Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as per a study, have become the first IPL franchise to cross USD 300 million mark in brand value. The two-time IPL champions’ brand value has reportedly soared to USD 312 million.
The IPL’s rapid commercial rise has continued with its overall business enterprise value reaching USD 20.6 billion.
According to the 2026 Brand Valuation Report released by global investment bank Houlihan Lokey, the IPL’s business value increased 11.4 per cent year-on-year to USD 20.6 billion, extending its run of double-digit annual growth for a second consecutive year.
The league’s stand-alone brand value also climbed 10.3 per cent to USD 4.3 billion, having added more than USD 1.1 billion in brand value since 2023.
While retaining their
numero uno status among the IPL franchise rankings, RCB‘s brand value rose by 16 per cent from USD 269 million in 2025 to USD 312 million in 2026 which reportedly makes them the first cricket team in the world to surpass the USD 300 million milestone.
Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians retained second spot with a brand value of USD 264 million, while three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (USD 245 million) narrowly edged Chennai Super Kings (USD 244 million) in the latest rankings.
As per the report, ownership deals completed during the year have highlighted the IPL’s growing commercial strength.
RCB were acquired by a consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group and Times of India Group at a reported valuation of USD 1.78 billion.
Rajasthan Royals also changed hands at a reported valuation of USD 1.65 billion, setting fresh valuation benchmarks for IPL franchises.
The league also recorded significant gains across digital platforms. Citing official broadcaster JioStar’s data, the report said the 2026 IPL season reached 1.06 billion screens, while overall viewership increased seven per cent compared to the previous year.
“I always believed the IPL would become one of the biggest sporting leagues in the world. I just didn’t think it would happen this quickly,” said Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia, whose franchise’s valuation has grown from USD 76 million in 2008 to USD 158 million in 2026.
“Today, when you see institutional investors looking at franchises and global capital entering the space, it validates the conviction we had back in 2008,” he added.
Connected TV emerged as the fastest-growing viewing platform, recording a 26 per cent increase in reach despite an 18.8 per cent decline in linear television ratings.
The report said the combination of digital expansion, premium partnerships and media rights revenues helped the IPL generate more than USD 1.8 billion in total revenues during the season, reinforcing its status as one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the world.
“The IPL has changed the way sport is viewed in India. It’s created careers, inspired investment, encouraged other leagues and built sporting brands that millions of people genuinely care about,” said Wadia.
