Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have created history by becoming the first franchise in Indian Premier League (IPL) history to cross the $300 million brand valuation mark. The milestone caps off a remarkable year for the Bengaluru-based side, both on the field and in the business world, as the IPL itself continues its rapid rise as one of the most valuable sporting properties globally. According to Houlihan Lokey’s 2026 IPL Valuation Study, released on Wednesday, the league’s overall business value has now climbed to $20.6 billion, marking the first time the tournament has crossed the $20 billion threshold.
The report also revealed that the IPL’s standalone brand value has reached $4.3 billion, underlining the competition’s growing commercial strength. The league’s business value has expanded steadily over the past four years, rising from $15.4 billion in 2023 to $16.4 billion in 2024, then to $18.5 billion in 2025, and finally to $20.6 billion in 2026. Total revenue for the current season, including media rights, sponsorship deals and ticket sales, is projected to go beyond $1.8 billion.
Houlihan Lokey Director Harsh Talikoti said the clearest sign of the IPL’s growing stature was the confidence investors showed in the market. He pointed to the high-profile sales of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals as proof that the league now attracts some of the biggest names in global business.
WATCH – Justin Langer Denies England Coach Talks, Breaks Silence On Test Head Coach Speculation
“The most telling development this year did not come from our models; it came from the market. Two franchises changed hands – Royal Challengers Bengaluru for $1.78 billion and Rajasthan Royals for $1.65 billion – and the buyers are precisely the calibre of investors we have long believed the league would attract,” Talikoti said.
RCB’s rise to the top of the valuation charts has been driven by a strong year on the field as well. After winning both the IPL title and the Women’s Premier League title this year, the franchise saw its brand value rise by 16 per cent to $312 million, making it the first team in IPL history to pass the $300 million mark.
🚨 IPL’s most valuable franchise brand in 2026.
1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru – $312 million
2. Mumbai Indians – $264 million
3. Kolkata Knight Riders – $245 million
4. Chennai Super Kings – $244 million
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad – $168 million
6. Rajasthan Royals – $161 million…— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) July 29, 2026
The rest of the IPL’s elite brands also continued to command huge valuations. Mumbai Indians stood second at $264 million, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders at $245 million and Chennai Super Kings at $244 million. Sunrisers Hyderabad were valued at $168 million, while Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants filled out the remaining spots in the top 10.
RCB co-owner and Times Internet Chair Satyan Gajwani credited the franchise’s passionate supporters for the team’s growing commercial success. He said the intensity and loyalty of the RCB fanbase remain unmatched in world cricket.
ALSO READ: Shubman Gill Reclaims ICC No. 1 ODI Ranking As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Soars in Latest Rankings
The report also highlighted how the recent ownership changes have played a major role in lifting the league’s overall valuation. RCB was acquired for $1.78 billion by a consortium featuring the Aditya Birla Group, Times of India Group, David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures and Blackstone’s BXPE, while Rajasthan Royals were sold for $1.65 billion to the Mittal family and Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla.
Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia said the IPL still has plenty of room to grow, noting that the tournament is still in its early stages of expansion. Houlihan Lokey also expects the next media rights cycle, which begins in 2028, to bring an even bigger valuation boost as global interest in the IPL continues to rise.
