IPL's business value soars above $20 billion, says report

The business value of the Indian Premier League, the world's richest Twenty20 series, has soared more ‌than 11% to $20.6 billion this year, according to U.S.-based investment ​bank Houlihan ⁠Lokey.

Since its launch in 2008, the 10-team ‌competition has consistently attracted ‌cricket's leading players, while building a commercial model that combines broadcast revenues, sponsorship, merchandising and franchise investment.

Ownership changes at its ‌Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals franchises earlier this year further ⁠demonstrated the IPL's appeal to major investors and the premium attached to established teams within the league. A consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group and Times of India Group said in March it would acquire the Bengaluru franchise ​for a league-record $1.78 billion.

Separately, in May, the Mittal family ‌and Adar Poonawalla said they would buy Rajasthan for $1.65 billion.

The increase reflected a second consecutive year of double-digit growth in ⁠the IPL's business value, Houlihan Lokey said in its '2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study' on Wednesday. "Franchise valuations have reached new highs, private capital ​participation has ‌accelerated, and the league's commercial ecosystem continues to diversify," ‌said Harsh Talikoti, a director in Houlihan Lokey's Financial and Valuation Advisory business.

"The IPL represents a unique convergence of sport, media, and ‌consumer opportunity, underpinned ‌by strong revenue visibility, disciplined ⁠cost structures, and an expanding global audience."

"These latest ‌transactions further demonstrate the confidence investors continue to place in the long-term value creation opportunity."

The IPL's stand-alone ⁠brand value rose 10.3% over the past year ​to $4.3 billion. Reigning champions Bengaluru remain the league's most valuable franchise, with a brand value of $312 million.

Reuters