The Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved into the world’s most valuable cricket league, with a total business valuation of USD 18.5 billion in 2025 and a standalone brand value of USD 3.9 billion.IPL franchises now rival global sports teams in commercial strength, fan engagement, and digital reach.
In 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerged as the richest IPL team, with a valuation of USD 269 million (₹2,327 Cr), overtaking legacy giants Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Driven by record broadcast deals worth ₹48,000 crore (2023–2027), rising sponsorship revenue, and explosive social media growth, IPL team-wise net worth reflects both on-field success and off-field business performance.
In this article, we analyze the net worth of each IPL franchise as of 2026.
How Much Is The IPL Worth As of 2026?
This section provides a factual snapshot of the Indian Premier League’s financial strength as of 2026 jan. It highlights the IPL’s total business valuation, standalone brand value, and average franchise worth, reflecting the league’s rapid commercial growth.
| Metric | Valuation / Insight |
|---|---|
| Total IPL Business Valuation | USD 18.5 billion |
| Standalone IPL Brand Value | USD 3.9 billion |
| Average Franchise Valuation | USD 180+ million |
| Fastest-Growing Franchises | Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants |
| Most Commercially Powerful Franchise | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) |
In 2025, these diversified revenue streams have driven the IPL’s total business valuation to USD 18.5 billion and its standalone brand value to USD 3.9 billion, reflecting sustained commercial growth and global appeal.
Where Does IPL Revenue Come From?
The IPL generates revenue through broadcast rights, valued at over ₹48,000 crore for 2023–2027, making TV and digital streaming its largest income source.
- Sponsorships: Title sponsors like Vivo, Dream11 pay hundreds of crores.
- Ticket Sales: Packed stadiums generate matchday revenue.
- Merchandise: Jerseys, collectibles, and fan products boost sales.
- Franchise Fees & Auctions: Teams pay fees; player auctions add income.
- Licensing & Digital Content: Streaming, highlights, and social media extend global reach.
The IPL’s income comes primarily from media rights, sponsorships, and franchise partnerships. Broadcast and digital rights contribute the largest share, followed by central sponsorship deals and team-level sponsors. Matchday revenue from ticket sales, hospitality, and in-stadium advertising adds further income, while merchandise, licensing, and digital content monetisation strengthen brand earnings. These multiple streams make IPL one of the most commercially successful cricket leagues worldwide.
IPL Team-Wise Net Worth In 2025: Which Franchise Is The Richest?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru top the IPL team-wise net worth list with a $269 million valuation, driven by unmatched fan engagement and consistent commercial strength
In this table, you can see the team-wise net worth of all IPL franchises, based on official brand valuation data and recent performance metrics.
| Rank | IPL Franchise | Brand Value (USD) | Approx. Net Worth (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | $269 million | ₹2,327 Cr |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians (MI) | $242 million | ₹2,094 Cr |
| 3 | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | $235 million | ₹2,033 Cr |
| 4 | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | $222 million | ₹1,918 Cr |
| 5 | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | $154 million | ₹1,331 Cr |
| 6 | Delhi Capitals (DC) | $152 million | ₹1,314 Cr |
| 7 | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | $146 million | ₹1,262 Cr |
| 8 | Gujarat Titans (GT) | $142 million | ₹1,227 Cr |
| 9 | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | $141 million | ₹1,219 Cr |
| 10 | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | $122 million | ₹1,054 Cr |
Additionally, the brand value stood at USD 3.9 billion, up from USD 3.2 billion the previous year, indicating robust growth in the league’s reputation and market presence.
1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru is owned by United Spirits, now part of Diageo. The franchise, founded in 2008, reached a net worth of $269 million (~₹2,327 Cr) by 2025. RCB has won 1 IPL title (2025).
The team commands high value due to a massive fan base across India and internationally. Star players like Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis enhance brand appeal, driving merchandise sales and digital engagement after the 2025 title.
Strong on-field performance boosts sponsorship deals, making RCB one of the most-watched franchises on social media and strengthening their commercial position in the IPL.
2. Mumbai Indians (MI)
The Mumbai Indians, owned by Reliance Industries and led by Mukesh Ambani, were founded in 2008. As of 2026, the team’s net worth is $242 million (approximately ₹2,094 Cr). MI has secured 5 IPL titles, making it the most successful team in the league.
The franchise enjoys robust corporate sponsorships and effective merchandising strategies.
Consistent playoff appearances enhance their brand value year after year. Star players like Rohit Sharma increase fan engagement and marketability.
The team has extensive global and domestic fan bases. Digital and broadcast viewership remains among the highest in IPL. MI’s commercial and on-field consistency make it highly valuable.
3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK is owned by India Cements (N. Srinivasan). The franchise was founded in 2008. Its net worth as of 2026 is $235 million (~₹2,033 Cr). CSK has won 5 IPL titles, tied for the most in history.
The franchise has qualified for the playoffs in more than 70% of the seasons played. MS Dhoni’s long-term association significantly strengthened fan loyalty and merchandising revenue. CSK enjoys one of the highest stadium occupancy rates in the league at Chepauk.
CSK consistently ranks among the top three IPL teams in brand value due to sustained on-field success.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR is co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta. Founded in 2008, it has a net worth of $222 million (~₹1,918 Cr). KKR has won 3 IPL titles. Bollywood association enhances sponsorship and branding opportunities.
The franchise benefits from a nationwide fan base. Merchandise sales and digital presence drive additional revenue. Strategic marketing campaigns boost commercial appeal. Strong player performances maintain on-field credibility.
The team’s brand equity remains high despite fluctuating results. KKR is one of the most valuable IPL franchises for investors.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH is owned by Kalanithi Maran / Sun TV Network. The team was founded in 2013. Its 2025 net worth is $154 million (~₹1,331 Cr). SRH has won 1 IPL title (2016). Consistent playoff appearances enhance sponsor interest.
The franchise has reached the IPL playoffs five times between 2013 and 2024. Home matches at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad attract high regional viewership. Sun TV Network’s media reach strengthens broadcast promotions and sponsor visibility.
SRH builds strong, bowling-focused squads across multiple seasons.
6. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals, co-owned by the GMR Group and the JSW Group, was established in 2008. As of 2026, experts estimate its net worth at $152 million (approximately ₹1,314 crore). Although the team has not claimed any IPL titles, it consistently competes as a playoff contender.
Corporate backing from GMR and JSW ensures financial stability. Sponsorship and merchandising revenues are steadily growing. The Delhi-NCR fan base contributes to high digital engagement. Star players like David Warner and Rishabh Pant drive viewership.
7. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Rajasthan Royals is owned by Manoj Badale / Emerging Media. The franchise was founded in 2008. Its 2025 net worth is $146 million (~₹1,262 Cr). RR won the inaugural IPL title in 2008.The franchise is known for scouting young talent effectively.
Rajasthan Royals have historically invested heavily in data-driven talent identification. The franchise has introduced multiple India U-19 graduates into the IPL. RR consistently maintains one of the lower average squad costs compared to older franchises.
The team operates one of the IPL’s most structured scouting networks.
8. Gujarat Titans (GT)
CVC Capital Partners and Torrent Group own the Gujarat Titans, a team founded in 2022. As of 2026, the team’s net worth will reach $142 million (approximately ₹1,227 Cr). The Gujarat Titans won the IPL title in their debut season in 2022.
Gujarat Titans qualified for the IPL playoffs in both 2022 and 2023. The franchise finished as runners-up in the 2023 IPL season. GT plays home matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket stadium.
9. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Preity Zinta and Mohit Burman co-own Punjab Kings, which they established in 2008. In 2025, the franchise’s net worth is estimated at $141 million (approximately ₹1,219 crore). Punjab Kings reached the IPL final in 2014, finishing as runners-up.
The franchise has undergone multiple rebrandings and leadership changes since its inception. PBKS consistently records strong television viewership in North India. Celebrity co-ownership increases media visibility and sponsorship interest.
10. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
The RPSG Group owns the Lucknow Super Giants franchise, established in 2022. By 2026, it will reach a net worth of $122 million (~₹1,054 Cr). Although LSG has not won any IPL titles, its strong early performances enhance its brand value.
Lucknow Super Giants qualified for the IPL playoffs in their debut season. The franchise paid ₹7,090 crore as the expansion franchise fee. LSG plays home matches at BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, one of India’s most prominent venues.
Corporate backing from RPSG ensures long-term financial stability.
Top 5 Highest-Paid IPL Players As of 2026
In this table, the top 5 highest-paid IPL players for 2026 are listed with their teams and auction salaries.
| Rank | Player | Team (2026) | Salary (₹ Crore) | Why Paid High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Rishabh Pant | Lucknow Super Giants | ₹27.0 Cr | Most expensive player; consistent, explosive batting and captaincy. |
| 2. | Shreyas Iyer | Punjab Kings | ₹26.75 Cr | Premium middle‑order bat and leader. |
| 3. | Cameron Green | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹25.20 Cr | Most expensive overseas buy ever; elite all‑rounder. |
| 4. | Heinrich Klaasen | Sunrisers Hyderabad | ₹23.0 Cr | Retained power hitter; key top‑order batter. |
| 5. | Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | ₹21.0 Cr | Global superstar and marquee batter. |
Rishabh Pant, retained by Lucknow Super Giants, remains the most expensive player at ₹27 crore, reflecting his explosive batting and captaincy skills.
Shreyas Iyer of Punjab Kings follows at ₹26.75 crore, prized for consistent middle-order performances and leadership.
Cameron Green, bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹25.2 crore, became the most expensive overseas signing in IPL history due to his all-round capabilities. Heinrich Klaasen, retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad at ₹23 crore, offers finishing power and international experience.
Virat Kohli, retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru at ₹21 crore, remains a global superstar and merchandising icon.
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Conclusion – IPL Has Transformed Cricket Into A Profitable Sports League
IPL team-wise net worth in 2025 highlights how modern cricket success is built on a mix of titles, brand loyalty, and commercial innovation. While RCB leads financially, Mumbai Indians and CSK, with 5 titles each, remain benchmarks for sustained sporting dominance.
Newer franchises like Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, founded in 2022, crossing the ₹1,000 Cr valuation mark, shows the league’s rapid expansion potential. High player salaries, led by Rishabh Pant at ₹27 Cr, underline the IPL’s financial muscle.
With growing global viewership, record sponsorships, and digital monetisation, the IPL is firmly positioned as the most lucrative and influential T20 league in world cricket.
FAQs
The IPL’s total business valuation as of 2026 is approximately USD 18.5 billion, with a standalone brand value of USD 3.9 billion.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is the richest IPL franchise as of jan 2026, valued at USD 269 million (₹2,327 crore).
RCB benefits from an extremely large fan base, high digital engagement, strong sponsorship deals, and global brand visibility.
IPL team net worth is based on brand valuation, media rights share, sponsorship revenue, merchandise sales, and on-field performance.
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have won the most IPL titles, with 5 championships each.
