Two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru has become the world’s first cricket team with a brand value of over $300 million, according to study released by global investment bank Houlihan Lokey.
The bank’s 2026 Brand Valuation Report said the IPL’s value as a business grew 11.4 per cent year-on-year to $20.6 billion, marking a second successive year of double-digit growth.
The league’s stand-alone brand value also rose by 10.3 per cent to $4.3 billion. Since 2023, the IPL has added more than $1.1 billion in brand value.
RCB retained the No. 1 spot among IPL franchises with a value of $312 million, a 16 per cent jump from $269 million in 2025, becoming the first cricket team to breach the $300 million milestone.
Mumbai Indians remained second with a brand value of USD 264 million, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders (USD 245 million) and Chennai Super Kings (USD 244 million).
The study noted that landmark ownership transactions during the year further strengthened the league’s commercial appeal.
RCB was acquired by a consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group and Times of India Group at a reported valuation of $1.78 billion while Rajasthan Royals changed hands at a reported valuation of $1.65 billion, establishing new benchmarks.
The study also highlighted the IPL’s growing digital footprint. According to official broadcaster JioStar’s data, which has been cited in the study, the 2026 season reached 1.06 billion screens, with overall viewership increasing seven per cent year-on-year.