The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a major move to secure the financial stability of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by guaranteeing minimum earnings for all franchises over the next five editions, starting with PSL 11 in 2026.
Under the new agreement, each team is assured a minimum payout of Rs. 850 million per season from the league’s central revenue pool.
If a franchise’s share falls below this amount, the PCB will cover the shortfall, protecting teams from potential financial losses.
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This measure is expected to particularly help franchises with lower ownership fees, such as Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, and Peshawar Zalmi, whose valuations are much lower compared to Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, and Multan Sultans.
Despite the differences in valuations, all teams will continue to receive equal shares from the central revenue pool.
According to Dawn News, franchise valuations currently range from around Rs. 360 million for Quetta Gladiators to Rs. 1.8 billion for Multan Sultans.
Meanwhile, the PCB has set a base price of Rs. 1.3 billion for each of the two new teams that will be auctioned in Islamabad on January 8.
All teams are required to spend approximately $1.4 million per season on player salaries, accommodation, and travel, meaning franchises with higher acquisition costs, including the new entrants, face larger financial commitments.
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The financial structure had previously drawn criticism from Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen, who said the high valuation of his franchise was causing sustained losses.
Following the dispute, the ownership rights for the Sultans were not renewed, while agreements with the remaining franchises were extended.
The PCB confirmed that 95 percent of the league’s central revenue will continue to be shared equally among all franchises, with the remaining 5 percent retained by the board.
Payouts will be released in installments: 50 percent two months after the tournament, 40 percent after four months, and the final 10 percent after nine months or upon completion of the PCB audit.
In addition, franchises could benefit further if the PCB’s annual net media revenue exceeds Rs. 3 billion.
Any surplus revenue of up to Rs. 50 million will be used to secure elite international players and shared between the PCB and the franchises in an 80:20 ratio.
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This new financial structure aims to ensure stability, attract more investment, and make the PSL more competitive while safeguarding franchises from potential financial risks.
