RCB Retain Top Spot as IPL’s Most Valuable Franchise; League Value Climbs to $20.6 Billion
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have retained their position as the most valuable franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), becoming the first cricket team to cross the $300 million brand value milestone.
According to the latest report by global investment bank Houlihan Lokey, RCB’s brand value has reached $312 million, while the IPL’s overall business value has grown to $20.6 billion, reflecting another year of strong commercial growth.
RCB Cross Historic $300 Million Mark
RCB recorded a 16% increase in brand value over the past year, rising from $269 million in 2025 to $312 million in 2026.
The Bengaluru-based franchise also created history by becoming the first cricket team to surpass the $300 million brand value mark.
Earlier this year, RCB also witnessed a change in ownership after a consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, the Aditya Birla Group and the Times of India Group acquired the franchise at a valuation of $1.78 billion.
IPL Business Value Crosses $20 Billion
The Houlihan Lokey report estimates that the IPL’s overall business value has increased from $18.5 billion to $20.6 billion over the past 12 months.
The 11.4% growth marks the league’s second consecutive year of double-digit growth, highlighting the IPL’s continued expansion as one of the world’s biggest sporting properties.
According to Harsh Talikoti, Director at Houlihan Lokey’s Financial and Valuation Advisory business, institutional investment and global ownership continue to accelerate cricket’s growth.
Mumbai Indians, KKR and CSK Follow RCB
While RCB lead the rankings, Mumbai Indians remain second with a brand value of $264 million, reflecting a 9.1% increase from last year.
Kolkata Knight Riders occupy third position with a brand value of $245 million, followed closely by Chennai Super Kings at $244 million.
CSK’s valuation grew by 3.8% over the previous year.
RCB Owners Highlight Fan Base Strength
RCB chairman and Times Internet chairman Satyan Gajwani credited the franchise’s passionate supporters for its continued commercial success.
According to him, RCB’s fan engagement and emotional connection with supporters make the franchise unique within the IPL ecosystem.
He also expressed confidence in cricket’s long-term global growth, describing franchise ownership as an attractive long-term investment.
Punjab Kings Co-Owner Explains IPL’s Rising Value
Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia believes IPL franchises are no longer viewed simply as cricket teams.
Instead, he said they are increasingly being recognised as long-term sports and entertainment businesses capable of generating enormous audiences, sponsorship revenue and fan engagement.
Wadia also pointed out that, on a per-match basis, IPL media rights now compare favourably with some of the biggest sporting leagues in the world despite the tournament being only 18 years old.
Full IPL Franchise Brand Value Rankings
| Rank | Franchise | Brand Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | $312 million |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians | $264 million |
| 3 | Kolkata Knight Riders | $245 million |
| 4 | Chennai Super Kings | $244 million |
| 5 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | $168 million |
| 6 | Rajasthan Royals | $161 million |
| 7 | Punjab Kings | $158 million |
| 8 | Gujarat Titans | $157 million |
| 9 | Delhi Capitals | $156 million |
| 10 | Lucknow Super Giants | $122 million |
Rajasthan Royals and Other Franchises Continue to Grow
Sunrisers Hyderabad climbed to fifth with a brand value of $168 million, while Rajasthan Royals ranked sixth at $161 million after their reported acquisition by the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla at a valuation of $1.65 billion.
Punjab Kings followed closely at $158 million, ahead of Gujarat Titans ($157 million) and Delhi Capitals ($156 million).
Lucknow Super Giants completed the rankings in tenth place with a brand value of $122 million, unchanged from last year.
The latest report underlines the IPL’s growing commercial strength, with franchise values and league revenues continuing to rise year after year.
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