IPL valuation jumps nearly 13% to $18.5 billion on strong media deals, fan growth
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden IPL title when they beat Punjab Kings in the final.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen its business valuation surge to $18.5 billion (₹1.56 lakh crore), marking a 12.9% year-on-year increase, according to a new report from global investment bank Houlihan Lokey.The analysis hihglights IPL's growing dominance as one of the world's most valuable sporting properties. The league's brand value alone rose 13.8% in 2025 to $3.9 billion (₹32,721 crore), a 16.1% jump in Indian rupee terms, highlighting its increasing global pull, robust sponsorship ecosystem, and explosive digital engagement."For institutional investors, this makes the IPL not just a sports league but a high-growth compounder in the entertainment space, catering to a fast-growing fan base with rising disposable income and a strong appetite for premium digital experiences," the study stated.Houlihan Lokey noted that brand value, distinct from total business valuation, reflects the monetary worth of intangible assets like trademarks, trade names, and goodwill. It's only one part of a broader calculation that also includes tangible assets, revenues, and operational factors.Since its launch in 2008, the IPL has evolved into a multibillion-dollar platform that not only dominates Indian sports but also shapes global standards in broadcasting, sponsorship strategy, and franchise operations. The 2025 season, despite facing a temporary pause due to geopolitical tensions in early May, bounced back swiftly with strong contingency planning and coordination among stakeholders.
The report called this year's IPL a textbook example of 'resilience and operational agility.'Franchise performance remains central to the league's commercial success. Top teams reported annual revenues ranging from ₹650 crore to ₹700 crore, with as much as 80% of revenue visibility secured before the tournament even began. A league-wide salary cap of ₹120 crore per team acts as a built-in safeguard, limiting wage inflation and preserving competitive balance.IPL franchises also benefit from a capital-light model, thanks to existing BCCI-created stadium infrastructure and minimal fixed asset exposure. Compared to global peers like English Premier League or NBA teams—which face large transfer fees, variable wages, and stadium debt—IPL teams enjoy a revenue-guaranteed, asset-light structure that enhances upside and protects against risk.
The valuation report also pointed to the IPL's growing global audience, noting that the 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings smashed viewership records. The title clash drew more than 600 million views on JioCinema, cementing the IPL's status as one of the most-watched sporting events worldwide.
The report concluded that with a potent mix of fan loyalty, commercial scalability, and digital reach, the IPL is continuing to redefine what's possible in sports business.
With inputs from ANI
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