Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) became the first IPL team to reach USD 300 million in brand value.
Houlihan Lokey, a US-based global investment firm, reported that RCB is the league’s most valuable franchise with a brand worth of USD 312 million, up 16% from USD 269 million last year.
The IPL’s business value increased 11.4 percent from USD 18.5 billion in 2025 to USD 20.6 billion in 2026, according to the research. Two years in a row, the event has seen double-digit company value increase.
According to Harsh Talikoti, Director of Houlihan Lokey’s Financial and Valuation Advisory business, the IPL’s expansion is transforming the global sports sector. The IPL continued to reshape the global sports landscape in 2026, accelerating cricket’s globalisation into an institutionally backed asset class “Cricbuzz quoted him.
RCB’s growth came months after the franchise changed ownership. A combination of Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, the Aditya Birla Group, and the Times of India Group bought the franchise for USD 1.78 billion earlier this year.
Top four: Mumbai Indians, KKR, CSK
Mumbai Indians (MI) ranked second with a brand worth of USD 264 million, up 9.1% year-over-year, behind RCB.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) placed third with a brand worth of USD 245 million, just ahead of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at USD 244 million.Satyan Gajwani, co-owner and Times Internet Chairman of RCB, attributes the franchise’s sustained commercial success to its loyal fans. The RCB and Rajasthan Royals are wonderful assets, and we were actively involved in their processes. However, RCB’s fandom intensity and connection are unmatched in the league, making this moment extraordinary. We believe cricket has worldwide development potential, and media and IP exposure supports that.”
Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia views IPL teams as long-term enterprises, not just seasonal cricket franchises. The perception of IPL franchisees has altered. They no longer play two-month cricket seasons. I think they should be seen as long-term sports and entertainment businesses. Numbers speak for themselves. The IPL generates huge audiences, sponsorship value, and fan engagement in two months.”
He also noted the league’s increasing commercial power compared to major sports contests. Even though the competition is only 18 years old, its media rights per match rival some of the largest leagues in the world. NFL is over 100, NBA near 80. In comparison, where we are is astonishing. That provides owners confidence to invest long-term rather than just for next season, he said.
Punjab Kings was eighth with USD 158 million in brand value, followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (USD 168 million) and Rajasthan Royals (USD 161 million). The list ended with Gujarat Titans (USD 157 million), Delhi Capitals (USD 156 million), and Lucknow Super Giants (USD 122 million).
