As the Indian Premier League (IPL) gears up for another thrilling season, all eyes are on the defending champions, the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK). While the cricketing prowess of the team continues to capture hearts on the field, its performance in the unlisted markets tells a different story.
In the pre-IPO scenario, shares of Chennai Super Kings have been holding steady, trading around Rs 165-170, outperforming its unlisted peers despite broader market fluctuations. Investors in the unlisted space have seen substantial returns, making CSK a notable entity in the cricketing investment landscape.
Expanding its global footprint, Chennai Super Kings ventured into international leagues with Joburg Super Kings in South Africa and Texas Super Kings in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA. These expansions aimed to leverage the popularity of T20 cricket beyond India’s borders. However, financial reports reveal challenges.
Chennai Super Kings reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 13.79 crore for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, witnessing a decline from the previous year. The entry into international leagues came with increased expenses, impacting profitability. Joburg Super Kings reported significant operational losses, contributing to the financial strain.
Moreover, revenue from operations saw a decline of 10 per cent, reflecting the challenges faced in the fiscal year 2022-23. The absence of profitability in the international ventures and a drop in revenue added pressure on the company’s financial performance.
Market experts highlight the need for diversification, suggesting participation in leagues like the Women’s Premier League (WPL) to strengthen the company’s portfolio. However, limited activity months in the cricketing calendar pose challenges for sustained revenue generation.
Despite being India’s first unicorn, with a market capitalization exceeding $1 billion, Chennai Super Kings now faces valuation adjustments, currently valued around Rs 5,250-5,500 crore. The lack of clarity on the IPO timeline and muted financial performance have subdued market sentiments.
Seasoned investors like RK Damani and institutional players like Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) maintain their stake in Chennai Super Kings, indicating confidence in the brand’s long-term prospects. However, the absence of significant newsflow and the uncertain listing timeline contribute to subdued investor interest.
In comparison to global sports franchises in football, baseball, and basketball, CSK’s valuation appears modest. While top-tier franchises in other sports command valuations reaching up to $5 billion, Chennai Super Kings navigates challenges unique to cricketing economics.
As the cricketing season unfolds, Chennai Super Kings aim to defend their title on the field while strategizing to navigate the unlisted challenges off the pitch. The path to sustained profitability and market enthusiasm lies in effective diversification, financial prudence, and timely communication with stakeholders, ensuring the legacy of CSK remains as formidable off the field as it is on it.