After maiden IPL title win, RCB become most-valued franchise as CSK slip to no.3, PBKS record highest rise

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a juggernaut in the world of sports. It is now valued at a whopping USD 18.5 billion (nearly 16 thousand crores), a 12.9 per cent increase as per a study by a US-based global investment bank, Houlihan Lockey Inc.

IPL's stand-alone brand value has increased by 13.8 per cent as well. It is now valued at USD 3.9 billion. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have benefitted from their maiden title win as they went past Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to become the most-valued IPL franchise. Last year, it was valued at USD 227 million. The current RCB brand valuation is USD 269 million.

The second spot has been taken by five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) who qualified to the playoffs. They were placed fourth last year. Now, they are valued at USD 242 million, seeing a USD 38 million increase compared to last year.

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Meanwhile, CSK saw an increase of just USD 4 million, with current brand value being USD 235 million. CSK finished at the bottom of the points table for the first time. They lost 10 out of 14 games at the league stage.

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Where do other teams stand?

The fourth spot belongs to three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (USD 22 million), followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (USD 154 million), Delhi Capitals (USD 152 million), Rajasthan Royals (USD 146 million), Gujarat Titans (USD 142 million).

Shreyas Iyer raises Punjab Kings' brand value

However, placed at the ninth position, Punjab Kings (PBKS) recorded the highest year-on-year growth percentage. They had a 39.6 per cent increase in brand value, reaching USD 141 million. The meteoric rise happened, thanks to Shreyas Iyer leading PBKS to their first final since 2014.

The last spot belongs to Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants at USD 112 million. Interestingly, Sanjiv Goenka is the owner of the costliest IPL team.

"The IPL continues to set benchmarks in the sports business. Franchise valuations have soared, media rights deals have reached record highs, and brand partnerships have diversified across sectors," said Harsh Talikoti, director, Financial and Valuation Advisory at Houlihan Lokey.