PCB has guaranteed each PSL franchise at least Rs 850 million per season from the central pool for the next five editions, starting from PSL 11 in 2026.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has moved to stabilise the financial future of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by guaranteeing minimum earnings for every franchise over the next five seasons. Starting from PSL 11 in 2026, each team will receive a minimum payout of Rs 850 million per edition from the league’s central revenue pool, regardless of fluctuations in overall income.
New Revenue Guarantee for PSL Franchises
Under the revised agreement with franchise owners, the PCB has committed to ensuring that no team earns less than Rs 850 million per season from central revenues. If a franchise’s calculated share falls below this threshold in any edition, the PCB will pay the difference from its own share, effectively shielding teams from potential financial losses.
League insiders describe the move as an attempt to give long-term financial clarity to existing and incoming owners at a time when franchise cricket demands major up-front investments in fees, player salaries, logistics and marketing. The guarantee is expected to make budgeting easier and reduce uncertainty around season-to-season earnings.
Which PSL Teams Benefit the Most?
The guaranteed minimum is expected to particularly benefit franchises with lower ownership fees, such as Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi. These teams were acquired at valuations that are much lower than those of Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans, yet all sides continue to receive equal shares from the central revenue pool.
According to figures shared with stakeholders, franchise valuations currently range from roughly Rs 360 million for Quetta Gladiators to around Rs 1.8 billion for Multan Sultans. Because central income is split equally, lower-valued teams stand to gain more in relative terms when a firm earnings floor is introduced.
Base Price for New Teams and Cost Pressures
At the same time, the PCB has reportedly fixed a base price of Rs 1.3 billion for each of the two new franchises that will be auctioned in Islamabad on 8 January. This sets a high entry point for potential owners and adds to their long-term cost commitments, even with the minimum revenue guarantee in place.
Every franchise, including the new entrants, is required to spend around US$ 1.4 million per season on player salaries, accommodation and travel. For teams with higher acquisition costs, these expenses come on top of sizeable annual franchise fees, making the guaranteed Rs 850 million payout an important buffer against weaker commercial years.
The financial model had previously come under criticism from Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen, who argued that the high valuation of his franchise was leading to sustained losses. Following that dispute, ownership rights for the Sultans were not renewed, while agreements with the remaining franchises were extended under revised terms.
How the Central Revenue Pool Is Shared
Despite big differences in franchise valuations, 95 percent of the PSL’s central revenue will continue to be distributed equally among all teams, with the remaining 5 percent retained by the PCB. This structure keeps the league’s founding principle of equal sharing intact, even as individual cost structures differ from team to team.
The payout schedule is also clearly defined. Franchises will receive 50 percent of their due amount two months after each tournament, a further 40 percent after four months and the remaining 10 percent after nine months, or once the PCB completes its audit. This staggered payment plan is meant to align cash flows with the board’s own revenue collection timelines.
Extra Earnings Linked to Media Revenue Growth
In addition to the guaranteed minimum, franchises could earn more if the PSL’s annual net media revenue crosses Rs 3 billion. Under the current framework, any excess amount of up to Rs 50 million above this threshold will be set aside for securing elite international players.
This special allocation will be shared between the PCB and the franchises in an 80:20 ratio, with the board taking the larger portion. Even so, teams stand to benefit indirectly through better overseas signings, stronger squads and potentially higher commercial appeal if marquee players continue to feature in the league.
Taken together, the new revenue guarantees, clear payment schedule and media revenue incentives signal a push by the PCB to keep PSL financially attractive for current and future investors. As the league prepares to add two more teams, these measures are expected to play a key role in maintaining confidence in the PSL business model and supporting long-term growth.
