Touted as one of the world's richest leagues, Vivo Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin today. The tournament provides brands an opportunity to associate themselves with each team and leverage their popularity to sell their products.
IPL has already signed Tata Motors as the official partner for three years. VIVO has retained the title sponsorship for IPL 2018-22 with a record figure. They bid Rs 2,199 Crores, a 554% increase over the previous contract. Meanwhile, Star India bagged IPL media rights for a record $2.55bn.
Here's the list of who are the principal partners and sponsors for the eight IPL teams -
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR owned by actor Shahrukh Khan named Nokia as the team's lead sponsor for two years.
Nokia aims to leverage KKR for its marketing initiatives to help build its brand in the country having re-launched last year.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
IPL's defending champions MI has announced Indian online travel company Goibibo as principal sponsors for one year. As part of the deal, Goibibo will feature on the back of the team's jersey this season. Goibibo is encouraging people to download its app in its latest campaign for the team.
Saujanya Shrivastava, group chief marketing officer, MakeMyTrip said: "We are delighted to partner with Mumbai Indians and reach out to millions of IPL and Mumbai Indian fans through this association.
"IPL is one of the most loved and watched sporting events in the country and the association with Mumbai Indians presents a consumer-focused brand like ours a unique opportunity to deepen our engagement with customers in a truly innovative manner."
MI has also replaced Videocon with Samsung as the lead sponsor for three years.
Royal Challengers Banagalore (RCB)
Technology brand HP has been named as RCB's principal sponsor. As part of the deal, HP will have visibility across retail outlets, on-ground activations, the team jersey and will feature in promotions and activations led by RCB’s team and management. Further, RCB players will be visible in HP led promotions/ activations.
RCB players will also be seen in a tie-in HP commercial.
Sumeer Chandra, managing director, HP Inc. India, said: “HP is proud to be partnering with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and this association will help us connect with consumers across segments, age groups and geographies in India. I wish Virat Kohli and the RCB team a very successful T20 season and expect this association to provide further impetus to technology adoption in the country.”
RCB also named Duraguard Cement as principal partner
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK has inked a three year deal with The Muthoot Group making it the team's principal partner.
Other sponsors on board are Gulf Oil, Equitas Small Finance Bank, HIL, Nippon Paint, Frooti and Act Fibernet.
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
Water purifier brand Kent Ro is announced as Kings XI Punjab's title sponsor for IPL's 11th season.
Meanwhile, personal care brand Fena has agreed to be a sponsor of KXIP. As part of the deal, all jerseys and merchandise of Kings XI Punjab will carry Fena's logo.
Fena will further have in-stadium presence on match days and brand exposure at the Kings XI Punjab's home grounds - IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali and Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.
Delhi Daredevils
GMR Group has announced that it has entered into an agreement with JSW Sports for a 50:50 partnership in GMR Group's IPL franchisee Delhi Daredevils owned by GMR Sports Private Limited (GSPL). GSPL is owned by the promoters of the GMR Group.
Express parcel service provider DTDC has also announced its association as the official logistics partner with Delhi Daredevils (DD) team. DTDC will deliver and oversee the entire back-end logistics operations for the team. The brand's logo will be visible on the lead trouser of the DD playing jersey.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Paint brand Nerolac has extended its partnership with SRH as an official sponsor. The brand will be visible on the helmets of the Sunrisers Hyderabad players.
Anuj Jain, director, Decorative, Kansai Nerolac Paints said, “The growing impact of IPL continues to give us great confidence in the potential of the league to impact lives at large. Last year, our association with the Sunrisers Hyderabad created a fair amount of value for us and we are excited to announce our continued association with the team. We wish the players the best for this season and are sure that the team will continue to grow from strength to strength.”
Meanwhile, Indian online ticketing platform BookMyShow will be the official IPL ticketing partner for the IPL teams Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals.
It will manage all the end to end fan experience. BookMyShow now controls over 50% of the entire ticket inventory this season.