Wed. Jul 30th, 2025

IPL Value Jumps to $18.5 Billion; RCB Overtakes CSK as Top Brand

The Indian Premier League (IPL), already one of the most powerful sports leagues globally, has once again raised the bar for sporting business excellence. According to the latest Houlihan Lokey report, the IPL’s business value has grown by 13% in 2025, reaching an impressive $18.5 billion (approx. ₹1.6 lakh crore). The brand value of the league has also jumped 14%, now standing close to $4 billion (around ₹33,000 crore).

In an unexpected but historic shift, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has overtaken traditional giants Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) to become the most valuable franchise in the IPL. After years of near-misses, RCB’s maiden IPL trophy win and strategic branding moves have pushed them to the top.

RCB’s Rise to the Summit

For the first time in IPL history, RCB lifted the trophy in 2025, breaking an 18-year drought. This monumental victory, coupled with savvy off-field brand strategies, has catapulted RCB’s brand value to $269 million.

The franchise’s turnaround is credited to consistent on-field performance, the emergence of new leadership under Rajat Patidar, and smart commercial partnerships like their tie-up with tech brand Nothing. The final match, which attracted over 678 million viewers, further elevated their brand profile.

Additionally, RCB’s investment in fan engagement—especially through digital platforms and local outreach in Karnataka—has strengthened its regional support base, giving them a loyal following few teams can match.

CSK and MI: Still Powerhouses Despite RCB’s Rise

Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), long considered the IPL’s most valuable franchises, now occupy the second and third spots, respectively. MI is valued at $242 million, while CSK stands at $235 million.

Despite a disappointing season where CSK finished at the bottom of the table, the franchise’s brand remained resilient. Much of this can be attributed to the enduring legacy of MS Dhoni, whose star power continues to drive fan loyalty and lucrative sponsorship deals.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) follow closely with a brand value of $227 million, rounding off the league’s “big four.”

IPL’s Unmatched Business Model

The Houlihan Lokey report highlights the IPL as more than a cricket league—calling it a “global phenomenon” at the intersection of sport, entertainment, and business.

Unlike many global sports leagues, the IPL benefits from a highly profitable business model. Media rights, front-loaded sponsorship agreements, and a tightly controlled salary cap system allow franchises to cover nearly 80% of their operating costs before a ball is bowled.

With a salary cap of ₹120 crore per team, the league prevents runaway wage inflation, ensuring competitive balance and higher profit margins. As a result, top franchises generate annual revenues between ₹650 crore and ₹700 crore.

Advertising and Viewership Reach New Heights

The 2025 IPL season witnessed a 50% surge in advertising income, generating nearly $600 million (₹5,000 crore) in ad revenue.

The RCB vs Punjab Kings final broke all previous viewership records, even surpassing the India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. These numbers underline the IPL’s unparalleled popularity in India and its growing global reach.

With digital consumption on the rise, the IPL’s international audience is expanding rapidly, making it a key player in the global sports entertainment industry.

Global Investors Eye IPL Franchises

The report also notes that the IPL’s robust financial health and rapid growth are attracting institutional investors and private equity firms. For many, IPL franchises are now seen as long-term, high-growth investment assets—comparable to teams in the English Premier League (EPL) or the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Moreover, the IPL’s success has inspired a wave of short-format cricket leagues worldwide, redefining the modern cricket calendar and making franchise-based competitions the new epicenter of cricket’s growth.

Conclusion

The IPL’s meteoric rise in both business and brand value underlines its place as one of the world’s premier sports leagues. RCB’s historic 2025 win signals a changing of the guard in franchise brand power, while MI and CSK continue to hold strong market positions.

With growing international viewership, smart financial structures, and unmatched fan engagement, the IPL is setting new benchmarks for commercial sports leagues globally. As it heads into future seasons, the league’s blend of sport and entertainment is poised to grow even stronger.