The value of the IPL, as a business entity, has risen to USD 18.5 billion, up by 12.9 percent, according to a study by Houlihan Lokey, Inc., the US-based global investment bank. The stand-alone brand value of the IPL has increased by 13.8 percent to USD 3.9 billion over the past year.
BRAND WARS
RCB pip CSK to become top-valued IPL franchise
First-time winners RCB have displaced CSK at the top spot with a brand value of USD 269 million. © BCCI/IPL
In another significant development, first-time winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have displaced Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the top spot with a brand value of USD 269 million, up from USD 227 million a year ago. CSK slipped to third with a brand value of USD 235 million, up only marginally from last year (USD 231 million), following a disappointing season. They finished at the bottom of the season.
Mumbai Indians (MI) have climbed to second place (from fourth last year) with a valuation of USD 242 million (USD 204 million in 2024). Punjab Kings (PBKS) recorded the highest year-on-year growth, registering a 39.6 percent increase in brand value over 2024, followed closely by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), which saw a rise of more than 34 percent.
Two-time former champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are in fourth place with a brand value of USD 222 million while SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) stand at fifth place with a valuation of USD 154 million. Among the rest of the teams, Delhi Capitals (DC) are ranked sixth with a brand value of USD 152 million. Rajasthan Royals (RR) are seventh with USD 146 million and Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans (GT), the ownership of which changed hands last season, secured eighth place with a valuation of USD 142 million.
PBKS achieved the highest growth of 39.6 percent, reaching USD 141 million and ranking ninth, largely due to their strong performance as runners-up under new captain Shreyas Iyer. Lucknow Super Giants, incidentally, the costliest team is at 10th, with a brand value of USD 122 million.
"The IPL continues to set benchmarks in the sports business. Franchise valuations have soared, media rights deals have reached record highs, and brand partnerships have diversified across sectors," commented Harsh Talikoti, director, Financial and Valuation Advisory at Houlihan Lokey.
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