PSL franchise owners keen to retain rights amid future base price curiosity

ISLAMABAD: As the Pakistan Super League (PSL) prepares to enter a new decade, the billion-dollar question looming over the cricketing horizon is -- what will be the new base price of its eight franchises set to compete in the landmark eleventh edition in 2026?

Having completed their initial ten-year terms, the current six franchises are bracing for a crucial auction round that could redefine the commercial trajectory of Pakistan’s most successful sports venture. The auction for the next ten-year cycle is expected to take place within the next few months and with it, the stakes are higher than ever.

Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have told ‘The News’ that all six existing franchise owners have officially expressed, in writing, their strong interest in retaining ownership for the upcoming decade. However, despite the show of commitment, nothing has been finalised yet -- leaving the room for potential new contenders to enter the high-stakes bidding war.

When approached at a recent event at PID, Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana was asked directly whether his franchise had been given any assurance of renewal. Interestingly, Rana opted to dodge the question -- fueling further speculation that the playing field may still be open. Behind the scenes, however, a well-placed PCB official reiterated: “At this point, we can confirm that all existing franchise owners have expressed their willingness to retain the rights for the next ten years.”

More clarity is expected to emerge by late June or early July, when the PCB is set to unveil a comprehensive roadmap for the PSL’s next chapter, potentially including timelines for franchise bidding, team expansion, and structural reforms leading into the 2026 season.

The 2026 edition is anticipated to be historic -- not just for marking a new cycle, but also for expanding the league to eight teams. Faisalabad is currently the frontrunner for the seventh franchise, while Abbottabad, Sialkot, and Hyderabad are also in contention to complete the lineup.

A third-party evaluation firm has already been commissioned to assess the market worth of both existing and new franchises. Early projections suggest that franchise base prices may rise by at least 600% over their original purchase values from a decade ago.

Multan Sultans, having joined the PSL mid-stream, may follow a slightly different evaluation curve. But the real intrigue lies in the bidding dynamics. Will new entrants be permitted to table aggressive bids that exceed the base prices set for existing franchises? For instance, if Lahore Qalandars’ base price is pegged at Rs2 billion, could an external bidder raise the stakes to Rs2.5 billion or more?

According to insiders, the PCB’s overarching goal is maximizing profit -- meaning the auction could be opened to competitive bids, with first refusal granted to current owners. “If higher offers come in from new parties, there is no reason to reject them outright. The existing franchise owners will be given the first right of refusal, but if they don’t match the offer, the opportunity could pass to the highest bidder,” a source close to the matter said.

With franchise values potentially skyrocketing and more cities jostling for a place in Pakistan’s cricketing elite, PSL 2026 could usher in a new era of commercial and competitive expansion, one that might not only redefine local cricket economics but also position the PSL more aggressively on the global T20 map. The cricketing world waits with bated breath as Pakistan’s marquee league readies for its most transformative chapter yet.