IPL surpasses $20.6bn valuation, ranks second to NFL
KATHMANDU: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has surpassed a major commercial milestone, with its total business valuation reaching $20.6 billion, according to a new financial study that cites record private equity transactions and expanding media rights.
The '2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study', published by global investment bank Houlihan Lokey and reported by Indiatimes, records an 11.4% increase in the league’s total business value, marking the second consecutive year of double-digit growth.
The league’s stand-alone brand value rose 10.3% year-on-year to $4.3 billion. On a per-match media-rights basis, the IPL now ranks as the second most valuable sports property in the world, trailing only the National Football League (NFL) and ahead of major European football competitions.
A surge of interest from global private equity firms and institutional investors has been a key driver of the valuation rise. Recent high-profile franchise transactions include the acquisition of Royal Challengers Bengaluru by a consortium that includes Blackstone and the Times of India Group at a valuation of $1.78 billion, and a separate transaction valuing the Rajasthan Royals at $1.65 billion.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the most valuable individual franchise, with a brand valuation of $312 million, the first to exceed the $300 million mark. Five-time champions Mumbai Indians remained second at $264 million, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings.
Analysts point to disciplined cost management, long-term media agreements and rapid growth in digital streaming audiences as central factors behind the league’s commercial momentum. The study’s findings underline the IPL’s growing stature as a major global sports and business asset.
(Compiled)
