RCB becomes first IPL team with USD 300 million brand value

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continue to be the most valuable franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with a brand value of US$312 million, even as the league's business value has risen to US$20.6 billion over the last 12 months.

According to the latest report by US-based global investment bank Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE: HLI), RCB, the two-time defending champions, have recorded a 16 per cent increase in brand value from last year's US$269 million.

The report estimates the value of the IPL has gone up by 11.4 per cent – from US$18.5 billion a year earlier to US$20.6 billion, marking the league's second consecutive year of double-digit growth in business value.

“Cricket’s evolution into a globally owned, institutionally backed asset class has accelerated further in 2026, with the IPL continuing to redefine the global sports landscape,” says Harsh Talikoti, director in Houlihan Lokey’s Financial and Valuation Advisory business.

RCB, which underwent a change in ownership four months ago after a consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, the Aditya Birla Group and the Times of India Group acquired the franchise at a valuation of US$1.78 billion, also became the first cricket team to surpass the US$300 million mark in brand value.

Mumbai Indians, with a brand value of US$264 million (up 9.1 per cent from US$242 million in 2025), are ranked second. Kolkata Knight Riders are third with a brand value of US$245 million, a 7.9 per cent increase from US$227 million last year, while Chennai Super Kings are ranked at fourth place with a brand value of US$244 million, representing year-on-year growth of 3.8 per cent.

“We were actively engaged in the processes for both the RCB and Rajasthan Royals, and both are great assets,” says Satyan Gajwani, co-owner of RCB and chairman at Times Internet. “Across the league, however, RCB’s fanbase intensity and connection are unparalleled, which made this a special opportunity. Overall, we are strong believers in the growth potential of cricket as a global sport, and exposure at both the media level and the IP level fits that thesis.”

Ness Wadia, co-owner of Punjab Kings, says, “The way people look at IPL franchises has changed completely. They’re no longer seen as cricket teams that play for two months every year. They’re increasingly being viewed as long-term sports and entertainment businesses, and I think that’s exactly how they should be viewed. The numbers speak for themselves. In less than two months, the IPL delivers extraordinary audiences, sponsorship value, and fan engagement.”

“On a per-match basis, its media rights already compare with some of the biggest leagues in world sport, and that’s remarkable for a competition that’s only 18 years old. The NFL is over a hundred, the NBA close to eighty. Put next to that, where we already stand is remarkable. That gives owners the confidence to invest for the long term rather than simply think about the next season.”

Wadia's Punjab Kings are ranked seventh with a brand value of US$158 million, up 12.1 per cent year-on-year. Among the remaining franchises, Sunrisers Hyderabad occupy fifth place with a brand value of US$168 million, a 9.1 per cent increase. Rajasthan Royals, who were acquired by the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla at a reported valuation of US$1.65 billion, are ranked sixth with a brand value of US$161 million, up 10.3 per cent from last year.

Gujarat Titans are ranked eighth with a brand value of US$157 million, up 10.6 per cent, followed by Delhi Capitals in ninth place at US$156 million, representing a 2.6 per cent increase. Lucknow Super Giants rank 10th with a brand value of US$122 million, unchanged from last year.

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