Interest among investors for Pakistan Super League (PSL) ownership has surged ahead of the auction of two new franchises, officials said. Businesspersons from Pakistan, the UK, the US, and other countries are reportedly keen to acquire ownership stakes.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to finalize the two new franchise owners in an auction scheduled for January 8, 2026. A financial model has been prepared for the new teams, similar to existing franchises, with up to 95 percent of revenue coming from the central income pool.
The seventh and eighth franchises will receive a minimum of Rs850 million each over the next five editions of the PSL, under a central pool income guarantee. In any tournament where a franchise earns less than the guaranteed share, the PCB will cover the shortfall.
Successful franchises can include a city name in their team branding, subject to prior written approval from the PCB. However, they cannot use commercial brands or suffixes of existing franchises such as Qalandars, Kings, United, Zalmi, Gladiators, or Sultans. Logos also require prior approval, and commercial brand elements cannot be included.
All bidders must include the proposed team name and logo in their technical proposal. Central pool revenue from each tournament will be equally distributed among all franchises. From PSL 11 to 20, franchises will retain a specified minimum percentage of earnings from franchise rights and central pool revenue.
After deducting taxes, production, and licensing fees, 95 percent of media rights revenue will go to the franchises, with the same percentage applicable to sponsorships and ticket sales. Eighty-five percent of central licensing income will also be allocated to franchises. Fees paid by franchises will not be counted as part of the central pool. The PCB Governing Council may increase franchise shares for one or more tournaments at its discretion.
Successful bidders will not be allowed to sell or transfer ownership during the first three years, except in the fourth year with prior written approval from the PCB. A transfer fee of 10 percent of the annual franchise fee will apply for such transactions.
