Check out list of most valued IPL teams; Know where your favourite team stands

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has recorded a huge 12.9% increase in enterprise value to US$18.5 billion in 2025, according to Houlihan Lokey's recent IPL Brand Valuation Study. The standalone brand value of the league also went up by 13.8% to US$3.9 billion, solidifying its status as one of the world's most valuable and impactful sports leagues.

This sustained growth finds expression in commercial success too. The sale of four associate-sponsor places by the BCCI — My11Circle, Angel One, RuPay, and CEAT—amounted to ₹1,485 crore, a 25% rise over the earlier cycle. The Tata Group also extended its title sponsorship of the IPL until 2028 under a US$300 million (₹2,500 crore) deal.

RCB Shoots Up to Number One, CSK Falls to Third

In a wide-scale overhaul of franchise brand values, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was the top-ranked franchise with a brand value of US$269 million, an increase from US$227 million the previous year. RCB's upsurge came on the back of their record first title victory in 2025, ending a 17-year drought. Leadership change by the team—to appoint Rajat Patidar as captain while holding on to Virat Kohli in a significant batting position—proved to be the turning point in finding a balance between renewal and continuity.

Mumbai Indians went up to the second spot with a brand value of US$242 million. Their stability and strategic realignment, such as Rohit Sharma taking on the new role of an impact player, ensured their brand strength remained intact. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) dropped to third at US$235 million following a poor season, despite the presence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was back as skipper after Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered a mid-season injury.

Punjab Kings (PBKS), the runners-up, had the strongest year-over-year brand growth at 39.6%, fueled by their run to the finals with new captain Shreyas Iyer. Lucknow Super Giants trailed more than 34% growth.

Record-Breaking Viewership and Media Success

IPL 2025 broke viewership records on both digital and television platforms. JioHotstar attracted 1,370 million views in the first weekend, March 22–24, with year-on-year growth of 35%, 340 million peak concurrent users, and 21,860 million minutes watched. Star Sports had 253 million TV views, up 14%, adding up to a total watch time of 49,560 million minutes.

RCB versus PBKS was the most-viewed final in IPL history, with more than 678 million views on JioHotstar—more than even India vs. Pakistan during the ICC Championship this year.

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Expert Views on IPL's Financial Ecosystem

"The IPL continues to raise the bar in sports business. Franchise valuations have gone through the roof, media rights transactions have hit all-time highs, and brand sponsorships have expanded into diversified industries," added Harsh Talikoti, Director at Houlihan Lokey. “The league’s ability to attract global investors and sponsors reflects its status as a premier sports property with enduring appeal. In summary, the IPL represents a high-yield multi-asset class with diversified risks and a catalyst for cricket’s global transformation.”

Talikoti emphasized that IPL’s blueprint—supported by OTT penetration, multi-generational youth audiences, international awareness, and growth through new leagues and franchisees—is molding the future of cricket globally.

Satish Menon, CEO of Punjab Kings, concurred:

“From day one, we saw IPL as more than a cricket league. It was a scalable business model with high visibility, secure revenue streams, and strong brand-building potential. It was a heady mix of sports and entertainment, which eventually had the potential to deliver huge audiences and revenues.”

He added, “We now operate with the mindset of a media-sport brand with multiple revenue verticals, not just a cricket team. That’s where real profitability lies. Over time, we have built a sustainable sports business that spans multiple leagues, drives platform-level content, attracts global brands, and creates IPs that outlast a season.”

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Franchise Rankings and Outlook

• RCB – US$269M (1st): Brand and business success topped by 2025 title triumph.
  
• MI – US$242M (2nd): Strategic evolution keeps brand relevant.
  
• CSK – US$235M (3rd): Transitional season despite Dhoni’s presence.
  
• KKR – US$227M (4th): Decline in brand momentum post Shreyas Iyer’s exit.
  
• SRH – US$154M (5th): Inconsistency offset a star-studded lineup.
  
• DC – US$152M (6th): Stable mid-table brand performance.
  
• RR – US$146M (7th): Youth focus boosted fan interest.
  
• GT – US$142M (8th): Slight dip post initial success years.
  
• PBKS – US$141M (9th): Highest YoY growth with finals appearance.
• LSG – US$122M (10th): Strong growth following brand-building initiatives.
  

Houlihan Lokey's Corporate Valuation Advisory Services continues to counsel stakeholders in M&A, tax planning, and financial reporting, with the IPL's growth being a marquee poster child for sports-business synergy.