Who will Sponsor Indian Premier League | Dream 11 misses out
IPL 2024 is just around the corner and IPL sponsorship has become the talk of the town. The IPL, a beacon of cricketing excellence and entertainment, not only showcases top-notch cricketing talent but also serves as a magnet for sponsors seeking to bask in the tournament’s glory. As the bidding process for the prestigious associate sponsorship, known as Official Partners (OPs), reached its zenith, the IPL sponsorship landscape witnessed a flurry of activity, with established giants facing stiff competition from emerging players.
Aramco and Saudi Tourism’s Absence
One of the most notable developments in the sponsorship arena was the conspicuous absence of Aramco and Saudi Tourism, two prominent sponsors of recent IPL editions. Despite having received the Invitation to Tender (ITT) documents, both entities opted out of the bidding process, leaving industry insiders speculating about their future involvement in the IPL sponsorship fray.
My11 Circle’s Ascendancy over Dream11:
In a surprising turn of events, My11 Circle emerged as the dark horse, outmaneuvering the seasoned player Dream11 by a staggering INR 110 crore margin. Dream11, a stalwart in the realm of cricket fantasy games and a longstanding ally of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL, found itself eclipsed by the formidable challenge posed by My11 Circle.
While Dream11 submitted a bid of INR 515 crore for a span of five seasons (translating to INR 103 crore per season), My11 Circle clinched the coveted spot with a commanding bid of INR 625 crore (or INR 125 crore per season). This victory marks a significant shift in the fantasy gaming sponsorship landscape, underscoring the growing allure of My11 Circle and its endorsers, including Sourav Ganguly and Shubman Gill.
Angel One Broking’s Triumph
The battle for supremacy in the online category witnessed Angel One Broking emerge victorious by outbidding Grow with a resounding offer of INR 82 crore, surpassing Grow’s bid of INR 76 crore. Meanwhile, Rupay, a key player in the digital financial and payment sector, secured the third OP slot uncontested with a bid of INR 70 crore. The online battleground became a hotbed of competition, reflecting the burgeoning influence of digital platforms in shaping the IPL sponsorship narrative.
CEAT’s Strategic Timeout Retention
CEAT, the venerable Indian tyre manufacturer, successfully retained its strategic timeout sponsorship by pledging INR 48 crore per season. While CEAT’s enduring partnership remains integral to the IPL experience, it’s worth noting that CEAT will not be accorded OP status, paving the way for other contenders to make their mark.
Unclaimed Official Partner Slots: The Search Continues
Despite the fervent bidding activity, three OP slots remain unclaimed, awaiting eager suitors. The roles of umpires, Orange Cap, and Purple Cap continue to beckon, with no bidders stepping forward as of yet. The absence of contenders for these coveted slots adds an element of suspense to the IPL sponsorship narrative, leaving fans and industry pundits eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama.
BCCI’s Vision
The BCCI, as the custodian of Indian cricket, remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering partnerships that enhance the IPL experience. With Tata Sons at the helm as title sponsors, the IPL continues to attract a diverse array of sponsors, each vying for a piece of the cricketing extravaganza.
In conclusion, the IPL sponsorship saga unfolds as a riveting spectacle, characterized by shifting alliances and unexpected twists. As the stage is set for another thrilling season, the sponsorship dynamics add an extra layer of anticipation, epitomizing the ever-evolving landscape of cricketainment in India. Brace yourselves for IPL 2024, poised to script yet another chapter of exhilarating cricketing drama.
