In a major reshuffle in IPL franchise valuations, first-time title-holder Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has secured the top spot in global investment bank Houlihan Lokey’s 2025 IPL Brand Valuation Study. With a brand value of $269 million — up from $227 million in 2024— RCB has overtaken last year’s leader, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which has slipped to the No. 3 position. CSK’s brand value for 2025 stands at $235 million, a marginal increase from $231 million last year.
“RCB’s maiden IPL title drove its brand value, propelled by enhanced digital engagement, and strong sponsorship deals. Their loyal fan base rallied behind the victory, translating passion into commercial value and helping RCB leapfrog past longstanding franchises in the brand valuation rankings,” says Yasin Hamidani, director, Media Care Brand Solutions.
According to the Houlihan Lokey report, the overall business value of the IPL has risen by 12.9% year-on-year, reaching $18.5 billion in 2025. The stand-alone brand value of the league has also grown by 13.8% over 2024, climbing to $3.9 billion this season.
The study credits the IPL for the global expansion of cricket. It’s a tournament that has “redefined the commercial and entertainment dimensions of cricket”, says the report. “The tournament’s success underscored cricket’s growing appeal beyond its historical strongholds and highlighted the potential for future growth in emerging markets,” says Harsh Talikoti, director, Corporate Valuation Advisory Services, Houlihan Lokey.
As a testament to IPL’s growing popularity, the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s sale of four associate-sponsor slots—My11Circle, Angel One, RuPay, and CEAT—generated ₹1,485 crore, a 25% increase over the previous cycle. The Tata Group extended its title sponsorship commitment through 2028 in a five-year deal worth $300 million (₹2,500 crore). “IPL’s influence extends far beyond the field, shaping broadcasting standards, fan engagement strategies, and franchise-based models that are now being emulated worldwide,” the report adds.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) recorded the highest year-on-year growth, rising 39.6% in brand value to $141 million in 2025. Lucknow Super Giants followed closely with 34%-plus growth.
JioHotstar recorded 1,370 million views during the opening weekend (March 22–24), marking a 35% year-on-year increase, with peak concurrent viewership hitting 340 million and total watch time reaching 21,860 million minutes. Star Sports, meanwhile, attracted 253 million unique TV viewers (a 14% increase year-on-year), with a combined total of 49,560 million minutes watched across platforms. The final match—where RCB triumphed over PBKS—drew over 678 million views on JioHotstar, surpassing the viewership numbers of the India-Pakistan ICC Championship clash earlier this year.