NFL may be defeated by the IPL in per-match value if the latter gets a 12 to 16-week window period

The Indian Premier League stands at $16.8 million per match value. Only second to the National Football League, which boasts the highest per-match value of $36.8 million. According to Houlihan Lokey, an investment bank, the IPL is valued at $16 billion, whereas in the NFL, just one franchise, namely, Dallas Cowboys, is valued at $9 billion. Cowboys are followed by the Major Baseball League’s New York Yankees at $7.1 billion. Then come the New York Knicks, valued at $7 billion. The Knicks are followed by FIFA’s Real Madrid and Manchester United, both valued at $6 billion. The current window period of the IPL is 8 weeks, and the NFL’s window period is 4.5 months. If it gets a 12 to 16-week window period, the IPL may defeat the NFL!The Punjab Kings franchise owner Mohit Burman shared with PTI, “We’re already second in the world when it comes to per-match value, just behind the NFL. But the overall brand value? That’s a different game. I think we need a 12-16 week window to get there.That gives us space to tell better stories, build rivalries, and create more value for everyone - fans, sponsors, (and) broadcasters. But it’s not just about the 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.”NFL’s popularity is focused principally on the United States of America. Cricket is popular in South Asia, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Talking about cricket’s reach worldwide, the Dabur India chairman Mohit Burman said, “IPL has the scale. Now, it’s about consistency and depth. 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.” The reason why the NFL is leading is because they create an interactive atmosphere by including tailgating and fan interactions during their in-stadium experience. For digital engagement with their fans, the NFL uses mobile apps, social media, and online platforms to connect with their fans. They create community events that build loyalty among NFL fans. At the moment even when the offseason is on, the NFL is sharing what the teams are doing - for instance - Brian Schottenheimer took his team of Dallas Cowboys to a tapdancing class to improve their footwork! Talking about this exact phenomenon, Burman further shared, “The fan experience must keep evolving. It’s not just about cricket anymore - it’s about entertainment (and) 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. More fan engagement, stronger sponsor interest, and better value across the board. The season that proves that when your on-field and off-field stories align - that’s where the real magic happens.”The NFL has never given up on its past players. They’ve always recruited them into coaching, front-office positions, consulting, or as brand ambassadors. Take NFL legend Tom Brady for instance. He's a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and a TV Commentator on FOX Sports. The Punjab Kings of the IPL adopted a similar technique to grow its popularity. They brought in Ricky Ponting. Burman shared, “The real turning point came when we took a step back to think about 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. 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 towards one goal. That’s a powerful thing.”Also Read: Kelvin Joseph, ex-Cowboys CB, was arrested for DUI and death of a 27-year-old female motorcyclist | NFL News - Times of India