Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have turn out to be the primary franchise in IPL history to attain a brand valuation of over $300 million, marking a historic milestone after a memorable yr each on and off the sphere.
The feat coincides with the Indian Premier League surpassing the $20 billion mark in overall business value for the primary time, climbing to $20.6 billion in 2026. In accordance with Houlihan Lokey’s 2026 IPL Valuation Study, the league’s business value rose 11.4 per cent, while its brand value reached $4.3 billion.
Within the report, Harsh Talikoti, Director in Houlihan Lokey’s Financial and Valuation Advisory division, said the strongest sign of the IPL’s continued growth is the growing confidence displayed by investors.
“Probably the most telling development this yr didn’t come from our models; it got here from the market. Two franchises modified 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’ve long believed the league would attract,” Talikoti said.
He further stated that the record-setting franchise deals underline the IPL’s emergence as considered one of the world’s most sought-after sports investments, attracting global corporations, private equity investors, and leading business figures.
The study also underscored the league’s remarkable industrial expansion lately. The IPL’s business value has grown steadily from $15.4 billion in 2023 to $16.4 billion in 2024, then to $18.5 billion in 2025, before reaching $20.6 billion in 2026.
Meanwhile, total revenue for the 2026 season, including media rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales, is projected to exceed $1.8 billion.
RCB Leads IPL Brand Value Chart
Royal Challengers Bengaluru climbed to the highest of each the brand value and business value rankings for the primary time, following their title-winning campaigns within the IPL and the Women’s Premier League this yr. The franchise’s brand value surged 16 per cent to $312 million, making RCB the primary IPL team to surpass the $300 million valuation milestone.
Top IPL franchises by brand value (2026):
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – 312 million USD
- Mumbai Indians (MI) – 264 million USD
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 245 million USD
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 244 million USD
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 168 million USD
- Rajasthan Royals (RR) – 161 million USD
- Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 158 million USD
- Gujarat Titans (GT) – 157 million USD
- Delhi Capitals (DC) – 156 million USD
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – 122 million USD
RCB co-owner and Times Web Chair Satyan Gajwani credited the franchise’s passionate fanbase as a key factor behind its remarkable growth.
“The eagerness and connection shared by RCB’s supporters are unmatched, making this an exceptional opportunity,” Gajwani said.
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