IPL needs a 12-16 week window to match the likes of NFL: Mohit Burman

NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League needs a 12-16 week operating window to match the brand value of top sporting leagues in the world including the NFL, NBA and Premier League, reckons Punjab Kings co-owner Mohit Burman.

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At USD 16.8 million, the IPL is only behind NEL (USD 36.8 million) in terms of per-match value but needs to catch up with its global rivals like NFL and leading European football leagues when it comes to the overall brand value pecking order.

According to leading investment bank Houlihan Lokey, the IPL is valued at roughly USD 16 billion while one NFL franchise Dallas Cowboys alone is worth USD 9 billion, followed by New York Yankees at USD 7.1 billion.

NBA franchise New York Knicks is valued at USD 7 billion while top football clubs Real Madrid and Manchester United have drawn a valuation of USD 6 billion.

Compared to the existing eight-week IPL, the much longer windows of Premier League (August to May), NBA (seven months) and NEL (4.5 months) also push their valuations.

Burman spoke to PTI about the road ahead of the IPL and 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, who is also the chairman of Dabur India.