The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the richest cricket league in the world in 2026, with a total business valuation of approximately $18.5 billion. However, several other T20 franchise leagues are now generating serious money too.
From The Hundred‘s £975 million franchise sales to the WPL‘s rapid sponsorship growth, cricket’s commercial footprint has expanded well beyond India. In this guide, we rank the richest cricket leagues in the world based on business valuations, media rights, franchise values, and commercial revenue.
Whether you follow IPL, PSL, BBL, or SA20, this breakdown covers every major league’s financial standing as of 2026.
Complete Ranking: Richest Cricket Leagues In The World (2026)
Before we break down each league individually, here is a quick comparison of the top 12 richest cricket leagues based on their estimated commercial value, franchise sales, and revenue.
| # | League | Country | Est. Value (2026) | Key Revenue Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Premier League (IPL) | India | ~$18.5 Billion | Media rights ($6.2B deal) |
| 2 | The Hundred | England & Wales | ~£975 Million (~$1.2B) | Franchise sales & media |
| 3 | Women’s Premier League (WPL) | India | ~$572 Million (franchise sales) | BCCI backing & broadcast |
| 4 | International League T20 (ILT20) | UAE | ~$15 Million* | Private equity & tax-free model |
| 5 | SA20 League | South Africa | ~$12.5 Million* | IPL franchise ownership |
| 6 | Big Bash League (BBL) | Australia | ~$10 Million* | Broadcast deal (~A$1.13B) |
| 7 | The Hundred (women’s) | England & Wales | £7.2 million | ECB investment |
| 8 | Major League Cricket (MLC) | USA | ~$6.9 Million* | IPL owners & US market |
| 9 | Pakistan Super League (PSL) | Pakistan | ~$5.7 Million* | Broadcast (~$36M/year) |
| 10 | Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) | Bangladesh | ~$4.8 Million* | TV rights & local fanbase |
| 11 | Caribbean Premier League (CPL) | Caribbean | ~$4.6 Million* | Cultural appeal & tourism |
| 12 | Lanka Premier League (LPL) | Sri Lanka | ~$3 Million* | Emerging market growth |
Note: Values for leagues outside the IPL vary significantly depending on the methodology used. Some figures represent per-season revenue while others represent total franchise/brand valuation.
1. Indian Premier League (IPL): The Richest Cricket League in the World
No surprise here. The IPL sits at the top of every financial metric you can think of. Its total business valuation reached $18.5 billion in 2025-26
Meanwhile, the IPL’s standalone brand value climbed to $3.9 billion in 2026, up from $3.2 billion the year before.
What Makes the IPL So Rich?
The biggest driver is the media rights deal. The 2023-2027 cycle sold for a record $6.2 billion (₹48,390 crore) to JioStar, making it one of the most expensive sports broadcasting deals globally.
Additionally, IPL franchise values have exploded. In March 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was sold for $1.78 billion to a consortium including the Aditya Birla Group and Blackstone
Just days later, Rajasthan Royals (RR) was acquired for $1.63 billion by a US-based consortium led by Kal Somani. Two IPL players’ combined salaries now roughly equal the cost of buying an entire PSL franchise. Let that sink in.
IPL Franchise Brand Values (2026)
Here is the complete brand value ranking based on the Houlihan Lokey 2025 study and recent sale prices:
| # | Franchise | Brand Value (2026) | Franchise Valuation / Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | $269 Million | $1.78 Billion (sale price) |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians (MI) | $242 Million | ~$950M-$1B (est.) |
| 3 | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | $230 Million (approx.) | ~$900M+ (est.) |
| 4 | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | $222 Million | ~$800M+ (est.) |
| 5 | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | $154 Million | ~$700M+ (est.) |
| 6 | Delhi Capitals (DC) | $152 Million | ~$700M+ (est.) |
| 7 | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | $146 Million | $1.63 Billion (sale price) |
| 8 | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | $140 Million (approx.) | ~$600M+ (est.) |
| 9 | Gujarat Titans (GT) | $135 Million (approx.) | ~$600M+ (est.) |
| 10 | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | $125 Million (approx.) | ~$500M+ (est.) |
IPL Revenue Breakdown
The IPL earns from multiple streams: media rights contribute the largest chunk, followed by sponsorship deals, team franchise fees, ticket revenue, and merchandise sales. Top franchises generate roughly ₹650-700 crore in annual revenue, with up to 80% visibility secured before the season starts.
On a per-match basis, the IPL is the second-most valuable sports property in the world after the NFL. That’s not a typo.
2. The Hundred: England’s Billion-Pound Cricket Revolution
The Hundred is the biggest surprise entry near the top of the richest cricket leagues list. In early 2025, the ECB finalised franchise sales that valued the eight teams at a combined £975 million (~$1.2 billion).
That’s right. A league that launched in 2021 and faced plenty of criticism now has franchise valuations that rival established leagues across the world. Over £520 million from the sales is being reinvested into English and Welsh cricket.
Who Bought The Hundred Franchises?
Half the league now has IPL ownership connections. Here’s the full breakdown of the 2025 franchise sales:
| Franchise | Buyer / Investor | Stake | Valuation (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Spirit | Silicon Valley consortium (Nikesh Arora) | 49% | £145 Million |
| Northern Superchargers → Sunrisers Leeds | Sun Group (SRH owners) | 100% | ~£100 Million |
| Manchester Originals → Manchester Super Giants | RPSG Group (LSG owners) | 70% | ~£81 Million |
| Oval Invincibles → MI London | Reliance Industries (MI owners) | 49% | ~£60 Million |
| Southern Brave | GMR Group (DC co-owners) | 49% | ~£48 Million |
| Birmingham Phoenix | Knighthead Capital | 49% | ~£40 Million |
| Welsh Fire | Sanjay Govil (Washington Freedom) | 50% | ~£40 Million |
| Trent Rockets | Todd Boehly / Cain & Ares | 49% | ~£40 Million |
The London Spirit attracted the highest valuation at £295 million (100% enterprise value), largely because of the Lord’s factor. Three teams were rebranded for 2026: MI London, Sunrisers Leeds, and Manchester Super Giants.
The Hundred’s Financial Future
Currently, The Hundred‘s broadcast revenue is bundled with Sky Sports’ overall cricket deal, with roughly £51 million annually attributed to the tournament. The ECB plans to sell Hundred-specific broadcast rights separately from 2029, which could significantly boost revenue.
The 2026 season is the first under full private ownership, with new team kits, auction-based player recruitment, and increased salary caps. If the league delivers commercially, those franchise valuations may look like bargains in hindsight.
3. Women’s Premier League (WPL): The Fastest-Growing Cricket League
The Women’s Premier League is only four seasons old, yet it’s already among the richest cricket leagues in the world. The five franchises were sold for a combined ₹4,669.99 crore (~$572 million) at launch in 2023, making it the most valuable women’s sports league at inception.
In terms of ecosystem valuation, the WPL was estimated at approximately ₹1,275 crore (~$150 million) in 2025.
WPL Franchise Values
| Franchise | Owner Group | Acquisition Price | Base City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Giants | Adani Sportsline | ₹1,289 Crore | Ahmedabad |
| Mumbai Indians Women | Reliance Industries | ₹912.99 Crore | Mumbai |
| Delhi Capitals Women | JSW-GMR Group | ₹810 Crore | Delhi |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women | Aditya Birla Group (new) | ₹901 Crore | Bengaluru |
| UP Warriorz | Capri Global Holdings | ₹757 Crore | Lucknow |
WPL Revenue And Sponsorship Growth
JioStar holds the WPL media rights for ₹951 crore (~$116 million) over five years (2023-2027). But the real story is sponsorship growth.
Sponsorship spending around the WPL has surged over three-fold in three years, from roughly ₹40 crore in 2023 to ₹130 crore in 2026.
India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup victory turbo-charged advertiser interest. Over 70 brands participated in WPL broadcasts in 2025, and ad budgets for WPL 2026 rose by 30-50%.
Categories that rarely featured in men’s cricket sponsorships, such as beauty, fashion, jewellery, and fintech, have all entered the WPL ecosystem. Names like Kay Beauty, Tanishq, and Kalyan Jewellers are now active WPL partners.
4. International League T20 (ILT20): The UAE’s High-Spending League
The ILT20, launched in 2023 by the Emirates Cricket Board, has quickly positioned itself as one of the most financially backed leagues outside India. While its overall brand value is still modest compared to the IPL, the league’s per-match spending and player contracts are among the highest globally.
The league offers tax-free contracts to overseas players, which makes it extremely attractive. Its total prize fund stands at $15 million, and matches are played across world-class venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
All six ILT20 franchises have strong private equity backing, and the league’s timing in the January-February window helps it avoid clashes with the IPL.
5. SA20 League: IPL Ownership Meets South African Cricket
The SA20 has done something remarkable. Launched in 2023 under the leadership of former Proteas captain Graeme Smith, all six teams are owned by IPL franchise groups.
This direct IPL connection gives SA20 access to better player pipelines, commercial expertise, and broadcast partnerships through SuperSport. Its brand value stands at approximately $12.5 million as of 2025, though franchise-level investment is much higher.
Stadium attendance has grown year on year, TV ratings are climbing, and the league has become a critical development platform for young South African talent. Expect SA20’s commercial value to rise sharply in the coming years.
6. Big Bash League (BBL): Australia’s T20 Veteran
The Big Bash League has been around since 2011, making it one of the oldest T20 franchise leagues in the world. It signed a long-term media rights deal worth approximately A$1.13 billion with Foxtel and the Seven Network.
While its brand value metric sits at around $10 million on some lists, the BBL’s actual commercial footprint is much larger when you factor in broadcast revenue, ticket sales, and merchandise. The league consistently draws strong crowds during the Australian summer.
In 2025, Cricket Australia began discussions about potentially privatising BBL franchises, similar to what the ECB did with The Hundred. If that happens, franchise valuations could jump significantly.
7. Major League Cricket (MLC): Cricket’s American Dream
Major League Cricket launched in 2023 and represents cricket’s biggest push into the United States market. Four of the six MLC teams are backed by IPL franchises: MI New York, Texas Super Kings, LA Knight Riders, and Seattle Orcas.
The league’s current valuation sits at around $6.9 million, but the real value lies in its future potential. In 2025, MLC moved its headquarters to Texas and established its operational base in Grand Prairie, signalling long-term commitment.
America’s large South Asian diaspora, combined with the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, makes MLC one of the most interesting growth stories in world cricket.
8. Pakistan Super League (PSL): South Asia’s Rising Competitor
The Pakistan Super League has been a resilient success story since its launch in 2016. Initially hosted entirely in the UAE due to security concerns, it’s now fully played in Pakistan.
In 2026, the PSL expanded from six to eight teams, adding Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPINDIZ (Sialkot). The new franchises sold for roughly $6.25 million and $6.6 million respectively.
PSL Team Brand Values (2026)
| Franchise | Brand Value (2026) | Owner | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peshawar Zalmi | $55.3 Million | Javed Afridi | 2015 |
| Lahore Qalandars | $48 Million | Fawad Rana | 2015 |
| Karachi Kings | $42 Million | Salman Iqbal | 2015 |
| Islamabad United | $35 Million | Ali Naqvi | 2015 |
| Multan Sultans | $30 Million | Ali Tareen | 2017 |
| Quetta Gladiators | $22 Million | Nadeem Omar | 2015 |
| RawalPINDIZ (Sialkot) | ~$6.6 Million (new) | New consortium | 2026 |
| Hyderabad Kingsmen | ~$6.25 Million (new) | New consortium | 2026 |
PSL’s Financial Reality Check
The PSL’s broadcast deal is valued at approximately $36 million per year, which is competitive for the region but nowhere close to the IPL. In 2026, the PSL also switched from a draft-based system to an auction model, mirroring the IPL’s approach.
The highest-paid PSL player in 2026 is Steve Smith at approximately PKR 14 crore (~$500,000). To put that in perspective, Rishabh Pant‘s IPL contract of ₹27 crore (~$3.26 million) is about 6-8 times higher.
Digital viewership, however, has been a bright spot. PSL X (2025) reported 3.4 billion live streaming views and 48.5 billion cumulative streaming minutes, a massive 647% increase over PSL 9.
9. Caribbean Premier League (CPL): Cricket Meets Caribbean Culture
The Caribbean Premier League may not have the deepest pockets, but it has something money can’t buy: vibes. With a brand value of approximately $4.6 million, the CPL punches above its weight by combining cricket with Caribbean entertainment, music, and cultural appeal.
The league attracts top international players and enjoys strong regional broadcast deals. Kolkata Knight Riders were the first IPL franchise to expand overseas when they bought the Trinbago Knight Riders CPL team over a decade ago. That model has since been replicated across multiple leagues.
10. Bangladesh Premier League (BPL): South Asia’s Steady Performer
The Bangladesh Premier League has been running since 2012 and holds a brand value of approximately $4.8 million. While it doesn’t match the financial muscle of the IPL or PSL, the BPL serves as an important platform for Bangladeshi cricket development.
Growing TV rights, a passionate local fanbase, and increasing interest from international players keep the league competitive. It continues to play a meaningful role in the South Asian cricket economy.
11. Lanka Premier League (LPL): Sri Lanka’s Growing T20 Brand
The Lanka Premier League is one of the youngest entries on this list, with a brand value of approximately $3 million. It’s still finding its commercial feet, but the league attracts overseas players and has gradually improved its broadcast reach.
Sri Lanka’s rich cricketing heritage gives the LPL a natural foundation. With the right investment and scheduling stability, this league could climb the rankings in the years ahead.
Media Rights Comparison: How Broadcast Deals Drive Cricket Wealth
If there’s one factor that separates the richest cricket leagues from the rest, it’s broadcast revenue. Here’s how the major leagues compare on media rights:
| League | Media Rights Value | Total / Notes | Primary Broadcaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPL | $6.2 Billion (2023-27) | ~₹48,000 Crore | Jio Hotstar (TV + Digital) |
| The Hundred | ~£51M/year (bundled) | Part of Sky deal | Sky Sports / BBC |
| WPL | ₹951 Crore (2023-27) | ~$116 Million | JioStar |
| BBL | ~A$1.13 Billion | Long-term deal | Foxtel / Seven Network |
| PSL | ~$36M/year | Growing annually | ARY / PTV / Tapmad |
| SA20 | Undisclosed | Growing via SuperSport | SuperSport |
| ILT20 | Undisclosed | Tax-free model | ZEE / Viacom18 |
| CPL | Undisclosed | Regional broadcast | Various broadcasters |
The IPL’s $6.2 billion media deal dwarfs every other cricket league combined. However, experts predict the next cycle (2028-2032) may plateau at around $5.4 billion due to market corrections
Why Are T20 Franchise Leagues Getting Richer Every Year?
Here are some Key Reasons that make these leagues richer every year:
1. Private Ownership and Global Investment
The shift from board-run to privately-owned leagues has been transformative. IPL franchise owners now run teams in SA20, ILT20, The Hundred, MLC, and CPL. This cross-ownership model creates year-round cricketing ecosystems that maximise commercial returns.
2. Media Rights Inflation
Broadcast rights values have surged globally, driven by competition between traditional TV networks and digital streaming platforms. The merger of Viacom18 and Disney Star into JioStar in India has reshaped how cricket is consumed and monetised.
3. Growing Digital Audiences
The IPL 2025 season crossed 1 billion viewers across TV and digital, with digital audiences surpassing television for the first time. This shift unlocks new advertising revenue and sponsorship opportunities for every major league.
4. Player Salary Inflation
Higher franchise revenues mean bigger player contracts, which attract better talent, which drives higher viewership. It’s a virtuous cycle. The most expensive IPL contract in 2026 belongs to Rishabh Pant at ₹27 crore, while even newer leagues like The Hundred are rapidly increasing salary caps.
Final Verdict: IPL Is The Richest Cricket League In The World
The Indian Premier League remains the undisputed richest cricket league in the world in 2026, with its $18.5 billion business valuation leaving every other league far behind. However, The Hundred‘s £975 million franchise sales and the WPL‘s rapid sponsorship growth show that the gap is narrowing.
Leagues like SA20, ILT20, and MLC are still in early growth stages but benefit from IPL-connected ownership and global broadcasting interest. Cricket’s financial ecosystem is no longer a one-league show. It’s now a genuinely global business.
