New Delhi: IPL 2025 winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru have become the most valuable franchise of the cash-rich league, according to a report. The Bengaluru-based franchise displaced five-time champions Chennai Super Kings from the top spot as per a report by Houlihan Lokey, an investment bank.
RCB won their maiden IPL trophy in May and ended a 17-year trophy drought after a thrilling win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final. The historic win propelled the franchise’s valuation to $269 million while India Cements’ N Srinivasan-owned CSK slipped to number 3 with the brand valued at $235 million following a dismal season.
MI move up in the list as PBKS’ valuation surges to record high
Ambani group’s Mumbai Indians moved up to the second spot with a valuation of $242 million.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) sit in the fourth place with a brand value of $227 million, while Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) remain fifth with a valuation of $154 million.
Punjab Kings (PBKS), the losing finalists of IPL 2025, gained the highest growth of 39.6 per cent in 2025, reaching a valuation of $141.0 million. Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS came within touching distance of clinching their maiden title.
PBKS Chief Executive Satish Menon said the franchise is operating to generate revenue from multiple verticals and not just the cricket team.
“We now operate with the mindset of a media-sport brand with multiple revenue verticals, not just a cricket team — and that’s where real profitability lies,” he said, adding that they have now built the franchise into a sustainable sports business.
IPL witnesses massive growth as a brand
Meanwhile, the standalone valuation of the Board of Cricket Control India-run IPL has surged 13.8 per cent to $3.9 billion
IPL as a business saw a surge of 12.9 per cent, reaching $USD 18.5 billion, the report said.
Harsh Talikoti, the investment bank’s director for financial and valuation advisory, revealed that the franchise valuations, media rights deals have witnessed record highs, while the brand partnerships have diversified across sectors.