The winner of the third Nepal Premier League will receive Rs15 million, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) announced on Sunday. The figure was revealed at a press conference on the eve of the season opener. The runners-up will get Rs8 million, third place Rs4 million, and fourth place Rs3 million. 

CAN treasurer Padam Khadka said the increase reflects growth in the league’s income. He put expected sponsorship revenue at Rs200 million and ticketing and broadcasting revenue above Rs700 million, with gross revenue for the month-long tournament projected at Rs1.5 billion. He added that the NPL governing council took the decision with the approval of CAN president Chatur Bahadur Chand. The revenue figures are CAN’s own projections, not audited numbers. 

For the 2024 winner, those outlets reported Rs11 million, while Kantipur’s final-day report gave Rs10 million. The Kathmandu Post says the champion received Rs10 million in each of the first two seasons. This article does not state an exact increase on the winner’s prize for that reason. 

The four playoff teams share a combined Rs30 million at the 2026 rate. Nepali-language reports from Ratopati carry the same breakdown (Rs1.5 crore, Rs80 lakh, Rs40 lakh, and Rs30 lakh).

The season runs from October 26 to November 21 and has 32 matches in total. The opener features defending champions Lumbini Lions and Sudurpaschim Royals. The same two sides contested last season’s final, which Lumbini won by six wickets. The playoffs are scheduled for November 17 (Qualifier 1), November 18 (Eliminator), November 19 (Qualifier 2), and November 21 (Final), with all matches at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. CAN also said the Decision Review System will be used in the league for the first time.

The finishing order in the top four now carries a clear cash value, a Rs5 million gap between first and second, before the league stage begins.