Summary: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) leads as the most valuable franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with a brand value of $312 million. According to a report by Houlihan Lokey, the total commercial value of the IPL has increased from $1.85 billion to $2.06 billion. Based on brand value, Mumbai Indians rank second with $264 million, while Kolkata Knight Riders are third with $245 million.
Kathmandu, August 29 — Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) continues to hold the top position as the most valuable franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The latest report released by the US-based investment bank Houlihan Lokey states that RCB’s brand value has reached $312 million, marking a 16 percent increase over last year’s $269 million. With this milestone, RCB becomes the first team in cricket history to have a brand value exceeding $300 million.
The report further indicates that over the past year, the IPL’s total commercial value has risen from $1.85 billion to $2.06 billion, representing an 11.4 percent growth. This marks the IPL’s second consecutive year of double-digit commercial growth.
Four months ago, a consortium of investors including Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, the Aditya Birla Group, and the Times of India Group acquired RCB at a valuation of $1.78 billion.
Based on brand value, Mumbai Indians hold the second spot with $264 million, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders at $245 million and Chennai Super Kings in fourth place with $244 million. Sunrisers Hyderabad ranks fifth with $168 million, Rajasthan Royals sixth with $161 million, and Punjab Kings seventh with $158 million. Gujarat Titans are eighth with $157 million, Delhi Capitals ninth with $156 million, and Lucknow Super Giants tenth with $122 million.
RCB co-owner Satyan Gajwani highlighted that RCB possesses the strongest fan base and emotional connection with its team in the IPL. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia noted that IPL franchises have evolved beyond cricket over the past two months to become enduring sports and entertainment businesses.
