Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), winners of IPL 2025 and 2026, retained their position as the most valuable team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but became the first franchise in the league with a brand value of USD 312 million, despite the league's business value increasing to USD 20.6 billion in the past 12 months.
US-based global investment bank Houlihan Lokey, Inc. has released a new report in which RCB, the two-time defending champions, have recorded a 16 per cent increase in brand value from last year's USD 269 million.
According to the research, the IPL's value increased by 11.4%, from USD 18.5 billion to USD 20.6 billion, making it the league's second consecutive year of double-digit growth in business value.
“Cricket’s evolution into a globally owned, institutionally backed asset class has accelerated further in 2026, with the IPL continuing to redefine the global sports landscape,” Cricbuzz quoted Harsh Talikoti, director in Houlihan Lokey’s Financial and Valuation Advisory business.
In addition to becoming the first cricket team to surpass the USD 300 million mark in brand value, RCB changed ownership four months ago when a group including Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, the Aditya Birla Group, and the Times of India Group purchased the team at a valuation of USD 1.78 billion.
Mumbai Indians are placed second with a brand value of USD 264 million, up 9.1% from USD 242 million in 2025. The third-place Kolkata Knight Riders have a brand value of USD 245 million, up 7.9% from USD 227 million the previous year, while the fourth-place Chennai Super Kings have a brand value of USD 244 million, up 3.8% from the previous year.
“We were actively engaged in the processes for both the RCB and Rajasthan Royals, and both are great assets. Across the league, however, RCB’s fanbase intensity and connection are unparalleled, which made this a special opportunity. Overall, we are strong believers in the growth potential of cricket as a global sport, and exposure at both the media level and the IP level fits that thesis,” said Satyan Gajwani, co-owner of RCB and chairman at Times Internet.
With a brand value of USD 158 million, up 12.1% from the previous year, Punjab Kings were ranked seventh. With a brand value of USD 168 million—a 9.1% increase—Sunrisers Hyderabad is ranked fifth among the remaining franchises.
Ness Wadia, co-owner of Punjab Kings, says, “The way people look at IPL franchises has changed completely. They’re no longer seen as cricket teams that play for two months every year. They’re increasingly being viewed as long-term sports and entertainment businesses, and I think that’s exactly how they should be viewed. The numbers speak for themselves. In less than two months, the IPL delivers extraordinary audiences, sponsorship value, and fan engagement.”
“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’s only 18 years old. The NFL is over a hundred, the NBA 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 simply think about the next season,” he added.
With a brand worth of USD 161 million, up 10.3% from the previous year, Rajasthan Royals, who were purchased by the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla at a reputed valuation of USD 1.65 billion, are ranked sixth.
Gujarat Titans are placed eighth with a brand worth of USD 157 million, up 10.6%, followed by Delhi Capitals in ninth position with USD 156 million, a 2.6% gain. Lucknow Super Giants are ranked tenth with a brand worth of USD 122 million, which is constant from last year.
(Cricbuzz inputs)
