Surge in valuation of Indian Premier League cricket tournament reaches an estimated $18.5 billion, according to recent report.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to set benchmarks in sports business, with the latest report by Houlihan Lokey revealing a significant shift in the wealthiest franchises. For the first time, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has taken the top spot, surpassing long-standing giants Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
RCB's brand valuation stands at a impressive USD 269 million, a substantial increase from previous years and a testament to their maiden IPL championship win in 2025. Mumbai Indians follow closely behind with a valuation of USD 242 million, marking a significant increase from the previous year's USD 204 million. Chennai Super Kings, despite a poor season performance, still holds a respectable third position with a brand value of USD 235 million.
The IPL, often described as a "global phenomenon", has become more than just a cricket league. It mixes sport and showbusiness in a glitzy format, with teams often fronted by Bollywood movie superstars. The league features top international stars such as Australia's Pat Cummins and England's Jos Buttler.
Since its launch in 2008, the IPL has inspired other franchise-based leagues in various sports in India and spawned copycat cricket tournaments elsewhere. The IPL is a top revenue earner for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), generating over $11 billion a year for the Indian economy.
The 2025 final of the IPL had over 678 million views on the official streaming platform JioHotstar, reflecting the league's global appeal. The IPL's media rights deals have reached record highs, attracting global investors and sponsors, further cementing its status as a premier sports property.
The IPL concluded its 18th edition with Bengaluru beating Punjab Kings at the world's biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad. As the IPL continues to break records and set new standards, it solidifies its position as a key player in the world of sports business.
- The world of sports business continues to recognize the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a key player, given its significant impact on the sports business global landscape.
- Apart from showcasing exceptional cricket, the IPL also serves as an intersection between the sports world, the world of business, and the realm of showbiz, with Bollywood stars often playing key roles in team franchises.
- The IPL's economic impact is not limited to the sports sector; it generates billions of dollars annually for the Indian economy, underlining its importance to the nation's broader financial health.
- The IPL's media rights deals have reached unprecedented highs, attracting international investors and sponsors, thereby boosting not only the sports economy but also the art and culture sectors through its global appeal, reaching over 678 million views on the official streaming platform JioHotstar in 2025.
