RCB Remains Most Valued Franchise, KKR Moves Ahead of CSK As IPL Value Crosses INR 1.97 Lakh Crore: Report
The Indian Premier League's business value has soared to an unprecedented US$20.6 billion (approx. Rs 1,97,025 crore), according to Houlihan Lokey's 2026 Brand Valuation Study released today. Royal Challengers Bengaluru leads as the most valuable franchise at US$312 million, while Kolkata Knight Riders surpasses Chennai Super Kings to claim the third spot.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has cemented its position as a global sporting powerhouse, with its business value soaring to an unprecedented US$20.6 billion (approximately Rs 1,97,025 crore). This marks the first time the league has breached the USD 20 billion mark, registering an impressive 11.4% year-on-year growth, as revealed in the latest '2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study' released today by global investment bank Houlihan Lokey. Shubman Gill Reclaims No 1 ODI Batter Ranking; Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Storms into ICC T20I Top 50 Rankings.
The comprehensive report underscores the league's sustained commercial momentum and increasing attractiveness to institutional investors worldwide. The IPL's stand-alone brand value also witnessed significant growth, rising 10.3% year-on-year to reach US$4.3 billion.
RCB Leads Franchise Valuations
In a significant development for individual franchises, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has emerged as the most valuable IPL brand, achieving a valuation of US$312 million. This represents a 16% increase from its US$269 million valuation in 2025, making RCB the first cricket franchise globally to cross the US$300 million brand value milestone. The team's recent acquisition by a consortium involving Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group, and Times of India Group for a reported US$1.78 billion further highlights the surging investor confidence in the league's assets.
Mumbai Indians (MI) holds the second position with a brand value of US$264 million, a 9.1% increase from US$242 million in 2025.
KKR Surpasses CSK in Brand Value
The report highlights a notable shift in the franchise rankings, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) climbing to the third spot. KKR's brand value reached US$245 million, marking a 7.9% increase from US$227 million in 2025.
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a perennial powerhouse, now ranks fourth with a brand value of US$244 million, growing by 3.8%. This positions KKR ahead of CSK in brand valuation for the first time, reflecting evolving market dynamics and franchise performance.
Top IPL Franchise Brand Values (2026)
| Rank | Franchise | Brand Value (USD) | Brand Value (INR Crore) | |
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | $312 Million | ₹2,983 Cr | |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians | $264 Million | ₹2,524 Cr | |
| 3 | Kolkata Knight Riders | $245 Million | ₹2,342 Cr | |
| 4 | Chennai Super Kings | $244 Million | ₹2,333 Cr |
Driving Factors and Market Outlook
The Houlihan Lokey study attributes the IPL's remarkable growth to several factors, including strong revenue visibility, disciplined cost structures, and an expanding global audience. On a per-match basis, the IPL is now second only to the National Football League (NFL) globally in terms of value. Ryan ten Doeschate Returns To KKR, Named Franchise Head of Cricket Strategy After Team India Exit.
The 2026 season also witnessed a significant shift in media consumption trends. Connected TV (CTV) experienced a robust 26% growth in reach, while linear television ratings saw an 18.8% decline. This indicates a growing preference for digital platforms, with JioStar reporting a cumulative reach of 1.06 billion screens and a 7% year-on-year increase in overall viewership for IPL 2026.
The continued ascent of the Indian Premier League in business and brand value underscores its transformation into a truly global sports and entertainment asset, attracting top-tier investors and redefining the landscape of professional cricket.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2026 02:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
