08-07-2025
RCB Dethrones CSK As Most Valuable IPL Franchise After Maiden Title: Report
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru's valuation rose to USD 269 million, surpassing Chennai Super Kings. IPL's business value hit USD 18.5 billion.
The end of a 17-year drought has boosted Royal Challengers Bengaluru's valuation to USD 269 million, allowing it to dethrone Chennai Super Kings from the top spot, according to a report released on Tuesday.
The standalone valuation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India-promoted Indian Premier League (IPL) has increased by 13.8 per cent to USD 3.9 billion, as stated by Houlihan Lokey, an investment bank.
The IPL's overall business value has risen to USD 18.5 billion, marking a 12.9 per cent increase.
Mumbai Indians, owned by the Ambani family, saw their valuation surge to USD 242 million, making them the second most valuable franchise.
A 'disappointing" season caused India Cements' N Srinivasan-owned Chennai Super Kings to drop to the third position in 2025 from the top spot the previous year, with a brand value of USD 235 million.
What About Other IPL Teams?
Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders secured fourth place in brand value with USD 227 million, while Sunrisers Hyderabad ranked fifth with a valuation of USD 154 million.
Punjab Kings achieved the highest growth of 39.6 per cent in 2025, reaching USD 141 million and ranking ninth, largely due to their strong performance as runners-up under new captain Shreyas Iyer.
Punjab Kings' Chief Executive Satish Menon stated that the franchise views IPL as a scalable business model with high visibility, secure revenue streams, and strong brand-building potential.
'We now operate with the mindset of a media-sport brand with multiple revenue verticals, not just a cricket team — and that's where real profitability lies," he said, adding that they have now developed the franchise into a sustainable sports business.
Harsh Talikoti, the investment bank's director for financial and valuation advisory, mentioned that franchise valuations have soared, media rights deals have reached record highs, and brand partnerships have diversified across various sectors.
The report noted that the Tata Group extended its title-sponsorship commitment through 2028 in a lucrative five-year deal worth USD 300 million. Additionally, there was a 25 per cent increase to Rs 1,485 crore in the sale of four associate sponsorship slots to My11Circle, Angel One, RuPay, and CEAT.
(With inputs from PTI)
About the Author
Ritayan Basu
First Published:
July 08, 2025, 17:33 IST
