IPL Prize Money: How It Changed Over the Years

Since its launch in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has experienced remarkable growth, evolving into one of the most prominent and profitable sporting events globally. From capturing massive audiences to becoming a magnet for investors and title sponsors, the IPL has carved a niche for itself as a financial powerhouse in the world of sports.

Today, the IPL ranks as the 15th highest-earning sports league in terms of annual revenue—a significant feat considering its relatively short duration. Unlike other major leagues that span several months or even the whole year, the IPL unfolds over just a few intense weeks. Yet, its revenue per match surpasses that of global sporting giants like the UEFA Champions League, the NBA, and the English Premier League.

Moreover, the prize money awarded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to the winning team is nothing short of impressive, adding to the league’s allure for franchises and players alike.

IPL Prize Money over the Years from 2008 to 2025

Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen significant growth in prize money, reflecting its soaring popularity and financial success. In 2008, the total prize pool was around ₹4.8 crores, with ₹4 crores awarded to the winning team. Over the years, the prize money increased steadily, peaking around ₹20 crores in recent seasons. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were temporary reductions. By 2023 and beyond, the winners again received around ₹20 crores, while runners-up and playoff qualifiers shared the rest. IPL 2025 is expected to maintain or even increase the current prize pool, rewarding top performances handsomely.

IPL Prize Money in the Early Years (2008-2013)

Over the years, the Indian Premier League has evolved into one of the richest sporting leagues in the world. But to truly appreciate its meteoric rise, it’s essential to revisit its early days. Let’s rewind to the initial seasons and explore how the prize money was allocated among teams from 2008 to 2013.

IPL 2008 – The Beginning of a Cricketing Revolution

The Indian Premier League kicked off in 2008 with a bang, and so did the prize money. The debut season witnessed Rajasthan Royals, led by the charismatic Shane Warne, clinch the title in a thrilling finale. For their historic victory, they walked away with a whopping $1.2 million (approximately ₹4.8 crore), instantly turning several lesser-known players into household names.

Chennai Super Kings, under the leadership of MS Dhoni, were the runners-up in a closely contested final held in Navi Mumbai. Their efforts were rewarded with $600,000 (₹2.4 crore).

The two other semi-finalists each received a respectable ₹1.2 crore, while the teams finishing fifth and sixth earned ₹80 lakh and ₹70 lakh respectively. Even the bottom two teams didn’t go home empty-handed, securing ₹50 lakh and ₹40 lakh.

From the very start, the IPL ensured that all participating teams received a share of the financial pie — setting the tone for what would become one of the richest leagues in the sporting world.

IPL 2010 – A Year of Big Financial Moves

The 2010 edition of the Indian Premier League saw a notable boost in prize money, thanks to the growing popularity and commercial value of the tournament. In an effort to support franchise sustainability and reward performance, the BCCI significantly increased the prize pool. That year, champions Chennai Super Kings walked away with an impressive $2 million (approximately ₹8 crore).

The total prize pool for IPL 2010 stood at around $5 million (₹20 crore), marking a massive leap compared to global cricket tournaments of the time. For context, the winners of the 2007 ODI World Cup earned $1 million (₹4 crore), while the Indian team that clinched the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 received just ₹2 crore in prize money.

This sharp contrast underscored the IPL’s rapid growth and its emergence as a financial powerhouse in the world of cricket.

Related Read: Why Is Fantasy Cricket So Popular in India?

Significant Increases in IPL Prize Money (2014-2023)

IPL 2014: A Year of High Stakes and Bigger Rewards

The 2014 edition of the Indian Premier League marked a significant jump in prize money compared to earlier seasons. The Kolkata Knight Riders, under the ownership of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, clinched their second IPL title and walked away with a whopping ₹15 crore in prize money. Although Punjab Kings—then known as Kings XI Punjab—fell short in the final, they still earned a hefty ₹10 crore for their impressive campaign, as per reports from the BCCI. Meanwhile, the other two semi-finalists each secured ₹7.5 crore, exactly half the amount awarded to the season’s champions.

IPL 2016: A Historic Win for Sunrisers Hyderabad

The IPL 2016 final witnessed a high-octane clash between Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore and David Warner’s Sunrisers Hyderabad. In a nail-biting finish, SRH emerged victorious, clinching their very first IPL title. Along with the trophy, they bagged a whopping prize of ₹20 crore (approximately $3 million).

Meanwhile, runners-up RCB, still in pursuit of their maiden championship win, walked away with ₹11 crore (around $1.5 million). The two other playoff contenders of the season were also awarded ₹7.5 crore (roughly $900,000) each.

It’s worth noting that as per IPL and BCCI regulations, the prize money must be equally divided between the franchise and the players—meaning the team and its squad share the total amount on a 50-50 basis. The players collectively receive half of the total prize their team wins.

IPL 2018: A Triumphant Comeback for Chennai Super Kings

The prize pool for IPL 2018 remained consistent with previous editions, but the season was anything but ordinary. Chennai Super Kings, returning to the league after a two-year suspension, scripted a fairy-tale comeback by clinching the championship title. In a high-stakes final, they outplayed Sunrisers Hyderabad to lift the coveted trophy.

For their remarkable performance, CSK were awarded ₹20 crore as the winning purse. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad, the runners-up, received a slightly increased reward of ₹12.5 crore. Teams finishing in the third and fourth positions also saw an uptick in their earnings, each securing ₹8.75 crore—an increase compared to what was offered in 2016.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Wicket Keepers in World Cricket: An Analysis 2025

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on IPL Impact Prize Money

The financial landscape of the Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed a significant shift during the 2020 season, largely due to the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With travel restrictions and safety concerns in place, the tournament was relocated to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This logistical change, coupled with broader market uncertainties, led to a decline in the league’s overall brand value, which dropped by 3.6% to an estimated ₹45,800 crore, as reported by Duff & Phelps.

Franchise valuations took a hit as well, with teams like Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders experiencing the sharpest declines. The situation also led to a fresh round of bidding for the title sponsorship, reflecting the commercial challenges faced during the period.

In an effort to manage costs, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) implemented several budget-tightening strategies. One of the most noticeable changes was the reduction in prize money. The 2020 IPL champions, Mumbai Indians, received ₹10 crore for their fifth title victory—half the amount awarded in the previous season. Runners-up Delhi Capitals were given ₹6.25 crore.

These revised prize structures were retained for the IPL 2021 season as well. The title-winning team was again allocated ₹10 crore, while the second-placed team stood to earn ₹6.25 crore.

In addition to team prizes, individual accolades like the Most Valuable Player (MVP), the Orange Cap (top run-scorer), and the Purple Cap (highest wicket-taker) continued to be rewarded with cash incentives, albeit within a tighter financial framework.

It’s worth noting that even with the reduced payouts, the IPL continues to offer more lucrative rewards compared to many international T20 leagues, such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where prize pools are considerably smaller.

Breakdown of IPL Prize Money Distribution

IPL prize money is distributed not just to the winning and runner-up teams but also to the third and fourth-placed franchises, individual performers, and emerging talents. Here’s a typical breakdown (based on pre-COVID norms):

• Winners: ₹20 crore (reduced to ₹10 crore during COVID years)
• Runners-Up: ₹12.5 crore (reduced to ₹6.25 crore)
• Third Place: ₹8.75 crore (revised lower during pandemic seasons)
• Fourth Place: ₹8.75 crore
• Orange Cap & Purple Cap Holders: ₹10 lakh each
• Most Valuable Player (MVP): ₹10 lakh
• Emerging Player of the Season: ₹10 lakh

Additionally, teams often distribute a significant portion of the prize money among players and support staff as performance bonuses, making it an attractive prospect even beyond salaries and match fees.

The Role of Prize Money in Attracting Top Players

While hefty player contracts and sponsorship deals dominate headlines, prize money serves as a major motivational tool in the IPL. It creates a high-stakes competitive environment, especially for uncapped or younger players who may not be on massive retainers. For marquee international stars, the opportunity to win big and perform under pressure in front of a global audience adds to the allure of the league. Moreover, success in the IPL often leads to higher brand value and better endorsement opportunities, making prize money a small but influential part of a larger financial ecosystem.

Also Read: God of IPL: Who is the Ultimate King of IPL in 2025

Prize Money Comparison: IPL vs Other T20 Leagues

When it comes to financial rewards, the IPL sits comfortably at the top of the global T20 hierarchy. Here’s a comparison of prize pools:

• IPL (India): Approx ₹20 crore for winners (pre-COVID)
• PSL (Pakistan): Approx ₹3.4 crore for winners
• BBL (Australia): Roughly ₹2.5 crore
• CPL (Caribbean): Around ₹1.5 crore
• The Hundred (England): Even less, as team-based rewards are secondary

This disparity highlights why the IPL continues to attract elite players, big sponsors, and massive viewership. The financial muscle of the league not only ensures quality cricket but also elevates the careers of players from all backgrounds.

IPL Prize Money and Its Impact on the Cricket Economy

The Indian Premier League (IPL) prize money plays a significant role in shaping the cricket economy, both in India and globally. With the winning team receiving several crores and runners-up also earning substantial amounts, the financial rewards elevate the stakes for franchises, players, and sponsors. This influx of capital encourages investments in infrastructure, training facilities, and grassroots development. Players benefit from salaries and bonuses, and endorsements, attracting talent from around the world. As a result, the IPL has become a financial powerhouse, setting benchmarks for other leagues and influencing how cricket is monetized across the globe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About IPL Prize Money

1. How much is the IPL winner’s prize money in 2024?

As of the 2024 season, the IPL winner received approximately ₹20 crore in prize money. This amount marked a return to pre-COVID levels after temporary reductions during the pandemic-affected seasons.

2. What is the prize money for the runner-up in IPL 2025?

While the exact prize pool for IPL 2025 is yet to be officially announced, based on current trends and previous distributions, the runner-up is expected to receive around ₹12.5 crore, barring any unforeseen changes or economic disruptions.

3. How has IPL prize money changed over the years?

IPL prize money has seen substantial growth since its inception in 2008. Starting at ₹4.8 crore for the winners, it gradually increased over the years, peaking at ₹20 crore by 2016. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the prize pool was halved. By 2023 and 2024, full prize amounts were restored, showing the league’s resilience and recovery.

4. Why did IPL prize money decrease during the 2020 season?

The reduction in IPL prize money during the 2020 season was due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the tournament moved to the UAE, reduced stadium revenues, and revised sponsorship deals, the BCCI cut team winnings by 50% as a cost-saving measure.

5. How does IPL prize money compare to other cricket leagues?

The IPL offers the highest prize money among global T20 leagues. For example, while IPL winners earn around ₹20 crore, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) winners receive about ₹3.4 crore, and Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) winners take home around ₹2.5 crore. This financial edge makes IPL the most lucrative and sought-after T20 league worldwide.