KEY POINTS
- PSL prize money increased to $1M+ total, with $500K for champions and a new $200K award for player development.
- Two new franchises to be auctioned Jan 8, 2026, each guaranteed PKR 850M over first five seasons.
- New teams to receive equal 95% revenue share from media/sponsorship, aligning with existing franchises.
- Global investor outreach includes New York meetings, with franchise rights sold for a 10-year period.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a transformative financial model for the expansion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), headlined by a significant increase in prize money and the formal process to add two new franchises.
With the winner’s purse elevated to $500,000, runners-up to $300,000, and a new $200,000 award for the franchise making the largest investment in player development, the board aims to enhance competitiveness and long-term growth.
This comprehensive framework paves the way for the league’s expansion from its 11th edition onward, with an auction for the seventh and eighth team ownership rights scheduled for January 8, 2026.
Lucrative Guarantee for New Entrants
In a significant move to attract premium investment, the PCB has guaranteed each of the two new franchises a minimum of PKR 850 million over their first five seasons (PSL 11 to 15). This “Minimum Central Pool Income Guarantee” ensures financial stability, with the board committed to covering any shortfall if the team’s actual share from the central income pool falls below this assured amount.
Revenue Share on Par with Existing Teams
PCB confirmed that the new teams will enjoy revenue-sharing terms nearly identical to the existing six franchises. They will receive 95% of the income from media rights and sponsorships, and 85% from central licensing. Ticket sales revenue will also be shared equally. This model ensures a level playing field and enhances the investment appeal.
Global Investor Interest Peaks
Interest in owning a PSL franchise has surged internationally. Key figures and business personalities from Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries have shown keen interest in acquiring the new team rights, which will be sold for a 10-year period from 2026 to 2035.
Naming Rights: Cities with a Price Tag
The PCB has outlined specific regulations for team names. The primary list of eligible cities includes Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit. Bidders may propose a city name outside this list, but it will require mandatory PCB approval and a one-time fee of USD 1 million.
Teams can include a suffix with the city name, subject to the board’s written approval. However, using suffixes already associated with current franchises, like Qalandars, Kings, United, Zalmi, Gladiators, or Sultans, is strictly prohibited. Logos and names cannot be commercial brand names, and all must receive prior written approval from the PCB.
Governance and Ownership Rules
The successful bidders will be bound by strict ownership rules. Franchise ownership cannot be sold or transferred during the first three years. From the fourth year onward, any transfer will require the PCB’s prior written approval and payment of a transfer fee equivalent to 10% of the annual franchise fee.
The PSL Governing Council retains the discretion to increase the revenue share percentage for franchises in future tournaments. After the 20th edition (PSL 20), the entire financial model will be reassessed and determined anew.
Meeting in New York Targets Key Investors
A recent meeting in New York aimed to engage American-Pakistani business figures and South Asian investors from the finance and technology sectors regarding the new PSL franchises. This effort builds on reported strong global investor interest alongside the PCB’s own long-term financial commitment.
Key Selling Points to Investors
The pitch to potential investors highlights cricket’s deep cultural significance in Pakistan and the country’s massive market of 250 million people.
Infrastructure and Digital Expansion Planned
Major stadium upgrades are outlined, including at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, with potential expansion to Faisalabad. The PCB has also decided to build new stadiums in Muzaffarabad and Islamabad to deepen the PSL’s national reach. Plans include launching a dedicated OTT streaming platform in the coming weeks.
Record Prize Money for Next Season
Next year’s competition will feature record prize money. The winning franchise will receive $500,000, the runners-up $300,000, and an additional $200,000 will be awarded to the franchise investing the most in player development.
