TAG_OPEN_p_36 The Nepal Cricket League (NPL) is fast approaching its third edition, becoming the biggest professional sports competition in Nepal. The intense competition in broadcasting rights, digital streaming, ticketing and sponsorship has taken the financial size of the NPL to new heights. Based on the conversations with the clubs and major sponsors, the valuation of the NPL is estimated to be around $100 million, which is about Rs 15 billion in Nepali currency.

There is no formal valuation of any sports event in Nepal and its record. Therefore, the actual valuation of the NPL is not publicly available. But based on the investment in broadcast rights, digital rights, ticket sales, sponsorships and franchise teams, it can be estimated that the NPL has achieved a financial position of Rs 15 billion.

The NPL, organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), has set a new standard for professional sports in a short span of time. The competition for broadcast rights for the third edition has further strengthened its economic value.TAG_OPEN_p_34

According to Lumbini Lions President Ishwor GC, the NPL is not just a cricket tournament but is developing into a big business platform.TAG_OPEN_p_33

“The amount that television and OTT platforms have quoted for broadcast rights shows how fast the price of NPL is growing,” GC told Nivesh News. ”

This year’s television broadcast rights were bagged by Himalayan Television for Rs 14.64 crore. Last year, Kantipur Television had acquired the rights for Rs 3 crore. What is even more interesting is that Himalayan Television had offered Rs 2.71 crore for the second season. But this time, it has accepted almost five times more money to get the rights.TAG_OPEN_p_31

TAG_OPEN_p_30 The competition between Himalayan Television and Kantipur Television for broadcast rights seems to have brought significant financial benefits to CAN. The competition of broadcast rights is considered to be the most important basis for increasing the price of sports competitions.

Similarly, digital streaming or OTT rights have been acquired by NetTV for Rs 18 crore. In the previous version, the rights were held by DishHome. The price of OTT rights has also increased significantly due to the increasing influence of digital platforms.TAG_OPEN_p_29

In terms of ticketing rights, eSewa has won the rights for Rs. 85 lakhs this year, surpassing IME Pay-Khalti Group which has won the rights for two consecutive editions.TAG_OPEN_p_28

TAG_OPEN_p_27 So far, CAN has earned Rs 33.58 crore from television broadcasting, OTT and ticketing rights. If you add the money from the main sponsors, co-sponsors, advertisements and other business partnerships, the total financial size of the competition will be even larger.

The NPL, which has been facing various financial controversies and transparency questions since the first edition, has taken a comparatively orderly and competitive nature in the third edition. In particular, the sale of broadcasting rights through open competition is seen as a positive sign.

All the eight teams of the NPL are associated with the prestigious business houses of Nepal. Industrialists and business groups have invested millions of rupees in Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Pokhara Avengers, Lumbini Lions, Karnali Yaks and Sudurpaschim Royals. These teams operating on the franchise model have played an important role in establishing sports as a commercial industry.

Given the increasing competition in broadcasting rights, the expansion of digital platforms, private sector investment, and public attraction to cricket, the NPL is now becoming a hub of multi-dimensional economic activities rather than just a sports competition. If the commercial expansion continues at this pace, the NPL is likely to become one of the emerging cricket leagues in South Asia in the next few years.

The CAN has selected 155 players in the player auction for the third edition of the NPL.TAG_OPEN_p_24

TAG_OPEN_p_23 According to CAN, the selected players will participate in the upcoming auction process. The franchise teams will build their teams from these players as needed.

The third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from November 22 to November 22. Eight franchise teams will compete for the title.TAG_OPEN_p_22

Janakpur Bolts won the first edition of the NPL while Lumbini Lions were crowned champions of the second edition. This time, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Pokhara Avengers, Karnali Yaks and Sudurpaschim Royals will also be in contention for the title.TAG_OPEN_p_21

In the last edition of the auction, Lumbini Lions had spent the highest amount of Rs 44 lakh. Similarly, Kathmandu Gorkhas had spent the least Rs 17 lakh.TAG_OPEN_p_20

TAG_OPEN_p_19 The NPL is becoming the biggest franchise tournament in Nepali cricket. The tournament has been providing a high-level competitive environment to the domestic players and has also contributed to the professional development of Nepali cricket.

As the third edition approaches, cricket fans are increasingly interested in the performance of the players selected in the auction and the tactics of the teams.