RCB Ousts CSK as IPL's Most Valuable Team Amid League's Soaring $18.5 Billion Valuation

Tuesday - 08/07/2025 04:05

Houlihan Lokey's study reveals the IPL's brand value surged to US$18.5 billion, a 12.9% increase, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru becoming the most valuable franchise at US$269 million after their title win. Sponsorship deals and viewership numbers have also reached new heights, exemplified by the BCCI's associate-sponsor slots sale and Tata Group's title sponsorship extension.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues its ascent as a global sporting powerhouse, with its overall brand value now estimated at $18.5 billion, according to a recent study by Houlihan Lokey. This represents a significant 12.9% increase compared to the previous valuation.

*Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrate their IPL victory.*

The report highlights a shift in the league's hierarchy, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), fresh off their maiden IPL title victory, now claiming the top spot as the most valuable franchise, valued at $269 million. This ascension also reflects in the IPL's brand value, which witnessed a surge of 13.8% to reach $3.9 billion.

The IPL's escalating financial prowess is further underscored by its lucrative sponsorship deals. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) successfully sold four associate-sponsor slots for a combined ₹1,485 crores, marking a substantial 25% increase from previous agreements. The Tata Group's commitment to the league is evident through its extension of the title sponsorship until 2028, securing the rights in a deal worth $300 million.

Viewership figures for the 2025 season soared to unprecedented levels. During the opening weekend, JioHotstar recorded a staggering 1,370 million views, with peak concurrent viewership reaching 340 million. Star Sports' television coverage attracted 253 million unique viewers. The final match, featuring RCB and Punjab Kings, captivated a record-breaking 67.8 crore viewers.

In terms of franchise rankings, the Mumbai Indians secured the second position with a valuation of $242 million. The defending champions, Chennai Super Kings, slipped to third place with a valuation of $235 million. Notably, Punjab Kings demonstrated the most significant growth, registering an impressive 39.6% increase in brand value.

Satish Menon, CEO of Punjab Kings, emphasized the broader vision behind the IPL, stating, "From day one, we saw IPL as more than a cricket league—it was a scalable business model with high visibility, secure revenue streams, and strong brand-building potential."

The valuations of the remaining teams are as follows: