Royal Challengers Bengaluru have become the first franchise in IPL history to cross the $300 million brand valuation mark, capping off a landmark year on and off the field. The achievement comes as the Indian Premier League’s overall business value crossed the $20 billion mark for the first time, reaching $20.6 billion in 2026.
According to Houlihan Lokey’s 2026 IPL Valuation Study released on Wednesday, the league’s business value grew by 11.4 per cent over the last year, while its standalone brand value rose to $4.3 billion. Speaking in the report, Harsh Talikoti, Director in Houlihan Lokey’s Financial and Valuation Advisory business, said the biggest indicator of the IPL’s growth came from the confidence shown by investors.
“The most telling development this year did not come from our models; it came from the market. Two franchises changed hands – Royal Challengers Bengaluru for $1.78 billion and Rajasthan Royals for $1.65 billion – and the buyers are precisely the calibre of investors we have long believed the league would attract,” Talikoti said.
He added that the record-breaking franchise sales reflected how the IPL has become one of the world’s most attractive sporting investments, drawing interest from global companies, private equity firms and business leaders.
The report also highlighted the IPL’s rapid commercial growth over the past few years. The league’s business value has risen from $15.4 billion in 2023 to $16.4 billion in 2024, then to $18.5 billion in 2025 before reaching $20.6 billion this year. Total revenue for the 2026 season, including media rights, sponsorships and ticket sales, is expected to cross $1.8 billion.
RCB TOP BRAND VALUE CHARTS
RCB topped both the brand value and business value rankings for the first time after winning both the IPL and Women’s Premier League titles this year. Their brand value rose by 16 per cent to $312 million, making them the first IPL franchise to cross the $300 million mark.
Top IPL franchises by brand value (2026):
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – 312 million USD
- Mumbai Indians (MI) – 264 million USD
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 245 million USD
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 244 million USD
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 168 million USD
- Rajasthan Royals (RR) – 161 million USD
- Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 158 million USD
- Gujarat Titans (GT) – 157 million USD
- Delhi Capitals (DC) – 156 million USD
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – 122 million USD
RCB co-owner and Times Internet Chair Satyan Gajwani said the franchise’s loyal supporters played a major role in its rise.
“RCB’s fanbase intensity and connection are unparalleled, which made this a special opportunity,” Gajwani said.
IPL CONTINUES COMMERCIAL RISE
The report said the sales of RCB and Rajasthan Royals were among the biggest reasons behind the league’s record valuation. RCB was bought for $1.78 billion by a consortium that included the Aditya Birla Group, Times of India Group, David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures and Blackstone’s BXPE, while Rajasthan Royals were sold for $1.65 billion to the Mittal family and Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla.
Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia believes the league still has significant room to grow.
“I still think the IPL is only getting started,” Wadia said.
The report noted that the IPL continues to attract investors because of its strong revenue-sharing model, growing sponsorship income and expanding global reach. Houlihan Lokey also expects the league’s next media rights cycle, beginning in 2028, to fetch an even higher value as interest in the tournament continues to grow worldwide.
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