The Indian Premier League (IPL) has continued its remarkable commercial growth, with its overall business valuation rising to $20.6 billion, marking an 11.4% year-on-year increase, according to a report released by global investment bank Houlihan Lokey Inc. This is the second consecutive year in which the league has recorded double-digit growth.
The report also stated that the IPL’s standalone brand value has increased by 10.3% to $4.3 billion, adding more than $1.1 billion in value since 2025. With this growth, the IPL has further strengthened its position as one of the world’s most valuable sports brands and ranks just behind the NFL on a per-match value basis.
One of the biggest highlights of the report is the rise of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as the most valuable IPL franchise. RCB’s brand value climbed 16% year-on-year to $312 million, making it the first IPL franchise to cross the $300 million valuation mark. According to the report, the franchise’s growth has been driven by consistent on-field performances, a massive fan base and a strong digital commercial ecosystem.
The report also highlighted two major ownership deals that took place during the year. RCB was reportedly acquired by a consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group and the Times of India Group at a valuation of $1.78 billion, making it the costliest franchise transaction in IPL history. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals was acquired by the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla at a reported valuation of $1.65 billion.
Harsh Talikoti, Director at Houlihan Lokey’s Financial and Valuation Advisory business, said the IPL has evolved into a globally owned and institutionally backed sports property. He noted that record franchise transactions, growing private capital participation and expanding commercial opportunities reflect investors’ confidence in the league’s long-term value.
The report ranked Mumbai Indians as the second most valuable franchise with a brand value of $264 million, registering 9.1% annual growth despite finishing ninth in IPL 2026. Kolkata Knight Riders secured the third position with a valuation of $245 million, followed closely by Chennai Super Kings at $244 million.
Among the remaining franchises, Sunrisers Hyderabad ranked fifth with a brand value of $168 million, while Rajasthan Royals stood sixth at $161 million, supported by their playoff appearance and the emergence of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, along with the landmark ownership deal.
Punjab Kings secured the seventh spot with a valuation of $158 million, followed by Gujarat Titans at $157 million. Delhi Capitals ranked ninth, while Lucknow Super Giants occupied the tenth position in the franchise valuation list.
The report also pointed to a major shift in the way fans consume IPL content. It noted that digital viewership continued to grow rapidly, while traditional television viewership declined. This transition has opened new monetisation opportunities through premium, data-driven partnerships, including a three-year association with Google Gemini, helping the league’s total revenues cross $1.8 billion.
