The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to grow at an impressive pace, setting new records in both popularity and business value. The latest brand valuation report shows that the tournament has become one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the world, with franchises reaching record-breaking valuations.
According to the 2026 Brand Valuation Report released by global investment bank Houlihan Lokey, the IPL’s total business enterprise value has increased by 11.4% over the past year, reaching USD 20.6 billion. This marks the second straight year of double-digit annual growth.
The league’s stand-alone brand value also grew by 10.3%, reaching USD 4.3 billion. Since 2023, the IPL has added more than USD 1.1 billion in brand value, highlighting its rapid commercial expansion.
One of the biggest milestones came from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The franchise retained its position as the most valuable IPL team, with its brand value rising 16% from USD 269 million in 2025 to USD 312 million in 2026. This achievement reportedly makes RCB the first cricket team in the world to cross the USD 300 million brand value mark.
In the latest franchise rankings, Mumbai Indians, five-time IPL champions, remained in the second place with a brand value of USD 264 million. Kolkata Knight Riders, that have won the title three times, secured the third place with USD 245 million, narrowly staying ahead of Chennai Super Kings, whose brand value stands at USD 244 million.
The report also highlighted major ownership deals completed during the year, reflecting the growing commercial appeal of IPL franchises. RCB was acquired by a consortium that includes Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group and the Times of India Group at a reported valuation of USD 1.78 billion. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals also changed ownership at a reported valuation of USD 1.65 billion, setting another benchmark for IPL franchise valuations.
The IPL continued to perform strongly across digital platforms as well. According to official broadcaster JioStar, the 2026 IPL season reached 1.06 billion screens, while overall viewership increased by 7% compared to the previous season.
Speaking about the league’s growth, Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia said he always believed the IPL would become one of the biggest sporting leagues in the world, although he did not expect it to happen so quickly.
He noted that institutional investors and global capital are now entering the IPL ecosystem, proving the confidence that early investors had when the league began in 2008. Ness Wadia also pointed out that the value of the Punjab Kings franchise has grown from USD 76 million in 2008 to USD 158 million in 2026.
The report also revealed changing viewing habits. Connected TV became the fastest-growing platform, recording a 26% increase in reach despite an 18.8% decline in traditional linear television ratings.
Thanks to strong digital growth, premium sponsorship deals and media rights revenue, the IPL generated more than USD 1.8 billion in total revenue during the season. These achievements further strengthen its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing sports leagues.
Ness Wadia added that the IPL has transformed the way sports are experienced in India by creating careers, attracting investment, encouraging the development of other sports leagues and building franchises that millions of fans genuinely support.
