The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering a major expansion of the Indian Premier League (IPL), with plans to introduce at least two new franchises from the 2028 season. If the proposal receives approval, the league could expand further, strengthening its position as one of the most commercially successful sporting competitions in the world. According to a report by Mint, Pune and Vadodara have emerged as the leading contenders to host the two proposed franchises. However, discussions remain at an early stage, and the BCCI could consider other cities before making a final decision.
The proposed expansion is expected to coincide with the next IPL media rights cycle, which will cover the 2028-2032 period. The financial expectations surrounding the new franchises are equally significant. Each team could command a valuation of more than $1 billion, reflecting the IPL’s growing commercial appeal. Several potential investors are reportedly exploring opportunities, including major Indian business groups, US-based family offices, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, West Asian sovereign wealth funds, Asian state-backed investment organisations and private equity firm Permira.
Some investors are also understood to be considering minority stakes in the proposed franchises. Vadodara’s emergence as a potential IPL destination is particularly interesting. Located approximately 110 kilometres from Ahmedabad, the city could benefit from Gujarat’s growing sporting infrastructure and ambitions. Ahmedabad, which is home to Gujarat Titans, is also part of India’s broader vision to develop its sporting ecosystem, with aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
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Home Minister Amit Shah outlined these ambitions in a government release dated September 4, 2026. Meanwhile, Pune already has considerable experience hosting IPL cricket. The city previously had two franchises competing in the tournament. Pune Warriors India, owned by the Sahara Group, participated between 2011 and 2013 before withdrawing following financial disagreements with the BCCI.
🚨 THE IPL COULD EXPAND TO 12 TEAMS. 🚨
– The BCCI exploring option of adding two new IPL teams by 2028.
Pune and Vadodara emerge as potential team locations. (MoneyControl). https://t.co/LWcb4gN5Ko
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 10, 2026
Rising Pune Supergiant subsequently represented the city in 2016 and 2017, temporarily replacing Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals during their suspensions. The franchise came remarkably close to winning the title in 2017 but suffered a heartbreaking one-run defeat against Mumbai Indians in the final.
The IPL’s previous expansion took place in 2022, when the BCCI introduced Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans. The RPSG Group acquired Lucknow for $940 million, while CVC Capital Partners purchased Gujarat for $750 million.
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The league’s commercial growth has accelerated since then. Its 2023-2027 media rights cycle was valued at approximately $6.2 billion. Recent ownership transactions involving Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals have further highlighted the competition’s financial strength, with valuations of $1.78 billion and $1.65 billion, respectively. However, the BCCI’s proposed expansion will depend on several factors, including investor interest, the availability of leading Indian players, broadcasters’ willingness to accommodate additional matches and the increasingly crowded international cricket calendar.
