Major news has broken out on the upcoming 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The updates are regarding the group divisions and the schedule of the tournament. It is expected to be different from the last few seasons as the committee is discussing various aspects to get back to the old-fashioned 10 franchises facing each other in the group stage of the competition.

The fresh reports have revealed that the governing council of the IPL is expected to go back to the old version of the league. In IPL 2025, a total of 70 group-stage encounters took place as five teams were divided into two groups. If they rule out the groups and put all the teams together, then that could lead the individual franchises, taking participate in 18 league games of the event.

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If that happens, then it will surely increase the excitement of the IPL fans around the globe, as they could see their favorite players and stars for three more weeks in a calendar. But on the other side of the coin, it will push India’s plan for a Test series in England, where the national-bound players won’t get enough time to prepare themselves for the trip.

IPL 2026 News: No more groups and an extended schedule for IPL 2026

A few days ago, the value of the IPL, as a business entity, rose to USD 18.5 billion, which is a hike of 12.9% after a study was conducted by the Houlihan Lokey. The defending champions of the tournament, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), have overtaken the five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings, at the top spot with a brand value of USD 269 million, while they were at USD 227 million a year ago.

Mumbai Indians (MI) have also climbed up to the second place with a valuation of USD 242 million, which was USD 204 million last year. The Yellow Army has slipped to the third position in the table as the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side now carries a brand value of USD 235 million, which has a marginal increment from last year’s USD 231 million. That could be the effect of their maiden finish at the bottom of the points table.

Bengaluru was excellent throughout the tournament, especially in their bowling department in the powerplay and the death overs. That held a key role in them earning the maiden title of the competition.