RCB overtakes CSK as IPL's most valuable team, league now worth $18.5 billion

India Today

09-07-2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen a sharp increase in its business and brand value this year, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerging as the most valuable franchise.A report released by investment bank Houlihan Lokey said the IPL's business value rose by 13% in 2025 to $18.5 billion, which is nearly Rs 1.6 lakh crore. At the same time, the brand value of the league increased by 14% to nearly $4 billion, or about Rs 33,000 crore.For the first time in its 18-year history, RCB lifted the IPL trophy this season. That win, along with strong off-field performance, helped the team become the most valued franchise in terms of brand value. RCB is now worth $269 million, according to the report.This allowed it to go ahead of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians, both of whom had dominated the top positions in previous years.RCB's rise was supported by a mix of consistent performance on the field, a loyal fan base, and clever branding strategies. The report said that the team benefited from its star players, new leadership under Rajat Patidar, and associate sponsors like tech brand Nothing.RCB also focused on building local support in Karnataka through events and digital engagement, which added to its brand strength. The team's title win and the huge viewership during the final match, which crossed 678 million views, helped solidify its top spot.Mumbai Indians (MI) are now ranked second with a brand value of $242 million.CSK is in third place with a value of $235 million, while Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) followed closely at $227 million. These four teams remain the top brands in the IPL. Despite CSK having a weak season and finishing at the bottom of the table, the team continues to enjoy strong fan support and sponsorships, especially because of the ongoing presence of MS Dhoni.The Houlihan Lokey report called the IPL 'a global phenomenon' that has become more than just a cricket league.The IPL now sits at the crossroads of sport, entertainment, and business. It attracts attention not only from fans but also from major investors and sponsors. The report said that the IPL's business model, driven by strong media rights, front-loaded sponsorship deals, and salary caps, gives it a better financial position than leagues like the English Premier League or the NBA.This season also saw a major rise in advertising income. The report estimates that IPL 2025 brought in around $600 million, or nearly Rs 5,000 crore, from advertisements, a 50% jump over last year. The final match between RCB and Punjab Kings was the most-watched broadcast, beating even the India vs Pakistan match from the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.On the revenue side, nearly 80% of costs for top franchises are covered before the season begins. Salary caps of Rs 120 crore per team prevent large wage hikes and help keep competition fair. This gives IPL teams better profit margins than many of their global counterparts. According to the report, the top franchises earn between Rs 650 crore and Rs 700 crore every year.Houlihan Lokey also said that the IPL has helped create a wave of short-format leagues in other countries and is playing a key role in shaping the modern cricket calendar. The league is now being seen as one of the strongest sports and entertainment brands globally.With its increasing international reach, strong cash flows, and growing digital viewership, the IPL is attracting more interest from global investors. Institutional funds and private equity players are now considering IPL franchises as long-term, high-growth investments.The report concluded that the IPL continues to set new benchmarks in commercial sports, and RCB's 2025 win marks a major shift in the power balance of the league's most valuable teams.- Ends
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