The Indian Premier League (IPL) faced unprecedented financial turbulence in 2025, with its ecosystem value dropping 20% year-on-year from $12 billion to $9.6 billion, according to Brand Finance’s latest report. This marks the league’s steepest decline since the COVID-19 pandemic and represents a five-year low.
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IPL 2025 Brand Value: Key Statistics
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Value | $12.0 billion | $9.6 billion | -20% |
| RCB | $117 million | $105 million | -10% |
| CSK | $122 million | $93 million | -24% |
| KKR | $109 million | $73 million | -33% |
| MI | $119 million | $108 million | -9% |
What Caused the IPL Brand Value Decline?
Multiple factors converged to create this perfect storm. Geopolitical instability and operational uncertainty disrupted the commercially powerful league, with the BCCI suspending 16 matches for a week due to India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The real money gaming (RMG) ban proved devastating—removing approximately ₹1,500-2,000 crore annually from the advertising ecosystem. This eliminated the league’s most aggressive sponsor category, forcing franchises to scramble for alternative revenue streams.
The mega auction’s disruption compounded challenges as teams reshuffled compositions, resulting in inconsistent on-field performances. Royal Challengers Bengaluru saw a 10% value drop despite winning their first trophy, while Chennai Super Kings experienced a 24% decline despite maintaining the strongest brand position with a 92.6/100 BSI score.
Franchise-Specific Impact
Rajasthan Royals’ brand value plummeted 35%, Sunrisers Hyderabad 34%, and Kolkata Knight Riders 33%. Mumbai Indians retained top position at $108 million but dropped 9%. Only Gujarat Titans bucked the trend with 2% growth.
WPL Emerges as Bright Spot
Contrasting sharply with IPL’s struggles, the Women’s Premier League reached 103 million TV viewers in just 15 matches, attracting over 70 brands. Franchise-level sponsorships grew 10-20%, with central deals increasing roughly 10% annually, cementing WPL’s commercial viability.
Long-Term Outlook
Despite the setback, IPL delivered a record-breaking 384.6 billion minutes of online watch-time, demonstrating robust digital engagement. Ajimon Francis, Managing Director at Brand Finance India, emphasized the league’s structural strength allows navigation through volatile conditions.
The 2025 downturn represents a course correction rather than terminal decline. With India’s expanding economic influence and massive consumer base, the IPL remains a powerful platform for brands seeking scale, with growing international traction across Australia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.
FAQs
Why did IPL brand value drop in 2025?
Geopolitical tensions, RMG advertising ban, match suspensions, and mega auction disruptions combined to reduce value 20%.
Which IPL franchise lost the most brand value?
Rajasthan Royals suffered the steepest decline at 35%, followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad at 34%.
