The Sports Entrepreneurs Podcast by Marcus Luer

Lalit Modi, The Founder – IPL .. Episode 3, South Africa

The Sports Entrepreneurs Podcast by Marcus Luer

Show Notes

In our 3rd episode with Lalit Modi, we will dive deep into the crazy 2nd Season of the IPL (which was held in South Africa) and as a bonus discuss the stories behind the creation of the Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20), including the Mumbai Terrorist attacks. As always fascinating stories and some never before heard details.

Key Highlights

Year 2 of the IPL – what happened and why Media rights re-negotiations and big win for IPL

Newscorp enters frame NDTV deal and how Sony ended up with the rights again

Indian elections, national security risk and what happens next Finding a new host country – enter South Africa (one year before them hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2010) Dealing with two South African Presidents Bringing the teams, media, fans, etc to South Africa Launching a USD 100 million media and marketing blitz in South Africa (including concerts, etc) Miss IPL Pageantry Kick off in Cape Town IPL impact to South African economy, estimated USD 1 billion Massive viewership increase in India as well – 400% Champions League T20 – the creation and stories Ownership of Format - India (50%), South Africa (25%) and Australia (25%)

Founding Federations have two teams, everyone else one team entering the competition

Broadcast deal auction – huge drama and how ESPN/Star Sports won it and overpaid for it UAE keen to host it for next 10 years – makes bid Terrorist attacks in Mumbai in 2008, Nov 26th, just days before the start of the first competition – tournament is canceled

Lalit’s detailed recollection of having friends and colleagues at the hotels and getting them out

Stay tuned for the final Episode 4, how it all went wrong and hear Lalit’s side of the story………

About

Globally recognized leader, Executive Director of Modi Enterprises, with business interests across nearly every industry vertical. Built a billion-dollar brand in less than a year, launched a revolution to Indian broadcast entertainment, and negotiated partnerships with ESPN, Disney, Google, Ten Sports, B4U, Fashion TV, Voyages TV, Buena Vista Television, United Artists, Marvel, Nike and others. International business strategist who catalyzes transformation and change by capitalizing on unmet demand in domestic and overseas markets. Embraces technology and creates opportunities to enrich lives, create sustainable revenue, and optimize productivity through integration of emerging platforms in social and digital. An entrepreneur at heart with a phenomenal ability to connect people and ideas into revenue-generating enterprises, an active member of the board for one of the oldest and most successful industrial conglomerates in India, and the thought- leader behind radical change in India’s leading Cricket administration, the BCCI. Recognized by Time, Sports Illustrated, Business Week, Forbes, Business Standard, and other influential global media outlets for launch of the Indian Premier League (IPL), one of world’s most popular Cricket organizations. Was Awarded ‘Indian of the Century” by India Today in Forbes nominated Modi as “Rainmaker of the Century” Against extensive political and economic challenges, brought IPL to South Africa, and sustained the same phenomenal levels of viewership and attendance despite the move. Columbia University and Stanford University Both did case studies on Modi, which are still being taught in Universities across the world. Created billions dollar opportunities, and played an integral role in shaping the cultural direction of Modern India as visionary behind transformational changes in broadcast, sports, entertainment, and consumer products.

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