As per global investment bank Houlihan Lokey, the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a business has seen a notable 12.9% gain to USD 18.5 billion. According to this study, the IPL’s stand-alone brand value has increased by 13.8%, now at USD 3.9 billion over the previous year, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru takes the top spot. Moreover, the report highlighted the rising attraction of the IPL, noting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) successfully sold four associate sponsor slots. The slots are My11Circle, Angel One, RuPay, and CEAT, which collectively generated Rs 1,485 crores, representing a notable 25% increase from the prior cycle.
Furthermore, extending its title-sponsorship arrangement with the Tata Group till 2028 in a five-year deal worth USD 300 million (around Rs 2,500 crores), the event has also increased its title. Focusing on the IPL teams, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the 2025 winners, has taken the top spot with a brand value of USD 269 million, up from USD 227 million the previous year.
The Mumbai Indians, second placed, have seen their brand value go from USD 204 million in 2024 to USD 242 million this year. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), on the other hand, have dropped to third place with a brand value of USD 235 million. According to the study, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) had the most year-on-year brand value growth, 39.6% over 2024.
Concerning viewership numbers, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 final reached more than 67.8 crore views on Jio Hotstar, hence exceeding the attendance for the India-Pakistan game during the Champions Trophy 2025. Director of Financial and Valuation Advisory at Houlihan Lokey, Harsh Talikoti, observed, “The IPL continues to set benchmarks in sports business. Franchise valuations have soared, media rights deals have reached record highs, and brand partnerships have diversified across sectors”.
