The economics of ticket pricing: accessibility versus revenue

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) continued its upward trajectory in 2025, delivering a tournament that blended high‑quality cricket with compelling narratives. With four teams initially and two new sides – Chennai Queens and Johannesburg Lionesses – joining this season, the WPL’s expansion mirrored the men’s IPL, albeit on a smaller scale. The WPL’s mission is two‑fold: to provide a platform for India’s best women cricketers to showcase their skills alongside international stars, and to inspire more girls across India to take up the sport. Early indicators suggested that the 2025 edition achieved both objectives.

On the field, the defending champions Mumbai Heroines faced stiff competition from the newcomers. Chennai, led by India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, assembled a balanced squad that combined youthful exuberance with experience. Teenage opening batter Shafali Verma, in her fifth professional season at just 21, provided explosive starts. South African all‑rounder Chloe Tryon offered both big hits and left‑arm orthodox spin. In the tournament opener, Chennai stunned Mumbai by chasing 172 with an over to spare, thanks largely to a 45‑ball 79 from Verma. Johannesburg Lionesses, captained by Dane van Niekerk, struggled initially but found momentum when local talent Miné de Klerk produced a remarkable hat‑trick against Delhi Dazzlers. The moment went viral, reinforcing that the WPL could produce highlights on par with any men’s competition.

For Mumbai and Delhi, the challenge was maintaining dominance amid a talent drain caused by national camps. Smriti Mandhana, fresh off a hundred in the preceding international series, continued her rich form for Delhi, while teenager Richa Ghosh grew into the role of finisher with a strike rate exceeding 160. Among overseas players, Australian leg‑spinner Georgia Wareham proved invaluable for Mumbai, using her variations to outfox Indian domestic batters unused to the googly. The level of athleticism on display, with diving saves and direct‑hit run outs, impressed audiences and highlighted improvements in fitness standards.

Off the field, the WPL focused heavily on fan engagement. Matches were scheduled in prime evening slots and broadcast with high production values, including informative graphics and mic‑d up segments with players. Stadiums in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai saw healthy crowds, buoyed by affordable ticket pricing and family‑friendly atmospheres. The league partnered with schools and NGOs to distribute free tickets to girls from underprivileged backgrounds, hoping to inspire future generations. Social media campaigns featuring behind‑the‑scenes videos and player‑led challenges gained traction, building personal connections between stars and fans.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the 2025 WPL was its economic impact. Sponsorship revenues doubled compared to the inaugural season, and franchise valuations increased. Player salaries, while still modest relative to the men’s IPL, rose substantially. Financial analysts predicted that within five years, the WPL could be self‑sustaining. The tournament also sparked conversations about scheduling conflicts and player workload, particularly with the ICC Women’s Championship on the horizon. Nonetheless, players repeatedly emphasised how the WPL allowed them to play under pressure and improve skills that translate to international cricket. As the season concluded with Chennai defeating Mumbai in a thrilling final, commentators agreed that the WPL had taken another giant leap towards establishing women’s cricket as a mainstream, commercially viable sport in India and beyond.