Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has achieved another major achievement off the field and has become the first franchise Indian Premier League (IPL) created history by crossing the US$ 300 million mark in brand value.
According to the latest report by US-based global investment bank Houlihan Lokey, RCB remains the most valuable franchise in the league with a brand value of US$312 million, registering a growth of 16 per cent from US$269 million last year.
The report also highlighted the continued commercial growth of the IPL, with the league's total business value expected to increase from USD 18.5 billion in 2025 to USD 20.6 billion in 2026, representing a growth of 11.4 per cent. This is the second consecutive year that the tournament has recorded double-digit growth in commercial value.
Speaking about the league's expansion, Harsh Talikoti, director of financial and valuation advisory business at Houlihan Lokey, said the IPL is reshaping the global sports industry.
“Cricket's evolution into a globally owned, institutionally backed asset class is set to further accelerate in 2026, with the IPL continuing to redefine the global sporting landscape,” Cricbuzz quoted him as saying.
RCB also witnessed remarkable growth just a few months after the change in ownership of the franchise. Earlier this year, a consortium of Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group and Times of India Group acquired the franchise at an estimated valuation of US$1.78 billion.
Mumbai Indians, KKR and CSK are in the top four
While RCB retained the top position, Mumbai Indians (MI) stood second with a brand value of USD 264 million, showing a growth of 9.1 per cent year-on-year.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) moved up to third position with a brand value of US$245 million, overtaking Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which was valued at US$244 million. RCB co-owner and Times Internet chairman Satyan Gajwani credited the franchise's passionate supporters for its continued commercial success.
“We were actively engaged in the processes for both RCB and Rajasthan Royals, and both are huge assets. Across the league, however, RCB's fanbase intensity and connection is unparalleled, which made it a special opportunity. Overall, we are strong believers in the growth potential of cricket as a global sport, and the exposure at both a media level and an IP level is consistent with that thesis.”
Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia believes that IPL teams have evolved into long-term sports and entertainment businesses rather than seasonal cricket franchises.
“The way people look at IPL franchises has completely changed. They are no longer seen as cricket teams that play for two months every year. They are increasingly being seen as long-term sports and entertainment businesses, and I think that's exactly how they should be looked at. The numbers speak for themselves. In less than two months, the IPL delivers extraordinary viewership, sponsorship value and fan engagement.”
He also pointed to the league's growing commercial strength compared to some of the world's biggest sporting competitions.
“On a per-match basis, its media rights already compare with some of the biggest leagues in world sport, and that's remarkable for a competition that is only 18 years old. The NFL is over a hundred, the NBA is close to eighty. Put next to that, where we already stand is remarkable. That gives owners the confidence to invest for the long term rather than just thinking about next season,” he concluded.
Punjab Kings are at the seventh position with a brand value of US$158 million, while Sunrisers Hyderabad (US$168 million) and Rajasthan Royals (US$161 million) are at the fifth and sixth positions respectively. Gujarat Titans (USD 157 million), Delhi Capitals (USD 156 million), and Lucknow Super Giants (USD 122 million) completed the list.
| Post | IPL franchise | Brand Value (million US dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | 312 |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians (MI) | 264 |
| 3 | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | 245 |
| 4 | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | 244 |
| 5 | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | 168 |
| 6 | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | 161 |
| 7 | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | 158 |
| 8 | Gujarat Titans (GT) | 157 |
| 9 | Delhi Capitals (DC) | 156 |
| 10 | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | 122 |
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