{"id":39963,"date":"2026-02-23T12:14:43","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T06:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/?p=39963"},"modified":"2026-03-23T16:39:46","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T11:09:46","slug":"ipl-2026-advertising-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"IPL 2026 Advertising Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_55 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\" role=\"button\"><label for=\"item-69d85174cb5c7\" ><span class=\"\"><span style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input aria-label=\"Toggle\" aria-label=\"item-69d85174cb5c7\"  type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-69d85174cb5c7\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#The_Complete_Playbook_for_Brands_Marketers_Media_Planners\" title=\"The Complete Playbook for Brands, Marketers &amp; Media Planners\">The Complete Playbook for Brands, Marketers &amp; Media Planners<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#1_Why_IPL_Is_Still_India%E2%80%99s_Most_Powerful_Advertising_Canvas\" title=\"1. Why IPL Is Still India&#8217;s Most Powerful Advertising Canvas\">1. Why IPL Is Still India&#8217;s Most Powerful Advertising Canvas<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#The_Numbers_Behind_the_Hype\" title=\"The Numbers Behind the Hype\">The Numbers Behind the Hype<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#What%E2%80%99s_New_in_IPL_2026\" title=\"What&#8217;s New in IPL 2026\">What&#8217;s New in IPL 2026<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#2_The_Broadcasting_Landscape_TV_Digital_CTV_Explained\" title=\"2. The Broadcasting Landscape: TV, Digital &amp; CTV Explained\">2. The Broadcasting Landscape: TV, Digital &amp; CTV Explained<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Star_Sports_The_TV_Powerhouse\" title=\"Star Sports: The TV Powerhouse\">Star Sports: The TV Powerhouse<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#JioHotstar_The_Digital_Streaming_Platform\" title=\"JioHotstar: The Digital Streaming Platform\">JioHotstar: The Digital Streaming Platform<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Mobile_The_Scale_Engine\" title=\"Mobile: The Scale Engine\">Mobile: The Scale Engine<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#3_Who%E2%80%99s_Actually_Watching_Audience_Intelligence\" title=\"3. Who&#8217;s Actually Watching: Audience Intelligence\">3. Who&#8217;s Actually Watching: Audience Intelligence<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#The_TV_Audience\" title=\"The TV Audience\">The TV Audience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#The_Digital_Audience\" title=\"The Digital Audience\">The Digital Audience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#The_CTV_Audience_The_Premium_Tier\" title=\"The CTV Audience: The Premium Tier\">The CTV Audience: The Premium Tier<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Targeting_Options_on_JioHotstar\" title=\"Targeting Options on JioHotstar\">Targeting Options on JioHotstar<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#4_Ad_Formats_What_to_Buy_and_When\" title=\"4. Ad Formats: What to Buy and When\">4. Ad Formats: What to Buy and When<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Television_Ad_Formats\" title=\"Television Ad Formats\">Television Ad Formats<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Digital_Ad_Formats_JioHotstar\" title=\"Digital Ad Formats (JioHotstar)\">Digital Ad Formats (JioHotstar)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#5_How_to_Plan_Your_IPL_Campaign_A_Strategic_Framework\" title=\"5. How to Plan Your IPL Campaign: A Strategic Framework\">5. How to Plan Your IPL Campaign: A Strategic Framework<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Step_1_Define_Your_Objective_Before_Your_Budget\" title=\"Step 1: Define Your Objective Before Your Budget\">Step 1: Define Your Objective Before Your Budget<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Step_2_Choose_Your_Match_Strategy\" title=\"Step 2: Choose Your Match Strategy\">Step 2: Choose Your Match Strategy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Step_3_Build_a_Multi-Screen_Plan\" title=\"Step 3: Build a Multi-Screen Plan\">Step 3: Build a Multi-Screen Plan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Step_4_Plan_for_the_Season_Not_Just_the_Match\" title=\"Step 4: Plan for the Season, Not Just the Match\">Step 4: Plan for the Season, Not Just the Match<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Step_5_Start_with_Test_Budgets_Then_Scale\" title=\"Step 5: Start with Test Budgets, Then Scale\">Step 5: Start with Test Budgets, Then Scale<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#6_Budget_Guidance_What_Can_You_Actually_Achieve\" title=\"6. Budget Guidance: What Can You Actually Achieve?\">6. Budget Guidance: What Can You Actually Achieve?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Entry-Level_%E2%82%B95%E2%80%9325_Lakh\" title=\"Entry-Level: \u20b95\u201325 Lakh\">Entry-Level: \u20b95\u201325 Lakh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Mid-Market_%E2%82%B925_Lakh_%E2%80%93_%E2%82%B92_Crore\" title=\"Mid-Market: \u20b925 Lakh \u2013 \u20b92 Crore\">Mid-Market: \u20b925 Lakh \u2013 \u20b92 Crore<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Premium_%E2%82%B92_Crore\" title=\"Premium: \u20b92 Crore+\">Premium: \u20b92 Crore+<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#7_Measuring_Your_IPL_Campaign_What_Good_Looks_Like\" title=\"7. Measuring Your IPL Campaign: What Good Looks Like\">7. Measuring Your IPL Campaign: What Good Looks Like<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#The_New_Measurement_Standard\" title=\"The New Measurement Standard\">The New Measurement Standard<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Key_Metrics_to_Track\" title=\"Key Metrics to Track\">Key Metrics to Track<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#The_Measurement_Stack_We_Recommend\" title=\"The Measurement Stack We Recommend\">The Measurement Stack We Recommend<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#8_Category_Playbooks_How_Different_Industries_Should_Approach_IPL_2026\" title=\"8. Category Playbooks: How Different Industries Should Approach IPL 2026\">8. Category Playbooks: How Different Industries Should Approach IPL 2026<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#FMCG_Consumer_Goods\" title=\"FMCG &amp; Consumer Goods\">FMCG &amp; Consumer Goods<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Fintech_Financial_Services\" title=\"Fintech &amp; Financial Services\">Fintech &amp; Financial Services<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#E-Commerce_D2C\" title=\"E-Commerce &amp; D2C\">E-Commerce &amp; D2C<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Automotive\" title=\"Automotive\">Automotive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Regional_Local_Brands\" title=\"Regional &amp; Local Brands\">Regional &amp; Local Brands<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Gaming_Fantasy_Sports\" title=\"Gaming &amp; Fantasy Sports\">Gaming &amp; Fantasy Sports<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#9_Lessons_from_the_Best_IPL_Advertisers\" title=\"9. Lessons from the Best IPL Advertisers\">9. Lessons from the Best IPL Advertisers<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Start_Before_the_Season\" title=\"Start Before the Season\">Start Before the Season<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Commit_for_Length_Not_Just_Moments\" title=\"Commit for Length, Not Just Moments\">Commit for Length, Not Just Moments<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Respect_the_Creative_Opportunity\" title=\"Respect the Creative Opportunity\">Respect the Creative Opportunity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Use_Digital_for_Learning\" title=\"Use Digital for Learning\">Use Digital for Learning<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Don%E2%80%99t_Ignore_the_Ecosystem\" title=\"Don&#8217;t Ignore the Ecosystem\">Don&#8217;t Ignore the Ecosystem<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#10_How_to_Get_Started_with_The_Media_Ant\" title=\"10. How to Get Started with The Media Ant\">10. How to Get Started with The Media Ant<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#What_The_Media_Ant_Offers\" title=\"What The Media Ant Offers\">What The Media Ant Offers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/ipl-2026-advertising-guide\/#Why_IPL_2026_Is_the_Year_to_Be_In\" title=\"Why IPL 2026 Is the Year to Be In\">Why IPL 2026 Is the Year to Be In<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Complete_Playbook_for_Brands_Marketers_Media_Planners\"><\/span><em>The Complete Playbook for Brands, Marketers &amp; Media Planners<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Disclaimer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article compiles insights from publicly available reports, research papers, and industry news sources. As IPL 2026 is a developing season, commercial structures and platform details may evolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the latest updates and official IPL advertising opportunities, please refer to:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/sports-marketing\/ipl-advertising\">https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/sports-marketing\/ipl-advertising<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>TATA IPL 2026 kicks off <strong>26 March<\/strong> and runs through <strong>31 May 2026<\/strong> \u2014 84 matches, 10 teams, one unmissable advertising window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>84<\/strong>Matches (record high)<\/td><td><strong>650M+<\/strong>Digital viewers in 2025<\/td><td><strong>\u20b918L<\/strong>Base TV 10-sec rate<\/td><td><strong>\u20b9600<\/strong>CTV CPM (2026)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Why_IPL_Is_Still_India%E2%80%99s_Most_Powerful_Advertising_Canvas\"><\/span><strong>1. Why IPL Is Still India&#8217;s Most Powerful Advertising Canvas<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s get something out of the way first: everyone knows IPL is big. What smart marketers need to understand is why it remains irreplaceable \u2014 and what&#8217;s genuinely different in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Indian Premier League isn&#8217;t just a cricket tournament. For roughly 67 days every year, it becomes the shared cultural wallpaper of India \u2014 the topic dominating group chats, office conversations, and dinner tables from Srinagar to Kanyakumari. IPL was the most-searched term on Google India in 2024, beating out everything from movies to elections. That kind of cultural gravity is what every brand is actually buying when they advertise during the IPL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Numbers_Behind_the_Hype\"><\/span><strong>The Numbers Behind the Hype<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IPL 2025 reached over 650 million viewers on digital platforms alone, according to JioHotstar data. Star Sports, which holds the linear TV rights, consistently ranks as the most-watched sports channel in India during the tournament. When you combine both, the IPL&#8217;s combined reach across TV and digital is conservatively estimated at 900 million viewers per season \u2014 roughly two-thirds of India&#8217;s population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More importantly, these are highly engaged viewers, not passive ones. Cricket fans watch with intent. They lean forward, react to every over, and are primed for brand messages in a way that passive entertainment consumption simply doesn&#8217;t deliver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>~700M<\/strong>Combined TV + Digital viewers (estimated)<\/td><td><strong>2nd<\/strong>Most valuable sports media property globally<\/td><td><strong>67<\/strong>Days of season-long brand presence<\/td><td><strong>2x<\/strong>Brand metric uplift vs typical TV campaigns, as reported in industry case studies.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What%E2%80%99s_New_in_IPL_2026\"><\/span><strong>What&#8217;s New in IPL 2026<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This edition brings meaningful structural changes that every advertiser should factor into their planning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>84 matches <\/strong>\u2014 up from 74 \u2014 creating more inventory, more inventory choices, and more match-day moments to activate around. Grade A matches, playoffs, and the final command premium rates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unified rights under JioStar<\/strong> \u2014 Star Sports (TV) and JioHotstar (digital) are now part of the same entity following the Disney-Reliance merger completed in 2025. For advertisers, this means true cross-platform planning from a single window for the first time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CTV rates up 25%<\/strong> \u2014 JioStar has aggressively priced connected TV inventory for 2026, reflecting the growing premium audience on big screens. The base CTV CPM moves from \u20b9480 to \u20b9600 for a 10-second ad.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nielsen third-party measurement<\/strong> \u2014 For the first time, JioHotstar has partnered with Nielsen for real-time, independently verified campaign metrics, giving advertisers the accountability they&#8217;ve long demanded.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Paid-only streaming<\/strong> \u2014 Unlike previous editions where digital streaming was free, JioHotstar now requires a subscription starting at \u20b9149\/month. This means the digital audience is now a self-selected, higher-intent, premium base.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>The Media Ant Perspective<\/strong>Abhishek Mukherjee, CBO of The Media Ant, contributed to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.socialsamosa.com\/the-pulse-magazine\/the-pulse-sports-marketing-edition-2026-11120920\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sports Marketing Edition of Social Samosa Pulse<\/a> \u2014 a publication that brought together the sharpest minds in Indian sports advertising. That feature reflects something we&#8217;ve built over years: a deep, data-driven understanding of how to navigate complex, multi-screen events like the IPL on behalf of brands of all sizes.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_The_Broadcasting_Landscape_TV_Digital_CTV_Explained\"><\/span><strong>2. The Broadcasting Landscape: TV, Digital &amp; CTV Explained<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you spend a rupee on IPL advertising, you need to understand how the broadcast ecosystem works in 2026 \u2014 because it&#8217;s more consolidated, more structured, and frankly more powerful than in any previous season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Star_Sports_The_TV_Powerhouse\"><\/span><strong>Star Sports: The TV Powerhouse<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Star Sports continues to hold satellite (linear TV) rights for IPL 2026 through JioStar. Star Sports 1 (Hindi, SD+HD), Star Sports 2, and regional language feeds cover every match. The network reaches over 500 million TV households, making it the default choice for India&#8217;s mass market audience \u2014 particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where smart TV penetration is still lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>TV advertising during IPL operates on a spot-buy model. You&#8217;re buying 10-second slots during live match breaks \u2014 before the match, during strategic timeouts, between innings, and during the fall of wickets. The key numbers for IPL 2026 on Star Sports:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Inventory Type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Rate (10 sec)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Notes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Standard Live (SD+HD)<\/td><td><strong>\u20b918,00,000<\/strong><\/td><td>Base rate, unchanged from 2025<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Standard Live (SD only)<\/td><td><strong>\u20b915,00,000<\/strong><\/td><td>Regional or budget-conscious buys<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Live HD Only<\/td><td><strong>\u20b97,20,000<\/strong><\/td><td>Premium urban audience<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Grade A Matches<\/td><td><strong>\u20b921,60,000<\/strong><\/td><td>High-viewership marquee matches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Playoffs<\/td><td><strong>\u20b940,00,000<\/strong><\/td><td>Extremely limited inventory<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Final<\/td><td><strong>\u20b950,00,000<\/strong><\/td><td>Most expensive single spot in Indian TV<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Premium Feed (Eng + all HD)<\/td><td><strong>\u20b910,50,000<\/strong><\/td><td>English-speaking premium audience<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CTL-2 (Co-Presenting position)<\/td><td><strong>\u20b913,50,000<\/strong><\/td><td>Premium pod position<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>All South Feeds (SD+HD)<\/td><td><strong>\u20b94,20,000<\/strong><\/td><td>Tamil Nadu, AP, Karnataka, Kerala<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tamil Feed only<\/td><td><strong>\u20b92,20,000<\/strong><\/td><td>Regional precision buy<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Source: BestMediaInfo reporting on JioStar&#8217;s IPL 2026 rate card<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Planning Tip<\/strong>Base live rates are flat year-on-year, but premium positions (CTL-2) have jumped 25%. The playoff and final inventory fills within days of going on sale. If you have a specific match or position in mind, plan and commit early \u2014 ideally before the season starts. The Media Ant works with brands to secure optimal positioning before the tournament begins.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"JioHotstar_The_Digital_Streaming_Platform\"><\/span><strong>JioHotstar: The Digital Streaming Platform<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>JioHotstar is where IPL 2026 lives for over 650 million digital viewers. It&#8217;s the primary screen for anyone under 35, anyone in metro India, and an increasingly large share of premium household viewers watching on connected TVs. With a subscription-only model from 2025, the audience is now more defined: you&#8217;re reaching people who chose to pay for IPL streaming, which is a proxy for engagement and spending power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>JioHotstar offers a far richer set of advertising options than TV. The key ad formats are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pre-Roll (Before Match Begins)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Video ads served before the live stream starts. This is the highest-attention moment \u2014 the viewer has just opened the app and is waiting for cricket. Completion rates are consistently high because the viewer can&#8217;t leave yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mid-Roll (During Match Breaks)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The IPL equivalent of a TV commercial break, served during DRS reviews, strategic timeouts, and wicket celebrations. These are 10-30 second video spots, and they&#8217;re the most purchased format on JioHotstar. Volume is high but so is viewer awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>L-Band \/ Squeeze-Up (During Live Action)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The horizontal banner that appears at the bottom of the screen during live play. This is non-intrusive and appears while cricket is happening \u2014 uniquely valuable because the viewer isn&#8217;t looking away. Available on both mobile and CTV:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Mobile L-Band: \u20b92,50,000 per exposure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CTV L-Band: \u20b94,50,000 per exposure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Connected TV (CTV) Inventory<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The premium tier. CTV refers to JioHotstar streamed on smart TVs, Fire Sticks, Chromecast, and Apple TVs. The audience here is watching on large screens, often in family groups \u2014 TV-like engagement with digital-like targeting. JioStar has restructured CTV buying for 2026:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>CTV Format<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Rate<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Notes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Base CTV CPM (10-sec)<\/td><td><strong>\u20b9600 CPM<\/strong><\/td><td>Up from \u20b9480 in 2025 \u2014 25% hike<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Any Match Selection (Live Midroll)<\/td><td>~50% premium over block pricing<\/td><td>Cherry-pick specific matches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CTL-2 (Premium position)<\/td><td><strong>\u20b921,35,000<\/strong><\/td><td>Per 10-sec spot, highest impact<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CTL-1\/3\/4 (Standard premium)<\/td><td><strong>\u20b912,95,000<\/strong><\/td><td>Per 10-sec spot<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>L-Band on CTV<\/td><td><strong>\u20b94,50,000<\/strong><\/td><td>Per exposure during live play<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Source: BestMediaInfo, JioStar IPL 2026 rate card reporting<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mobile_The_Scale_Engine\"><\/span><strong>Mobile: The Scale Engine<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mobile is where the numbers are massive and the CPMs are lowest \u2014 but the conversation is evolving. Standard mobile placements on JioHotstar currently range from \u20b9180\u2013200 CPM for standard inventory to \u20b9340 CPM for premium matches. The mobile audience reached 650 million in IPL 2025, and that number is expected to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What&#8217;s changing is what brands expect from mobile. The era of running a pre-roll and calling it done is over. The formats that command attention (and budget) in 2026 are interactive: click-to-WhatsApp integrations, shoppable video layers, contextual triggers that appear right after a wicket falls. Brands in quick commerce, FMCG, and fintech are allocating 40-50% of incremental IPL digital budgets specifically to mobile programmatic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Screen<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>CPM \/ Spot Rate<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best For<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>TV (Star Sports)<\/td><td><strong>\u20b915-18L per 10-sec spot<\/strong><\/td><td>Mass reach, brand awareness, Tier 2\/3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CTV (JioHotstar)<\/td><td><strong>\u20b9600 CPM (base)<\/strong><\/td><td>Premium urban, high-income households<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mobile (JioHotstar)<\/td><td><strong>\u20b9180-340 CPM<\/strong><\/td><td>Scale, targeting, performance, Gen Z<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>L-Band (TV overlay)<\/td><td><strong>\u20b94.5L per exposure (CTV)<\/strong><\/td><td>Non-intrusive during live play<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Who%E2%80%99s_Actually_Watching_Audience_Intelligence\"><\/span><strong>3. Who&#8217;s Actually Watching: Audience Intelligence<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest mistake brands make during IPL planning is treating &#8216;IPL viewer&#8217; as a monolith. They&#8217;re not. The person watching on Star Sports in Patna and the person streaming on JioHotstar on a CTV in Bengaluru have different profiles, different consumption habits, and different responses to advertising. Smart planning starts with understanding this segmentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_TV_Audience\"><\/span><strong>The TV Audience<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Star Sports&#8217; IPL audience skews toward Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, older demographics (35+), and households that still rely on cable\/DTH for their primary entertainment. NCCS A and B segments dominate in metros, but the channel&#8217;s penetration in smaller cities means you&#8217;re also reaching a broader, more diverse economic spread. This is mass market India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Languages matter on TV. JioStar&#8217;s regional feeds \u2014 Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and others \u2014 saw significant viewership growth in IPL 2025. A brand advertising on the Tamil feed is speaking to a very different consumer than one on the Hindi national feed. This precision has real value for regional brands or national brands with regional activation priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Digital_Audience\"><\/span><strong>The Digital Audience<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>JioHotstar&#8217;s IPL audience is younger, more urban, and higher income. The platform claimed 93.5 million devices streaming during WPL 2026 (a far smaller property), giving a sense of the scale possible. During the men&#8217;s IPL, the digital audience is not just massive \u2014 it&#8217;s the dominant audience for ages 18-35.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A defining characteristic of the digital IPL viewer is second-screen behavior. Cricket fans don&#8217;t just watch \u2014 they simultaneously browse fantasy gaming apps, check scores on other platforms, share memes, and engage with brand content. This creates advertising moments that don&#8217;t exist in any other media environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_CTV_Audience_The_Premium_Tier\"><\/span><strong>The CTV Audience: The Premium Tier<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>JioHotstar&#8217;s CTV viewers are increasingly the audience that brands covet most. They&#8217;re consuming IPL on 55-inch+ screens, often with family, in an environment that mimics the emotional resonance of traditional TV but with the targeting precision of digital. JioStar claims that around 60% of WPL digital viewers are exclusive to streaming (not watching linear TV for sports) \u2014 a figure that will be even higher for the premium IPL audience on CTV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is why CTV rates have jumped 25% for IPL 2026. JioStar knows what it has: a premium, self-selected, high-income audience that can be targeted by demographics, purchase behavior, and device type, and served ads that are measurable to a degree TV never was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>70%<\/strong>NCCS A\/B on CTV<\/td><td><strong>18-35<\/strong>Core digital viewer age<\/td><td><strong>12+<\/strong>Language streams available<\/td><td><strong>65M+<\/strong>CTV reach expected in 2026<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Targeting_Options_on_JioHotstar\"><\/span><strong>Targeting Options on JioHotstar<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of JioHotstar&#8217;s most powerful advertiser propositions is the depth of targeting available. Unlike TV (where you reach whoever is watching Star Sports at 7:30pm), digital allows you to find your specific audience within a mass event:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Age, gender, income bracket, NCCS classification: <\/strong>Demographic targeting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>State, city, pin code \u2014 critical for local or regional brands: <\/strong>Geographic targeting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mobile-only, CTV-only, or cross-device campaigns: <\/strong>Device targeting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Target viewers watching in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, etc.: <\/strong>Language preference<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cricket fans, fantasy gaming users, fintech users, sports shoppers: <\/strong>Interest-based<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Jio&#8217;s ecosystem data for income signals, product interests, behavior: <\/strong>First-party data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reach new users who match your best customers: <\/strong>Lookalike audiences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Re-engage viewers who&#8217;ve already interacted with your brand: <\/strong>Retargeting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Target households with estimated monthly spend above \u20b950,000: <\/strong>Premium spend signal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Ad_Formats_What_to_Buy_and_When\"><\/span><strong>4. Ad Formats: What to Buy and When<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Buying IPL inventory is not one decision \u2014 it&#8217;s a series of decisions about platform, format, timing, and match selection. Here&#8217;s how to think about each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Television_Ad_Formats\"><\/span><strong>Television Ad Formats<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spot Buys (Live)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bread and butter of TV IPL advertising. You buy specific 10-second (or multiples thereof) slots during live match breaks. The spots are allocated in pods \u2014 typically 2-3 minutes of ads per break. Position in the pod matters: first position and last position commands a premium (CTL-1,2,3,4 in JioStar&#8217;s terminology). If your brief is brand awareness at scale, spot buys on Star Sports remain the most efficient way to reach 500 million households.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sponsorships &amp; Integrations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most premium TV association. Co-presenting sponsors get logo placement in the title card (&#8216;The match is presented by X&#8217;), branded strategic timeout segments, and a share of voice guarantee. Associate sponsors get L-band overlays, branded scoreboards, and other integrations. These are package deals negotiated directly with JioStar, typically for the entire season or match blocks. Pricing runs from \u20b950-65 crore for associate positions to \u20b9100+ crore for co-presenting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>L-Bands on TV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The horizontal strip along the bottom of the TV broadcast. Used for quick brand reminders during play. Non-intrusive and effective for recall. Often used by brands who can&#8217;t afford multiple spot buys but still want a visual presence during the live game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Digital_Ad_Formats_JioHotstar\"><\/span><strong>Digital Ad Formats (JioHotstar)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pre-Roll Video<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Served as the stream loads. You have the viewer&#8217;s complete attention. Ideal for brand storytelling, product launches, or high-production creatives. Completion rates are typically 80%+ because the viewer is waiting for the match to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mid-Roll Video<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most purchased format. Served during match breaks \u2014 exactly like a TV ad break but delivered digitally. The advantage is targeting: you&#8217;re serving your ad to a defined audience, not everyone watching the channel. For brands with broad target audiences (FMCG, telecom, banking), mid-roll is where the majority of digital IPL budget should sit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Squeeze-Up \/ L-Band (Digital)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The digital version of the TV L-band, appearing during live play as a lower-third banner. On mobile this is a small banner; on CTV it&#8217;s a TV-like horizontal strip across a large screen. Distinctive because it appears during the live action, not during a break \u2014 the viewer is watching cricket and your brand is present. Mobile rate: \u20b92.5L per exposure; CTV rate: \u20b94.5L per exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fence Ads<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Banner ads that appear in the virtual boundary fence area of the video stream. Think digital version of stadium hoarding. Available in static and carousel formats. Well-suited for brand recall campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Carousel \/ Interactive Formats<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For brands that want engagement beyond view, carousels allow multiple product or message cards that viewers can swipe through. E-commerce, D2C, and multi-product brands use these effectively to drive consideration and click-through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Shoppable Ads<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The emerging format for 2026. Clickable video ads with embedded purchase flows \u2014 a viewer can tap to buy without leaving the stream. Being piloted primarily for quick commerce, fashion, and consumer electronics. CPMs are higher but conversion rates justify the premium for performance-focused brands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>A Word on Creative<\/strong>IPL is one of the few advertising environments where creative quality directly affects business outcomes. JioStar&#8217;s own data shows campaigns with emotionally resonant creatives achieve double the brand uplift of generic executions. The IPL viewer has seen thousands of ads \u2014 your creative needs to earn attention, not just buy it. The Media Ant&#8217;s creative strategy team helps brands develop IPL-specific assets optimized for each screen format.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_How_to_Plan_Your_IPL_Campaign_A_Strategic_Framework\"><\/span><strong>5. How to Plan Your IPL Campaign: A Strategic Framework<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>The difference between brands that use IPL well and those that simply show up is planning discipline. Here&#8217;s the framework we recommend to clients at The Media Ant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Define_Your_Objective_Before_Your_Budget\"><\/span><strong>Step 1: Define Your Objective Before Your Budget<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IPL can do many things for a brand \u2014 but it cannot do everything for every brand simultaneously. Before discussions about which matches or formats to buy, you must nail down your primary objective:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Mass awareness at scale? \u2192 TV spot buys on Star Sports SD+HD<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Premium brand positioning? \u2192 CTV packages + high-production creative<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Performance \/ conversion? \u2192 Mobile programmatic with interactive formats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regional market penetration? \u2192 Language-specific feed buys on TV<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brand affinity with youth? \u2192 Digital-first with creator and social integration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Most brands have more than one objective \u2014 but the mix of spend across formats should reflect which objective is primary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Choose_Your_Match_Strategy\"><\/span><strong>Step 2: Choose Your Match Strategy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all 84 matches are equal. The IPL 2026 calendar has four categories of matches from an advertising standpoint:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Opening matches \u2014 high viewership, expensive, great for campaign launches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rivalry matches \u2014 CSK vs MI, RCB vs KKR \u2014 exceptionally high viewership and engagement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grade A matches (15-20 flagged by JioStar) \u2014 premium pricing, premium audience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mid-season matches \u2014 lower cost, still high reach, useful for frequency building<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Playoffs + Final \u2014 extremely limited inventory, stratospheric pricing, reserved for brands with deep pockets or long-term associations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A practical approach for mid-sized budgets: anchor on 4-6 Grade A matches for high-impact awareness moments, then build frequency through mid-season spot buys or digital CPM campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Build_a_Multi-Screen_Plan\"><\/span><strong>Step 3: Build a Multi-Screen Plan<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest evolution in IPL planning over the last three years is the shift from &#8216;TV or digital&#8217; to &#8216;TV and digital.&#8217; Industry data from IPL 2025 shows that running campaigns across TV, CTV, and mobile results in less than 5% audience overlap while delivering 20-40% incremental reach. Put another way: your TV audience and your digital audience are largely different people. Advertising on only one screen means leaving a significant slice of the IPL audience unaddressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A sensible multi-screen structure might look like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>40-50% of budget on TV (Star Sports) for mass reach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>25-30% on CTV (JioHotstar) for premium urban households<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>20-25% on mobile (JioHotstar) for targeting, frequency control, and performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>5-10% on social and creator-led content for always-on amplification<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Plan_for_the_Season_Not_Just_the_Match\"><\/span><strong>Step 4: Plan for the Season, Not Just the Match<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IPL runs for 67 days. Brands that treat it as a series of individual ad purchases miss the strategic opportunity. The most effective IPL advertisers build a campaign arc:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Pre-IPL teaser (1-2 weeks before) \u2014 build anticipation with digital and social<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opening week surge \u2014 high-weight launch, TV + CTV + mobile<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mid-season sustain \u2014 efficient frequency through digital CPM, reduce TV to high-priority matches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Playoff amplification \u2014 concentrated high-impact burst for final recall<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Post-IPL retention \u2014 carry forward associations through social and search<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Start_with_Test_Budgets_Then_Scale\"><\/span><strong>Step 5: Start with Test Budgets, Then Scale<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For brands new to IPL advertising, industry consensus has converged on a smart approach: deploy 10-20% of your planned IPL budget in the early matches. Use JioStar&#8217;s measurement dashboards and Nielsen&#8217;s verification to assess actual reach, frequency, and brand lift. Then scale the remaining budget based on evidence, not assumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This discipline is especially important for digital. Mobile CPM campaigns can be paused, optimized, and reallocated in near-real-time. TV spots, once booked, are locked. Treat digital as your flexible, responsive layer and TV as your anchor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>The Media Ant SMB Advantage<\/strong>The Media Ant is a certified SMB partner of JioHotstar \u2014 one of very few agencies with direct access to IPL digital inventory at SMB package rates. Brands can start advertising during IPL on JioHotstar with budgets from \u20b915 Lakh. We also provide campaign screenshots, recordings, and live dashboards to every client.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Budget_Guidance_What_Can_You_Actually_Achieve\"><\/span><strong>6. Budget Guidance: What Can You Actually Achieve?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most common questions we get: &#8216;What&#8217;s the minimum viable IPL budget?&#8217; The answer depends entirely on your objective and which platforms you&#8217;re using. Here&#8217;s a practical breakdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Entry-Level_%E2%82%B95%E2%80%9325_Lakh\"><\/span><strong>Entry-Level: \u20b95\u201325 Lakh<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At this budget, TV spot buys are not practical (a single 10-second spot on Star Sports costs \u20b915-18 lakh). But digital is absolutely viable. JioHotstar&#8217;s SMB packages start at \u20b95 lakh and deliver 25M+ ad impressions over the course of the tournament \u2014 meaningful reach for a regional brand or a startup making its first major sports advertising play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What you can realistically achieve at \u20b95-25 lakh: consistent digital presence during the IPL season, 3-5 match day activations, geographic or demographic targeting, and measurable impression delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mid-Market_%E2%82%B925_Lakh_%E2%80%93_%E2%82%B92_Crore\"><\/span><strong>Mid-Market: \u20b925 Lakh \u2013 \u20b92 Crore<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the sweet spot where multi-screen planning becomes possible. At \u20b950 lakh, a brand can run a meaningful digital campaign across mobile and CTV with proper targeting, plus explore a few regional TV spots on language feeds. At \u20b91-2 crore, you&#8217;re building a real presence \u2014 multiple match-day activations, both mobile and CTV buys, and the ability to react to live match moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The key at this level is prioritization. Choose 2-3 matches where your presence will be concentrated rather than spreading thin across the whole tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Premium_%E2%82%B92_Crore\"><\/span><strong>Premium: \u20b92 Crore+<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Above \u20b92 crore, you&#8217;re entering the territory where national-scale impact is achievable. TV spot buys on Star Sports SD+HD become viable. Season-long digital presence on JioHotstar is affordable. CTV premium packages with first-pod positioning are within reach. Above \u20b95 crore, co-presenting and associate sponsorships on specific match segments are possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Above \u20b910 crore, you&#8217;re in the territory of full-season associate sponsorships \u2014 branded strategic timeouts, scorecard sponsorships, consistent logo placement. This is where household brands like Pepsi, Vivo (historically), and category leaders play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Budget Range<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Recommended Approach<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Expected Outcome<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u20b95\u201325 Lakh<\/td><td>JioHotstar digital (mobile) \u2014 SMB packages<\/td><td>25M+ impressions, targeted digital presence<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u20b925L\u2013\u20b91Cr<\/td><td>Digital-first: mobile + CTV, selective match buys<\/td><td>Multi-screen reach, 3-5 match activations<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u20b91\u20135Cr<\/td><td>TV (language feeds) + full digital, Grade A matches<\/td><td>Broad reach + precision targeting, season arc<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u20b95\u201315Cr<\/td><td>Star Sports national + CTV premium + digital<\/td><td>National awareness, associate-level presence<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u20b915Cr+<\/td><td>Season-long associate\/co-presenting, all screens<\/td><td>Top-of-mind brand, Category leadership signal<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Measuring_Your_IPL_Campaign_What_Good_Looks_Like\"><\/span><strong>7. Measuring Your IPL Campaign: What Good Looks Like<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>IPL 2026 is the most measurable edition in history \u2014 and that&#8217;s a meaningful statement for an event that used to run largely on faith. Here&#8217;s what you should be tracking and how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_New_Measurement_Standard\"><\/span><strong>The New Measurement Standard<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>JioHotstar&#8217;s partnership with Nielsen for IPL 2026 means that for the first time, digital IPL campaigns can be independently verified against reach, frequency, and demographic delivery. This matters because it gives advertisers the same confidence in digital metrics that they&#8217;ve historically had in TV ratings \u2014 without relying solely on the broadcaster&#8217;s own numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For TV, BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) remains the industry standard for ratings and viewership measurement. JioStar also uses Flashtalking as a third-party ad serving and verification partner for digital campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Metrics_to_Track\"><\/span><strong>Key Metrics to Track<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Unduplicated reach across all screens; average frequency (how many times each unique viewer saw your ad). Aim for 3-5 frequency across the season for brand recall.: <\/strong>Reach &amp; Frequency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The additional audience your digital\/CTV buys delivered beyond your TV reach. Cross-screen campaigns typically deliver 20-40% incremental reach.: <\/strong>Incremental Reach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pre\/post surveys measuring changes in awareness, favorability, and purchase intent. JioStar&#8217;s internal data shows campaigns delivering nearly double industry benchmark uplifts.: <\/strong>Brand Lift<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For pre-roll: target 75%+ completion. Mid-roll: 65%+ acceptable. Lower completion signals creative that isn&#8217;t holding attention.: <\/strong>Video Completion Rate (VCR)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For performance formats. Industry average for IPL digital is 0.3-0.5% for standard formats; interactive formats can reach 1.5-2%.: <\/strong>Click-Through Rate (CTR)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Monitor branded search volume on Google during and after your IPL campaign. Effective TV and CTV campaigns reliably produce search lift within 24-48 hours of airing.: <\/strong>Search Lift<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For D2C brands and e-commerce, connect campaign exposure windows to purchase data. IPL campaigns routinely show 15-25% sales lift in the weeks following high-weight match activations.: <\/strong>Sales \/ Conversion Attribution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Measurement_Stack_We_Recommend\"><\/span><strong>The Measurement Stack We Recommend<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>BARC for TV ratings and reach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nielsen\/Flashtalking for digital verification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JioStar dashboard for real-time campaign delivery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Google Analytics \/ first-party data for website and conversion tracking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brand tracker (monthly) for awareness and sentiment changes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>IPL 2025 Benchmarks to Beat in 2026<\/strong>Mobile CPMs averaged \u20b9340. A 10-second TV spot cost \u20b918 lakh. Cross-screen campaigns delivered less than 5% audience overlap. Brands that ran campaigns across TV, CTV, and mobile saw 20-40% incremental reach. Use these as your baseline when evaluating your 2026 performance.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Category_Playbooks_How_Different_Industries_Should_Approach_IPL_2026\"><\/span><strong>8. Category Playbooks: How Different Industries Should Approach IPL 2026<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FMCG_Consumer_Goods\"><\/span><strong>FMCG &amp; Consumer Goods<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IPL is the natural home for FMCG advertising. The reach is unmatched for a mass consumer product; the regional targeting on language feeds is valuable for products with regional distribution strategies. The playbook: lead with TV for reach, add CTV for premium households, and use digital to reinforce with product-specific creatives. 15-30 second mid-rolls work well for product demos and emotional storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fintech_Financial_Services\"><\/span><strong>Fintech &amp; Financial Services<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IPL&#8217;s digital audience skews toward exactly the demographic fintech brands need: 25-40 year olds with disposable income and smartphones. Digital-first campaigns with performance objectives (app installs, account opens) are highly effective. Interactive formats with click-to-register work particularly well. Brands like Dream11, PhonePe, and Groww have made IPL their primary annual acquisition event for years \u2014 and their results validate the investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"E-Commerce_D2C\"><\/span><strong>E-Commerce &amp; D2C<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For brands where measurement matters, IPL digital is compelling. The ability to target users by purchase behavior (via Jio&#8217;s first-party data), run shoppable ad formats, and track conversion at the campaign level makes IPL digital a performance channel, not just a brand channel. The caveat: you need compelling creative and a fast mobile experience. The attention window is short.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Automotive\"><\/span><strong>Automotive<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IPL&#8217;s premium audience on CTV is tailor-made for automotive brands. High-income households watching on large screens, full video creative, and the emotional backdrop of sport \u2014 it&#8217;s the brand-building environment the category needs. Associate sponsorship of high-profile matches (e.g., CSK vs MI) is a consistent playbook for auto brands wanting regional or national salience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Regional_Local_Brands\"><\/span><strong>Regional &amp; Local Brands<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of IPL advertising&#8217;s underappreciated stories is how it&#8217;s democratized for smaller brands. A regional brand in Tamil Nadu can buy language-specific feed spots on Star Sports Tamil (\u20b92.2L per 10 seconds) or geo-targeted digital campaigns on JioHotstar for under \u20b910 lakh \u2014 and reach a cricket-engaged Tamil audience at scale without national pricing. For local brands, IPL&#8217;s regional infrastructure is genuinely game-changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gaming_Fantasy_Sports\"><\/span><strong>Gaming &amp; Fantasy Sports<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Fantasy gaming platforms \u2014 Dream11, MPL, My11Circle \u2014 have historically been among IPL&#8217;s biggest advertising spenders for an obvious reason: their core user is the IPL viewer. The match-day moment is the conversion moment. Real-time ads timed to match events (the toss announcement, the first wicket) are the most effective format for this category. This is a lesson in contextual timing that every category can adapt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Lessons_from_the_Best_IPL_Advertisers\"><\/span><strong>9. Lessons from the Best IPL Advertisers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>A decade of IPL advertising has produced a clear set of principles that separate effective campaigns from expensive ones. Here&#8217;s what the evidence shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start_Before_the_Season\"><\/span><strong>Start Before the Season<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The brands that extract the most value from IPL don&#8217;t start planning in February. They start in November. Early planning means you secure the right inventory before it sells out (playoff spots are often gone 8-10 weeks before the final), negotiate better package pricing, and have time to develop creative that actually works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Commit_for_Length_Not_Just_Moments\"><\/span><strong>Commit for Length, Not Just Moments<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Research from IPL 2025 and 2024 consistently shows that sustained presence across the tournament outperforms big-bang single-match spends. Three reasons: frequency builds recall, season-long presence signals brand strength, and the tournament narrative evolves \u2014 brands that stay visible through playoffs capture the highest-engagement audience. Brands like Bisleri have built multi-year tournament associations precisely because consistency compounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Respect_the_Creative_Opportunity\"><\/span><strong>Respect the Creative Opportunity<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IPL viewers are sophisticated consumers of advertising. They see hundreds of brand messages during every season and remember very few. The ones they remember tend to be funny, surprising, emotionally resonant, or distinctly Indian in their references. Cricket-specific creative (referencing team rivalries, specific players, match scenarios) outperforms generic brand spots \u2014 but requires lead time and sometimes licensing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_Digital_for_Learning\"><\/span><strong>Use Digital for Learning<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re new to IPL advertising, digital campaigns offer something TV doesn&#8217;t: real-time data. You can see which creatives are completing, which audiences are responding, which match moments are driving clicks \u2014 and use that intelligence to optimize your campaign mid-tournament and carry those learnings into the following year. Many sophisticated advertisers treat early-season digital as research for later-season TV investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Don%E2%80%99t_Ignore_the_Ecosystem\"><\/span><strong>Don&#8217;t Ignore the Ecosystem<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IPL advertising extends beyond the broadcast. Social media (especially Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and X\/Twitter) explodes during IPL. Brands that invest in creator partnerships \u2014 cricketers, sports commentators, team-adjacent influencers \u2014 extend their broadcast presence into everyday conversation. A mid-roll ad gets 30 seconds; a cricketer&#8217;s Instagram reel can travel for weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_How_to_Get_Started_with_The_Media_Ant\"><\/span><strong>10. How to Get Started with The Media Ant<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re a national brand planning a \u20b910 crore IPL campaign or a startup wondering if \u20b915 lakh can make a difference, the process starts the same way: understanding your objective, your audience, and the best combination of inventory to reach them efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_The_Media_Ant_Offers\"><\/span><strong>What The Media Ant Offers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>As a certified SMB Partner of JioHotstar, we have direct access to IPL digital inventory including exclusive SMB packages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>End-to-end campaign management: planning, buying, creative guidance, execution, and reporting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Third-party verified reporting through Flashtalking, plus screenshots, recordings, and live dashboards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multi-screen planning across Star Sports (TV), JioHotstar (CTV + mobile), and social\/digital<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strategic counsel from a team that has planned hundreds of IPL campaigns across every budget level<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_IPL_2026_Is_the_Year_to_Be_In\"><\/span><strong>Why IPL 2026 Is the Year to Be In<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The combination of 84 matches (more inventory, more match-day moments), unified rights (simpler planning), Nielsen measurement (real accountability), and a subscription-only premium digital audience makes IPL 2026 the most sophisticated advertising opportunity the tournament has ever offered. The brands that plan carefully, buy intelligently, and create compellingly will see results that justify every rupee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IPL 2026 begins 26 March. Planning conversations should happen now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Ready to Plan Your IPL 2026 Campaign?<\/strong>Get in touch with The Media Ant to discuss your IPL 2026 advertising strategy. Whether you&#8217;re a first-time IPL advertiser or a brand looking to optimize an existing sports marketing budget, we&#8217;ll help you find the right combination of inventory, targeting, and creative approach for your objectives.Visit: www.themediaant.com | Call: 080-67415510<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sources &amp; References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>BestMediaInfo (IPL 2026 rate card reporting) \u2022 Wikipedia (2026 Indian Premier League) \u2022 JioStar\/JioHotstar official announcements \u2022 The Current (JioHotstar global advertiser report, August 2025) \u2022 BestMediaInfo (IPL 2026 mobile advertising industry analysis, February 2026) \u2022 Social Samosa Pulse Sports Marketing Edition 2026 \u2022 BARC India audience measurement data<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Rates indicated are based on JioStar&#8217;s published\/reported rate cards and may vary. Contact The Media Ant for current and final rates.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Complete Playbook for Brands, Marketers &amp; Media Planners Disclaimer This article compiles insights from publicly available reports, research papers, and industry news sources. As IPL 2026 is a developing&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":39970,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4025,3218,3219],"tags":[4209,4183],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IPL-Advertising-2026.jpg?fit=740%2C549&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39963"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39963"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39963\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40174,"href":"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39963\/revisions\/40174"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39970"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39963"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39963"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themediaant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39963"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}