The Indian Premier League has grown into the world’s richest cricket league. In 2025, its total business value reached USD 18.5 billion. The standalone brand value stands at USD 3.9 billion.
IPL franchises now compete with top global sports teams in terms of commercial strength and fan engagement. In 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the richest IPL team, valued at USD 269 million (₹2,327 Cr). They overtook Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
Record broadcast deals worth ₹48,000 crore (2023-2027) have pushed franchise values higher. Sponsorship revenue and social media growth also play a big role in each team’s net worth.
IPL’s Net Worth As Of 2026
The IPL has grown rapidly over the years. Here is a quick look at its financial strength in 2026:
| Metric | Valuation |
|---|---|
| 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) |
The brand value jumped from USD 3.2 billion in the previous year to USD 3.9 billion. This shows strong growth in the league’s reputation and market presence.
Revenue Sources Of IPL
The IPL earns money from several sources. Broadcast rights form the biggest income stream. The current deal (2023-2027) values TV and digital streaming rights at over ₹48,000 crore.
- Sponsorships bring in hundreds of crores. Title sponsors like Dream11 pay big amounts for visibility during matches.
- Ticket Sales add matchday revenue. IPL stadiums regularly fill to capacity during the tournament.
- Merchandise sales include jerseys, caps, and fan products. These boost earnings for each franchise.
- Franchise Fees & Auctions contribute further. Teams pay fees to BCCI. Player auctions also generate income.
- Licensing & Digital Content extend global reach. Streaming deals, highlight packages, and social media content generate additional revenue.
These multiple income streams make IPL one of the most commercially successful cricket leagues in the world.
IPL Team-Wise Net Worth In 2025: Which Franchise Is The Richest?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru top the IPL net worth list. Their unmatched fan engagement and consistent commercial strength drive this success.
Here is the complete team-wise net worth of all IPL franchises based on brand valuation data:
| Rank | IPL Franchise | Brand Value (USD) | 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 |
1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
United Spirits (now part of Diageo) owns Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The franchise started in 2008 and reached a net worth of $269 million (~₹2,327 Cr) by 2025. RCB won their first IPL title in 2025.
The team has a massive fan base across India and overseas. Star players like Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis boost brand appeal. Their 2025 title win increased merchandise sales and digital engagement.
Strong performances attract more sponsorship deals. RCB ranks among the most-watched franchises on social media platforms.
2. Mumbai Indians (MI)
Reliance Industries owns the Mumbai Indians. Mukesh Ambani leads the ownership group. The team was founded in 2008 and has a net worth of $242 million (approximately ₹2,094 Cr) as of 2026. MI has won 5 IPL titles, the most by any team.
The franchise enjoys strong corporate sponsorships and smart merchandising strategies. Regular playoff appearances keep their brand value high. Rohit Sharma increases fan engagement and marketability.
MI has extensive fan bases in India and abroad. Their digital and broadcast viewership remains among the highest in IPL.
3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
India Cements (N. Srinivasan) owns Chennai Super Kings. The franchise started in 2008 and has a net worth of $235 million (~₹2,033 Cr). CSK has won 5 IPL titles, tied with MI for the most.
The team has qualified for playoffs in more than 70% of seasons played. MS Dhoni’s long association has built strong fan loyalty and merchandise revenue. CSK enjoys one of the highest stadium occupancy rates at Chepauk.
CSK consistently ranks among the top three IPL teams in brand value.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta co-own KKR. The franchise started in 2008 and has a net worth of $222 million (~₹1,918 Cr). KKR has won 3 IPL titles.
The Bollywood connection helps with sponsorship and branding opportunities. The franchise has a nationwide fan base. Merchandise sales and digital presence bring extra revenue.
Strategic marketing campaigns boost commercial appeal. Strong player performances maintain credibility on the field.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Kalanithi Maran and Sun TV Network own SRH. The team started in 2013 and has a net worth of $154 million (~₹1,331 Cr). SRH won the IPL title in 2016.
The franchise reached playoffs five times between 2013 and 2024. Home matches at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium attract high regional viewership. Sun TV Network’s media reach strengthens broadcast promotions.
SRH builds strong, bowling-focused squads every season.
6. Delhi Capitals (DC)
GMR Group and JSW Group co-own Delhi Capitals. The franchise was founded in 2008 and has a net worth of $152 million (approximately ₹1,314 crore). Delhi Capitals have not won an IPL title yet, but remain playoff contenders.
Corporate backing from GMR and JSW provides financial stability. Sponsorship and merchandising revenues grow steadily. The Delhi-NCR fan base contributes to high digital engagement. Star players like David Warner and Rishabh Pant drive viewership.
7. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Manoj Badale and Emerging Media own Rajasthan Royals. The franchise started in 2008 and has a net worth of $146 million (~₹1,262 Cr). RR won the inaugural IPL title in 2008.
The franchise uses data-driven talent identification. They have introduced multiple India U-19 graduates into the IPL. RR maintains one of the lowest average squad costs among older franchises.
The team runs one of the most structured scouting networks in IPL.
8. Gujarat Titans (GT)
CVC Capital Partners and Torrent Group own Gujarat Titans. The team was founded in 2022 and has a net worth of $142 million (approximately ₹1,227 Cr). Gujarat Titans won the IPL title in their debut season in 2022.
GT qualified for playoffs in both 2022 and 2023. They finished as runners-up in 2023. The team plays home matches at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket stadium.
9. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Preity Zinta and Mohit Burman co-own Punjab Kings. The franchise was founded in 2008 and has a net worth of $141 million (approximately ₹1,219 crore). Punjab Kings reached the IPL final in 2014 as runners-up.
The franchise has gone through multiple rebrandings and leadership changes. PBKS records strong television viewership in North India. Celebrity co-ownership increases media visibility and sponsor interest.
10. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
RPSG Group owns Lucknow Super Giants. The franchise started in 2022 and has a net worth of $122 million (~₹1,054 Cr). LSG has not won any IPL titles yet.
Lucknow Super Giants qualified for 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.
Corporate backing from RPSG provides long-term financial stability.
Top 5 Highest-Paid Star IPL Players As of 2026
Here are the top 5 highest-paid IPL players for 2026:
| Rank | Player | Team (2026) | Salary (₹ Crore) | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rishabh Pant | Lucknow Super Giants | ₹27.0 Cr | Most expensive player; 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 remains the most expensive player at ₹27 crore. His explosive batting and captaincy skills earned him this prize.
Shreyas Iyer of Punjab Kings follows at ₹26.75 crore. His consistent middle-order performances and leadership make him valuable.
Cameron Green joined Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹25.2 crore. He became the most expensive overseas signing in IPL history due to his all-round abilities.
Heinrich Klaasen stays with Sunrisers Hyderabad at ₹23 crore. His finishing power and international experience justify the price.
Virat Kohli continues with Royal Challengers Bengaluru at ₹21 crore. He remains a global superstar and merchandising icon.
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Conclusion: IPL’s Record-Breaking Valuation Explained
IPL team net worth in 2025 shows how modern cricket success combines titles, brand loyalty, and business skills. RCB leads in value, while Mumbai Indians and CSK (with 5 titles each) set the standard for on-field success.
Newer franchises like Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants have already crossed the ₹1,000 Cr mark. This proves the league’s rapid growth potential. High player salaries, led by Rishabh Pant at ₹27 Cr, show the IPL’s financial power.
With growing global viewership, record sponsorships, and digital revenue, the IPL is the most profitable T20 league in world cricket.
