The ecosystem value of the Indian Premier League (IPL) saw a 20% decline from USD12.0 billion in 2024 to USD9.6 billion this year amid geopolitical tensions in the region and uncertainty over the mega event.
According to the auction and subsequent team reshuffle, ipl 2025 Report from Brand Finance, the world's leading brand valuation consultancy. As the conflict intensified, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suspended several IPL matches, including the playoffs, for a week due to security concerns.
Despite this, the IPL brand demonstrated promising growth over the past decade, with the only other decline in value occurring in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting bio-bubble. The IPL also achieved an unprecedented online broadcast record with over 384.6 billion minutes of watch-time in the 2025 season, highlighting the league's positive growth in engagement and reach.
This year, the ranking of the most valuable teams is dominated by Mumbai Indians (MI), valued at USD108 million, up from second place last year. The brand also retained its third position in terms of brand strength with a BSI score of 85.0/100. This is the result of a combination of the support of passionate fans and highly engaged owners, promoting inclusivity and expanding the team's fan base as well as its on-field performance.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), reigning as this year's IPL champions after an 18-year long drought, became the second most valuable brand with USD105 million. Backed by an excellent fan base, innovative engagement initiatives and a strong digital presence, the team reached second position in the brand strength ranking with a BSI score of 89.5/100. Sponsorship interest remains strong, but an unfortunate stampede incident during RCB's first trophy celebration at their home stadium created a lot of negative sentiments and the team needs to make a concerted effort to restore positive momentum on and off the field.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who finished third this year, experienced uncertainties regarding team composition, leadership clarity and player combinations throughout the season. However, its on-field struggles in the IPL 2025 season have not diminished the strength of the brand as the franchise has remained the strongest in the league for three consecutive years with a BSI score of 92.6/100. CSK's brand strength is attributed to the team's passionate fan base, digital engagement and loyal sponsors.
Meanwhile, the Women's Premier League (WPL) is making strong headlines in its third season, reaching 103 million TV viewers within just 15 games, supported by strong digital engagements. Additionally, more than 70 brands across beauty, lifestyle and financial services have endorsed the 2025 season, driving a 10% to 20% increase in franchise-level sponsorship revenues and increasing central deals.
About 10% annually.
Azimon Francis, Managing Director, Brand Finance India, commented:
“The IPL stands as a testament to the game's resilience and transformative power in the face of a volatile geopolitical environment. Despite a lack of momentum and a 20% brand value decline, the league overcame regional conflicts and demonstrated a promising evolution in value creation that reflects strong engagement on and off the field.”
India's economic strength and its immense consumer potential has enabled the brand IPL to provide unparalleled reach to sports fans across India and continents including Australia, UAE, Saudi Arabia and South Africa, proving to be an enduring magnet for brands seeking scale and impact.
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