RCB become first IPL franchise to cross USD 300 million brand value; league’s business value rises to USD 20.6 billion

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have achieved another major milestone off the field, becoming the first franchise in Indian Premier League (IPL) history to cross the USD 300 million mark in brand value.

According to the latest report by Houlihan Lokey, a US-based global investment bank, RCB remains the most valuable franchise in the league with a brand value of USD 312 million, registering a 16 percent increase from USD 269 million last year.

The report also highlighted the IPL’s continued commercial growth, with the league’s overall business value rising from USD 18.5 billion in 2025 to USD 20.6 billion in 2026, representing an 11.4 percent increase. It is the second consecutive year that the tournament has recorded double-digit growth in business value.

Speaking about the league’s expansion, Harsh Talikoti, Director in Houlihan Lokey’s Financial and Valuation Advisory business, said the IPL continues to reshape the global sports industry.

“Cricket’s evolution into a globally owned, institutionally backed asset class has accelerated further in 2026, with the IPL continuing to redefine the global sports landscape,” he was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. 

RCB’s remarkable rise also comes just months after the franchise changed ownership. Earlier this year, a consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, the Aditya Birla Group, and the Times of India Group acquired the franchise at a reported valuation of USD 1.78 billion.

Mumbai Indians, KKR and CSK complete top four

While RCB retained the top spot, Mumbai Indians (MI) remained second with a brand value of USD 264 million, reflecting a 9.1 percent year-on-year growth.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) climbed to third with a brand value of USD 245 million, narrowly edging Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who were valued at USD 244 million.RCB co-owner and Times Internet Chairman Satyan Gajwani credited the franchise’s passionate supporters for its continued commercial success.

“We were actively engaged in the processes for both the RCB and Rajasthan Royals, and both are great assets. Across the league, however, RCB’s fanbase intensity and connection are unparalleled, which made this a special opportunity. Overall, we are strong believers in the growth potential of cricket as a global sport, and exposure at both the media level and the IP level fits that thesis.”

Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia believes IPL teams have evolved into long-term sporting and entertainment businesses rather than seasonal cricket franchises.

“The way people look at IPL franchises has changed completely. They’re no longer seen as cricket teams that play for two months every year. They’re increasingly being viewed as long-term sports and entertainment businesses, and I think that’s exactly how they should be viewed. The numbers speak for themselves. In less than two months, the IPL delivers extraordinary audiences, sponsorship value, and fan engagement.”

He also pointed to the league’s growing commercial strength compared to some of the world’s biggest sporting competitions.

“On a per-match basis, its media rights already compare with some of the biggest leagues in world sport, and that’s remarkable for a competition that’s only 18 years old. The NFL is over a hundred, the NBA close to eighty. Put next to that, where we already stand is remarkable. That gives owners the confidence to invest for the long term rather than simply think about the next season,” he concluded.

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Punjab Kings were ranked seventh with a brand value of USD 158 million, while Sunrisers Hyderabad (USD 168 million) and Rajasthan Royals (USD 161 million) occupied fifth and sixth places, respectively. Gujarat Titans (USD 157 million), Delhi Capitals (USD 156 million), and Lucknow Super Giants (USD 122 million) completed the list.