The world of cricket is no stranger to India’s fervent passion for the sport, where iconic players are celebrated like deities. In recent years, the women’s game has been making significant strides, and a groundbreaking development in this journey is the Women’s Premier League (WPL). This competition is following in the footsteps of the immensely popular men’s cricket leagues and has set the stage for remarkable opportunities, not just for the sport but for women’s sports in India.
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) marks a significant milestone in the evolution of women’s cricket in India. Much like its male counterpart, the league boasts attractive paychecks that have attracted some of the world’s top players, setting the stage for a three-week competition that is poised to become an annual sporting spectacle.
The WPL has already made waves, with franchises for the league’s five sides being sold for a total of nearly $573 million in late January. These unprecedented figures are a testament to the transformative potential of women’s cricket in India. Arunava Chaudhuri, a sports consultant, described it as a “new era for women’s cricket in India,” and it has generated unprecedented excitement and attention for women’s sports in the country.
One of the driving forces behind the league’s financial success is the broadcasting rights. Mumbai-based media company Viacom 18 secured the rights by outbidding industry giants like Disney and Sony, paying approximately $116 million for the rights over five years. This is the second-highest amount for women’s sports worldwide, trailing only the top female basketball league in the U.S., demonstrating the value and potential of women’s cricket.
Tata Group, a massive conglomerate, recognized the league’s significance and secured the competition’s naming rights until 2027, contributing to the league’s sustainability and growth. The Indian cricket governing body appears to be following the blueprint from the immensely successful Indian Premier League (IPL), which began in 2008 and has transformed the landscape of men’s cricket in India.
The base price set for the five women’s franchises was comparable to their male equivalents from 15 years ago. This reflects the tremendous growth and commercial potential in women’s cricket. The original eight teams in the men’s league have now expanded to ten, and the revenue generated from the IPL has grown significantly. Last June, the IPL sold five years’ worth of TV and streaming rights for just over $6 billion, making it one of the most valuable sports leagues globally.
Not only are the financial figures impressive, but player salaries are also substantial. While the highest-paid male player, Sam Curran, earns approximately $2.24 million, the women’s salaries, although not as high, are still life-changing. Many players participating in the WPL can earn more in a month than they would throughout the rest of the year.
In February, 400 players were up for auction for 90 spots in the league. Smriti Mandhana of India emerged as the most expensive, valued at $410,000. Ashleigh Gardner of Australia and England’s Natalie Sciver-Brunt followed closely, both earning impressive figures. These salaries, even for a short tournament, are on par with the annual earnings of some of the best women’s soccer players globally.
The Women’s Premier League, featuring fast-paced Twenty20 (T20) cricket, is also anticipated to expand further in terms of teams, games, revenue, and interest in the coming years. Industry insiders predict that the top players could soon break through the million-dollar payment mark.
With the potential for growth and the substantial financial incentives, the WPL is poised to become a powerful force within cricket. The world’s best players will be drawn to this competition, which could influence the scheduling of the rest of the sport. This league indeed marks the beginning of a revolution in women’s cricket in India, with the potential to redefine the boundaries of the game. Women’s cricket in India is on the cusp of an exciting new era, and the WPL is a beacon of equality at the crease, pushing boundaries and making history in the world of sports.