RCB Creates IPL History with Record USD 300 Million Brand Value

Royal Challengers Bangalore have become the first IPL franchise to cross the $300 million mark in brand valuation, adding another major milestone to a memorable year both on and off the field. The achievement comes as the overall business value of the Indian Premier League crossed $20 billion for the first time, touching $20.6 billion in 2026.

The 2026 IPL Valuation Study, released by Houlihan Locke on July 29, showed that the league’s business value has increased by 11.4 percent compared to last year. It also reported that the IPL’s standalone brand value has reached $4.3 billion.

According to the report, RCB’s sharp rise in value is due to its consistent performance on the field, one of the strongest fan followings in the league and a well-developed digital business.

This latest valuation comes after a major ownership deal earlier this year. A consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group and Times of India Group bought RCB for a reported valuation of US$1.78 billion, making it the most expensive single-franchise deal in IPL history.

Most Valuable IPL Franchises in 2026

After winning the IPL and Women’s Premier League titles in the same year, RCB topped both the brand value and business value rankings for the first time. Their brand value increased by 16 percent to $312 million, making them the first franchise in IPL history to cross the $300 million mark.

IPL Franchise Valuations Reach New Heights

Houlihan Lockey said the rapid rise in IPL franchise values ​​demonstrates how the league has become a globally recognised sporting and entertainment property.

“Cricket’s evolution into a globally owned, institutionally backed asset class has accelerated in 2026, with the IPL continuing to redefine the global sporting landscape,” said Harsh Talikoti, director of Houlihan Lockey’s financial and valuation advisory business.

He added, “This year’s major franchise deals demonstrate the level of interest the league is attracting from global, institutional and strategic investors. Franchise values ​​have reached record levels, more private investment has entered the league, and the IPL’s commercial ecosystem continues to expand.”

IPL Franchises Becoming Long-Term Businesses

Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia said that IPL franchises are now being viewed very differently.

“They are no longer seen as a cricket team that plays for two months a year. They are seen as long-term sports and entertainment businesses.”

He further added, “Centralized media rights, revenue sharing and financial discipline have created a model that is stable and sustainable. It gives owners the confidence to invest for the long term.”

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Why RCB Stood Out Among IPL Teams?

Speaking about the decision to invest in RCB, franchise co-owner and Times Internet chairman Satyan Gajwani said that the team’s fans played a big role.

“We were actively involved in the process for both RCB and Rajasthan Royals, and both are great assets. However, in the league, the intensity and connection of RCB fans is unmatched, which made this a special opportunity,” Gajwani said.

He also spoke about the long-term future of Indian cricket as a global sports business.

“Overall, we strongly believe in the growth potential of cricket as a global sport, and the exposure at both the media level and the IP level fits that thesis. The IPL has the focus of the NFL with its monetization element, and as Indian per capita incomes rise and connected TV penetration increases, we expect to see a focus on monetization. We are very grateful to be able to work with exceptional partners in RCB, and we all see the IPL as an opportunity for growth, as well as an opportunity to build RCB into a truly global brand and fan equity.”

IPL Business Value Crosses USD 20 Billion

RCB has emerged as the second year of strong growth for the IPL. The league’s overall business enterprise value rose 11.4% from last year to US$20.6 billion, while its standalone brand value rose 10.3% to US$4.3 billion.

Mumbai Indians remained second in the brand value rankings with US$264 million, a 7.9% increase, while Kolkata Knight Riders remained third with US$245 million after registering similar growth.

The report said that the rising value of the IPL has been driven by strong confidence from institutional investors, rapid growth of connected TV (CTV) and clear long-term revenue prospects, with more global investors now viewing the IPL franchise as a sustainable sports and entertainment business.

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