Watching the Indian Premier League from ground zero will cost more this season.

Buoyed by new title sponsors Pepsi and a positive response to channel SET Max’s ad sales, teams are increasing ticket prices by as much as 50%. For instance, the minimum ticket price for a Delhi Daredevils match in the Capital has been hiked from Rs. 400 to Rs. 600 from last season to this one. Premium seats, available for Rs. 20,000 last year, will cost Rs. 23,000 now.

But the management and teams promise that the hike will not hit the masses, who usually purchase tickets priced between Rs. 600-Rs 4,000. The tickets go on sale from March 13.

“The price rise will not affect the middle-level consumer,” said Hemant Dua, sports head (marketing), GMR, which owns Delhi Daredevils.

Two-time champions Chennai Super Kings have also revised prices. “There has been an upward revision,” said Rakesh Singh, joint president, marketing of franchise-owner India Cements.

Other teams, such as Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers, are likely to follow suit. “Corporate boxes and marquee seats will become slightly expensive. But the increase in entry-level tickets will be consumer-friendly,” said a Rajasthan Royals official.