IPL value drop hints at massive unseen disruption

• IPL value dropped 20% to $9.6B due to geopolitics & megaauction but watch time grew.
• Mumbai Indians most valuable team ($108M); RCB second, driven by fan engagement.
• CSK strongest brand despite on-field issues; WPL viewership strong, sponsorships up.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) saw a decline of 20% in its ecosystem value from USD12.0 billion in 2024 to USD9.6 billion this year amidst geopolitical

tensions in the region and uncertainty caused by the mega auction and subsequent team reshuffles, according to the IPL 2025 report by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. As the conflict intensified, several IPL matches, including the playoffs, were suspended for one week by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) due to safety concerns.

Despite this, the IPL brand demonstrated a promising growth over the past decade with the only other drop in value dating back to 2020, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting bio-bubbles. The IPL had also achieved a groundbreaking online broadcasting record with over 384.6 billion minutes of watch-time in the 2025 season, highlighting the league’s positive evolution in engagement and accessibility.

This year, the ranking for the most valuable team is dominated by Mumbai Indians (MI), with a value of USD108 million, rising from its second-place last year. The brand also retains its third position in terms of brand strength, with a BSI score of 85.0/100. This is a result of a combination of its on-field performance alongside the support of passionate fans and highly engaged owners, fostering inclusivity and expanding the team’s fan base.

Reigning as this year’s IPL champion after an 18-year-long drought propelled the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to become the second most valuable brand at USD105 million. The team also climbed to second place in the brand strength rankings with a BSI score of 89.5/100, driven by the support of an outstanding fan base, innovative engagement initiatives, and a strong digital presence. Sponsor interest remains robust, but an unfortunate stampede incident during the celebrations of RCB’s first trophy at their home stadium generated significant negative sentiments and requires the team to make concerted efforts to restore positive momentum both on and off the field.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), ranked third this year, experienced uncertainties around team composition, leadership clarity, and player combinations throughout the season. However, its on-field struggles in the IPL 2025 season have not dented the brand’s strength as the franchise remains the strongest in the league for three years in a row, with a BSI score of 92.6/100. CSK’s brand strength is attributed to the team’s passionate fan base, digital engagements 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. In addition, more than 70 brands across beauty, lifestyle, and financial services backed the 2025 season, contributing to a franchise level sponsorship revenue increase of 10% to 20% and central deals rising by 
around 10% annually.

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Ajimon Francis, Managing Director, Brand Finance India, commented:

"The IPL stands as a testament to the perseverance and transformative power of sports in the face of volatile geopolitical environments. Despite a loss in momentum and a 20% brand value drop, the league navigated regional conflicts and demonstrated a promising evolution in value creation reflecting strong engagement on and off the field.”

India’s economic strength and its vast consumer potential have enabled Brand IPL to deliver unparalleled reach throughout India and across continents to sports fans in Australia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, proving to be an enduring magnet for brands seeking scale and impact.