Super League Kerala (SLK) is a dream football venture from the Kerala Football Association which aims at changing the face of sporting activities in this state. This is going to be launched on September 7, 2024, making SLK one of the most important players in Indian football by merging the enthusiasm for soccer in Keralites with modern sports management techniques.
Total Budget and Financial Structure
The financial backbone of SLK is robust, with a total budget of ₹80 crore allocated for the league's operations. This budget underpins various aspects of the league, from player salaries to marketing and infrastructure development.
Total Budget: ₹80 crore
Franchise Fee: ₹1.5 crore per team
Salary Cap: ₹2 crore per team
Expected Team Spending: ₹8-10 crore per season
Each of the six franchises—
Forca Kochi, Thrissur Roar FC, Kannur Warriors FC, Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC, Malappuram FC, and Calicut FC—is expected to spend between ₹8 to ₹10 crore per season. This includes player salaries, training facilities, and other operational costs. The salary cap of ₹2 crore ensures a level playing field, preventing financial disparities from affecting the competition's integrity.
Revenue Streams: Broadcasting, Sponsorships, and More
SLK’s financial model is designed to generate sustainable revenue through multiple channels. The primary sources of income include broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, ticket sales, and merchandise sales. This multi-faceted approach not only ensures financial stability but also offers franchises the opportunity to maximize their earnings.
Broadcasting Rights: A significant portion of the league's revenue is expected to come from broadcasting rights, as the popularity of football in Kerala is likely to attract both national and international viewership.
Sponsorship Deals: Corporate sponsorships will play a crucial role in funding the league and its teams. The franchise-based model is particularly attractive to sponsors looking to associate with professional sports in a football-crazy state like Kerala.
Ticket Sales: Revenue from ticket sales during regular-season matches will go directly to the respective franchises, incentivizing teams to engage with their local fan bases.
Merchandise Sales: Franchises will also benefit from the sale of team merchandise, further solidifying their brand presence among fans.