Major League Cricket's Blueprint for Growth in the U.S.

Abstract

This paper will examine the franchise economics of the Indian Premier League (IPL), as well as several other emerging franchise leagues based in the U.S. to determine if implementing a hybrid framework can help scale the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the U.S. Through analyzing existing research papers, statistics, and first-hand interviews with professional players, this paper will investigate significant differences between the two cricket leagues, roadblocks to cricket's success in America, and how to overcome them to expand the game's exposure. Player interviews, existing research papers and statistics analysis outlined repeatable tactics such as revenue sharing, media rights, star-player signings and grassroots and community developments. Despite notable setbacks, such as the lack of support for the league from the nation's governing body of cricket, limited existing exposure for the sport, and slow entry into a saturated market, cricket certainly has the potential for growth in America through the MLC and by combining what made leagues like the IPL work with researching how niche sports leagues began to break into the American market.

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