The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been valued at an eye-watering $18.5 billion, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru emerging as its wealthiest franchise, according to a report by US-based investment bank Houlihan Lokey.
The report marks a significant rise in the tournament’s overall valuation, with the 10-team T20 competition’s brand value increasing by 13.8% over the past year to $3.9 billion. Bengaluru, who won their maiden IPL title in June alongside star player Virat Kohli, now hold a brand value of $269 million surpassing five-time champions Chennai Super Kings ($235 million) and Mumbai Indians ($242 million).
The IPL, long recognised as the world’s richest cricket league, continues to be a massive commercial success for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). A 2020 estimate claimed the tournament generated more than $11 billion annually for the Indian economy.
Harsh Talikoti of Houlihan Lokey described the IPL as “a global phenomenon” that has gone far beyond its cricketing origins.
“The IPL continues to set benchmarks in sports business. Franchise valuations have soared, media rights deals have reached record highs, and brand partnerships have diversified across sectors,” he said in a statement. “The league’s ability to attract global investors and sponsors reflects its status as a premier sports property with enduring appeal.”
Bengaluru lifted the trophy after defeating Punjab Kings in the final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad the world’s largest cricket ground — to cap off the 18th edition of the league.
According to the report, the 2025 final was watched over 678 million times on JioHotstar, the league’s official streaming partner, eclipsing even the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the Champions Trophy earlier in the year.
Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has blended sport and showbusiness into a lucrative format that is now broadcast globally and features international stars like Pat Cummins and Jos Buttler. Several franchises are also backed by Bollywood celebrities, further enhancing the league’s appeal.