IPL's business value soars above $20 billion, says report
- On Wednesday, investment bank Houlihan Lokey reported the Indian Premier League's business value climbed 11.4% to $20.6 billion, marking a second consecutive year of double-digit growth for the world's richest Twenty20 cricket series.
- Two major ownership deals reset franchise pricing across the league, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru sold for $1.78 billion to a consortium including Blackstone and Bolt Ventures, and Rajasthan Royals sold for $1.65 billion to the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru topped league rankings with a brand value of $312 million, becoming the first cricket team to breach the $300 million milestone on the strength of back-to-back IPL and Women's Premier League titles.
- Amid a structural shift in media consumption, JioStar reported the tournament reached 1.06 billion screens, with Connected TV reach surging 26% while linear television ratings declined 18.8% during the 2026 season.
- Franchises are increasingly viewed as 'long-term sports and entertainment businesses,' Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia noted, as Houlihan Lokey director Harsh Talikoti highlighted the league's commercial ecosystem continues to diversify through accelerated private capital participation.
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RCB become first IPL franchise to cross $300 million in brand value
Royal Challengers Bengaluru holds the IPL's top brand value at over $300 million. This valuation reflects strong performance and fan engagement, according to a recent study. The franchise's recent acquisition by a consortium highlights its significant market appeal. The Indian Premier League's overall business value also reached $20.6 billion. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings follow RCB in brand value rankings.
IPL valuation rises 11.4% to US$20.6 billion as RCB tops franchise rankings
New Delhi: The Indian Premier League’s business value increased 11.4% year-on-year to US$20.6 billion in 2026, according to Houlihan Lokey’s IPL Brand Valuation Study. Meanwhile, the IPL’s stand-alone brand value increased 10.3% year-on-year to US$4.3 billion, having added more than US$1.1 billion in value since 2023. On a per-match basis, only the NFL ranks ahead of the IPL globally. The 2026 season also saw two major franchise ownership trans…
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has created history by becoming the world's first cricket team to be valued at over $300 million, achieving a brand value of $312 million (approximately ₹2,985 crore). Meanwhile, according to Houlihan Lokey's 2026 report, the IPL's business value has grown to $20.6 billion, making it one of the world's fastest-growing and most valuable sports leagues.
IPL's money machine grows bigger: Business value jumps 11% to new record
The Indian Premier League's business value has risen over 11% to $20.6 billion..Indian Premier League, IPL, IPL business value, IPL brand value, IPL valuation 2026, IPL $20.6 billion value, Houlihan Lokey IPL report, 2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study, IPL franchise valuation, IPL commercial value, IPL revenue, IPL sponsorship, IPL broadcast rights, IPL merchandising, IPL investors, private capital IPL, IPL business news, cricket business, sports bu…
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