Royal Challengers Bengaluru Dethrone Chennai Super Kings as IPL's Most Valuable Franchise

The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues its ascent as a lucrative business, now valued at USD 18.5 billion, marking a 12.9% increase. According to a study by Houlihan Lokey, Inc., a global investment bank based in the US, the IPL's brand value has surged by 13.8% in the past year, reaching USD 3.9 billion.

In a noteworthy shift, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), fresh off their first-ever championship win, have surpassed the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to claim the top spot in franchise brand value. RCB's valuation stands at USD 269 million, a significant rise from USD 227 million the previous year. CSK, following a disappointing season that saw them finish at the bottom, have slipped to third place with a brand value of USD 235 million, a marginal increase from last year's USD 231 million.

First-time winners RCB have displaced CSK at the top spot with a brand value of USD 269 million. © BCCI/IPL

The Mumbai Indians (MI) have also seen a significant rise, climbing to second place from fourth last year with a valuation of USD 242 million (compared to USD 204 million in 2024). The Punjab Kings (PBKS) recorded the highest year-on-year growth, boasting a 39.6% increase in brand value compared to 2024. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) also experienced substantial growth, with a rise of over 34%.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), two-time former champions, hold the fourth position with a brand value of USD 222 million, while the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) are in fifth place with a valuation of USD 154 million. The Delhi Capitals (DC) are ranked sixth with a brand value of USD 152 million, followed by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at seventh with USD 146 million. The Gujarat Titans (GT), under new ownership last season, are in eighth place with a valuation of USD 142 million.

PBKS's impressive 39.6% growth propelled them to ninth place with USD 141 million, largely attributed to their strong performance as runners-up under the leadership of new captain Shreyas Iyer. Lucknow Super Giants, despite being the most expensive team, rank tenth with a brand value of USD 122 million.

Harsh Talikoti, Director, Financial and Valuation Advisory at Houlihan Lokey, noted, "The IPL continues to set benchmarks in the sports business. Franchise valuations have soared, media rights deals have reached record highs, and brand partnerships have diversified across sectors."