SINGAPORE STATE investment firm Temasek is exploring investment opportunities in the Indian Premier League (IPL), signalling growing institutional interest in one of the world’s most valuable sports properties.
The development marks the first time Temasek has publicly confirmed its interest in investing in the IPL, reflecting the league’s emergence as a preferred destination for sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms and global investors.
Speaking to Reuters, Vishesh Shrivastav, Managing Director at Temasek India, said the firm remains keen on the IPL but declined to identify any specific franchise under consideration. “IPL is a marquee property and we remain interested in it. For the right opportunity, we would jump on it,” he said, confirming the investor’s interest in the league for the first time.
Temasek’s interest comes amid a wave of high-profile investments that have transformed the ownership landscape of the IPL. The league, once dominated by Bollywood celebrities and Indian industrialists, has increasingly attracted global institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds and billionaire-backed consortiums, driven by rising franchise revenues, record media rights values and expanding commercial opportunities.
The IPL’s enterprise value has risen to more than US$18.5 billion, according to investment bank Houlihan Lokey, making it one of the world’s most valuable sports leagues. Franchise valuations have climbed sharply in recent years, highlighted by the sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier this year for approximately US$1.8 billion to a consortium that included Bolt Ventures, backed by billionaire David Blitzer, and Blackstone.
Temasek has significantly expanded its India portfolio over the past decade, with investments in the country now valued at approximately US$42 billion. The Singapore-based investor has traditionally focused on sectors such as financial services, consumer businesses and healthcare, with notable holdings including Haldiram’s and Manipal Hospitals. An IPL investment would represent a strategic expansion into India’s rapidly growing sports industry.
The growing investor appetite for IPL franchises mirrors a broader trend across Asia, where wealthy families, sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors are increasingly acquiring stakes in sports assets rather than limiting their involvement to sponsorships. According to LSEG data, sports-related mergers and acquisitions in Asia-Pacific have surged to record levels in 2026 as investors seek long-term exposure to premium sports properties with resilient revenue streams.
The IPL has become particularly attractive due to its diversified revenue model, which includes central media rights, sponsorship income, franchise partnerships, licensing, ticket sales and digital engagement. The league’s popularity continues to grow both domestically and internationally, supported by strong television ratings, expanding streaming audiences and increasing global commercial interest.
