RCB becomes the first $300 million IPL brand as the league crosses the $20 billion mark

ByTech Word News

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have become the first franchise in IPL history to cross the $300 million brand valuation mark, capping off a landmark year on and off the field. The achievement comes as the total business value of the Indian Premier League crossed the $20 billion mark for the first time, reaching $20.6 billion in 2026.

According to Houlihan Lokey’s 2026 IPL Valuation Study released on Wednesday, the league’s business value has grown 11.4 percent over the past year, while the value of its standalone brand has grown to $4.3 billion. Harsh Talikoti, head of financial and valuation advisory at Houlihan Lokey, said in a report that the biggest indicator of IPL’s growth is investor confidence.

“The most telling developments this year didn’t come from our models, they 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 exactly the caliber of investors we’ve long believed the league would attract,” Talikoti said.

He added that the franchise’s record sales reflect how the IPL has become one of the most attractive sports investments in the world, attracting interest from global companies, private equity firms and business leaders.

The report also highlighted the rapid commercial growth of the IPL over the past few years. The league’s business value rose from $15.4 billion in 2023 to $16.4 billion in 2024, then to $18.5 billion in 2025 before reaching $20.6 billion this year. Total revenue for the 2026 season, including media rights, sponsorships and ticket sales, is expected to exceed $1.8 billion.

TOP MARK RCB SCORES TABLES

RCB topped both the brand value and business value rankings for the first time after winning the IPL and Women’s Premier League titles this year. Their brand value grew 16 percent to $312 million, making them the first IPL franchise to cross the $300 million mark.

Top IPL Franchises by Brand Value (2026):

  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – USD 312 million
  • Mumbai Indians (MI) – USD 264 million
  • Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – USD 245 million
  • Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – USD 244 million
  • Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – USD 168 million
  • Rajasthan Royals (RR) – USD 161 million
  • Punjab Kings (PBKS) – USD 158 million
  • Gujarat Titans (GT) – USD 157 million
  • Delhi Capitals (DC) – $156 million
  • Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – USD 122 million

RCB co-owner and chairman of Times Internet Satyan Gajwani said the franchise’s loyal supporters have played a major role in its rise.

“The intensity and connection of the RCB fan base is unparalleled, which made it a special occasion,” Gajwani said.

IPL CONTINUES TO GROW COMMERCIALLY

The report said that the sales of RCB and Rajasthan Royals were one of the biggest reasons for the league’s record valuation. RCB was bought for $1.78 billion by a consortium which included Aditya Birla Group, Tech Word News Group, David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures and Blackstone’s BXPE, while Rajasthan Royals was sold for $1.65 billion to the Mittal family and Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla.

Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia believes the league still has a lot of room to grow.

“I still think the IPL is just starting,” Wadia said.

The report said the IPL continues to attract investors due to its strong revenue sharing model, growing sponsorship income and expanding global reach. Houlihan Lokey also expects the league’s next media rights cycle, starting in 2028, to be even more valuable as interest in the tournament continues to grow globally.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

29 Jul 2026 15:27 IST