Kolkata Knight Riders Sponsors and Revenue Analysis

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have firmly established themselves as one of the most iconic teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Representing Kolkata, they have captivated fans worldwide with their thrilling performances, charismatic ownership, and strong brand identity.

Team Achievements and Milestones

KKR’s journey started with high hopes. In 2011, the team reached its first playoff. They won their first IPL title in 2012 by beating Chennai Super Kings. KKR repeated this success in 2014 with a victory over Kings XI Punjab. In 2024, they won their third title by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad. The team’s consistent success shows their strength.
Some key players have led the team. Gautam Gambhir is the highest run-scorer, while Sunil Narine holds the record for most wickets. The team’s motto, Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo (Perform, Fight, Win), represents their determination. Their purple and gold colors have become a symbol of their spirit.
KKR has also expanded into multimedia. In 2009, they launched the reality show Knights and Angels. In 2014, the documentary Living With KKR highlighted their resilience and success.

Social Media Engagement

KKR has used social media to stay connected with their fans. They have built a strong online presence across different platforms. Their Facebook page has over 17 million followers. It shares match highlights and hosts interactive contests. On Instagram, with 6.3 million followers, fans get behind-the-scenes content and creative Reels. Twitter, with 5.3 million followers, is full of witty banter and match-day excitement.
KKR also has regional language handles in Bengali and Hindi to reach more fans. Their motivational rap song Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo Re received over 5.5 million views. This shows how the team uses creative ways to engage their followers.

Home Ground: Eden Gardens

Eden Gardens, Kolkata’s pride, serves as KKR’s home ground. This historic venue, owned by the Cricket Association of Bengal, was renovated in 2011, reducing its capacity to 68,000 but enhancing facilities to meet international standards. Known for its electrifying atmosphere, Eden Gardens has witnessed many memorable KKR victories.

Ownership: The Star Power

KKR’s ownership adds to its allure. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, alongside actress Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta, bought the team for ?2.98 billion. Their presence not only boosts the team’s brand value but also attracts fans eager to catch a glimpse of the stars during matches.

Revenue Streams and Business Model

KKR’s financial success stems from diverse revenue streams:

• Media Rights: The lucrative IPL media rights deal boosts franchise earnings significantly;
• Sponsorships: Principal sponsors like Dream11 and BKT, along with official sponsors such as Jio and Lux Cozi, contribute a substantial portion of revenue;
• Stadium Tickets: The passionate Kolkata crowd ensures steady income through ticket sales at Eden Gardens;
• Merchandise: The Shop KKR website and Knight Club app offer fans different branded items;
• Prize Money: With three IPL titles, KKR has earned substantial prize money over the years;
• YouTube Channel: KKR’s official channel generates approximately $478,000 annually through advertising revenue.

IPL Records and Memorable Performances

With 257 matches played, 131 wins, and a win percentage of 52.19, KKR has cemented its position among the IPL elite. Memorable moments include their 2018 record score of 245/6 and Dinesh Karthik’s remarkable 97 not out in 2019.

Kolkata Knight Riders Sponsors for IPL 2024

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) remain one of the most celebrated franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), not only for their on-field performances but also for their extensive list of sponsors. The team’s consistent efforts to build robust partnerships have contributed significantly to their branding and fan engagement strategies. The IPL 2024 season sees KKR collaborating with numerous prominent brands as Principal Sponsors, Official Sponsors, Official Partners, Licensing Partners, and Media Partners. Here’s a detailed overview of their sponsorship landscape.

Principal Sponsors

Principal Sponsors hold a premium position in the franchise’s sponsorship portfolio. For IPL 2024, KKR has two key Principal Sponsors:

1. BKT: Mumbai-based tire giant BKT became an integral part of the IPL sponsorship ecosystem in 2021 by associating with seven teams. In 2024, BKT continues its association with KKR as a Principal Sponsor.
2. Dream11: Fantasy sports platform Dream11 signed a sponsorship deal with KKR in March 2024. The Mumbai-based company plays a pivotal role in driving fan engagement and fantasy sports popularity.

Official Sponsors

Official sponsors play an important role in supporting the Kolkata Knight Riders. They contribute through branding, merchandise rights, and promotional activities. Below are the key sponsors for the team.

• Reliance Jio: The Indian telecom giant has been associated with all IPL teams since 2018. Reliance Jio continues its partnership with the Kolkata Knight Riders;
• Joy Personal Care: Joy Personal Care became an associate sponsor in March 2022. The partnership includes branding rights and collaborations on television commercials and fan-engagement programs. The brand’s logo is featured on the matchday shirt sleeve of KKR players;
• Lux Cozi: The premium innerwear brand, headquartered in Kolkata, has been the Official Kit and Merchandise Partner since 2016. The Lux Cozi logo is displayed on the front of KKR’s matchday shirts in the top left corner;
• Acko: The Bengaluru-based insurance company joined KKR as an associate sponsor in February 2022. The sponsorship was extended in March 2024 and continues its presence in the team’s sponsorship lineup;
• Royal Green: Royal Green Deluxe Blended Whisky has been part of KKR’s sponsorship list since 2023. In February 2024, the company extended its association with the team;
• JSW Paints: JSW Paints partnered with KKR ahead of the 2024 IPL season. This association adds to the sponsorship portfolio of the team with an emphasis on creativity and vibrant branding;
• Manipal Hospitals: Manipal Hospitals became an official sponsor of KKR in 2024. The Bengaluru-based hospital network contributes to the team’s healthcare partnerships and promotes health-related initiatives.

Official Partners

Official Partners collaborate with Kolkata Knight Riders across different industries and build a diverse sponsorship portfolio. Here are the key partners for IPL 2024.

• Thums Up: Thums Up and KKR share a history that began in 2009 when the beverage giant first partnered with the team. After a brief hiatus, the partnership resumed in March 2020. Thums Up continues to be a prominent name in KKR’s sponsorship lineup;
• Bira91: Bira91, a beverage and lifestyle brand, joined KKR ahead of IPL 2023. This partnership focuses on promoting the brand through campaigns linked to the team;
• Philips: Philips Male Grooming partnered with KKR ahead of IPL 2024. The brand highlights its range of male grooming products through this association;
• Advance Decorative Laminates: Advance Decorative Laminates became part of the KKR sponsor family in March 2024. The Indian manufacturer of laminates, PVC laminates, and plywood is now the Official Laminates & Plywood Partner of the team;
• Veedol Oil: Veedol Oil, owned by Tide Water Oil Co (India) Ltd, joined KKR as an official partner for the 2024 season. This partnership adds depth to the team’s sponsorship roster;
• Big Ant Studios: Big Ant Studios, an Australian video game publisher, partnered with KKR just before IPL 2024.

Licensing Partners

Licensing Partners contribute significantly to Kolkata Knight Riders’ merchandise and retail initiatives. Here are the key Licensing Partners for IPL 2024.

• FanCode Shop: FanCode, a platform by Dream Sports, collaborates with KKR for merchandise sales. Through its retail platform, FanCode Shop, it provides fans access to a wide range of team-branded items;
• PlayR: PlayR became the Official Merchandise Partner of KKR in March 2024. This partnership strengthens KKR’s presence in the merchandise market. PlayR also collaborates with other IPL teams, including Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and Chennai Super Kings.

Media Partners

Media Partners play a key role in promoting Kolkata Knight Riders and boost fan interaction through targeted campaigns.

• Fever FM: Fever FM, a national radio network, has been the Official Radio Partner of KKR since April 2018. Through this partnership, Fever FM engages fans with promotional activities and exclusive interactions, strengthening the connection between the team and its supporters;
• Sampark Advertising Media: Sampark Advertising Media, a Kolkata-based outdoor advertising company, joined KKR as a sponsor in 2019. It enhances the team’s visibility across the city with impactful outdoor advertising campaigns.

Through a combination of on-field excellence, savvy business strategies, and unwavering fan support, Kolkata Knight Riders continue to shine as one of the IPL’s most celebrated franchises.

Conclusion

Kolkata Knight Riders is a strong team in the Indian Premier League. Its success comes not just from performances on the field but also from its partnerships. For the 2024 season, the team has sponsorships with brands across many sectors. These include Principal Sponsors like BKT and Dream11, along with other Official Sponsors and Media Partners.
These partnerships show the team’s focus on building strong connections. With support from these brands, KKR strengthens its position in the IPL and builds a strong connection with its fans. These efforts help the team stay competitive and grow each year.