Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 8: The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues its meteoric rise, with its overall business valuation growing by 12.9% to reach USD 18.5 billion, according to global investment bank Houlihan Lokey. The league’s stand-alone brand value also jumped by 13.8% to USD 3.9 billion in the past year, underlining its dominance as a premier sports property.

The report highlights IPL’s surging commercial appeal, driven by significant sponsorship deals and skyrocketing viewership. The BCCI’s sale of four associate sponsorship slots – My11Circle, Angel One, RuPay, and CEAT – netted Rs 1,485 cr, a 25% increase over the previous cycle. The league also locked in a major five-year title sponsorship deal with Tata Group worth USD 300 million (approx. Rs 2,500 cr), extending through 2028.

Among franchises, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the 2025 champions, emerged as the most valuable with a brand value of USD 269 million, up from USD 227 million last year. Mumbai Indians (MI) climbed to second with USD 242 million, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) slipped to third at USD 235 million. Punjab Kings (PBKS) registered the highest year-on-year growth of 39.6%, reflecting increased fan engagement and brand traction.

Viewership has also touched record heights. The IPL 2025 final garnered 67.8 cr views on JioCinema, surpassing even the high-voltage India-Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025 match.

“The IPL continues to set benchmarks in sports business. Franchise valuations have soared, media rights deals have reached record highs, and brand partnerships have diversified across sectors,” said Harsh Talikoti, Director at Houlihan Lokey.

With growing global attention and rising digital viewership, the IPL’s financial and branding momentum shows no signs of slowing down.