The Indian Premier League hit an unexpected wobble this year. Brand Finance estimates that the IPL ecosystem lost a fifth of its value in 2025, slipping to $9.6 billion from $12 billion a year earlier. A mix of geopolitical uncertainty, an aggressive mega-auction cycle and sweeping franchise reshuffles knocked the league off its usual growth trajectory, the report said.
Those disruptions, the report noted, forced teams to rethink long-held strategies, unsettled competitive rhythm and created a rare reset moment for the world’s richest cricket tournament. Yet the engine beneath the surface still ran hot. Even in a down year, Brand Finance estimates the 2025 season supported over 1.5 million jobs, direct and indirect, across its 100-day run.
Mumbai Indians return to the top
In a season defined by volatility, the Mumbai Indians managed a small comeback of their own. The franchise regained the top spot with a brand valuation of $108 million. The number is still 9% lower than last year, but Brand Finance says steadier performances on the field and stable commercial partnerships helped MI reclaim its perch.
RCB’s first trophy changes the equation
It took 18 seasons, but the Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy, and the win has rewritten their brand story. RCB surged to second place with a valuation of $105 million, even though the figure is 10% lower year-on-year. For a team long defined by heartbreak, Brand Finance says the championship reframed its perception, boosting both appeal and confidence.
CSK grapples with life after Dhoni
Chennai Super Kings, in contrast, are wrestling with a transition they’ve managed to delay for more than a decade. Their valuation fell 24% to $93 million, pushing them to third place after a last-place finish in 2025. With MS Dhoni no longer the centre of their universe, uncertainty around combinations and leadership has weighed heavily on the brand.
Former champions lose their grip
Kolkata Knight Riders, last year’s champions, couldn’t sustain momentum. Their valuation dropped 33% to $74 million, though their fourth-place ranking stayed intact. Delhi Capitals slipped too, down 26% to $59 million, after missing the playoffs despite a promising start to the season.
The steepest falls came from Rajasthan Royals (down 35%) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (down 34%), as venue shifts, uneven performances and unsettled squads eroded brand strength.
GT, Punjab and LSG move up
Amid the broader contraction, a few teams bucked the trend in relative terms. Gujarat Titans climbed to fifth at $70 million, helped by disciplined auction calls and stability under Shubman Gill. Punjab Kings rose to sixth at $66 million after topping the league stage under Shreyas Iyer. Lucknow Super Giants also improved their table position, reaching seventh with $59 million, despite their own valuation slipping slightly after an erratic season.
Brand Finance calls IPL 2025 a “course-correction year”, a season where the league briefly stopped sprinting and paused to recalibrate.
