RCB Surpasses CSK as IPL’s Most Valuable Franchise; League Valued at $18.5 Billion

The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues its explosive commercial growth in 2025, with its business value jumping 13% year-on-year to $18.5 billion (approximately ₹1.6 lakh crore), according to a report by investment bank Houlihan Lokey. Simultaneously, the brand value of the league rose by 14% to nearly $4 billion (₹33,000 crore), solidifying the IPL’s position as one of the world’s most powerful sports brands.

RCB Becomes the Most Valuable IPL Franchise

In a historic shift, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has emerged as the most valuable IPL team by brand value in 2025, surpassing long-time leaders Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI).
RCB’s brand is now valued at $269 million, fueled by their first-ever IPL title win and strong off-field brand performance. This marks the first time RCB has taken the top spot in the league’s 18-year history.

Factors Behind RCB’s Rise to the Top

RCB’s surge in valuation was driven by several key factors:

• Winning the 2025 IPL title, a historic first for the franchise.

• Star players and impactful leadership under new captain Rajat Patidar.

• Association with tech sponsor Nothing, boosting brand relevance.

• Strategic digital engagement and fan activation across Karnataka.

• Record-breaking viewership during the IPL final, crossing 678 million views.

This blend of on-field success, savvy marketing, and loyal fan support pushed RCB ahead of CSK and MI in the brand rankings.

Other Top IPL Teams in Brand Rankings

According to Houlihan Lokey, the top four IPL franchises by brand value in 2025 are:

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – $269 million

2. Mumbai Indians (MI) – $242 million

3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – $235 million

4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – $227 million

Although CSK had a disappointing season and finished at the bottom of the points table, the franchise still enjoys strong sponsorship support and retains immense fan loyalty, thanks largely to the continued presence of MS Dhoni.

IPL Advertising Revenue Soars in 2025

One of the standout highlights of the report was the surge in IPL advertising revenue.
The 2025 season generated an estimated $600 million (roughly ₹5,000 crore) in ad revenue—a staggering 50% increase over 2024. The final match between RCB and Punjab Kings was the most-watched broadcast of the year, even surpassing the high-profile India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy.

IPL's Unique Business Model: Better Than Global Leagues

Houlihan Lokey’s report praises the IPL’s financial structure and revenue model, calling it more sustainable and profitable than even the NBA or English Premier League (EPL).
Key advantages of the IPL’s model include:

• Strong media rights contracts

• Front-loaded sponsorship deals

• Salary caps (₹120 crore per team) to maintain competitive balance

• High upfront cost coverage (80% of expenses met before the season)

Top franchises are reportedly earning ₹650–700 crore annually, thanks to a stable income mix and expanding fanbase.

Global Impact and Future Investment Potential

The IPL is no longer just a cricket league—it has become a global sports and entertainment brand.
The report credits the league with inspiring short-format cricket tournaments around the world and reshaping the modern cricket calendar.

Due to its international reach, robust cash flows, and massive digital viewership, IPL franchises are now catching the attention of institutional investors and private equity firms, who view them as long-term, high-growth assets.

Conclusion: RCB’s Triumph Signals a New Era in IPL

RCB’s long-awaited IPL championship in 2025 has not only thrilled fans but also reshaped the league’s brand landscape. As the franchise overtakes giants like CSK and MI in brand value, it marks a new chapter in the IPL’s growth story.

The Houlihan Lokey report concludes that the IPL is setting new global benchmarks in sports commercialization, and its future remains incredibly bright as it blends cricket, business, and entertainment into a world-class product.