economic goldmine.
Now, the stock market might get a little jumpy during IPL season—some sectors win big, while others take a backseat. But seasoned investors know better than to get bowled over by short-term swings. Just like a T20 match, markets can be unpredictable, but true wealth is built by playing the long game.
So, whether you’re watching for the sixes or the stocks, one thing’s certain—IPL 2025 is set to shake things up. Players will be smashing records, brands will be making bank, and fans will be glued to their screens, living every moment.
But here’s the million-dollar question: if IPL teams were stocks, would RCB finally break the jinx and give better returns than your dad’s favorite fixed deposit? 📊
Or are we looking at another season of “almost there”?👀🏏
Is this what happens with you when you and your friend supports different teams in the tournament?🤭
Let us know in the comments section below!😉
FAQs
Does IPL affect the stock market in India?
The impact of the event on the Indian stock market is nuanced. While the tournament boosts revenues in sectors like media, advertising, consumer goods, and hospitality, its direct influence on overall market indices like the BSE Sensex is inconsistent.
Historical data indicates that the league’s season does not consistently exert a negative or positive influence on the stock market, as other macroeconomic factors often play a more significant role.
Is the Premier League on the stock market?
No, the teams aren’t listed on the stock market. However, some parent companies, like Reliance Industries (Mumbai Indians), are publicly traded. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has unlisted shares available through private markets.
While you can’t directly invest in the league’s participating teams, you can gain indirect exposure through related stocks.
How to buy an IPL share?
Direct investment in the league’s teams is generally not possible for the public, as these franchises are privately owned. However, some teams are owned by publicly listed companies or have shares available in the unlisted market. For instance, shares of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) can be bought and sold in the unlisted shares market.
Investors can acquire these shares through platforms specializing in unlisted equities, but it’s essential to understand the associated risks and lack of liquidity compared to listed stocks.
Which stocks are related to IPL?
While IPL teams themselves aren’t publicly traded, several publicly listed companies benefit from the IPL’s economic impact:
- Media and Broadcasting: Companies holding broadcasting rights or involved in advertising during the IPL season often see increased revenues.
- Consumer Goods: Brands selling snacks, beverages, and other fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) experience a surge in sales during the tournament.
- E-commerce and Merchandise: Online retailers and brands selling IPL-related merchandise, such as jerseys and accessories, benefit from heightened consumer interest.
Investing in these sectors can provide indirect exposure to the economic benefits generated by the IPL.
