The Indian Premier League (IPL) requires a 12–16-week operating window to rival the brand value of leading global sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, and Premier League, according to Punjab Kings co-owner Mohit Burman. With a per-match value of USD 16.8 million, the IPL ranks second only to the NFL (USD 36.8 million). However, it still trails its global competitors in overall brand value. According to investment bank Houlihan Lokey, the IPL is valued at approximately USD 16 billion. By comparison, a single NFL franchise, the Dallas Cowboys, is worth USD 9 billion, followed by the New York Yankees at USD 7.1 billion. The NBA’s New York Knicks are valued at USD 7 billion, while leading football clubs Real Madrid and Manchester United each hold a valuation of USD 6 billion. The longer operating windows of the Premier League (August to May), NBA (seven months), and NFL (4.5 months) contribute to their higher valuations compared to the current eight-week IPL season. In an interview with PTI, Burman discussed the future of the IPL and the remarkable turnaround of Punjab Kings, who reached the final after 11 years. “We’re already second in the world when it comes to per-match value, just behind the NFL. But overall brand value? That’s a different game. I think we need a 12-16-week window to get there,” said Burman. “That gives us space to tell better stories, build rivalries, and create more value for everyone – fans, sponsors, broadcasters. But it’s not just about length. It’s about what we do in that time – the kind of content we push out, how we engage fans year-round, how we build the league beyond the season. IPL has the scale. Now it’s about consistency and depth.” The IPL’s dominance in world cricket is undisputed, but to maintain this position, Burman stressed the importance of continued effort. “The IPL is already the biggest cricket product in the world, but staying there means not taking anything for granted. Player availability is crucial. We need a clean window where the best in the world can play without restrictions,” said the 56-year-old businessman. “The fan experience must keep evolving. It’s not just about cricket anymore — its sport, entertainment, culture all rolled into one. We don’t need to take the IPL abroad — what we do need is to build global relevance. Content, players, and stories that connect with fans across the world.” Burman also supports the strategic move of IPL owners investing in overseas leagues. Alongside Punjab Kings, he and other co-owners have invested in the Saint Lucia franchise of the Caribbean Premier League. Other IPL teams have expanded their ownership in multiple leagues, including SA20, ILT20, MLC, CPL, and The Hundred. “It’s a smart and strategic move. A lot of teams are now building a common core — with shared vision, systems, and values — across multiple leagues. That’s what makes it sustainable and scalable,” he said when asked about the trend of IPL teams expanding overseas . “For us, the goal is clear: build the Kings ecosystem across geographies and formats. Whether it’s IPL or CPL, we want to run our teams with the same purpose — high performance, strong culture, and deeper fan connection. We’re not just creating teams — we’re building a brand that travels. And this is just the beginning,” he said. Financially, the IPL and its franchises have seen significant growth since the league’s inception in 2008. “They go hand in hand. Strong on-field performances drive commercial growth — that’s the reality. Brands want to be part of winning stories. We’ve seen that this year — we’re up 25% year-on-year commercially. “More fan engagement, stronger sponsor interest, and better value across the board. This season proves that when your on-field and off-field stories align — that’s where the real magic happens,” he said. The turning point for Punjab Kings came with the appointment of Ricky Ponting, which transformed the team’s energy and mindset. “The real turning point came when we took a step back to think the direction of the franchise. Getting Ricky Ponting on board was the first step in our revamp. His arrival transformed the energy — and the mindset,” said Burman. “Then came the auction, where we made strategic choice on balance, clarity, and intent. Backing Shreyas as captain was another big moment — he brought composure, vision, and a sense of Unity. “They didn’t just see Punjab Kings as a franchise. They saw it as a project with potential. There’s no hierarchy here — just one team, moving toward one goal. That’s a powerful thing. “Off the field, we rewired everything — from marketing and storytelling to fan engagement. Commercially, we’ve seen strong growth. But what I’m most proud of is the culture — one rooted in belief, joy, and accountability. That’s been the true foundation of the success,” he added. (With inputs from PTI)