An independent economic evaluation carried out by research firm GSIQ has revealed that the 2025 edition of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) injected a total of US$19.5 million into the economy of Antigua & Barbuda, marking a significant win for the island nation’s tourism and business sectors.
Five matches of the popular T20 cricket tournament were hosted at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, splitting the total impact into two key components: a direct on-the-ground economic contribution of US$10.7 million, and an additional US$8.8 million in earned international media value that positioned Antigua & Barbuda as a top travel and events destination across global broadcast, digital, and social media channels.
Fan attendance data underscores the tournament’s role as a driver of international tourism for the twin-island nation. A total of 23,553 spectators passed through the stadium gates over the course of the match series, with 1,733 of those attendees traveling from outside Antigua & Barbuda specifically for the event. On average, international visitors stayed 4.5 nights per trip and spent roughly US$3,100 each, translating to a total of US$4.1 million in direct visitor spending that flowed to local accommodation providers, restaurants, transportation companies, and small businesses across the country.
Beyond tourist spending, CPL’s own local investments created tangible long-term benefits for Antigua & Barbuda’s workforce and local supply chains. In 2025 alone, the tournament spent US$3.7 million on domestic goods and services, which supported the creation of 169 new local jobs. Of that local spend, US$2.8 million went directly to domestic suppliers, while an additional US$321,000 was allocated to local worker salaries. The tournament also extended its impact beyond cricket and commerce, backing a range of community-focused initiatives including grassroots youth cricket development programs and corporate social responsibility projects—most notably a school supply donation drive for children attending match-day events at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
The 2025 results build on a deepening partnership between CPL and Antigua & Barbuda that has already delivered substantial returns. Over the past two tournament seasons, combined investments from CPL and the local franchise Antigua & Barbuda Falcons have reached US$7.1 million, a clear indicator of the growing mutual economic benefit of the ongoing collaboration.
The media exposure generated by the tournament stands as one of its most valuable non-economic contributions, putting Antigua & Barbuda in front of hundreds of millions of cricket fans worldwide. Of the US$8.8 million in total international media value, US$8.4 million came exclusively from global broadcast coverage, highlighting the tournament’s unmatched ability to showcase the islands’ natural beauty, world-class sports infrastructure, and hospitality to a global audience of potential future visitors.
Pete Russell, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Premier League, emphasized the ongoing importance of Antigua & Barbuda to the tournament’s annual calendar. “Antigua & Barbuda continues to play an important role in the CPL calendar,” Russell said. “Delivering an event impact of US$19.5 million highlights the positive impact the tournament brings to the country, supporting tourism, creating jobs and generating global exposure. The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium provides a fantastic stage for CPL cricket and we are proud to continue growing our partnership with Antigua & Barbuda.”