RCB became the first IPL franchise to cross the $300 million brand value

File Pic: RCB players celebrate with the IPL trophy. (Photo credit: RCB) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has cemented its status as the most valuable franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), becoming the first cricket team in history to cross the $300 million brand value mark.According to global investment bank Houlihan Lokey’s 2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study, RCB retained its No. 1 position with a brand valuation of US$ 312 million (approximately Rs 2,600 crore), a 16% jump from US$ 269 million in 2025. The report highlights that RCB’s steep valuation curve reflects the compounding impact of sustained on-field performance, superior fan engagement and a digitally mature commercial ecosystem.The valuation benchmark comes on the heels of a landmark ownership deal earlier this year in which RCB was acquired by a consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group and Tech Word News Group for a reported $1.78 billion – the costliest single franchise deal in IPL history.

“Franchise Valuation Hits New Highs”

Record growth in IPL franchise valuations reflects the league’s transformation into a globally recognized sports and entertainment asset, says Houlihan Lokey.“Cricket’s evolution into a globally owned, institutionally secured asset class has accelerated further in 2026, with the IPL continuing to redefine the global sporting landscape,” said Harsh Talikoti, Head of Finance and Valuation Advisory at Houlihan Lokey.“What the market has confirmed this year through significant franchise transactions is the extent to which the league can attract the caliber of global, institutional and strategic capital it was built for. Franchise valuations have reached new highs, private equity participation has accelerated and the league’s commercial ecosystem continues to diversify,” he added.Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia highlighted how the perception of IPL franchises has evolved: “They are no longer seen as cricket teams that play for two months every year. They are increasingly seen as long-term sports and entertainment enterprises.”“Centralized media rights, revenue sharing and financial discipline have created a model that is stable and sustainable. This gives owners confidence in long-term investments,” he added.

“The intensity and connection of the RCB fanbase is unmatched”

Satyan Gajwani, Co-Owner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chairman of Times Internet highlighted the reasons behind the marquee acquisition, noting the unmatched strength of the franchise’s community.“We have been actively involved in the processes for both RCB and Rajasthan Royals and both are a great asset. However, across the league, the intensity and connectedness of the RCB fan base is unmatched, making this a special opportunity,” said Satyan Gajwani.Highlighting the long-term trajectory for Indian cricket as a global asset class, Gajwani added, “Overall, we strongly believe in the growth potential of cricket as a global sport and the exposure at the media and IP level is consistent with that thesis. The IPL attracts the attention of the NFL at a fraction of its monetization, and as India’s television penetration per capita increases, we expect the per capita TV revenue to grow as well. To work with exceptional partners at RCB, and all we believe in the opportunity for the IPL to continue to grow and also for RCB to create a true global brand and fan value.”

The IPL business reaches $20.6 billion

RCB’s surge comes amid record growth for the league as a whole. The IPL’s overall value rose 11.4% year-on-year to $20.6 billion, while its standalone brand value rose 10.3% to $4.3 billion.Behind RCB in the brand value rankings were Mumbai Indians at No. 2 ($264 million; +7.9%) and Kolkata Knight Riders at No. 3 ($245.0 million; +7.9%).The report attributes the overall boom in the league’s valuation to growing institutional investor confidence, rapid adoption of Connected TV (CTV) and strong revenue visibility as global capital increasingly views IPL franchises as a long-term sports and entertainment powerhouse.