Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have strengthened their position as the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) most valuable franchise, becoming the first cricket team to surpass the $300 million mark in brand value.
According to the latest report by US-based global investment bank Houlihan Lokey Inc., RCB’s brand value has increased by 16 per cent over the past year, rising from $269 million in 2025 to $312 million.
The report also revealed that the overall business value of the IPL has grown by 11.4 per cent in the last 12 months, increasing from $18.5 billion to $20.6 billion. This marks the second consecutive year of double-digit growth for the world’s most lucrative cricket league.
“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,” said Harsh Talikoti, director of Houlihan Lokey’s Financial and Valuation Advisory business.
RCB’s rise comes after a major ownership change earlier this year. A consortium featuring Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, the Aditya Birla Group and the Times of India Group acquired the franchise at a valuation of $1.78 billion four months ago. The two-time defending champions have now moved ahead of other IPL giants in brand value rankings.
Mumbai Indians are second on the list with a brand value of $264 million, registering a 9.1 per cent increase from $242 million last year. Kolkata Knight Riders occupy third place at $245 million, up 7.9 per cent from $227 million, while Chennai Super Kings are fourth with a brand value of $244 million, reflecting a 3.8 per cent year-on-year growth.
