Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has solidified its position as the most valuable franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), achieving a brand value of US$312 million. This milestone makes RCB the first cricket team in the league to surpass the US$300 million mark. The achievement follows a significant ownership transition four months ago, when a consortium including Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, the Aditya Birla Group, and the Times of India Group acquired the franchise at a valuation of US$1.78 billion.
The broader IPL ecosystem has also seen substantial growth, with the league's total business value climbing to US$20.6 billion over the past 12 months. This represents an 11.4 per cent increase from the US$18.5 billion valuation recorded a year prior, marking the second consecutive year of double-digit growth for the league. Harsh Talikoti, director at Houlihan Lokey’s Financial and Valuation Advisory business, noted that cricket's evolution into an institutionally backed asset class has accelerated in 2026, further redefining the global sports landscape.
Satyan Gajwani, co-owner of RCB and chairman at Times Internet, highlighted that the team's unparalleled fanbase intensity and connection made the acquisition a unique opportunity. He emphasized a strong belief in the long-term growth potential of cricket as a global sport. Ness Wadia, co-owner of the Punjab Kings, echoed these sentiments, noting that IPL franchises are increasingly viewed as long-term sports and entertainment businesses rather than just cricket teams. Wadia pointed out that the league’s media rights, on a per-match basis, already compare favorably to established global leagues like the NFL and NBA, despite the IPL being only 18 years old.
Following RCB, the Mumbai Indians hold the second spot with a brand value of US$264 million, a 9.1 per cent increase from the previous year. The Kolkata Knight Riders follow in third with US$245 million, while the Chennai Super Kings rank fourth at US$244 million. Sunrisers Hyderabad sit in fifth place at US$168 million, followed by the Rajasthan Royals at US$161 million. The Rajasthan Royals were recently acquired by the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla at a reported valuation of US$1.65 billion. Rounding out the rankings, the Punjab Kings are seventh at US$158 million, the Gujarat Titans are eighth at US$157 million, the Delhi Capitals are ninth at US$156 million, and the Lucknow Super Giants remain at 10th place with a valuation of US$122 million.
