The IPL isn’t just a cricket spectacle—it’s a marketing juggernaut. According to the latest Houlihan Lokey valuation, the overall IPL ecosystem is now worth US $18.5 billion, with its standalone brand value at US $3.9 billion, marking annual rises of 12.9% and 13.8% respectively . Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) now lead the franchise list, overtaking Chennai Super Kings (CSK), while Punjab Kings (PBKS) posted the biggest growth at 39.6%.
Table of Contents
📊 Top 10 IPL Franchises by Brand Value, 2025
| Rank | Team | Brand Value (US$ M) | Key Brand Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RCB | 269 | Maiden title win, Virat Kohli & Rajat Patidar leadership |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians | 242 | Sponsorship powerhouse, consistent trophy haul |
| 3 | CSK | 235 | Dhoni-era legacy, massive social following |
| 4 | KKR | 227 | Shah Rukh Khan fandom, star-studded squad |
| 5 | SRH | 154 | Strong batting roster, passionate fan base |
| 6 | Delhi Capitals | 152 | Youthful rebuild, growing engagement |
| 7 | Rajasthan Royals | 146 | Rising talent pipeline, regional connect |
| 8 | Gujarat Titans | 142 | New-age strategy, effective branding |
| 9 | PBKS | 141 | 39.6% growth, Shreyas Iyer–led campaign |
| 10 | LSG | 122 | Fresh franchise with upward momentum |
🔍 Deep Dive: What Drives Their Brand Power
1. RCB
Finally broke their curse with a maiden title, managed by Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar under Andy Flower. A powerful jersey and kit deal with PUMA plays a huge role .
2. Mumbai Indians
A sponsorship magnet—with 37 partnerships generating over US $25 M—and five IPL titles, MI set the gold standard
3. CSK
Despite a poor season, Sachin Dhoni’s brand pulls in sponsors like Etihad and FedEx and nearly 42 M social media followers .
4. KKR
Shah Rukh Khan’s involvement plus stars like Russell and Narine bolster both fandom and media presence.
5. SRH
Big-name batsmen such as Travis Head & Ishan Kishan create buzz, though on-field execution remains inconsistent.
6. Delhi Capitals
A youth movement and hopeful rebuild have energized its brand positioning.
7. RR
Regional pride and rising talent like Vaibhav Suryavanshi are strengthening their appeal.
8. GT
Quick to gain commercial traction via disciplined management and brand partnerships.
9. PBKS
Following a rebrand and runner-up finish, the “media‑sport” focus and digital campaign strategy delivered massive brand growth .
10. LSG
A newer franchise built on structured strategy, still climbing the value ladder.
🏟️ Why It Matters
- IPL’s growing brand value signals exponential investment, with rapidly rising sponsorships and global outreach.
- TV and digital viewership smashed records—final alone had 578 million JioHotstar viewers
- Franchises are now media brands, not just sports teams—they’re engaging across leagues (e.g., PBKS with CPL), merchandise, and global events.
Stay updated on IPL’s business pulse, franchise innovation, and fan-first strategies via TechnoSports.co.in.
⏭️ Final Take
The IPL’s 2025 valuation isn’t just a stats-upgrade—it’s a testament to its global commercial clout. RCB’s rise, MI’s sponsorship muscle, CSK’s loyal base, and PBKS’s digital shift are proof of how franchises are evolving into powerful media-sport brands. As viewership and partnerships expand, IP and franchise value will only climb.
❓ FAQs
1. What makes RCB the most valuable IPL franchise in 2025?
RCB’s brand skyrocketed to US$269 M—a result of winning their maiden IPL title under Virat Kohli, a swearing-in of Rajat Patidar as captain, and strong sponsorship deals, including with PUMA
2. How did Punjab Kings achieve the highest brand growth?
PBKS saw an astonishing 39.6% growth to US$141 M by rebranding as a “media-sport” ecosystem, electrifying digital campaigns (e.g., “Sarpanch Sahab”), appointing Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting, and finishing as IPL runners-up.
