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RCB Leapfrogs CSK to Become Most Valuable IPL Franchise in 2025
IPL’s Brand Value Hits $3.9 Billion as RCB Tops the Franchise Chart with $269 Million Valuation
In a significant shift within the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise landscape, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has overtaken five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to become the most valuable IPL franchise in 2025, according to the latest valuation report by global investment banking firm Houlihan Lokey, Inc.
The study, which analyzes the commercial performance and brand health of IPL franchises, also revealed that the overall value of the IPL as a business ecosystem has climbed to USD 18.5 billion, marking a 12.9% year-on-year increase. The standalone brand value of the IPL alone stands at USD 3.9 billion, up by 13.8% from the previous year.
RCB Soar to the Top with Massive Growth in Brand Value
Bengaluru Franchise Sees USD 42 Million Surge
RCB’s rise to the top comes on the back of their maiden IPL title win earlier this year and an aggressive rebranding strategy that has broadened their commercial footprint. Their brand valuation jumped from USD 227 million in 2024 to USD 269 million in 2025, marking a significant growth trajectory that helped them dethrone CSK.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (MI), another high-profile franchise, surged to second place with a valuation of USD 242 million, up from USD 204 million last year — overtaking CSK in the process.
CSK Slip to Third Amid Poor On-Field Show
Marginal Growth Fails to Keep Chennai in the Lead
Chennai Super Kings, once the perennial leaders in brand valuation, have slipped to third position in 2025. Despite a minor rise in their valuation from USD 231 million to USD 235 million, the team’s bottom-place finish in the season and off-field uncertainty have impacted their brand growth potential.
Interestingly, this marks one of the rare occasions where CSK’s off-field brand resilience couldn’t compensate for on-field performance, hinting at a maturing IPL market where results matter more than legacy.
Other Franchises Show Positive Momentum
Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants Lead in Year-on-Year Growth
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) recorded the highest year-on-year growth among all franchises, increasing their brand value by 39.6% to USD 141 million, buoyed by their finals appearance under new captain Shreyas Iyer. PBKS now rank ninth in the list, although their rise may set them up for even higher rankings in the next cycle.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), known for being the most expensive team in the IPL in terms of purchase cost, registered a 34% increase in brand value, rising to USD 122 million. Their consistent performances and rapidly growing fan base have made them one of the more promising franchises commercially.
Full Brand Value Rankings of IPL Teams in 2025
| Rank | Team | Brand Value (USD Million) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | 269 |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians (MI) | 242 |
| 3 | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | 235 |
| 4 | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | 222 |
| 5 | SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) | 154 |
| 6 | Delhi Capitals (DC) | 152 |
| 7 | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | 146 |
| 8 | Gujarat Titans (GT) | 142 |
| 9 | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | 141 |
| 10 | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | 122 |
Houlihan Lokey on IPL’s Commercial Growth
Media Rights and Sponsorship Driving Market Expansion
Harsh Talikoti, Director of Financial and Valuation Advisory at Houlihan Lokey, attributed the IPL’s soaring valuations to a combination of record-breaking media rights deals, sponsor diversification, and an expanding international fan base.
“The IPL continues to set benchmarks in the sports business. Franchise valuations have soared, media rights deals have reached record highs, and brand partnerships have diversified across sectors,” said Talikoti in his statement.
The report also highlighted how IPL’s digital engagement, global reach, and fan monetization strategies are now comparable to other major sporting leagues like the NFL and NBA.
The 2025 IPL valuation rankings underscore the league’s evolution into a global sports entertainment powerhouse. RCB’s emergence as the most valuable franchise is a testament to the growing importance of on-field success, fan engagement, and strategic commercial partnerships.
With more franchises focusing on digital expansion, brand repositioning, and consistent performances, the IPL is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the global sports economy.
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