The Indian Premier League (IPL) has set a new benchmark in global sports business, with its total valuation surging to $18.5 billion in 2025—a 12.9% year-on-year increase. This meteoric rise is matched by a dramatic shift in franchise rankings, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) claims the title of the most valuable IPL team for the first time, dethroning perennial leaders Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI).
The IPL’s business value has grown steadily from $15.4 billion in 2023 to $16.4 billion in 2024, and now $18.5 billion in 2025, cementing its status as the world’s richest cricket league.
RCB’s maiden IPL title in 2025 was the catalyst for its leap in brand value, which soared from $227 million in 2024 to $269 million this year—an 18.5% increase. The combination of on-field success, a robust digital-first fan engagement strategy, and a powerful brand narrative propelled RCB past its rivals.
Experts attribute the IPL’s success to its unique blend of sports and entertainment, robust commercial model, and ability to attract global sponsors and investors. The league’s sustained growth is seen as a catalyst for cricket’s global transformation, with IPL franchises now operating as multi-vertical sports businesses.
RCB’s ascent to the top of the IPL franchise rankings and the league’s record $18.5 billion valuation mark a new era in cricket’s commercial evolution. As the IPL continues to break records in viewership, sponsorship, and franchise value, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and business power of the game.
