The upcoming IPL media rights deals may shatter records once again, says Mohit Burman. According to the Punjab Kings co-owner, the value of the television and digital rights of the tournament may further increase by 20 to 30% in the next cycle, starting post-2027. The current IPL media rights cycle (2023-2027) was sold at nearly Rs 48,000 crore, which at that time was the highest among all sports leagues globally. However, the billionaire admitted that these billion dollar investments made into IPL franchises is indicative of investors’ strong belief in the future of the league. Just recently, two new investors invested stakes into Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at valuations close to USD 2 billion, Rs 1.65 billion for the former and Rs 1.78 billion for latter, Burman believes that the two recent investments are definitely going to influence future media rights value directly. Burman said: "It would be speculative to put an exact number on it right now because the media industry itself is evolving very quickly. The dynamics between television and digital are changing every year, and consumer behaviour is shifting rapidly toward mobile and streaming-first consumption." Digital Growth Driving IPL Value Burman added that the increase in digital viewers is the primary reason for IPL’s expanding valuation, with traditional television rights not projected to match it as closely. However, the rights associated with digital broadcasting are expected to become significantly expensive in the years ahead. He added: "But what gives confidence is the IPL's consistency. Very few sports properties globally deliver this level of engagement year after year. It continues to attract advertisers, massive audiences and strong digital traction." He further remarked that IPL franchises are now being compared to those belonging to major global sports leagues such as the NBA, EPL and the NFL. He added: "Today, IPL franchises are being spoken about in the same breath as teams from leagues like the NBA, EPL and NFL. That shift itself is a huge statement about the IPL's global standing." Also Read | Explained: How CSK Can Still Qualify for IPL 2026 Playoffs After Loss To LSG More Focus on Fan Engagement Burman said the growth of the IPL cannot solely be driven by more games. He thinks the tournament must have a focus on increased fan engagement across a whole year. He added that due to the rise of digital, IPL teams now have fans around the world, turning them into global brands, but suggests that more global fan events and engagement tactics should be implemented by each IPL franchise to extend its reach further. The Punjab Kings co-owner added that he thinks it's possible for the number of games to rise from 74 to 94 after 2027, but has issues over players' workloads and global cricket commitments. Burman added: "With 10 teams, the current range of games is probably sustainable, perhaps with a calculated increase over time if scheduling allows." Regardless of any further expansion for now, the IPL is growing at a fantastic pace both as a sport and as a business